Freya's Point of View

Ruined Tunnels

“I’m hungry.”

“I’m tired.”

“When can we leave, Princess?”

The questions were soft, but they hurt every time one of the children asked. We’d been here for two days now. I felt exhausted. While I did give the kids time to sleep, none found me. Given the situation, it was all I could do for them. However, starving was becoming more and more likely.

A sigh left my lips. “Just a little longer. If we don’t hear anything in another day or so, we’ll have to leave.”

It wasn’t an option that I took lightly. That man… That thing… Threatened to hunt us down. Given his abilities, I had no question it wouldn’t be very hard for him. However, letting the children starve to death wasn’t an option either. Even if we were to leave now, there wasn’t anyone near us, nor would anyone take us in. He’d either return and hopefully give us some manner of chance, or I’d ease the children’s suffering before I passed.

Children huddled against one another as a shaky sob left my lips. “Don’t worry. We’re gonna be okay.” A few came up to me to lay down on my lap. As I brushed through their hair, I looked up to the sky. “This world has always been harsh to our kind.”

A voice came from in front of me that made my breath catch. “This world isn’t kind to anyone. You’re not special.” My gaze shot forward to where the man stood with a portal behind him. “Surprised you’re still here.”

“You-“ I started, but I faltered at his eyes. Those same eyes that haunt me. “You told me you would hunt us down and kill us all if we left.” My voice was shaky. That fear would likely never go away. “Unless you came to finish the job anyway.”

His eyes seemed to glance around at the children and me for a moment. Instead of answering me, he merely gestured to the portal with his head. My eyes flickered to the unknown portal. It was obviously used to travel, but where would it take us. A shaky breath left my lips as I knew we had no choice but to go through it.

“Kids, we’re going on a little trip. I need all of you to follow me.” They all looked at me nervously but were too tired to do much else. “Do not run, and do not do anything without my say so. Be quiet as we move through the portal.”

Many lined up and started to go through the portal one at a time. The man merely watched on quietly. Moving up to him in the least threatening manner I could, I kept my head down. Once I was in front of him, my eyes glanced up as I mustered whatever courage I could.

“They’re just children.” My words were shaky. “You know they’re innocent.”

“And?”

“Spare them. If you must make more of an example out of someone, choose me, but spare them.”

He merely rose a brow. “If I wanted you or the kids dead, you would be.” Once again, the man gestured to the portal. “After you.” All the kids had done through, and only we remained.

Lucia's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“How long do you think it will take for them to start coming through?” I asked Marina.

“Depends how forceful he gets. If he starts threatening them, I’d say seconds. Unless they ran.” Marina responded candidly before shrugging. “Although, given your opinion on the matter, I’d say they’re pretty safe. Even if they did run.”

Many in the room looked at her with a disturbed look. “…Will he threaten them?”

Another shrug. “Eh. I honestly don’t think he cares too much about them. Given that he killed almost all of them and the one responsible for your condition, I think they should be fine.” Marina then added, “If the Queen was still alive, maybe they’d be in danger, but since he went about killing her last to let her stew in her own failure, I’d say the kids should be coming through any minute.”

My lips pursed at that as I looked at Aydalia. “Gods. Does anyone have a second opinion?” I asked.

Greigh snorted. “Yeah. Not pissing off your dad is an opinion.”

“It’s really not.” Marina said back.

“And that’s your opinion.” Greigh replied with a shrug.

“Considering he thought they were responsible for Lucia’s death, is anyone really surprised by this? I think most parents would try to hunt down their child’s murderer if they had the power to do so. Especially if they died in such a horrific manner.” Marina commented.

Shaking my head, I sighed. “Can we… Can we just wait in silence?”

“You asked.” The water guardian pointed out.

“Forget that I asked.” I shot back.

Nodding slowly, Marina spoke. “I suppose I forgot many wouldn’t want to hear such gruesome details. Well, not unless you were like Arthur. He doesn’t get even. Our father believes in retribution and breaking the spirit-“

My hands shot into the air in frustration. “Okay! We get it, Marina!”

Moments later, the first child came through the portal. “Where are we?” She asked as more started to come through.

“Welcome to Helmsforth.” I told them.