Freya's POV
It was very quiet in the hospital room, and the wind was audibly whistling outside.
I turned my head and my gaze settled on Kingsley's figure: "Kingsley, why are you here... Why am I in the hospital?"
The depth of Kingsley's gaze was solemn.
He slowly replied, "I brought you to the hospital today for a health check. Don't you remember? How do you feel now?"
"Other than my head feeling a bit cloudy, I'm fine." I raised my hand and pressed my temple.
Kingsley's eyes changed for a moment, then he said in a feigned lighthearted manner, "I'll go call the doctor to come over and give you another brief checkup, is that okay?"
I nodded, "Yes, thank you, Kingsley."
"Just lie back, and I'll call the doctor."
Kingsley stroked my hair, got up, and walked outside the hospital room. Soon he returned with a doctor who brought potions and re-administered my fluids.
During this time, I lowered my head slightly, attempting to recall everything that had just happened.
I was sure I hadn't just woken up.
Had something uncontrollable happened again?
"Freya, what are you thinking?" Kingsley's voice interrupted my musings.
"Nothing." I looked up and smiled faintly, "When can I get out of the hospital?"
"You're just stressed out and need to rest; you can be discharged whenever you want." Kingsley stared at me, "However, I have a friend who also happens to be here. I'd like to arrange for you to meet him this afternoon."
"A friend?" I asked, "Who is it?"
"You'll know when you meet him," Kingsley said in a hushed voice.
I responded softly.
There was nothing physically wrong with me; I just needed more rest.
After the infusion, Kingsley drove me back to my place.
I stepped out of the car and saw a stranger in the living room through the window. Jeremy was now standing by him.
Kingsley spoke softly, "Freya, it seems that my friend is already here. Let us get in now."
I glanced over; the person sitting in the living room had tanned skin, was relatively tall, and had a mysterious air about him that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
I couldn't fathom how Kingsley knew such a friend and had specifically introduced him to me.
I walked into the living room with Kingsley, and he made the introduction, "Freya, it's Kellen," he gestured, "Kellen, this is my Luna."
"Nice to meet you, Luna Freya," Kellen greeted with a smile.
Kellen's dark eyes locked onto me, unblinking.
The directness of his stare made me feel a little uneasy.
Kingsley, sensing my discomfort, gently patted the back of my hand, his voice soothing, "Kellen means no harm, just relax."
"Luna Freya, you're beautiful," Kellen complimented with a grin, revealing his white teeth. "Can you give me your hand, Luna Freya?"
I hesitated, about to decline, but Kingsley placed my hand on the table, and Kellen took it in his.
In that moment, I realized Kingsley's true intentions.
Kellen was the specially chosen helper of Kingsley, who was aware of the abnormalities in my life.
I sighed inwardly.
Our life seemed filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Kellen held my hand and closed his eyes, rendering the entire living room silent. After a moment, he opened his eyes.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Luna Freya," Kellen expressed. Then, turning to Kingsley, his expression serious, he stated, "Luna Freya has indeed been ensnared by witchcraft."
I froze at once.
Kingsley's face grew grim. "What kind of witchcraft is that?"
"Based on what you've told me, I have a tentative guess," Kellen whispered. "It seems someone is using your child's blood as a medium to control Luna Freya through the blood bond between your child and her. It's a very ancient form of sorcery."
My eyes widened.
Blood ties?
Could it be that Grace had done this?
Kingsley pursed his thin lips. "Is there any way to undo it?"
Kellen shook his head. "This is a very ancient form of sorcery. It enables one person to control another person's mind, compelling the controlled individual to follow his every command. As Luna Freya and your child grow closer, that person's influence over Luna Freya will strengthen. It was once taboo due to its immense power over people. As far as I know, the only way to break it is if the person who did it dies; otherwise..."
My heart sank.
Follow her every command...
In other words, once Grace issued an order to me, I would be a mere puppet, entirely subject to her will, devoid of emotions and sense.
Even if Grace ordered me to kill Kingsley...
"Good," Kingsley said slowly and quietly. "Thank you for making the trip; I'll arrange for someone to take you back."
Kingsley then rose to see Kellen off, leaving me sitting dumbfounded on the sofa, my mind still grappling with Kellen's words.
It was several minutes before Kingsley returned.
I raised my eyes to him as he walked in.
He sat down next to me, gently taking me into his arms. His chin rubbed my soft hair, and his hand stroked back and forth on my back.
"I'll send someone to gather information about it, so don't be afraid," Kingsley reassured me, hugging me tighter. "Whatever this witchcraft is, I'm confident there's a way to undo it."
I leaned my head against Kingsley's chest, listening to his heartbeat, and gently nodded. "I believe you, Kingsley. However, can you tell me what I did during the time when I lost control and lost my memory?"
It was a horrifying thought to be under someone else's control at any moment.