'A book with all the answers…'
Maya was both excited and cautious.
'And it was right here, somewhere in Amellan.'
A book like that would surely be well-guarded and not permitted for a student to touch. Anastasia didn't tell where it was, only that the well was a passage that would lead her to it at the right time.
Anastasia would notify her when that time came, but the rest was up to Maya.
"It has the answers I cannot give you," Anastasia said. "However, you need to decide if learning the truth is what you want to do. If you're willing to strive and struggle for it."
"Of course. I want to learn if this world really is in danger, and I want to learn what happened to you, Lady Anastasia."
"It will set you on a path that may be very burdensome. I want you to accept this destiny because you desire to, not because you think it was expected of you."
Maya looked down, pondering about Anastasia's words. What Anastasia wanted was for Maya to become aware that she was the one walking this path, not following along. If she learns some troublesome truths, it may be too late to back down.
"They are heavy responsibilities," Anastasia emphasized. "You dictate your action, you choose your allies. Whether they aid or hinder you is your result."
"Do you think Elena would hinder me?"
Anastasia didn't answer.
"Your insider knowledge of the other side allows only you to make informed decisions. Only you are suited to lead. And if you're not ready to be a leader, or grow into one, not ready to learn the truth with its own weight it carries, drop it now when you can still thrive in blissful ignorance, knowing you choose not knowing when the world swallows you."
Those thoughts were the ones she struggled with already. There was still no proof that the world was in danger and that Maya would be necessary in order to save it. Would she regret venturing into this? Or would she regret backing down?
Somehow, Linda's words from drunk debating found their way into her thoughts.
'This is where my friends live and my new life is… I'd want to save it.'
A slight smile appeared on Maya's face. "That's right! There's no way I'd regret it if it were to save people I care about."
Anastasia smiled. "You're very kind… I pray a day when you have to choose between the two never comes."
Maya suddenly froze at the ominous thought.
"I would see the world burn several times over if it meant my people would live." It was already clear Anastasia was very self-sacrificial. She gave her own life to allow her people to escape an ill fate, even if things didn't play out exactly as they were planned.
"I understand. All Mellgrah residents are my people. Primas appear when they are in danger. I won't forget it." Maya was determined.
Learning the truth and saving the people. Those were simple motives. But there was no rule saying her people excluded the ones already dead. Maya thought of Leo and Anastasia, and…
Within Amellan walls, there stood a very old and large mansion. It was the Headmistress's residence. Anastasia had warned her never to approach that mansion and Leo attested that it was as if there was some sort of a barrier and souls that lingered there would become aggressive if he tried to approach. He never dared to venture inside.
Whatever ancient magic lingered there didn't affect the living, but Maya was best to stay clear of it since they did not know if it could affect her too. Reminded of one particular ghost at the academy halls, Maya concluded there were supernatural hotspots that had strange effects on the dead. She pitied them and wished to find a way to let them rest.
However, at that old mansion, Maya had seen a familiar figure. It was the night of the Rho House party that she first noticed her. It was Stella's soul trapped inside the mansion's perimeter.
Back then Maya was overwhelmed by the ominous feeling, and being tipsy and alone made her run away. But now, she had returned to that high and pointy fence, looking at the girl still trapped inside. The girl stared at her.
"It's you," she said.
Her hoarse voice startled Maya who still didn't get used to ghosts speaking to her. Stella was staring at her intently with strange mannerisms that Maya didn't notice back when she was still alive. Her eyes somehow didn't feel focused even though she was looking directly at her.
"What happened to you?" Maya asked, brushing past the unsettling feeling Stella was giving her.
However, there was no answer.
"Can you come out of there, so we can talk?" Maya tried to nudge her to move from her spot, hoping that whatever had taken her would not have an effect if she stepped out, and also not have to get closer herself.
Ghosts could touch Maya. If the aggressive energy possesses them, there was no assurance Maya wouldn't be harmed by them. But it seemed Stella was unable to be persuaded. She continued to stare with her unfocused gaze as if the words she spoke weren't directed at Maya in the first place.
Stella looked like she was trying to reach out with her hand and Maya swallowed her saliva and stepped closer. It was with the intention to pull her out, so she reached toward Stella as well. Just as she was about to grab her, a hand snapped Maya's arm back.
"Leo!"
"What do you think you're doing?!" he was panicking.
"I wanted to—"
"Maya, there are people around."
His words made her shut her mouth.
"How would you explain what was just about to happen?" Leo's grip tightened as he shook his head. "Just… don't interact with them. I don't want to see you hurt." His voice was sombre, and Maya knew he was right.
Her desire to help Stella has made her forget all the warnings from Leo and Anastasia. If she wanted to help Stella, she needed to learn what was affecting her in the first place. And she can learn it only if she continues down the path of a Prima.
She looked back at Stella, who was still staring at her with that unfocused gaze. "I'll come when I get stronger, Stella. I won't forget about you."
With a heavy heart, Maya turned her back on the mansion and followed Leo. They had a more pressing task at hand. But as they walked away, Maya couldn't help but feel that she was leaving a part of herself behind. It was a promise, a vow, she intended to keep. For Stella, for Anastasia, for the world.
But the uncertainty of Leo's behaviour was nagging at her. He seemed more on edge, more worried than usual.
"Leo," she started, glancing at him. "What is going on with you lately? Are you not feeling alright?"
He didn't respond immediately, his gaze still focused on the path ahead. After a moment, he sighed and looked at her, his expression unreadable.
"Just… a lot on my mind, Maya," he admitted. "You're stepping on a thorny path. I can't help but feel worried." He avoided her gaze. "I'm not sure about your judgment at picking people you can trust and this new recklessness of yours."
"I understand your concern, Leo," Maya said softly. "I'm learning and adapting, and I promise to be more cautious. But, I need you to trust me as well. We're in this together, remember?"