The Hunting: Ch 15

Instructions

I’m woken up by the sound of screaming. “What the heck is happening?” Onyx grumbles. “It’s Camile,” Winter whispers. “She’s sick.” Camile screams again. “Help…” she groans, and then passes into unconsciousness. I bolt up from the nest of pillows where I was sleeping and pound on the door as hard as I can. “HELP! SHE’S IN TROUBLE!” I scream and holler until Jupiter storms into the room, looking like he just woke up. “What?” “Help her!” I scream. Jupiter runs to Camile and checks her pulse. “She’s alive. What happened?” Camile stirrs. “Ugh…I don’t feel good…” she pushes herself up and then retches onto the floor, passing out again. “I don’t feel good either,” Amos moans and throws up in return. I look away. Jupiter swears and then turns to me. “Did she eat or drink anything?” “Just a glass of water. There was a jug of water she drank from.” “Did anyone else drink from that?” “I don’t think so,” Amo says weakly. “I had a little…” He looks extremely pained. “I think I’m going to throw up again,” Jupiter grabs the jug, pours himself a glass, sniffs it, and then puts it back down. “I don’t know. It doesn’t seem poisoned, but it might have been contaminated somehow.” “Oh, darling!” Zara appears in the doorway, her long hair looking somewhat disheveled. “I came as soon as I heard the noises…what happened?” “Amos and Camile are sick.” Winter looks down. “Oh no! POLLUX! JASPER!” Zara calls, and two more guards appear, looing equally tired. “Take these two to the infirmary. Give them some medicine.” “Zara…” Winter’s voice sounds pained. “Can we talk? Outside?” “Of course, my beloved.” As soon as the door shuts, my curiosity takes over and I press my ear to the door. /curse you, racoon brain./ “You poisoned that water, didn’t you?” Winter is coming. “You knew I wouldn’t eat anything you gave me. You poisoned my friends.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Zara…” Wow, is that Winter’s voice? I’ve never seen him so…vulnerable. “Please, I don’t want to do this anymore.” “No, darling,” Zara sighs. “You loved me, and yet you left me to die. And then you come back and accuse me of poisoning someone. What kind of monster does that to the person they love?” “I’m so sorry,” I picture Winter on the verge of tears. “Can I ever…” “Yes. You can love me and stop trying to throw up walls around yourself. I didn’t poison your friend Camile. But she’s not going to come with us, and neither is the other one. I’m sorry, but they’re too sick.” I pull away from the wall. Something about that conversation seemed off, and I can’t seem to find why.