Keeper of the Moonlark

I'm so sorry

Somehow, Athena convinced them to go without her, leaving her to her own devises in Everglen. She lay on her bed. For a brief moment, hopelessness ate at her core before it occurred to her that she was unmonitored. Quickly changing back into her human clothes, Leona prepared to go back to earth.

She snuck out of her room and started looking for pathfinder. It took a solid hour of scouring until Athena finally found it in Alden's office. Why was their home so big? Breathing heavily from running around, she pulled the drawer open, finding her pathfinder and the newspaper of Sophie. It was definitely Mr. Forkle's handiwork, leading them to Sophie like puppets.

Now that Athena had her pathfinder, she opened the window and called the wind to soften her fall as she leapt out. As soon as her feet touched the ground, Athena took off running towards the gate. She needed to get past it in order to light leap. 

The path leading to the gate was so long, and by the time Athena made it outside Everglen, her lungs screamed. Sweat dripped down her face. She felt slightly victorious for escaping as she held her pathfinder to the light and leapt back home.

Mr. Forkle sat in front of the window in his completely empty house. The whole point of the house was to be a way to keep an eye on Sophie. The only room that looked lived in was Athena's. She had bookcases filled with human and elvish books alike, a closet full of human clothes, and a ton of notebooks that were written in a mixture of English and the enlightened language.

This had been her home ever since she could take up the duty of protecting Sophie which happened when she was about five. Every day from when she was five until now at three months shy of sixteen has been dedicated to the Black Swan and the Moonlark.

"Athena," said Mr. Forkle grouchily, turning to face her.

She couldn't bring her eyes to meet his. "I'm so sorry."

"They're planning on admitting you into Foxfire." He stated matter of fact. "This is perfect."

"It is?" Athena's voice shook.

Mr. Forkle nodded. "We'll be able to keep you close to Sophie and protect her while you're a student."

Athena didn't know what she had expected. She swallowed the emotions in her throat. "That makes sense. I just thought we didn't want me to be caught by the elves because of how much I know about the Black Swan."

"It shouldn't matter. If they try to read your mind, your memories will be wiped." 

There it was again: the cold indifference towards Athena. Everything in her heart hardened. It didn't matter how Athena felt about the situation; she was to sacrifice everything for the cause of the Black Swan. Unlike those who joined the cause out of their goodwill and desire to save humanity, Athena didn't have a hero complex, but this was her life. 

"I—I see. Then there won't be any issues."

"No there won't." Mr. Forkle's voice was final. "I will see you at the school as Magnate Leto."

"Yes, Sir."

"Also Athena"

Her heart thumped with a little hope. "Yes?"

"Make sure to comfort Sophie after she wipes her family's memories. She should be next door right now. Wait for her and the Vacker kid. Grab the stuff you need from your room."

 Athena bowed, placing her right fist on her chest. "Yes, Sir." 

With a single backpack, Athena packed her necessities. She knew exactly what she would grab the moment she walked into her room. Athena never really grew attached to items. In her bag, she put her diary, her favorite book, and a few clothing articles that she liked. She slipped her music player and headphones into her pocket.