Alchemised

by SenLinYu

“Drink this,” he said, pressing a vial of something into her hand. “It’ll help.” Helena’s hand shook, but she swallowed without question. There was nothing he could give her that could make things worse. Instead pain relief so bitter it was mouth-numbing washed across her tongue. She sat breathing unsteadily as it took effect. She tried to focus but felt concussed. With brain injuries it was important to remain conscious. Conversing was supposed to help, keeping patients talking. She kept herself talking. “Did this happen to you?” Her tongue was sluggish. She felt Ferron look at her, his pale eyes gleaming briefly in the darkness. “More than once…” he said after a long silence. “My training was rigorous.” “Why?” He shifted, muffling a low groan. “To see if I’d be better than my father, or if I’d break under interrogation, too.” She furrowed her eyebrows. “Was that—before you killed Principate Apollo?” He released a huffing breath, as if suppressing a laugh. “Are you wanting a confession?” he finally asked. “Shall I tell you everything I’ve done?” She could only make out the vaguest shape of him, crouched in front of her. His breathing was still strained as he held her upright. She wondered then if they’d paused there so she could recover, or so he could. The dose of laudanum she’d taken had eased the pain splintering her head. A question rose to her lips, and she felt as if it was vital that she ask. She leaned forward, trying to see his face. “Do you want to?”