S-2879 • L8 Libeluna • D27 Silenri
"Libeluna releases the thread that weighs. Silenri kindles the silence of return. The tide gathers radiance in a gentle gesture. The story weaves passage in low light."
The first scan of Alícia's memories was progressing well: 43%. Takashi received the data and passed it on to Liana. The stability of the numbers made me optimistic. My body kept going, but the light in my womb preferred silence. I sat on the sofa, eager for the results. Until…
"We have to go. Now." Kiara entered the room like thunder.
"Excuse me?"
"I…" She paced back and forth. "This is insane, but… why is there a contract out on you?!"
I frowned. "A contract? What are you talking about?"
"Shit!" Kiara struck the wall. "A contract. Someone put a fucking contract out on you. The bounty's massive. They're offering thirteen million bireais for you."
The ground vanished. "I-I… t-thirteen?" My stomach churned. My breath faltered. Almost twenty cycles' worth of work on a Level A Project in Zenith! "W-what?!"
"You know what that means?" She brought her face close to mine. Her eyes sparked with anger. "Mercenaries are coming after you."
"B-but…"
"We have to get outta here now. Someone must've seen you yesterday. Sent your location. Three Class 7 mercenaries are coming to get you."
"I-I… WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" I tried to contain the trembling that seized my body from head to toe. I could barely stand.
"They want you alive." Kiara's gaze remained firm. She cared little for my panic. Put a hand on her hip, all pragmatism. "Takashi, I sent you Akiko's contract. And the code to locate the mercenaries. You can locate all of them except those ranked Aurum."
A whirlwind of thoughts hit me at once. Hunted? A contract? What did any of this mean?
"As for you, it's hard to protect you with that contract active. Rest easy about her." She pointed to Alícia. "She'll stay with Takashi and Liana."
She rested her hands on my shoulder. Kiara was measured again. "I wanna continue what Maia asked. I know you do too. There's a way we can face this."
"H-how?" I tried to keep up with everything happening. Whatever it was, more questions would have to wait.
"We have to go to the Nobody's Lands." Kiara stared at me. "You need to trust me."
The meaning escaped me, but my trust in her was the only certainty left. Just like my trust in Maia.
My thoughts screamed: Say no. Resist. Retreat.
But my heart… ah, my heart burned. Longed to continue.
I only nodded, because sometimes the flame speaks louder than fear.