Apprentice: Page 4.5

I was just drifting to sleep when I heard a muffled scream and a thump from the room next to mine. Lexi's room. Fearing the worst, I pulled a shirt on and went to investigate.

The door was cracked open, and the light was still on. I heard more muffled yells, so I gently pushed open the door, only to be thoroughly surprised by what I saw.

I was expecting to see her fighting off a group of ninjas, or wrestling a small dragon, but instead, she was... crying. It was strange, like seeing a lion cower in fear.

"Uh, Lexi?"

She looked over at me, eyes wide in panic.

"What do you want?"

I cringed a bit, her tone was dripping with malice.

"I just heard some yelling, and I wanted to make sure you were ok."

"Well, I'm fine, now get out."

I threw my hands up and turned to leave.

"Wait, no, damn it."

I turned back around.

"What?"

She lifted her shirt, showing me the large brown and green bruise that stretched across her midsection.

"None of the healing spells I know work on the caster. I-I need help."

"Oh damn."

I quickly walked in, shutting the door behind me.

"Lay down, Healing Touch makes people pretty drowsy."

I gingerly helped her lie back on her bed. I gently put my hands on her stomach and got to work casting Healing Touch. The magic was slow, I could tell it would take a few minutes.

"How did you do it?"

I raised an eyebrow at her question.

"At the trials. Even with the wards, that fire should have at least hurt. But it didn't do anything."

"Oh, I guess I'm just lucky."

"They say you shouldn't lie to an elf, they always know."

"Perhaps, but you are only a half-elf, so I should be fine."

That actually got a chuckle out of her.

"So, you just aren't going to tell me?"

"Everyone has their secrets."

Her expression turned very serious for a moment.

"True."

For the remaining duration of the spell, neither of us talked. I also didn't savor the feeling of her toned abs beneath my hands, and I certainly didn't look at her perky B cup boobs, though they were hidden by a plain red bra. Definitely not.

I removed my hands once the bruise had entirely faded. Not wanting to overstay my welcome, I stood and started towards the door.

"Oh, and Evan..."

I turned around.

"...I still hate you."

She should have taken her own advice because the small smile on her face betrayed her.