I didn't know if I was overwhelmed or relieved from the pressure of noise from all sides. Despite it being only a small town, the surrounding residents gathered here to share a few goods.
Fish, vegetables, pots—it wasn't just a market. It was an occasion.
Selena was wearing a dress that seemed better than her other usual attire. And I put on my usual white tunic and dark leather. That was the only item of clothing that I was willing to take from the family, and I was cleaning it with my own damn self because, like, hell, I'm going to let my little sister clean my laundry for me.
Despite Nyla being from our wealthy family, I was surprised to see that the shack she was living in with her daughters did not have more fitting accommodation. With her station, she could have gone to was a much bigger house. Clearly, whatever happened with her husband also affected her status with our dad. Her dad—I corrected myself. He was never yours.
I could still feel the bite of betrayal after realizing that he really wanted to get rid of me, sell me. At last, decency to tell my siblings a lie so they wouldn't have to pretend I didn't exist.
I clutched my rib cage, realizing it's not just the feeling of betrayal—it's an actual pain. I unbuttoned some of my buttons to reveal my torso, actual bleeding started again on the side of it. I had a spasm of pain in my head, and my knees buckled to the ground. Selene rushed to clasp my shoulders to steady me.
Unfortunately for both of us, I was too heavy for her, and I nearly buckled to the ground, but another older woman helped her to study me on my feet, carrying me to a chair. She was selling pots made of clay with tiny little ornaments, and the size of them was artistic. Almost the older woman studied my face, grabbed my chin, and examined my pupils.
She gave a subtle nod, turning to Selena. "You should take him to the witch. It's too late for a healer, and she lives near here."
Selena's eyes widened. "No, they say that she demands per pound of flesh for her services."
I raised my eyebrow. If it wasn't a witch, then this poor woman was ridiculed for healing. I knew around here a couple of centuries ago my family's ancestors tried to hunt down magical creatures and outlaw magic in these lands. Centaurs, mermaids, phoenixs and griffins were all nearly extinct because of it. These days it isn't an outlawed magic, but in many areas they would be persecuted, especially around these parts.
I looked towards Selena, perched beside me, and carried my shoulder. She looked nervous, and I did not like that fear starting to appear in her eyes. To be honest, I had my own reservations. I started shaking my head to say that I can walk back home myself, but then the ache started again, and I started seeing spots.
"Shit," we said in unison.
"We have to get you to the witch now," Selena muttered.
She started walking me towards it, whatever. Direction the old woman gave her, but I stopped her in her tracks. "Are you sure?"
She looked me dead in the eyes, the most amount of fear that I've seen from her. "No."