The following days leading up to Serafina's first appearance was a blur. It was mainly her sitting in bed, and only getting out to swim down for meals. Neela was her top visitor. She kept coming to Sera with new designs for outfits, and talking about how they were going to destroy Abbadon and Orfeo.

Mahdi came every morning, and every night to check in with her. Tell her how life outside the palace is recovering.

Des came in everyday. He was slowly giving Sera work to do as she laid in bed resting. He figured giving it to her slowly while recovering was better than laying it all on her once she was strong enough.

Now it was the day before the executions. Sera was now strong enough to do things on her own. She had done dress fittings, and went over what was going to happen. It was hard to do, but it had to be done.

Neela was sitting by her bed sketching out another outfit.

"Sera?" Neela asks out of the blue.

"Yeah?" Sera asks directing her attention from her paper to her best friend.

"What was it like? You know, when you got shot?"

Sera sets her paper down. "Um. There was a lot of pain."

Neela laughs. "Well that's a given."

Sera laughs too. "Well. I had this feeling that I knew I wasn't going to make it. Mahdi was my lifeline. If I focused on him during the pain it wasn't as bad. Then I saw darkness. Mahdi's voice, and memories were my lifeline during my coma. I kept thinking about you, and everyone else. And I just knew that if I could focus on those things, I would make it through."

"So did you hear what everyone was saying?"

Sera laughed. "You are the third person to ask me this. I only heard small things. As time went on I slowly pieced it all together."

Neela shook her head. They went back to their separate tasks. The waters darkened meaning nightfall was upon them.

"Get some good rest Sera. Tomorrow is a big day," Neela said as she began to leave the room.

"Goodnight Neela," Sera said moving her papers.

"Goodnight."

The door clicks shut, only to open again by Mahdi. He swims over to Sera's side.

"How are you?" He asks.

"I'm fine. Ready to get out of bed. I'm sick of it. Honestly I am," Sera says.

"I know. Today was your last day. Tomorrow you'll be busy again. Are you sure you're up to it?"

"I'll be fine. It'll be hard since he's family. But he has to pay for what he's done." Mahdi took Sera's hand in his. Sera sniffed before breaking into tears. "I just really miss them."

Mahdi took Sera in his arms and hugged her tight. Sera lost both parents in the first fight for Curelea. So did he, but now she was about to witness her uncle's execution. Mahdi knew about the graves for Sera's parents. Tomorrow would be hard for her.

Mahdi pulled away and looked Sera in the eyes. Her face was red and puffy. "Hey look at me," Mahdi said. Sera turned her eyes to him. "What would your parents think? What would they want you to do?"

She sniffs. "They would want me to do my best."

"They would. Now Sera you are the strongest merl I have ever met. If anyone can do this it's you."

"Alright."

"Good. Now go to bed. You'll need it." Before Mahdi leaves his kisses Sera on the lips. Taking the papers Sera had at the bottom of her bed, he left the room.

"Goodnight Mahdi," Sera said before he closed the door.

"Goodnight Serafina."

Mahdi closed the door and Sera was left to herself. Pulling her blanket closer to her she laid down and fell into a dreamless state.