Benjamin pulled himself out of the water and had trouble breathing for a minute there. He clutched his chest to steady his heartbeat and process what he witnessed. He blinked, his face hot from the brink of burning tears. How could he go back and face the rest of the group now?

Benjamin knew he had to sooner rather than later, as they'd want to know why he had taken so long, but he wanted to delay it if possible without notice and concern. He wanted to go back to his dorm and stay in bed, but he had to trudge back. After all, he didn’t know how to return home otherwise. Did he even want to ask for their help in going back home?

He left the room and walked a couple of paces. Eris approached him, prompting him to stop. Benjamin didn’t make eye contact with his mentor, which‌ made her cock her head to the side.

“Where have you been? We’ve been waiting for a while now.”

Yeah, I figured as much. “I just got out. I was trying to find my way back.”

“Hey, are you alright?”

“Mm-hmm.” Benjamin wiped his eyes and nodded.

Eris gave off a weak shrug. “Well, it’s not my business. If you don’t want to talk about it, we don’t have to.”

“I don’t, I really don’t.” Benjamin sighed. “Let’s just go.”

They headed back to the gazebo, and Harris and Chiara greeted them back. The group continued to exchange more pleasantries. Benjamin lowered his head and stayed silent, staring at the bottom of the cup. His familiars noticed his change in attitude and frowned.

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“Hey, you ok?” Harris inquired, tapping his foot. “Did you have ‌questions you wanted to ask us?”

“No, not really.”

The siblings exchanged glances. Something about him seemed off since he left. Benjamin would normally get excited over the fact that he now has shape-shifting sprites by his side as all-powerful allies. So why did their master have this bitter look on his face?

“You know,” Chiara started, squeezing her arm. “If anything’s troubling you, you can always—”

“Tell me something.” Benjamin interrupted. He glanced up from his drink. “You guys wouldn’t lie to me, right?”

“Huh? What do you mean? Of course not.”

“We would never betray you,” Harris added.

“Really?” Benjamin set the cup down. “That sounds suspicious. So, you mean to tell me ‌you wouldn’t backstab me if I had turned you back to your original forms?”

Harris and Chiara’s expressions fell as they turned pale. “How do you know that?” Eris straightened herself from her seat as she leaned closer to listen in on the conversation.

“Uh-huh. You didn’t think I’d figure it out, did you? I overheard it back at the pool!”

“What?” Scarlet nearly fell off her seat and slammed her hands on the table. “You’re not allowed to go there. That’s a restricted area!”

“That’s beside the point!” Benjamin insisted. “These two used me, even though I trusted them! After everything we’ve been through...”

“Wait!” Harris raised his hands and shouted. “Master, we’re sorry that—”

“Don’t call me that. I don’t want to be your ‘Master’ anymore!”

Chiara flew in front of her hurt brother. “Please let us explain—” Benjamin got up from his seat and stormed off in a huff. “—Where are you going?”

“Home, that’s where, and don’t bother following me, either.” Tears streamed down the magician’s face as he pulled out his wand.

With a blinding light surrounding the area, he disappeared without a trace.

The area grew dead silent. Nobody moved from their seats or spoke a word. After a while, Eris excused herself and left the table. Scarlet glared at Chiara and Harris, informing them ‌they needed to meet up with the Queen, as she would have a word with them over their absence and disobedience.

Neither of the siblings could muster up a reply or react to the comment. They stared at the empty seat, where Benjamin sat in prior.