CHAPTER:
Nana's body was slammed brutally along the fence. His body was covered in bruises and blood.
"Why won't you speak! we have strict surveillance over you" a guard held his collar harshly. "where you really that hungry?...If you speak, you might be spared, in fact, you'll even get your own freedom."
However Nana didn't budge. "I haven't eaten for exactly five days" he spat out some blood.
"You're lying, you know what happens when fishes like you lie" The guard sneered. "Give him 12 more beatings"
—------
"Well, at least we got out unscathed," Ravi joked, trying to revive the mood.
"Uh yeah, at least. " Thalia nodded, her mind wandering elsewhere.
Nerina stayed quiet, I remember her being the quietest, her eyes filling with rage and multiple emotions. Nerina, why did you never tell me, you know I hate secrets
"Hey Nerina?" Thalia turned her head. "Have you been able to transform yet?"
"No, I haven't figured out how to"
"Okay, I was wondering, perhaps once you do, maybe we can visit Aquaria"
"I don't think there's anything beautiful to look at" her face flickered slightly.
"Don't be like that, every place has a beautiful place to look at." Thalia smiled.
"Yeah, sure." Nerina paused. "we can go... next time"
"You two go on ahead, I'll check on Kian."
"Oh yeah, okay" Ravi said
—---
"Oh I'm glad you made it again! Little Kian here seems rather fond of you" The teacher from earlier spoke.
"Ah, that's nice, we won't be long." I smiled as I held Kian's hand
It felt awkward, I didn't want to tell him that I'm leaving and I don't when I'm coming back
"Hey so Kian." I started.
"Mommy! It's my friend's birthday tomorrow! We are gonna have so much fun!"
"That's fun, I hope you have fun" I smiled.
I couldn't help but remember those children stuck in the conditions, like me, sometimes, I am ever so grateful for that gem.
My eyes darted to Kian's healthy form, it was weird seeing him grow up differently from how I grew up, it felt like a mirror.
"Let's get your friend something."
We walked into town, I took in the last of the town, the noise, the languages, the elves, the nature.
"Mommy, we should get him this one!" Kian pointed to magical orb,
I quietly purchased it, before walking back to the forest.
"Hey, Kian, I'm having a school trip in another kingdom" I finally started. "I don't know when I'll be back, but I'll send you lots of letters and gifts, and when I'm back, we'll have so much fun.
"He looked at me with his big green eyes before smiling happily. "Okay!! I want lots of things I've never seen before! And lots of candies!"
I hugged him tightly.
"Of course. I'll be back before you can remember! Now, before I let you go, I'll put a protective spell over you, in case anything at all happens"
I quietly poured Ravi's enhancing magic on my hands, I watched as the glowing liquid settled on my hand before casting the spell.
Actually, I took it from Ravi when he wasn't looking, I was scared something would happen, like the incident with Sabine, so I wanted to be extra prepared.
"There, the spell activates if it feels like you're in deep trouble." I smiled softly. "And you'll remember me, win-win."
I tapped his chest. "I'll be there.
He let out a giggle before holding the gift tightly.
"Okay mommy!"