Chapter 8

I felt the blankets being slowly, menacingly peeled back. Sharp, jagged nails dug into my forehead. Paralyzed with fear, I squeezed my eyes shut. The touch of wrinkled, corpse - like skin dragged across my face, devoid of any warmth, sending shivers down my spine.​ “Tilly…” A raspy, ancient voice hissed.​ It was Healer!​ Summoning every ounce of courage, I opened my eyes to find her gaunt, pallid face mere inches from mine. Her lifeless eyes, as empty as the void, stared into my soul. I let out a blood - curdling scream and scrambled to the far end of the bed, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.​ “Tilly… Don't be afraid. It's me!” she croaked.​ Gasping for breath, I remained silent, eyeing her warily.​ “How is your mother?” she inquired, her gaze piercing.​ Uncertain of her intentions, I refused to answer. My silence seemed to confirm her suspicions, and she let out a heavy sigh. “You went to Mountain today to see Wizard, didn't you?”​ Caught off guard