Page 41 of Phoenix Academy: Mayhem

Then suddenly I'm yanked back—hard and fast. I fall down, down, but instead of hitting the ground I'm yanked through it. Blackness surrounds me. For a moment I feel as if I'm falling straight into nothingness, nowhere, to be forgotten forever.

Until I gasp and open my eyes.

My body—my true body—is numb all over. Sheets swathe me, and the smell of antiseptic greets my nose. Blinking, I force sleep from my eyes and focus on my surroundings: white ceiling, white walls, and... a familiar face.

"Auerbach." My voice is creaky. Coughing, I sit up—and flop back down as exhaustion hits me. "Where am I?"

"The infirmary." Mage Auerbach gently puts a small glass of water in my hands. "Here—drink. You're probably thirsty. Don't try to sit up. I've done my best to keep your body well and in shape, but your muscles will still be weak. Take small sips and try not to exert yourself."

I do what he says, mostly because I don't have the energy to try much. My mind is still racing. Lizzy—because that was my sister, I feel it in my bones—looked completely different.

Almost like she died and was brought back without a soul.

But no, I can't believe that of her. She had the Heretic voice on her lips and soulless eyes like him, but I felt her spirit. It was there, even if things weren't quite right with her. And flames leapt from her fingers—something no soulless Husk could ever do, as far as I know.

After I've cleared my dry throat, wet my tongue, and gotten my lungs to work consistently, I turn to Auerbach and ask him my most pressing question. "How long have I been out of it?"

He grimaces. His eyes are full of sympathy—and pity. "It's been a while. A lot has happened."

"How long?"

"Six months." My stomach drops. "We weren't even sure you would make it."

"Don't worry." A familiar voice makes me turn my head in the other direction. Dani is leaning up against a wall, arms crossed, her hair hot pink and shoulder-length. She raises a brow at me and smirks. "A team is headed out to pick up your boyfr—familiars and bring them back here. Congratulations on returning to the land of the living. I see my little present worked. Want to find out what's happened while you've been lazing about in bed, sleeping your ass off? Trust me when I say you're in for a few surprises."

I don't doubt that at all.

Six months.

That's how long I was in Hell.

And how long my sister has been walking around with our father's influence running through her veins, changing her and scarring her. I have to save her—and I have to kill him.

Just as soon as I get my legs to work again.

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