“What’s the matter with you? Are you following me again?” Nania looks at Dev, between anger and worry.
“Nania, do you know her?” It was the turn of the young man dressed in all black who spoke.
“I’m not talking to you, Elios.” Nania grips Dev’s shoulder. At first, she really wanted to hit Dev, but such conditions took away her will. Therefore, she was only able to close her fingers which were hardened with tears welling up in her eyes.
“Elios, help me bring her in.” The young man nodded, then took Dev into the villa.
Big chance for Dev to stalk them, and she will not waste it. Her sad eyes roamed each room with the murals. However, she had not seen Elfara’s whereabouts until she arrived at a bedroom.
“Get some rest, Dev! Elios, do you have a change of clothes for her?”
“I’ll borrow it from ….”
“Up to you!” cut Nania. Dev catches Nania’s disapproval of Elios’s sentence.
“Okay!” Elios said.
“Wait here. I will make medicine for you,” Nania ordered.
After Nania’s departure, Dev quickly swallowed the medicine stored in her trouser pocket. Together with that, Elios returned with a clean set of clothes. Some medicine that was not held properly spilled onto the floor. The accident provoked Elios’ curiosity.
“I hope you’re not seriously ill.” Elios picked up the caplets that were scattered on the floor.
“E-li–os ….” Stuttering words slipped from Dev’s pale lips.
“I’m glad you still remember me. I’m really sorry for hurting you like this. I didn’t know you were here.”
Silence.
“Here! You need to change your clothes immediately. I’ll be back when you’re done.” Elios put the clothes on the side of the bed before leaving Dev.
For a moment, Dev can breathe a sigh of relief. Hurrying up, she put away the medicine, then started to change clothes and bandaged her wounds with the bandages that were available there. 10 minutes of the high-dose medicine working, all discomfort can be controlled. Cold sweat fell and her irises returned to normal. As it happened, she realized something.
“This perfume is familiar to me.” Dev once again sniffed the shirt that had just stuck to her body.
“Is there something wrong with that dress?” Nania’s voice was surprising. Dev shook her head.
“You look good. Sit down, drink this after that I’ll treat your wound. What? Have you taken care of yourself?” Nania notices Dev’s feet.
“Yes.” With a curt reply, Dev immediately grabbed the bitter potion that Nania had brought, then devoured it greedily.
“Since you’ve improved, now explain to me, why did you follow me? Now look at the consequences! Why are you stubborn? You know, I don’t like people getting in my way.”
“Nania, you shouldn’t be asking so many questions in such a state,” Elios interrupted. Suddenly, he was among them. Nania cast a probing glance at the young man.
“What’s wrong with you? You act as if you’ve known Devada for a long time. Normally, you would let anyone who falls into your trap to die.” Silence, Nania’s eyes turned intimidating Dev.
“Dev, do you know him?” Dev’s nod binds Nania’s tongue hard.
“Just getting to know each other. Elios saved my life once.”
“Yeah, that’s about it. At first glance, but very memorable.” Elios chimed in.
“What do you mean?” Nania suddenly couldn’t control the pounding in her chest. She looked displeased, her male friend looked at Dev as if he were looking at a blooming rose.
“Hey … what’s wrong with you? Why are you always mad at me? Even for small matters.” Nania gasped for a moment, then screamed a little and left the room.
“Nania! Nania!” Dev tries to prevent it, but fails.
“Leave her alone! You rest, I’ll take care of it.” Elios said. Dev doesn’t budge, and lets Elios catch up with the strange girl.
***
The atmosphere became quiet. Dev is still thinking of a way to find her sister in the villa. If the security outside uses a super-advanced technological system, it may be even tighter on the inside.
“Elfara, go home!” Dev mumbles between the reigning silence.
The night is getting late, Dev notices the moonlight coming into the room. Among the dim light, there was the shadow of someone who seemed to be stalking her. Dev’s vision circulates, but she finds no one in the dimly lit room. Her feet swing against the glass window. From here, she watched the gust of wind shake all the plants and flowers.
A flash of white shadow flew to the corner of the gate. Slightly surprised, then distracted by the sound of a plucked guitar. Turning her back, she felt a magical aura surround her.
“Show yourself, Dude!” The guitar strummed again and a small doll in the shape of Pinocchio suddenly moved from the table. From the lips of the wooden doll, lyrics could be heard.
“Happy death day to you!”
Dumbfounded, Dev moves back. After the lyrics stopped, the doll’s mouth let out fangs covered in fresh blood.
“You again! Come out and face me!” challenge Dev. Her voice was so low, but it could strain her entire limbs.
An unreasonably strong wind tugged at the window causing a loud thud. Things vibrate. Some of them fell, floated, and injured their temples.
“To me you are nothing more than a coward!” Dev curses alluding to the invisible figure.
As a result of her unguarded mouth, things made of glass broke apart. At the same time, an invisible force tugged at her feet. Dev falls down with her back against the floor.
Argh!
Fresh blood immediately spurted due to the pressure between the skin on the back and the glass shards that were scattered on the floor. Unfortunately, she had to take more and more friction when her body was dragged on her back.
“Ha!” Dev shrieked as her injured leg hit the pointed tip of the slanted little trident.
Dev is silent with bloodshot eyes. The pain instantly numbs the whole body. It was only seconds before Dev’s irises turned purple.
Dev slowly pulled out a small three-eyed spear stuck in her leg. After that, she groaned feeling her skin suddenly thicken. In a relatively fast tempo, terrifying new skins appeared filling her hands. Her fingers were covered with pointy nails. Dev throws whatever it takes to disguise the pain that assaults her, and the unexpected happens. Her entire complexion turned golden. There is no time for prejudice, all Dev thinks about is the excruciating pain. Her legs bent. Gradually, the two clung to each other, and she couldn’t be separated no matter how hard she tried.
Dev loses her balance as her legs no longer work as they should. She fell down, gasping for breath. Right at the shard of glass on the floor, at its reflection, she received a huge shock that paralyzed her brain in an instant.