The world is spinning. I stupidly try to stand up, but my legs fail me and I nearly end up in the fire.

I cough and wheeze, my body shivering. I hear faint voices and barely feel someone pick up my now numb body.

When I can breathe again, I'm freezing. Correolanus is holding me in his arms. Relief washes over his face as he holds me close to him.

That’s when I realize we’re in the water. But I’m not wet.

“What- where-“ I start, but Correolanus stops me. “Questions later, health now.”

I don’t argue, mostly because I don’t have enough strength.

He brings me back to the fire. How many times had this happened within two days?

Why hadn’t we left by now?

There were too many questions. I wanted my family. I wanted answers.

Correolanus puts his arm around me to stabilize me. I hadn’t even noticed how unbalanced I was, rocking back and forth.

“What’s happening, and I need the truth this time,” I manage between coughs.

Correolanus sighs and brushes a piece of hair behind my ear.

Butterflies begin churning in my stomach, turning my earlier-eaten food into mush.

The anxiety forms a knot in my stomach.

“You’re sick, Melody. I was told to look after you until we could find your brother, but we haven’t had any luck yet.

“We need his magic to save you.”

I pause for a moment, trying to take it in. Then I turn to Correolanus.

“My brother… he ran away when he was eleven. Is this why?”

Correolanus nods.

“And me…” I try to think of a question that would make sense, but none of it does.

“Why risk all of this for me? You said I was destined to bring back time, what does that mean? And why are you looking after me?”

“Wow, slow down,” Correolanus says.

“Years ago, there was a prophecy. It said a girl was destined to restore time. We weren’t sure what that meant… until last month.

“It’s complicated, but something’s wrong. My powers are fading. Your brother has immense power, he could heal you and you could bring everything back together again.”

“How did you know it was me?”

Correolanus smiles. “Easy, you were messing with my time frame.”

I gasp. “So _that’s_ why things kept stopping around me!”

He nods. “I’m the only one that can postpone your sickness. Remember when you were thrown into the water? Well, you started having an attack on that boat, so I had to shove you in the water to keep you safe.

“I was gone because I was searching for a special water source that heals you temporarily. Normal water will help for a little, but this is more reassuring for me.

“I was asked to protect you because I’m the only person who can find the water source.”

I give him a look. “I need more.”

He sighs and rubs his hand over his face. “Your brother was asked to leave to protect mortals and immortals. That’s all I can tell you.”

I shiver as I look at the cold, dark ocean.

“So… you’re immortal?”

Correolanus nods.

“And… how long do we have to stay here?”

He shrugs. “Until we find your brother.”

I nod again.

It doesn’t sound like the best thing in the world, but at least I’m safe.

I rest my head on his shoulder, and he rests his on mine, his arm still around me.

_’It’s fine I’m fine.’_ I tell myself.

But maybe it’s not.

Correolanus hands me a water bottle, and I chug it down, unaware of how thirsty I am. “So… what now?” I ask, looking up at him. He looks down at me, “whatever you want.”