Caged (Book One)

Chapter Sixty-Seven

Eve knocked on Kristine's door, amazed she answered given how late it is. Kristine beamed, holding the door open for her. She already wore her nightgown, hair loose, did she wake her up?

"Forgive me, I know it's late. I need to speak with you before our trip tomorrow."

"Don't worry, I couldn't sleep anyway. Here," Kristine held a chair out in her small living room, running to the kitchen. She returned with two cups of warm tea, giving one to Eve.

"Thank you." Eve smiled, really not looking forward to this conversation.

"When Sean returned, he did know something. He only told me, and I told Noah. At the dungeon I told Aiden, so now you deserve to know." Eve took a deep breath, watching Kristine tilt her head in confusion.

"Both you and Aiden's parents, are Skeleton members."

"What." Kristine almost dropped her cup, letting the small saucer fall to the floor. They both didn't flinch as it broke into pieces.

"High ranking ones as well. They are most likely still very much active." Eve told her softly. Kristine took a deep breath, quickly setting the cup down as her hands shook.

"Skeletons? Murderous bandits? I'm one of them." As it sunk in, it would make sense why she's such an awful person. She left Aiden to die, lied constantly about the truth, killed in cold blood.

"Kristine." Eve set her cup down, debating on what to say.

"Who?" Kristine blinked, collecting herself, "Who are they?

What are their names? Do you know where I could find them? Could they recognize me?" Kristine stood, rambling one question after another.

Eve stayed quiet and watched. Like Aiden, it's best to let them get it out.

"I could, what if I get my memories back?" A hopeful tear slid down her cheek. What should she do?

"Kristine. I don't know anything more than that. Noah has been helping me investigate secretly." Eve told her calmly. Kristine chuckled, sitting down to hold her face.

"You have permission to go find them. No one will stop you. You could start somewhere Skeletons are known to hang around." Eveleen told her, standing up.

Kristine thought about it. Aiden is going back to The Hidden Souls, Eve, Max, and Noah are going to Selle. They just reunited with everyone.

"You could ask Philip to join you." Eve read her mind, of course Kristine wouldn't wanna adventure it alone.

"We all, just got done fighting and running around." Kristine sighed, when did she feel this tired? Eve nodded,

"True, but we'll see each other again soon." Eve tried to assure, not believing it herself.

"Promise?" Kristine stood, looking like a sad puppy. Eve nodded, letting Kristine hug her.

Eve sighed, stopping right in front of her place. She really, really didn't wanna leave. Bellshore is home. Safe.

Selle has everything she hates right now, Prince Fred, the kingdom, her mother.

"Evie?" She looked up, Aiden stepped closer, right in front of her place.

"What are you doing here?" She looked around, hopefully no one sees them.

"I, wanted to talk to you before I go. I plan to head out at the crack of dawn." He shrugged, feeling nervous.

"I just told Kristine about your parents." Eve took a step, opening her door. She gestured for him to come in. Smiling nervously, Aiden ducked in her place.

"How'd she take it? Better than me?" He asked, awkwardly following her to sit in the study.

"Actually, yeah. She might even find yours for you."

"Fuck she would." Aiden groaned. He didn't even wanna begin with the fact his parents are Skeleton members. What if they had a play in him being captured? Would he wanna forgive them?

"What if you got hired again?" Eve suddenly asked. Aiden

blinked at her, she wants him to stick around too?

"I'd have to run it by Sean. He'll have to approve it." Aiden told her. Eve nodded, crossing her arms.

"So, let's say I'm hiring you for protection in Selle. The Prince is dangerous, it involves the Dungeon Keepers and well, we did just escape from them. What if they are looking for us?" Eve tried not to smile, looking away as Aiden did.

"It could take a while. I still have to return." Aiden smiled, she wants him to come with.

"Make sure Sean knows, I don't have much patience these days." Eve ordered. Even if Sean refuses, it'll be a nice thought. Make Selle less miserable.

~~~~~

Kristine saw everyone off, refusing to leave the same day. She's gotta talk to Philip first anyway, and make sure there isn't anything urgent that she may be needed for.

Eve, Max, and Noah waved back at Kristine as their ship rode off.

Aiden left before she could visit him, probably on purpose so he wouldn't have to talk to her.

Kristine sighed, heading back down the road. Maybe she should have just gone with them to Selle, at least then she wouldn't have to decide anything.

Kristine stopped in front of Philip's house, knocking softly. After waiting patiently, Philip answered.

"Hey, you ok?" He reached for her shoulders, giving them a squeeze.

"Yeah, everyone headed out just now." Kristine sniffled, she promised not to cry. Philip backed up, letting Kristine in.

"What brings you here then? I thought you would have gone with them."

"I did, but then Eve told me something. Now I need to ask something from you." Taking a deep breathe, she eyed him,

"My parents are Skeleton members. Will you come with me to find them?"

Philip blinked at her, did he hear that right?

"I know how you feel about them, but this is the best lead I've ever had on them. I really wanna find my family." Kristine started to plead as tears burned her eyes, not seeing him smile at her.

"Kristine, I'll go with you."

"You will?" Kristine snapped her head up, quickly sobering up.

"Yes, just give me a minute to get ready." Philip caressed her cheek, turning to go pack.

Krisitne smiled, he's seen her bad side, and wants to help her.