Circle Quartet: 30

Chapter 30

I never saw Stefan in such a worrying face before. After the terrible incident, we went back to the Academy and Stefan dashed to the Healing Chambers. This place looks like a hospital where doctors and nurses shuffle here and there, treating patient and handling operations. My second cousin, Aiden, works in this chamber but I haven’t seen him after the blooding ceremony.

Stefan and I and the rest of his family are waiting at the waiting room as Granddaddy Saba is being treated in the healing ward. Actually, it is not right for me being here because I am not part of the clan. But Stefan’s family wanted me to stay. They said that I’m part of the family too.

I sit beside Stefan, holding his hand as he sighs heavily. I squeeze his hand, telling him that Granddaddy is going to be fine. I’m also praying for him. Everyone is very quiet except for Tavis who is sobbing bitterly. Stefan soothes him by patting gently on his back but the sobbing is getting louder. Stefan lets go off my hand gently and pulls Tavis to his hugs. Even though Tavis is not the youngest in the family but Tavis is a soft-hearted person.

Nash gets out from one of the healing room. His right shoulder has been treated but still need to be bandaged. He kneels in front of us, saying sorry that he couldn’t save Granddaddy Saba. Uncle Azure and Aunt Amethyst assure him that it was not his fault.

Nash tells us everything for what had happened during the mission. Cody was in the group, too, as one of the trackers. Then the monsters appeared and they attacked Nash’s team. Granddaddy Saba fought those monsters and got some scratches. Suddenly, Cody attacked Granddaddy Saba from behind.

“It happened too fast, Father,” Nash begins to sob. “I’ve tried to stop Cody but I failed. Cody’s body got bigger and the eyes were flashy red. He bit me on the shoulder and wounded the rest of us.”

“It’s the work of magic,” I gasp and every eye of the Silvers locks their gaze at me.

“Magic?” Zayne breaks the silence.

“Yes. I’ve read in the book once, about Alse. She’s expert in performing dark arts and magic. And she also can control someone under her spells,” I explain.

“Maybe Cody has been possessed by her dark arts,” says Aunt Amethyst. “That poor child.”

“Or maybe he works under Alse for certain reasons. We need to discuss about this with the Board,” says Uncle Azure.

“And if there any attacks again, we’ll be ready for it!” Stefan stands up and so I am.

“Woah! Calm down young man and you too, young lady. You guys have already joined the battle and you two must be tired right now. It’s time for me and your mother in action. We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long, am I right, my dear Amy?” Uncle Azure wraps his hand around Aunt Amethyst shoulder and both of them giggle. I see there’s nothing funny about this. But I know Uncle Azure loves adventure, just like Dad.

Then, Deena and Beatrice come out from the healing ward, sigh in relief. I can read on their face that Granddaddy Saba is safe.

“How’s Granddaddy?” asks Zayne, approaching both of them who take out their gloves.

“He’s in stable condition but need a lot of rest. He can’t get involved in any battle in one month,” replies Beatrice.

“Oh yes, I need to confirm about something with the Silvers. While we’re healing Mr. Saba, he mumbled some names such as Baby Blondie, Grey-Eye Lola and Crunchy Cindy,” says Deena.

At the same time, Stefan looks down on the ground, blushing deeply. Now our gazes lock to Stefan. Even Tavis has stopped sobbing and stares at his brother.

“Umm…actually,” Stefan scratches his finger to his cheek, “those names are the names of his favourite cupcakes,” says Stefan shyly.

“Cupcakes?” asks Deena and Beatrice and I in unison.

“Yup. Cupcakes. He adores and enjoys home-made cupcakes,” smiles Zayne.

“Made by Stefan,” adds Aunt Amethyst.

I think my jaw drops drastically. Stefan can bake cupcakes?

*         *          *

It’s been a week after the incident happened and Cody is nowhere to be found. The trackers and scavengers are still hunting for him. Maybe he’s with Alse in their hideout or maybe he runs away, far away from here. Since he’s under magic spell, the trackers and scavengers are having difficulties in finding him.

Stefan and I visit Granddaddy Saba who is getting very well. He’s not satisfied when he was announced by Beatrice and Deena not to move a lot and must rest a lot. He’s a type of person who doesn’t like to be in one place for a long time, especially lying on bed, doing nothing.

I know he’s getting bored, day by day, and that’s why Stefan and I visit him every day. Sometimes Zayne and Tavis join us too. Even Jeff came last two days, brought Granddaddy Saba a bouquet of daffodil with a box of butter cookies. Granddaddy Saba is quite amusing with all the visitors who come to visit since last week.

I also learned baking cupcakes with Stefan. He’s damn good in cooking, just like Ace. He does the cooking at home, almost every day. Since I came to visit Granddaddy Saba, I learn lots of secret talent of Stefan. Stefan is not also good in cooking but also in knitting and sewing. Granddaddy Saba told me that Stefan can knit scarf within 3 hours. I can’t even do knitting!

“I made some special cupcakes for you, Granddaddy,” I say as Stefan and I visit him on the ninth day. And he’s getting better.

“Oh, special cupcakes from my granddaughter-in-law! That’s very nice of you, sweetheart,” he smiles.

Stefan helps him to lean against the bed post and I show him 6 cupcakes that I made this morning with Stefan.

“Well, Stefan taught me,” I giggle. “Try them, Granddaddy.”

Granddaddy Saba takes one cupcakes which he calls Baby Blondie, a chocolate cupcake with light yellow icing on top. I even spread some colourful rice cakes on top of it. He takes a bite and smiles widely.

“It’s good! This one taste so good!” he praises. “Looks like you surpass your teacher, Alice.”

Stefan and I giggle.

“Well, she’s been practiced for three days to make Baby Blondie, Granddaddy. And she’s getting better in her cooking too,” says Stefan as he wraps his hand around my shoulder.

Stefan and I are getting closer and closer since the first day we visited Granddaddy Saba. We’re so happy to him smiling and chuckling. After staying in the wards for more than 10 days, Granddaddy Saba is discharged. But he still can’t do any heavy work and need rest. And this time, Tavis is going to take care of him for he is very close to his grandfather.

Even though things look better but the danger is still out there. Mom, Dad and the rest of the elders are still searching and spying on Alse. She’s not disguising as Yvonne anymore as her appearance has been revealed. Stefan and I are back in our assassin team under Jeff’s order.

And tonight, we’re going for witch and wolf hunting!