31 Swords and stone

She gasped for air, inhaling and removing the stranger’s hand. She tried to make out his face and remember him but she couldn't. He was wearing a black hood cloak.

She suddenly remembered the mysterious man who gave her the book. She could remember him as a handsome man with silver hair and black eyes but this man now is hardly recognizable.

But she’s sure it’s him. She cleared her throat, “Are you the man who gave me-”

Suddenly, she felt an immense headache in her mind, not able to complete her question.

“You will experience something far worse than that. Be careful.”

“W-what...did you just...do to m-me?” She managed to croak out.

The man didn[‘t answered and just walked away. She couldn’t stop the man as she was still struggling with her breathing.

When the man was away, so did the pain from her headache. She could finally breathe now.

She hastened her steps and returned to her carriage.