Light filters into my vision as I slowly open my eyes.

  I look to my right as my sight adjusts and find Maya sitting on a cushion, watching me intently.

  She smiles warmly.

  "Morning sweetheart."

  At the same time, I feel a nudge on my opposite shoulder. The nurse. She summarizes my condition and tells me to avoid extensive combat or exercise for a few days. Nothing serious.

  Then maya dismisses the medical staff.

  I notice her change of clothes. A white long-sleeve cropped top with a subtle chest cutout, paired with loose high-waisted white drawstring trousers. The monochrome look is relaxed, almost sporty.

  She notices my eyes drifting across her body.

  "Got you some too."

  She gestures toward the clothes resting on the cushion beside her.

  Only then do I truly become aware of myself.

  The dried blood. The stiffness in my skin. The faint smell of sweat and iron.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  "I need to take a bath."

  She sighs.

  "We do have a large water body in the vicinity."

  There is no humor in her voice.

  I roll my eyes.

  "Are you serious?"

  "Very."

  Noticing my hesitation, she adds softly,

  "Want me to help you get naked?"

  "So fucking corny."

  I turn away grinning and walk toward the lake. She follows.

  I strip and dive into the water without much thought.

  Cold.

  When I surface, I ask,

  "What's the plan now?"

  "Back to attend classes. We missed a whole day, you know."

  I smile. Typical.

  I spend the rest of the bath cleaning myself thoroughly.

  No scars on my abdomen or arms. My body does not remember the battle.

  Maya hands me a towel when I climb out.

  "So considerate. Hard to think it's the same friend who drugged me yesterday."

  She says nothing, simply handing me my clothes without breaking eye contact. Her expression doesn’t change.

  While dressing, I ask,

  "What's your power, Maya?"

  She finally looks away, toward the artificial horizon.

  "That's a sensitive question."

  "Not from me."

  She pauses for a moment.

  The lake behind us is silent.

  "What does my name mean, Ananta?"

  "Maya. Sanskrit — illusion."

  The warmth leaves her voice.

  "I can distort the perception of others. Creating feelings, thoughts, or decisions they believe are their own… and shaping their reality through them."

  "Potent. What are the drawbacks?"

  "Depends on how well I know them. Their mental fortitude. And mine."

  I finish dressing and look down at her, meeting her predatory gaze.

  "Why do I feel like some of my decisions here may have been fabricated?"

  Her lips curl slightly.

  She says only one thing.

  "Some."

  I immediately unbind any lingering mental effects.

  Only to realize one thing.

  I would still choose her.