𝔅𝔬𝔫𝔡: ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔚𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔰

Chapter Nine-teen: Home Pt. 1

Amber

Tora has been mentally coaching me through this. Being around this man had me feeling a different aura from him. And lately it really has been different. Other than the weed stench I noticed he's been in his head. Either way I was in the process of getting my ass handed to me again from my new friend. She had me in an anaconda. A move I'm definitely stealing. A choke hold submission that's quite difficult to get out of though, if you're not flexible enough. Either way I tapped her lower elbow for her to let go. I learned my lesson, not that I'm going to tell her that.

"Now you see, Monroe, you need to be a little bit quicker. It was easy to take you down." I rolled my eyes, "are you disregarding the fact that you're in a different weight class than me?" She chuckled, "that doesn't matter, the heavier the better. Your balance won't be impeded, and you'll gain creative legal ideas for takedowns."

"Right," I muttered. I checked the time on my screen and this time, my session was almost up, and a text bubble appeared from Markus. Telling me he was on his way. "Thanks for the lesson, but I'll have to head home now. You better when your match tonight. I'll be watching," I poked her shoulder saying. "I won't disappoint," she gave me a salute and I went to the changing rooms to change back. I washed my face before throwing on my t-shirt and sweats. I grabbed my gym bag and slinged over my shoulder and walked out meeting him outside the hall. His phone held in his grasp and a thoughtful look. His eyes flew up when he saw me. "Amber, glad you haven't left yet." I tugged the strap tighter against my shoulder, "what is it?"

"Tavern called, you have another match," he said. That's cool, though? "Alright," I answered, but I knew he had more to say. "We'll have to travel to Olx. Your first official match is in Arroveil." My brows furrowed, home... "Arroveil..." I mumbled. I have to go back to fight someone there. He nodded and told me to start packing, the fight is scheduled for the week after next. He walked away after and I left, meeting Markus parked outside. "Why do you look so bummed?" I shook my head not wanting to talk about it. I mean it would be nice... to see the city again. And possibly my old home...

Who am I kidding? I'm... what's the word called? Nevertheless, it's only for a week Amber. Don't fret, I'll have to call Alexis and make up a lie to cover the reason why I'm coming back for a while. She'll see through it of course, but she won't know the real reason why.

"Amber?" I turned to the person that was calling me. Markus, I was just noticing that he had a different style in retwist today. A dread comb over. "Ciara asked to see you, she said it was urgent, I think she texted you." She did? I checked my phone again and for sure there was a message from her. "Is something wrong?" He shrugged, taking a turn in traffic. "She didn't say but for sure. It's important." Important? Does she have more info about my mother? There's some much going on, I leaned back in the comfortable seat and closed my eyes. I guess... I'll call Alex and tell her I'm coming home for a while. As we got closer to the clan's territory another black SUV slowed down next to us. Markus did the same and rolled down his window.

The driver was a person I've never seen before. When he spoke it was in a different language I couldn't understand. Markus did though, the language sounds so unfamiliar to me like I've never heard of it. The man drove off and so did we. "When I drop you off I have to go. Something unexpected came up, I'm sure Viva will be around to pick you up." His voice grew serious all of a sudden, but I guess there's something wrong in the underworld that needs their attention.

He dropped me off inside the gates and the guards around welcomed me with warm smiles. I waved back, greeting other residents that were working around the place. Kids were running around, playing, and doing acrobatics. It reminded me a bit about the orphanage. When everything was okay, well the moments that were okay. I snapped out of my daze as I heard my name being called. Ciara was waving me over and I approached her.

There wasn't even a short greeting. She just grabbed my arm and took me inside, leading me through the labyrinth of hallways that riddled this place. Our movement ceased as we stopped in a quiet hallway. I took the opportunity to ask what was happening. "Sorry," she sighed, nipping at her fingertips. "It's... I... Oh father, speak woman," she grumbled. "I found something that belonged to your mother. I just thought you would want to have it." She opened the door to a room beside us. It was an empty room. The bed unmade, curtains drawn, empty closet drawers and cabinets. What was in here that belonged to my mother?

"Would you mind helping me dear," she said, gesturing to a tall dresser adjacent to the naked bed. I dropped my gym bag and helped her move it aside, revealing an unmatched cut in the flooring. The older woman knelt down using her claws to get a grip on the side of the cover, pulling it away from the floor. Her free hand reached inside and brought back an old journal and... an envelope with my name on it...

My eyes read the handwritten letters that spelled my name over and over again. Amber. "This was your mother's room, Alex had it cleaned out years ago. When you first came here, I had to go look around one more time to see if we missed anything and I found those. I haven't opened them and I figure you would want them most." I swallowed a huge lump that threatened to turn into a whimper. "Thank you," I whispered. A strong wave of sorrow came crashing over me as I tried my best to keep it together.

"Is that all?" She nodded with a sad smile and rubbed my shoulder. I unzipped my bag before tossing them inside. "Thank you again, Ciara," I muttered. "You welcome sweetheart. Do you want something to eat? Lunch is soon done." I declined her kind offer, I'd rather be alone right now. "I'll be fine."

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