Tamryn's Promise

Chapter 2

I sit stunned, trying to process what Lucien just said. That seems to be more information than I could process in my current state. There are other realms? How many, what other types of people are there other then human? I had so many questions blocking my mind I had trouble choosing which one to start with.

"There are other realms? What types? I had no idea there were even non-humans." I look at Lucien. "Are you not human?"

He chuckles, "No, love, I am not. This is also not my native realm." I look at him wide eyed.

"I thought you looked too good to be human." I say without thinking. I slap my hand over my mouth with embarrassment. Lucien smiles.

"Thank you," he laughs. "I am actually a Ljósálfar." he smiles at my confusion. "It is a fancy way to say Light Elves of Alfheim. Originally from Scandinavia." He explains. By this time, I am amazed my eyes haven't completely bulged out of my head.

"So," I start hesitantly, "what am I?"

"I am afraid I don't know, love. That is not in the file." I look down in disappointment. I feel Lucien's hand squeeze my shoulder. "But due to your slow aging you are not human." I look up suddenly.

"Slow aging?" I ask. He nods.

"You have been in the orphanage much longer than you think. And you are older then 17. In fact, if my calculations are correct, you are closer to 22."

I gasp. "How could this be? I have always been told by visitors I am mature beyond my age, but..." I trail off. "How could they keep this from me. WHY would they keep it from me?"

"I hate to think what their purpose was. But I can guarantee it would not be good. I also feel there was no way they were ever letting you leave."

I shudder at the thought his words evoked. I had been a prisoner there without even knowing it. I can't stop the tears gathering at the thought of my childhood being stolen. I feel Lucien pull me into his arms and hold me as I grieve a life that was taken from me. He held me until my sobs faded. He continued holding me, rubbing his hand over my hair, soothing me.

"Thank you," I whisper.

"For what, love?" he asked, not stopping the soothing movement.

"I have never had anyone care enough to hold me before." I say after a pause. I feel his movements stutter before continuing. "I mean the kids tried, but they couldn't do much being so young."

"Tamryn," Lucien starts hesitantly, "Those bruises down your back, is that from... " He trails off, swallowing hard.

"It was better me then the young ones." I say cutting in, so he doesn't continue to struggle putting the question into words. "Tommy had taken some bread for one of the girls who was sick and missed breakfast. They were going to use the cane on him." I hear a growl come out of Lucien's chest.

"That was not caused by a cane." He says with venom in him voice. I look up to see a glow overtake his eyes.

"No, it wasn't. That is just the name they call it. What they use is more like a thick pole. I told the kids to run outside, so they were safe and didn't see. I woke up a few hours later with the children trying to help me. It took me 2 days to be able to move without stiffness. If they had done it to Tommy, it would have killed him. So, I would do it again if need be. I promised them they would be okay." Lucien pulls me closer, resting a hand on my cheek.

"You are amazing. So strong and beautiful." He whispers with respect shining in his eyes. "I will do whatever I can to help you keep that promise. Including tracking down the people behind the missing children. I will also use my connections and resources to help you find your realm."