Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 31: 31: Out On A Mission

**Theo's POV**

"I'm going to visit the Royal Infirmary," I said to Peter. "I need to see the quarantine area."

Peter nodded. "I'll accompany you. You need to see the extent of this infection. It is really bad."

"Are you sure you don't need to be quarantined yourself?" I teased. "You've been around them for long."

"Shit," Peter's eyes widened. "Now that you're saying it..."

"Oh no, I'm sure you'll be fine. You didn't touch them, did you?"

"No, but... What if it doesn't need touch to spread?" He asked, his eyes wide with panic. "Amara... Oh my goodness..."

"Peter, do not panic. I'm sure that she'll be fine."

"It's hard not to," he sighed. "I won't be able to forgive myself."

We made our way through the winding corridors of the castle and went to the infirmary. The infirmary was a large, pristine area that was often visited. Now, it was a place of isolation and fear. Barriers have been placed to cut access. The guards only parted after sighting us. The moment we entered, the smell of antiseptic hit me, mingling with an underlying, metallic scent.

At the far end of the infirmary, a section had been cordoned off with thick glass walls. Inside, several of our best fighters lay on beds, their skin marred by a glowing red rash. The rash seemed almost luminescent, pulsating with a sickly light. It was sad to see our strongest of soldiers in so much pain. Some of them tried to acknowledge my presence but could barely even sit up. I waved at them not to worry.

I stood there, staring at them through the glass, feeling helpless. The red, glowing rash covered large portions of their bodies, and some of them writhed in pain, their faces contorted in agony. The healers moved around them, doing their best to provide comfort, but it was clear they were fighting a losing battle.

Peter and I exchanged a somber glance. "What do we tell the families of these people?" I asked, my voice thick with emotion.

Peter sighed deeply. "Eventually, they'll have to know the truth. We can't hide this from them forever."

I walked towards where the head physician was. "What's the treatment situation looking like?"

"Almost impossible," she sighed. "I'm thinking we need a sample of the rogue blood to carry out experiments."

"I think we can make that work," I said to her.

"We are still in quarantine but I do not think it is contagious," she said. "I'm glad for that because the last thing we need is a pandemic breaking out."

"Believe me, I am more glad," I said, breathing a sigh of relief.

"They are in excessive pain," she commented. "The pain seems to worsen with soothing balms without an after-relief like it should be. So the research team is trying to develop something new,” she explained. "We are looking into herbs and their healing properties. We want to create drinking potions as well to reduce the swelling and pain from it."

"How do you perfect the experiment then?" I asked. "Lab rats?"

"That could work. But because of the nature, I was thinking we experiment on those waiting for a death sentence."

"That is perfect. The man who raped and killed his sister is meant to be killed in two days," Peter said. "He deserves such agony."

"Feel free to use as many dark-minded criminals as you choose," I sighed and then turned to Peter, thinking about my father.

"Who do you trust well enough to meet my father halfway?" I asked, shifting the conversation to our immediate needs.

"I'll look to the soldiers," Peter replied. "But it won't be an easy choice. Every one of them is valuable, and sending someone out there is a great risk."

I hesitated, the thought of sending another soldier into danger gnawing at me. Finally, I made up my mind. "You know what, Peter? I'm going to meet my father halfway. I don't feel comfortable sending another soldier out to meet him when the rogues could kill them. This is my responsibility."

Peter looked at me, concern etched on his face. "Theo, are you sure about this? It's dangerous."

"I am," I replied firmly. "I can't ask someone to take a risk I'm not willing to take myself."

With that, we left the Royal Infirmary and headed to my chambers. The urgency of the situation drove my every step. I quickly donned a protective suit and gear, ensuring I was prepared for the worst. The suit was heavy and cumbersome, but it provided an extra layer of security against the rogues and their poisonous blood. I couldn't afford to have such a rash in this dire time.

Before leaving, I had one more person to see. I made my way to Tiana's quarters. She was sitting by the window, her expression a mix of surprise and concern as I entered.

"Theo, what are you doing here?" she asked, standing up. "Is everything alright?" She asked, looking at my outfit.

"I have something urgent to attend to," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I wanted to say goodbye before I leave. I'm hoping to make it back in one piece, but I can't guarantee it. So, until then."

Tiana's eyes widened, and she stepped closer, her hand reaching out to touch my arm. "Be careful, Theo. I..

I pulled her into a tight embrace, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. She stiffened, clearly not expecting it but then relaxed. "I promise I'll do everything I can to return safely."

We held each other for a moment longer, then I reluctantly pulled away. "I have to go now," I said softly.

"Okay," she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

I nodded, giving her one last look before turning and heading out the door. Peter was waiting for me in the hallway, ready to accompany me to the stables.

As we walked, Peter laid a hand on my shoulder. "You're doing the right thing, Theo. Your father needs to know, and you're the best person to deliver the message."

"Thank you, Peter," I smiled.

"Let me come with you," he offered.