On quite some time, Linda had been acting strange lately. Her eyes have been observing far ahead, not minding the road ahead when she was taking the reign. Casting his eyes on her, Alastor snapped his fingers to spite her conscience back on the road. It appeared that it works when she flinches and shook her head.

“Is there something you want share?” Alastor asked.

“It’s nothing. I didn’t have enough sleep, that’s all.”

“You sure? Why don’t you let me take the handle for now? Just rest inside and have Ken stay here instead.”

Linda refuses his offer.

“Don’t worry about me,” She exclaimed. “You’ve been reigning most of the time, allow me to return the favor.”

“If you say so.”

Alastor closed his eyes with his back against the carriage.

Linda shook her head and decline the thought of their unfortunate meeting. It was undeniably an odd coincidence for them to meet up.

The road is long ahead, indeed. The sun wasn’t that much of mental strainer. The wind is going along with the tide of the flock of birds traveling in southernly directions.

Their conversations had struck in her mind and couldn’t quite understand as of why they were able to snuck between the two borders of the regions. Nonetheless, they weren’t harboring hostility towards her. Their meeting was more like two friends had met for once in a while, but for her they weren’t just friends, they’re the reason why she survived.

Before Linda got in the glade, she was belonged in a certain tribe. A tribe that every nation knew and despises next to the Hayan Empire for the reason that they’re notorious in using dark magic. Their tribe would abduct people, torture them, and would ask them if their heart wants an easy path ahead, that would be the time where they would agree to join their tribe. If they’re not, they’d be good as dead.

Recently, it appeared that there had been some changes regarding about how the tribe flows, especially the heads of the tribe. And now, her acquaintance made things clear for her in a way that she was surprised.

She doesn’t fully trust them but a small talk won’t hurt her. It’s a perfect opportunity for her to gather some intel regarding how’s the things going inside their tribe.

It was early evening, the stars had equally embraced the darkness as the moon trailed its way ahead. Linda had told them to go ahead as she was in the business of buying some dress. Linda had gone through the main road and chose the only a single outfit she’s interested. The red silk dress was folded and carefully put in the plastic bag.

After the hourly tiresome strolling, Linda encountered a certain shop just ahead the market district and got inside to try it out. The entire store was flooded by customers. The bustling crowd was completely alike to the guild, but unlike this shop it has certain elegance atmosphere. It was noisy, but she didn’t mind it, it would be more uncomfortable if this place isn’t lively. The employees work in synergic movements and efficiently provide the customer needs despite their numbers.

She was promptly greeted by one of the staffs and guided to an empty seat around the corner. Linda nodded and carefully walked, evading to bump the chairs of the people.

It was cramp and hardly move to. Thankfully, the ventilation is on, the hotness was staved away the refreshing cold air.

Upon casting her eyes on the menu, she’s bewildered on dishes listed on the paper in front of her. She carefully read it one by one. One crunch Sunday, Egg-pot, Salamander’s broiled guts…

All of the list sounds foreign, exotic and not edible. Still, she’s quite open on expanding her taste. Linda called one of the staffs and assisted her on choosing what kind of food would fit for her dinner.

Presenting thoroughly, Linda finally made up her mind. A juice from a rare fruit called Mormon, an egg-pot paired with meat from a monster known as Gilgax.

Upon tasting the Gilgax first, she felt the tender, almost soft as a cheese, it’s as if the meat has no mass and yet she can feel the tender melting in her mouth.

As she reaches the glass, two familiar presences sat in front of her, occupying the two chairs. It was man and woman, they’re strangers for her, but somehow, she felt the she had met those two.

A questionable brow has furrowed in Linda. Her eyes were asking their intention. If they’re hostile she would’ve placed her hand on her sword, but it appeared that they don’t harbor ill will, but the possibility is still there.

The woman was probably the same age as her. She has polished skin and amber hair down to her neck. Her companion looks to be younger, around 17 is her best estimate.

Who could they be?

The staffs had made cleared her dinner and delivered cups of coffees for them.

“Well, well. Look at you.”

Finally, the lady had spoken. She pronounced the words earnestly and warmly as if they’re family that had not seen each other for a quite some time.

“And who exactly are you?” Linda asked.

For some reason, she felt awkward. The way she looks at her, her feminine voice and her face. Linda unconsciously looked away from her with an expression that has no emotion.

“It has been a long time since we’ve met. I can’t blame you for forgetting my face.”

Again, Linda’s brows arched.

“We’ve met before. In fact, I’m one of the children that escaped the Mephistic tribe. Don’t you recognize me? It’s me, Reyna.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. Of course, she knew her well before. When the heads of the Mephistic tribe were preparing to sacrifice the children, their mothers made a plan to escape along with the children.

Her memories began to flood back and had taken her before. It was the time when they’re children. That day an annual celestial event had taken over. The red moon basked the entire town with its ominous lights. Torches were lined and up ahead there’s an altar, three cups had been presented containing blood and poison. Linda, Reyna and Reyna’s brother Yuzu has been chosen as the sacrifice, but their mother have prevented them and managed to escape, but their efforts have costs. Their lives have been taken and so, the children were left to survive on their and chose different paths.