Keeper of the Moonlark

Living Arrangements

Athena snuck out of the room early in the morning, making sure not to wake up Sophie. Once Sophie had fallen asleep, it seemed like she was having good dreams so Athena knew that the girl would be okay.

The morning was quiet. Sunlight filtered through the windows, lighting dust particles as they floated in the air. The sun casted a halo affect on Athena' silvery hair as she made her way to her room.

Everglen was a beautiful estate. No wonder the Vacker family was so proud of it. The lake on the property glimmered like a gem in the morning light. Was Athena allowed to enjoy such a peaceful morning when Sophie had to live the rest of her life in turmoil? Was it fair for her to have quiet moments when her charge would most likely never be at peace again?

Sighing, she put her hand on the doorknob. Thinking was getting to her, and now she wanted to wash her feelings down the drain in the bathroom.

"Athena?" A voice drew her out of her thoughts.

Athena whipped around and saw Della behind her. There were bags upon bags behind her, and the woman looked pleased with herself. Her blue eyes pierced into Athena's red ones, making Athena nervous.

"Good morning. Do you need help with all that?" Dark circles made their home under Athena's eyes from not sleeping much and because of all the stress from the last two days.

With a happy smile, Della waved off her offer. "Oh no. They're going to be delivered to your respective homes." 

"Sophie and I aren't going to be living together?" Athena wasn't sure what to do with that information.

Della nodded. "It took us by surprise as well. The council decided last night that you would be placed in the guardianship of Councillor Kenric."

Athena's face paled. Kenric was a telepath, and Athena was a member of the Black Swan. Those things don't go hand in hand. They didn't suspect her, did they? Her heart raced against her chest.

"When will I be moving in with him?"

"We thought it would be best to get you settled in as quickly as possible."

All Athena could do was nod. 

"You can stay with us for a few more days if you need to," offered Della, seeing Athena's hesitation.

With the brightest smile she could give, Athena tried to take control of the situation. "The past few days have been so hectic and filled with new things that I was just taken by surprise by the new living situation."

Athena was about to move on when something occurred to her. "I thought the councillors weren't allowed to have families."

There was an audible pause. "I think—" Della started.

"They're trying to keep an eye on me?" She sighed. How was she supposed to protect the moonlark when she was being watched all the time.

Pity lingered in Della's eyes. "I'm sorry, Athena."

"No, it's totally understandable. There are no records of me so it makes complete sense why they want me to be watched. Why Kenric though?"

"I don't know. Maybe you should ask him when he comes to pick you up."

Athena furrowed her brows. "He's picking me up personally?"

"He should be here shortly actually. I came to wake you up, but obviously, you're already awake."

"I see," said Athena keeping her tone even. "Well, I guess I should get ready to go."

"If it helps, Athena, I don't think you're a bad person." Della said as Athena opened the door.