Page 9 of Cursed Dreams
Thalia shot her mother a grateful look, but Goldora was barely holding back a fond smile.
Mistress Olyne waved a hand dismissively. “Of course, of course. But you must be looking forward to the city life, dear. So much to see! So much to do!”
Thalia nodded, though inwardly she was far less enthused than the women seemed to expect. She was excited,yes, but also utterly terrified. The thought of navigating a bustling city full of strangers, of having to prove herself among experienced healers, it was daunting.
But shewaslooking forward to the libraries, the new opportunities for learning.And,she reminded herself,the chance to make real friendships, ones that don’t revolve around my mother’s friends cornering me at festivals.
“I’m sure it will be an adjustment,” she said instead, keeping her voice light. “But I’m eager to learn as much as I can.”
Lissandra sighed wistfully. “Such a bright young woman. Your parents must be so proud.”
Goldora, who had been watching the exchange in quiet adoration, sniffled suddenly, dabbing at her eyes with a lace handkerchief. “Oh, weare,” she said, voice trembling slightly. “So, so proud.”
Thalia immediately felt a lump rise in her throat.
Her mother was proud of her. Of course, she knew that, but hearing it spoken so openly, soearnestly, made her chest ache.
She reached out, squeezing Goldora’s hand. “I’ll be back to visit,” she murmured, hoping it would ease whatever sadness was creeping in.
Goldora smiled at her, teary-eyed but glowing. “You’d better.”
The other women cooed at the exchange before launching into further talk about Vertrose, where to go for the best market stalls, what sort of shoes to wear on cobbled streets, andat leastthree horror stories about pickpockets.
Thalia nodded along, offering the occasional polite response, but she couldn’t help the flicker of amusement .
I’m about to become a healer in one of the most prestigious cities in the realm and shoes are what's important . she tried not to chuckle.
But what if my light wasn’t strong enough, what if the pulling feeling from my assessment was because my well just wasn’t deep enough, what if there is something wrong with me, if itwere anything truly terrible… they wouldn’t have let me pass, would they?
She swallowed the doubt creeping in at the edges of her mind.No, stop it. You’re overthinking again.
Still, the memory of Vaelith’s reaction, the shock, the way his gaze had sharpened with something close to suspicion, lingered like an itch she couldn’t quite scratch.
But shehadpassed.
So it couldn’t be anything serious.
Still, she let them talk, if only because her mother looked so happy. And if putting up with a bit of over-enthusiastic advice made Goldora’s last night with her a little brighter, then Thalia could endure it.
At least for a little while longer.
Just as Thalia was about to escape the clutches of her mother’s friends, a familiar voice cut through the festival noise.
“Ah,thereshe is! The woman of the hour!”
Thalia stiffened.No. No, please, anything but this.
She turned just in time to see Marcus approaching, his ever-present smirk firmly in place. The torchlight cast a golden glow over his sharp features, highlighting his strong jawline and the arrogant tilt of his head. His orange tunic, embroidered with silver to proudly display his family’s wealth, only made him look more insufferable. His dark curls were effortlessly tousled, like heneededany more reason to think highly of himself.
Goldora practically beamed, her expression turning jubilant as if she’d personally summoned him from the heavens.Oh, of course, she had planned this . Of course, she did.
“Marcus, dear!” Goldora greeted him, her excitement far too evident for Thalia’s liking. “How wonderful to see you.”
Marcus, ever the charmer, took Goldora’s hand and kissed it gallantly. “How could I miss celebrating our brightest healer? And, of course, it’s always a pleasure to see you, Lady Goldora.”
Thalia barely suppressed a groan. She could already tell where this was going.
“Congratulations, Thalia,” Marcus said, turning his full attention to her. “It’s atremendousachievement. You must be overjoyed.”
