The moon was the only source of light that allowed me to see through the trees of the forest, giving me a false sense of security. The warmth of my cheeks indicated that the fever had returned, but there was a bitter taste on my lips that I could not distinguish. The cold night wind was blowing, sending a chill down my spine, it was frightening and the strange sounds in the darkness reinforced the fear of what lurked in the shadows. I opened my eyelids heavy with fatigue and dazed with sleep, I flattened with my hand the pile of dry leaves beneath me that covered the ground.
I staggered to my feet and a groan escaped my lips from the pain in my wrist. I looked down in confusion at the bandage on my arm and the cloak that had been covering me from the wind. It was strange that someone had helped me in such a remote place. The wound on my wrist still hurt, but it was no longer inflamed. I looked at the nearby stones for any sign of the person who had helped me, but there was nothing. I was alone and the fragility of my body was only getting worse. I pressed my cold, shivering hands against my lips, blew out my hot breath hoping that somehow that would help, but I was unable to calm the sensation. The coldness in my body had nothing to do with the weather or the lack of warmth, it was the symptoms of the curse coming on again, reminding me that I couldn't avoid it. I hated so much feeling helpless, condemned to be always vulnerable because of something that I could not understand and that no one could cure.
I coughed softly against the sleeves of my coat pressing the cloak in my lap wishing to return home. I should never have run away from home. I bit my lips and pushed the dry branches under my feet thinking about how to get out of the woods. A few tears filled my eyes and regret weighed heavy on my heart. Nagging my parents to avoid going to the first prince's tenth birthday celebration was silly in the first place. The idea of running away from the mansion was a lousy idea given the terrible condition of my body. I had always hated leaving the house and I didn't know the forest or the way back.
-Do you need help? -asked the soft, confused voice of a little girl.
The girl's sudden voice caused me to raise my head unsure and frightened as I tried to hide, wanting to hide my face with my coat sleeve, but my reaction was too late. The girl had come over to help me to my feet as her curious gaze swept over my face. I stood motionless not knowing what to do, no child my age would approach me willingly and I wondered if perhaps the darkness helped to keep the spots on my skin hidden. I stared for a moment, but the girl didn't seem to be afraid to see me or have any other kind of reaction similar to disgust, she seemed quite calm which made the situation more disconcerting. It was uncomfortable, but at the same time comforting. I managed to suppress the urge to cough as the high fever clouded my tearful vision.
-Do you know the way to Drahorts Residence? -I asked in the hope that I would be able to return home.
-Do you need to go to the mansion? questioned the red-haired girl, barely containing her curiosity.
-Yes, I need to go there," I said, feeling even more guilty for worrying my parents.
-Why do you need to go there?
I thought about the possibility that the girl might not believe me if I told her the truth. But in the end I decided it was better to be honest and ask for help.
-My name is Larissa Drahorts," I said showing the gold necklace with the symbol of my family while the red-haired girl looked at me with surprise, "I must go back to the mansion because my parents are probably worried.
Anguish weighed on my heart thinking about my mistakes as I clutched my coat tightly holding back tears while looking at the ground. I didn't hear a response from the girl for a few seconds until she interrupted my thoughts and I looked at her fearing she would reject my request.
-I'm sick and I can't go back on my own," I said in a tense voice waiting for an answer.
The red-haired girl smiled brightly at me as she spoke and took my hands in hers making me startle.
-I will help you, I know the way to the mansion," said the girl kindly as she led me through the thick forest, "You can call me Bera, that's my name.
Although the girl was taller than me, I thought she must be the same age because of the way she addressed me. I looked at her confused as it was almost impossible for the girl to have come alone to the forest after nightfall.
-Why are you here alone? -I asked the girl who guided me through the trees and helped me to support myself every time we stepped on the stones of the path due to the weakness of my body.
-I am an orphan and sometimes I come here to look for some medicinal herbs," said the girl in a calm, but not sad tone.
I felt as if I had said something I shouldn't have and I didn't know how to remedy my bad manners. It was clear from her malnourished and somewhat dirty appearance that she seemed to be very poor. Which made me hesitate before I spoke again in embarrassment.
-I'm so sorry.
-You don't have to apologize for asking," says the girl with a soft and kind smile apologizing me.
I smiled back at her as we walked and tried to get out of the forest. The fever did not allow me to hear what Bera was saying about the history of the forest as I clung to her sleeve too dizzy to continue standing, something Bera noticed immediately and took me to rest near a nearby lake that I could barely see clearly. I watched her sitting against the tree in front of me. This was the fourth time we stopped to rest because of me. After apologizing to her my body and mind gave in to exhaustion and I fell unconscious. The heaviness and burning lightened every time I felt someone's cool hand touch my forehead for a few seconds before sinking into the memories of my running away from home again.
When I opened my eyes again I found Bera trying to carry me on her back without much success as she gasped with her face red from the effort. She saw that I was awake and smiled with relief as she urged me to get up on my own.
-You must get up to continue, we are close," mentioned Bera quite optimistic even though she looked tired.
I forced myself to continue walking motivated by the certainty that I would soon be back with my parents. We crossed several streets and alleys before I could see the mansion in the distance as the guards guarded the gate. The sight of my home had never seemed so beautiful and welcoming.
I heard someone's footsteps approaching and could see the familiar face of our butler in a cloak bearing the family crest. As soon as relief and the middle-aged man's arms covered my view I let sleep take over again.