Deviating from the original plot

Chapter seventy-seven

All three rushed back into Victoria's room. Her sleeve had been carefully cut away, revealing her bare arm—smooth, unmarked, as though untouched.

Evelyn bent closer, her voice hushed. "There's... nothing."

The Marquis's face paled, his breath unsteady. "Wh...what is this..."

The physician lowered his voice. "If what you claim is true, then Lady Victoria's condition defies any natural explanation I know. Her wounds closed entirely, leaving no trace behind."

Unease rippled through the room as Evelyn and Celeste exchanged worried glances, silently acknowledging what this could mean.

The Marquis cleared his throat, forcing his voice steady. "Then tell me—what does this mean for her now?"

The physician adjusted his spectacles. "If my deduction is correct, her body must possess extraordinary regenerative capabilities. Such rapid healing would demand a tremendous amount of energy. It explains her collapse. She will remain in deep rest until her strength returns."

The Marquis let out a shaky breath, relief and confusion battling in his eyes. "Then let her sleep... She'll need all the strength she can muster."

Celeste lingered by the bedside, brushing Victoria's hair back gently. "Just rest, Victoria. We'll be here when you wake."

Evelyn stood slightly apart from the others, her sharp gaze fixed on Victoria. She had her suspicions, but suspicion was not proof. She needed certainty.

"See that she is well tended," the physician said with a bow before excusing himself.

"I must excuse myself," Evelyn said softly, her tone careful. "There is something I must attend to." Without waiting for further questions, she slipped from the room, her steps quick and purposeful.

The Marquis remained by Victoria's side, his hand resting gently atop hers. Celeste lingered near the bed as well, worry etched deeply into her features.

"Please... be well," her father whispered, his voice breaking. Celeste stood close by, unable to shake the deep worry knotting in her chest.

✦ ✦

Childish laughter echoed around her.

"I'm going to catch you!"

"No, you won't!" A playful squeal rang out, sharp enough to jolt her awake.

.

.

.

A faint warmth lingered on Victoria's cheek. She stirred, lashes fluttering, until her eyes finally opened to find Celeste leaning over her with tearful relief.

"She's awake!" Celeste cried, her voice trembling with excitement.

"My lady! You're awake!" Anne squealed as she all but flung herself onto the bed, hugging Victoria tightly.

Victoria winced with a hoarse laugh. "Anne... my goodness."

Anne pulled back instantly, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Forgive me! I'll get water—right away!" She darted from the room, her shoes clattering against the polished floors as she went to fetch water and alert the household.

Victoria's gaze shifted back to Celeste, whose hand still rested lightly on her own. "How long...?" she murmured.

"Three days," Celeste replied softly. "We feared you might never wake."

Victoria tried to sit up, her body feeling heavy.

"Here, let me help you," Celeste said gently, offering her hand to steady her.

"Thank you," Victoria managed a small smile as she eased herself upright. "Three days... no wonder I feel like I was run over by a carriage."

"You worried us all half to death," Celeste said, her voice wavering despite her attempt at a smile. "But seeing you awake now... It's like the sun's finally returned."

Victoria took her hand, gently squeezing it. "Then I'll have to stay, won't I? Can't have you living in the dark."

Celeste's heart skipped a beat. "You've no idea," she said, her cheeks warming.

Anne hurried back into the chamber with a tray in hand, nearly sloshing the water over the rim. "She's awake! Oh, thank the stars!" she exclaimed breathlessly.

The door opened wider just as she spoke, and the Marquis stepped in close behind her. His usually composed face betrayed him—relief softening his expression, though his eyes still carried the weight of sleeplessness and worry.

"Victoria," he breathed, striding to her bedside. He brushes a stray lock of hair from her face with a trembling hand. "You gave me quite the scare."

Victoria swallowed, her voice weak but steady. "I'm sorry, Father... I didn't mean to cause you grief."

"Sorry?" His voice cracked on the word, equal parts reprimand and relief. "Don't, I am just happy you are okay. I thought... I thought I might lose you."

"I'm fine now."

Celeste and Anne quietly stepped back, exchanging a glance—this was a moment meant for father and daughter.

The Marquis let out a long breath, his shoulders easing slightly. "There are questions I'll need answers to," he murmured, "but for now... just rest. That's all I ask of you."

"...Of course, Father," Victoria whispered. He bent to press a brief kiss to her forehead before rising and quietly leaving the room.

As the door clicked shut, Victoria turned to Celeste. "What about Lady Evelyn? Where is she?"

Celeste hesitated, then answered, "She's... occupied. Ever since we discovered your strange ability, Evelyn has thrown herself into research. She's in town right now. I think she's trying to find an explanation."

"I see..." Victoria murmured.

"Here, my lady!" Anne chirped, thrusting the glass into her hands with exaggerated care.

Victoria managed a small smile and accepted it. She sipped slowly, the cool water easing her parched throat, before setting the glass aside with a sigh.

"Thank you, Anne. I needed that."

"You're welcome," Anne chirped as she carefully gathered the tray and slipped out of the room, leaving the two of them alone.

Victoria tilted her head when she noticed Celeste's gaze lingering on her. "What is it?" she asked softly.

Celeste's lips curved into a faint, almost wistful smile. "I'm just... relieved you're awake. I keep thinking back to that day at the conservatory. You saved me when I was in danger. And then I think of all the other times you've stepped in to protect me..."

Her voice faltered, but her eyes never left Victoria's.

Victoria gave a small, tired laugh. "And yet you're the one sitting by my side for three days straight. Seems we're even."

Celeste's heart gave a small, unsteady flutter. "...Not even close. You've risked far more than I deserve—and each time, without hesitation. And I... I suppose..."

Before Victoria could answer, the door opened with a soft creak—Anne entered again, this time with the physician at her side and another servant carrying a tray of steaming broth.

"Ah..." Celeste said quickly, smoothing her skirts as she rose from the bedside to give them space.

"My lady," Anne said with a bright, relieved smile, "the physician has come to examine you."

The physician approached, his expression composed but inquisitive, as though he already expected something unusual. "Lady Victoria," he greeted with a bow, "I am just here to do a check-up on you before leaving."

"Of course."

Celeste steps aside, her eyes lingering on Victoria.