Chapter 71 - Solution (1/2)
Lydis opened her eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling, a situation feeling very much like déjà vu. Raising slightly, Lydis's head throbbed intensely. Her head felt like a steel ball, her neck unable to support the weight. Falling heavily into the pillow, Lydis managed to glance around the room briefly.
Heavily reinforced walls, no windows, even the lights were shielded by thick panes. There was a desk in the corner, the chair ad desk welded to the floor. With her bed in the middle, the small room resembled a cell of some sort.
Underneath her covers, something wet pressed against her arm. Alarmed but deathly sore, Lydis could only stare at the drooling mug belonging to Valfafer. His carefree face seemed to soothe her before he began to lick her fake arm, which soon turned into him gnawing on it. Lydis clenched her jaw, anger welling up.
”Va-”
One of the walls slid open to reveal a door. As it swung open Lydis could see the familiar faces of Hal and Haven.
”Lydis!” Haven rushed over and embraced Lydis tightly. Another feeling of déjà vu.
”Haven, restrain yourself. We can't even be sure that this 'Lydis' isn't with the ones who attacked the dorm and, you're still recovering! Why are up and not resting?”
Haven's face scrunched up in a defiant pout, unbefitting someone her age but, Lydis wouldn't mention it then.
”What nonsense are you spewing Hal? How can a child like this harm anyone?” Haven proceeded to lightly pinch Lydis's cheeks bringing up yet another feeling of déjà vu except this time she felt chills.
”It's not nonsense. I found traces of unknown slyphir on the girl we found in the bushes, Edith I think her name was. She's from the adjacent dorm. We found her barely sane after a search of the area, mumbling things like 'obey and sacrifice' or stuff like 'do not touch what is claimed'. The slyphir on Edith matches the traces we found on Lydis's body when we found her.”
Hal looked over at Lydis to see if she had any reactions. Seeing that she was just staring at the ceiling in a daze Hal continued.
”We also have footage of you carrying Edith out of the dorm, how can she explain that? You were last seen with Edith and found in the woods near the explosions when everyone was supposed to be gathered at the front. Explain yourself cadet Lydis.”
Lydis stared at the ceiling while the silence dragged on. Tilting her head as if remembering something, Lydis slowly turned her head towards Hal, her eyes slightly closed. In a dreamlike trance, Lydis whispered softly,
”…Valfafer… where, where…” Lydis's unfocused eyes stared at something behind Hal. Although it seemed like she was staring right at him, Hal felt that she was seeing something beyond him.
”Oh, you poor thing!” Haven embraced Lydis in another hug, her shoulders shaking slightly. ”Hal, can't you see that she's scared? After going through something like that, what child could handle being interrogated?!” Haven's angry tone sealed Hal's questions.
Hal flinched like a scolded child, his eyebags becoming more prominent as he rubbed his eyes.
”I-I'm sorry, I've just been stressed lately. After that massive slyphir explosion it's been nearly impossible to trace any other slyphir in the area. Someone came to the school, killed over a dozen kids right under our noses, in my dorm, and got away. We let him slip away!” Hal banged on the desk. The impact sent vibrations from the desk to the room. Lydis felt a small vibration as the wave quickly passed.
Hal gritted his teeth and looked at Haven, instantly regretting his choice of words.
Soft and melancholy, Haven smiled bitterly. Her brows furrowed in anguish. She hung her head while holding Lydis's hand.
”You're right. We, I, let him get away…”
”Haven, that's not wh-”