Immortal Consequences(93)

There was only one bed left. One tucked at the far end of the infirmary. She could see the shadow of a body lying behind the curtain, but there was something else…another shadow leaning over the body, looking down at it.

Wren held her breath and opened the curtain.

She blinked in confusion.

Lying in the bed, unconscious and recovering, was Keira Holland. A newer student who had fallen prey to illusionary consumption. Swollen veins coated her skin, her lips dry and brittle. And sitting next to her, tears staining her cheeks, was another student Wren recognized.

“Maya?”

The girl looked up in surprise. “Wren. What—what are you doing here?”

“I came to visit someone.” She lowered her voice carefully. “How did you get in here?”

“I snuck in during the morning rotation…I’ve been hiding out here all day.” Maya looked up at Wren through her lashes, rubbing away a tear with the back of her hand. She sniffled, composing herself. “Sorry—it just sucks seeing Keira like this. She fell into illusionary consumption during Calligan’s exam. They think she’ll need another month before she regains consciousness…”

Wren placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry.”

Maya smiled through her tears. “I just…I feel bad for her, you know? She was really looking forward to tonight. There’s just something about the ball…makes everyone feel normal again.”

“I get what you mean.” The Decennial Ball was a reminder of a life that no longer belonged to them. Even Wren could admit that a part of her was secretly excited to go to the ball, to feel that normalcy, even if only for one night.

Maya wiped away the rest of her tears and let out a calming breath. She looked up at Wren, tilting her head to the side as though a thought had suddenly occurred to her.

“Hey…shouldn’t you be getting ready?” She glanced down at the thin black watch around her wrist. “The ball starts in thirty minutes.”

“I was just about to head to Pettyworth to get dressed, but…” Wren glanced around the infirmary, lowering her voice. “Have you seen where they’re keeping the eliminated nominees? I stopped by to pay them a visit, but I can’t seem to find them.”

Maya blinked.

“Who?”

“Nick, Liza, Tristan and Georgia,” Wren said, enunciating their names slowly. “I’m not sure how much you know, but they’re the only ones who have been eliminated so far, and I just…I wanted to check in on them and see—” Her words were cut short when she noticed the look on Maya’s face. Her eyes were completely devoid of any emotion, as though she had barely heard what Wren had said. “What is it?”

Maya shook her head, confusion riddling her features.

“I just…I have no idea who you’re talking about.”

“What?” Wren stepped closer. “Maya, you’ve been at Blackwood for years. Longer than me. Of course you know who they are.”

“I…I don’t.”

“Weren’t you on the Decennial Committee with Nick?” Wren asked, bewildered.

“I am on the Decennial Committee,” Maya replied.

“Then you do know Nick,” Wren insisted. “I mean…I swear I’ve seen you two hanging out!”

“Nick…” Maya repeated the name, a distant look in her eyes. For a moment, Wren swore she saw a spark of recognition in her face, but then Maya simply jolted back onto her feet and said, “Anyway, I should be going. I have to get ready for the ball myself. Keira would want me to be there.”

“Wait!” Wren called out, following Maya. “Stop!” She gripped Maya by the shoulders and spun her around, forcing her to face her. “Look at me. You know who Nick is. I know you do.”

Maya stared back, eyes wide and confused.

“I—I can’t…I don’t…”

“Liza. Nick. Tristan. Georgia. They were nominated for the Decennial. Everybody knows who was nominated. How could you not remember them?”

Tears welled behind Maya’s eyes. She smiled, but something about it was wrong, forced and uncanny. “Wren. Please. Let…let go…” She blinked furiously, but not before Wren caught sight of a strange river of fog briefly clouding her irises. It was only there for a moment, not even half of a second…but she saw it.

Wren gasped, tightening her grip on Maya’s shoulders.

“Your mind…someone has messed with your mind…” She swore under her breath. Of course. “Maya. Look at me. Someone has altered your memories. Made you forget the eliminated nominees. Can you remember who it was?”

Maya’s mouth opened and closed. Panic flickered behind her eyes, a brief moment of understanding, but it quickly dissipated, replaced by that same forced smile.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Maya ripped herself free from Wren’s grip, stumbling backward. “I’ll…I’ll see you later, Wren!”

Before Wren could stop her, Maya was practically sprinting out of the infirmary, the door swinging closed behind her.

Wren stood there for a moment, jaw slack and eyes wide. There was no denying it.

Someone erased the eliminated nominees from Maya’s memory.