Chapter Three ★ Doc Cont’

｡☆✼★━ Luna ━★✼☆｡

“Aw, pumpkin.” His muscular arm reached under the blanket and tousled my hair. “I just wanna make sure that my baby is alright.”

I rolled away from him and said, “I’m fine, Dad. Sheesh. It was only a bite. Nothing to be concerned about at all.”

“Ahem,” Doc said behind my father. He continued, “Commander, I suggest that Luna stays here for the night so that we may keep her under watch.”

“No!” I shouted. The three turned back to me. I said, “I do not want to stay here overnight.”

Doc shook his head and patted my knee. “Come now, Luna, you surely don’t believe those rumors do you?”

“I most certainly do.” I replied with a shudder and pulled the covers tighter around me. “You ain’t gonna get me staying here overnight.”

Dad pinched the bridge of his nose and gazed up at the ceiling. He wore a grimace on his face like he tasted something rather sour. When he spoke the warmth he held in his voice was gone. Instead was the commander that I knew and grew to fear. You don’t disobey the commander not even if he happens to be your dad.

He spoke in a low tone and said, “Luna, for Triton’s sake you are not five. You are one of my soldiers and I will not have you continue this nonsense of medical ward being haunted.”

I said nothing and waited. He was one of those that paused for emphasis before he continued talking. His deep storm blue eyes scanned the room. Doc held the clip board rather tight in his hands and Pearl stood at attention. As for me? I sat there in the bed and kept my mouth shut.

The commander finished, “This is an order for all of you. No more nonsense about this ward being haunted. It is an old wives tale and nothing more.”

Turning to Doc he motioned for the clipboard. Doc handed it to him and waited with his hands clasped behind his back. The commander flipped through the paperwork and signed a few things then handed it back to Doc with a nod.

My father’s eyes were cold when he glanced about the room. His gaze stopped on Pearl and said, “Soldier.”

Pearl saluted him, “Yes, sir.”

He pointed at me, “Make sure that Luna does not leave this bed.”

“Sir.” She said and waved another salute.

The commander glanced back at Doc who was looking at my blood cells on a slide under a microscope. He motioned back at the Doc and said, “Also get the Doc whatever he needs. I want Luna to be in tip top shape.”

Pearl replied, “Yes, sir.” She held her salute and stared forward. It was considered improper for any of soldiers to stand at ease unless the commander gave the order. I didn’t have to do it because I was injured.

He nodded his approval and then strode across the room to the door way. He turned around and added, “Keep me informed of her condition. Let me know if anything changes.”

Doc stood back up, readjusted his spectacles and replied, “Of course commander. If anything changes you will be the first to know.”

“Thank you, Doc.” The commander said with a smile and marched down the hallway. His heavy footsteps faded away on the slate tiles of the medical ward.

I let out a heavy breath and uncrossed my arms. They shook. Why is everyone so concerned about this dang bite? It’s not like mermaids could get cursed… could they?

As though Doc could read my mind he answered, “Of course mermaids can get cursed. Who gave you the silly idea that they can’t?”

‧͙⁺˚*·༓☾ – TO BE CONTINUED… –☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙