Pretend of remembering nothing

"I... I think I'm okay. Just had a bit of a dream while I was out. I remember us wrestling... then nothing else until I woke up," you reply. Your voice wavers, but you manage to get the words out. You're not ready to reveal your thoughts, not yet. You need more certainty.

Laura narrows her eyes at you but she can't hide a small smirk that tells you she knows more than she lets on. However, she chooses to let it slide, at least for the moment.

"Well, you sure fought hard," she says, a hint of mockery evident in her tone, "I didn't know you had it in you. You should probably rest for a bit. We have a lot more studying to do."

A chill runs down your spine. Studying? What if she wants to use the pen on you again during one of these "study sessions"? The very thought of it sends your heart racing. However, you're reminded that you're in control. You have the pen now, not her.

Deciding to push the conversation away from what had transpired, you ask, "Hey Laura, do you remember where you left the pen?"

"Oh, that?" she seems surprised, her eyes darting to where you spotted it on the floor, "Must've dropped it when you fainted. Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, just curious," you answer, shrugging. You walk over, pick it up and tuck it in your pocket. The pen feels strangely heavy.

As you turn to face her again, your mind is a whirlwind of thoughts. If she could control you, make you her puppet, what else could this pen do? The voice had mentioned that it was a heritage thing, which likely meant it held more secrets, more power. However, it was evident that you needed to learn how to handle it better to avoid another... incident.

Later that night, you lay awake, your mind racing. The events of the day had been overwhelming and the implications were terrifying. Yet, a part of you, a small part you were **** to acknowledge, found it intriguing.