Page 63 of Quest

Darcel leaned closer to better peer at the shimmering liquid, his eyes reflecting pride and something deeper—a recognition of the journey it had taken to reach this point. “This potion is a testament to your skill and determination.”

My attention shifted from the task of brewing to a fresh swell of uncertainty. “I hope it can fulfill the full measure of my intentions.”

Darcel’s hand found mine, squeezing gently. “I know it was a difficult choice, but I have no doubt it’s one you made with a wisdom that extends well beyond your skill. Are you sure you’re ready to give this to Kael, knowing its potential implications?”

The weight of my pending decision pressed upon me, but I felt the resolve solidify within me at the faith filling his confident gaze. “My father always said that the true test of an herbalist isn’t just in the potions they brew but in the wisdom of their use. I believe this is the right thing to do.” If this elixir could heal and protect, its creation was well worth any risk.

Darcel nodded, his unspoken trust in me palpable. “Then I’m with you every step of the way.”

In the earlymorning light with the forest stirring around us in a symphony of mist and shadow, we met with Kael. Darcel stood firmly by my side, his presence a clear statement that I no longer faced my challenges alone. Kael’s eyes flicked to our clasped hands and then back to mine with a sharpness that cut through the quiet.

“It seems you’ve chosen to complicate things,” he remarked coolly, his gaze narrowing. “Our deal didn’t require the involvement of others.”

His words were meant to intimidate, but I stood firm. “While I understand blackmail thrives in secrecy, you seem to misunderstand my situation. I am not alone in this or any circumstance, not anymore.”

Kael’s frown deepened, the lines of his face hardening as his discomfort became apparent. Yet there was a flicker of rising panic in his eyes, confirming my suspicions that this coercion was an act of desperation rather than one of true malice…which only solidified my resolve to proceed with the path I’d chosen. He lifted his eyes to Darcel for a fleeting moment—as if seeking forgiveness from his friend—before returning his gaze to me and squaring his shoulders.

“Just be sure you’re ready for the consequences if you renege on our deal,” he warned, his voice carrying an edge of threat.

Darcel’s grip tightened on my hand, his body tensed as if ready to confront Kael in my defense…but he remained silent, not only adhering to our prior agreement to keep his emotions in check, but demonstrating his trust in me to stand on my own two feet.

I gave his hand another squeeze before turning back to Kael. “Why should it matter who’s involved if I uphold my part of the agreement?”

Kael responded with a dismissive shrug. “It doesn’t, really. I’m not a subject of Lumeria, so am in no real danger from any potential royal repercussions.” His attempt at nonchalance didn’t mask the slight tremor in his voice, betraying his unease about the potion, clearly aware of its power and the risks it posed.

I had every reason to mistrust him, but the journey had changed me. I was no longer the person who had harshly judged Darcel based on a handful of rumors, a bad first impression, and misgivings influenced by my own fears and insecurities.

I had faced doubt and suspicion myself when I first assumed my father’s role, and again when the magic of the sacred grove initially rejected me. At those times, I couldn’t fully disclose my reasons for the deceptions I practiced. During those dark times Darcel had offered me his trust, even when I worried I might not fully deserve it. Now I had the opportunity to extend similar grace.

Though in this situation the stakes were significantly higher. No matter how noble my intentions, they could still lead to grave ramifications if my judgment was flawed, choices whose consequences extended far beyond my own fate—the fallout wouldn’t just affect me but also ripple through the lives of others. I glanced towards my dearest friend who stood close beside me, breathing a petition that I would not inadvertently cause suffering to him, or any others.

I squeezed the bottle of sparkling liquid I’d brewed with such care as I gave Kael one last measuring look. The dire warning I’d heard weeks ago from my mother’s scry pool rang through my mind. Could he be the shadow the voice had warned me about?

But as I considered, I realized that I already knew that regardless of his threats, he wasn’t the shadow the pool had warned me about. Kael was not a stranger to me, and neither was the elixir he’d requested. Despite the damning circumstances, the very nature of the potion he desired prompted me to consider the possibility that there might be more to his story…the last nudge I needed to hand him the potion.

Kael stared at the vial a long moment, skepticism etched across his face, before grasping it with a mixture of eagerness and relief. I watched closely as his thumb brushed over the cork; a silvery swirl rose, dissipating in the early morning light.

I released a relieved sigh. As I’d anticipated when I brewed it, the safeguard I’d incorporated didn’t activate, confirming that my instincts had been right to give it to him. Had his intentions been impure, the toumeisei vine would have coagulated, clinging to his skin rather than vanishing. Beside me, I felt Darcel’s tension ease as well.

Kael’s eyes met mine, a complex dance of victory and fear playing out in his expression.

“My materials?” I pressed, holding out my hand.

With a grunt of acknowledgment, he handed me my bag, the contents hastily thrown back in. Its familiar weight was comforting, yet him upholding his end of our bargain didn’t alter my course.

“I appreciate you returning these, but I won’t be needing them anymore.”

Kael’s brows contracted, but before he could question me, Darcel gestured discreetly. At his quiet command, Sir Jiang emerged from his hidden position among the trees. My heart pounded with a mix of nerves and firm resolve as I faced him, the weight of my secret pressing against my chest—but if it was to be revealed, it would be on my terms. Dawn heralding the new day was the perfect moment to rewrite my story—to present my true face, leaving no room for doubt about my identity...allowing me, at last, to be unequivocally myself.

“Sir Jiang,” I began, my voice steadier than I felt. “There’s something important I need to tell you…about who I really am.”

He raised an eyebrow, his expression an unreadable mask as he gave me his undivided attention. With a deep breath, I took a handkerchief and wiped off the last of my disguise, tipping my true face towards the brightening sky so he could see it clearly.

“My real name is Mei. I’ve been disguising myself for reasons that seemed necessary at the time, but I can no longer continue living a lie. I’m sorry I deceived you.”

Shock widened his eyes as he processed my words. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the echoes of my confession. “You’re awoman?And not just any woman, but the headstrong woman from the apothecary.”

I let out a quiet sigh that my first encounter with Darcel had been memorable enough for even his guard to recall. Darcel’s breath warmed my ear as he leaned down to whisper. “Don’t worry, you made quite the charming impression.”

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