Siah arrived at the door with a message.
They were requested. Both of them. And the other boy too. Now.
Eve and Naomi followed the blood trail to find Soren.
As they walked Naomi spoke.
Do you think it was right.
What, Eve replied.
Eve hesitated like she was trying to guess what Naomi meant. Well. It's his fault but I should apologize. I feel like I'll make him feel worse though. Maybe he'll be more understanding if I wait.
No. Not that, Naomi said. Well, that too. But I mean how you closed Siah and his hand. What do you think happened. It looked interesting. Do you think it's his power.
Eve was about to answer when they heard a cry.
It came from a house nearby. Both their heads turned at the same time.
What is that.
They decided to check.
From a distance they saw a girl breaking down. Crying about her mom not being able to breathe. Her dad too. The same thing. Fear and confusion covered her face.
They moved closer.
Why are you crying, Eve asked. What happened. What are you doing here alone.
Naomi went to her immediately. She removed the dirt from the girl's purple hair and dusted off her body.
The girl replied between sobs.
Me and my mom were cooking. And then all of a sudden she started suffocating. Nothing happened before. I don't think she was fine.
Naomi held her while she cried. Cleaned her tears.
What can you remember happening last, Naomi asked gently.
I don't remember much. Everything was fine. The girl's voice shifted slightly like she'd just remembered something. The last thing we really did was the cleanup. We disposed things we didn't need in the waste water. Where everyone dumps what they don't want anymore.
She paused.
But it's always been fine.
That last sentence came with a sigh of hope. Like she'd just found someone who might actually help her.
Eve looked with curiosity.
Okay. Come with us. Let's take you to a safer place.
The girl's face crumpled.
Will you help my mom and dad. Can you help them. Please can you help them.
Naomi didn't hesitate.
Yes. We will. And they'll get better.
The promise made the girl genuinely happy.
Eve looked at Naomi with uncertainty. The look that said: I'm not sure we can actually find whatever is doing this. But for the first time in a while Eve just trusted Naomi anyway.
Yes. We will try.
They walked toward the center of the sanctuary.
When they arrived the girl ran straight to a woman. Eve and Naomi rushed after her, confused.
The woman looked like she'd been in the sanctuary for a long time. Her eyes were dead in the way eyes are when someone is observant and active but hasn't slept in far too long. When they'd forgotten what rest felt like.
Neither sister said anything. They just exchanged a confused look.
The woman saw it and decided to answer before being asked.
Oh. Sorry. I'm her aunty. She's my brother's daughter.
The girl was still talking urgently saying they would help her mom and dad.
The aunty looked directly at Eve.
Oh really. They would.
Eve broke the silence between her and her sister.
So what do you know about what happened.
No introduction. No time for formality. Eve had just realized they were already late for Soren.
Meanwhile, at the fountain.
Soren was tired. Washing his face in the cool water when he heard footsteps.
A girl came to dive.
They both froze at seeing each other there.
Soren apologized immediately.
I'm sorry. So sorry. I thought this was the male spot. Sorry.
She replied with a delicate but deep voice.
No worries. So you're new.
Yes. Relatively.
He could see a shade of pink in the water. When he looked up he saw her hair long and straight and unmistakably pink. She had a slight scar above her eye. Light skin. The kind of beauty that looked like she shouldn't be here. Like she belonged somewhere else entirely.
He noticed something odd.
He couldn't sense her rift.
She noticed him noticing. Like she'd done this a hundred times before and was tired of explaining.
Yeah. I don't have one.
He was shocked. It showed on his face.
Which intrigued her. She smirked.
Yeah I'm a regular person. Is that scary.
Even with all your power don't worry. All I came for was a swim.
She jumped into the water and her long straight pink hair covered the surface like paint.
Soren was quiet for a while.
Then he decided to respond.
I thought you'd be the one scared.
She replied with a little pride.
Well I have no reason to. You seem weak.
She looked elegant in the water. She had control and composure like a princess. Like someone born into power and never questioned it.
So Soren. And you.
Hmm, she replied. Call me Ava.
Now that you know my name you have to marry me.
She laughed and poured water on him.
He looked annoyed.
Are you supposed to be this free with no power.
Well there's no point in being paranoid. And if you wanted to do something about it you would have already.
He laughed and jumped into the water, creating a splash.
So what are you doing here, she asked. You seem like you fell here by mistake.
I would say the same, he replied. You look like a princess.
You won't be far off.
Oh. Should I call you miss or princess or what.
Ava is fine.
She decided to climb a huge rock where the waterfall was stronger. As she climbed it, she swung her hair and the light glowed through the water. It almost felt angelic.
He almost said it. You look majestic.
But he asked instead.
What are you doing here.
She hesitated before answering.
Well. I guess I'm escaping from home. This place feels free. Better. I love it here. Everyone is so nice.She paused. I really wonder why Unhuman and us actually fight each other.
She went quiet for a moment.
But this sickness happening is really disheartening. Because sometimes it feels like maybe I'm the spy. Which I would never be.
He replied simply.
For what it's worth. I believe you.
This was fun, Soren said. But I think I need to go back soon.
So hopeful we see again, she replied.
Also — why did you come here of all places.
Well. The water makes me comfortable.
As he was about to step out he felt the cold air on his skin. He almost felt compelled to stay.
But then he heard footsteps.
Eve and Naomi emerged from the path. Worry was written across both their faces.
The moment they saw him with a girl the worry turned to annoyance at him taking this long.
Naomi went straight for him.
What are you doing here. Do you know how long it took to find you. Omg come.
She went to drag him and slipped into the water.
Ava looked confused and came out of the water to just watch.
Soren carried Naomi on his shoulder and set her down once they made it out.
He looked at Eve and spoke softly.
I'm sorry for stressing you all.
Eve looked displeased and started walking ahead.
They all followed worried about what she was thinking.
Ava went back into the water.
Soren waved goodbye and ran fast to catch up with Eve, hoping he hadn't offended her.
When he caught up to her she looked at both of them.
Then she was quiet for a long moment.
I'm sorry for what happened earlier, she muttered.
Soren looked shocked that she could say those words.
What did you say.
I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been that angry at you.
He cut her off.
It's all good. It was my fault. I should have told you earlier.
They looked at each other.
Naomi hugged them both tightly.
Naomi spoke as they started walking again.
By the way. We're supposed to go to the queen's place. We were requested. That was six hours ago.
She paused.
I hope we don't get beheaded for being late.
Eve knocked her on the arm.
Why would you think that.
Just saying.
Well whatever it is it must be urgent,
Soren said.
Naomi turned to Soren with curiosity burning in her eyes.
So who was that, she asked. Tell me. Tell me.
She persisted like she wouldn't take deflection.
Soren replied carefully.
Let's just say she's an acquaintance.
Eve's voice was dry.
I'm shocked a girl decided to talk to you.
That's harsh, Soren said. *What do you mean.
Eve went quiet.
They walked toward the queen's home together.