Tumia

Invesible strings

After piling a few blankets together, I placed them on the floor to create a makeshift bed for Vorian. Freeing his people wouldn't happen tonight, not after that meeting with the corporal.

Dr. Evans said she would try to gather more support so that by tomorrow night, we could free the prisoners. The hardest part would be infiltrating the lab.

"These should be comfy enough," I said as Vorian watched me prepare his bed.

"I'm sorry about your sister," I added, truly hating what I had witnessed.

He sucked his teeth and moved past me to sit on the makeshift bed. "All of you are the same," he grumbled.

Taking a deep breath, I didn't like being lumped together with others, but I understood his reasoning. We had captured his family and placed them in chains. I would hate humans too.

"We will free them," I promised, sitting down beside him.

Vorian kept eye contact with me for a moment before looking away. Dr. Evans had to leave shortly to check on the lab and get a head count of the Kratens inside.

"You should go home," he said, breaking the silence as he laid down.

"I'm really sorry," I said, not ready to leave yet.

Vorian took a deep breath and avoided further conversation. Respecting his need for space, I gathered my bag and headed downstairs.

I looked around outside to ensure no one was around before quickly walking to the truck. Starting it up, I drove away.

When I arrived at my dorm, I parked the car and quietly walked inside. Everyone should be asleep by now.

Creeping inside, I moved to my dorm room and quietly typed in the keypad code. Once inside, I jumped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. I had no idea how we were going to rescue Vorian's sister. The corporal's words from the meeting kept echoing in my head.

This situation was more complex than anyone realized, and I feared a war was upon us. Finally, I closed my eyes and rested for the night.

The next morning, I woke up, yawned, and stretched. Checking the clock, it was 9 AM, the usual time for breakfast.

I had to act normal today. Getting dressed quickly, I headed out of my room to the common area.

Inside, I spotted Ava and Michelle talking to a few others. Getting in line with them, they all smiled at me.

"Today will be draining," Michelle complained.

"Why?" I asked.

"First day in office," Ava spoke for Michelle, walking away with her plate.

I had totally forgotten about that. Slapping my forehead, I cursed myself for not remembering.

"We'll both be in the combat area, Thalia," Ava smiled as we sat down.

Halle and Jake joined us, waving to everyone. "Where are Jax and Chris?" I asked, not seeing them.

"The clinic," Halle answered, and I nodded.

Playing with my food, I checked the clock. If I had to be at the office soon, I should bring these to Vorian now.

Standing up, I grabbed my tray. "I'll see you all later," I smiled, rushing out of the common area.

Carrying the tray, I sneaked past the kitchen staff and dumped everything into a plastic bag.

Rushing to the truck, I hopped inside and started it. As I was about to drive away, Halle stood in front of the car.

"You're off in a hurry," she said, approaching the passenger seat.

"I have to meet my dad," I lied, and she nodded.

"Mind giving me a ride?" she asked, opening the door and getting inside.

My nerves raced as I nodded and drove away from the common area. "Where am I going?" I asked as Halle sat comfortably.

"The prison," she said nonchalantly, catching my attention. I didn't know anyone who had visited the prison yet.

"Isn't that where the... um, the Kratens are?" I asked, glancing over at her.

She nodded, typing away on her tablet. I turned down the street, pulling up to the prison on the north end of the base.

There were thousands of guards stationed here. Pulling into the parking lot, I smiled at Halle as she stepped out.

"Is this where you're stationed?" I asked.

She paused, staring at me. "No, I'll see you later," she finished, walking away.

I watched her enter the building, showing a badge to gain entry. Taking mental note, I pulled away and headed back to Dr. Evans' secret lab.

Driving fast through the base, I made it to the lab, parked the car, and stepped out. Grabbing the breakfast, I ran to the door.

"Vorian," I shouted, walking up the stairs.

Entering the lab, I didn't see him in the bed. The place was eerily empty. Where did he go? I wondered, feeling anxious.

I hoped no one had found him. Running around, I checked the window and whispered, "Vorian?"

A body hanging from a tree startled me, but then Vorian entered through the window. "You're back," he said.

Catching my breath, I sighed in relief. "Someone could see you outside," I said, placing the food on a table.

Vorian came up behind me, looking over my shoulder. My face heated up, and I quickly moved away.

"This is all we had this morning," I said as he opened the bag and tasted the waffles.

He seemed confused by the shape, so I explained, "It's bread but sweet."

He smiled and began eating more of the waffles and eggs. Walking around Dr. Evans' table, I pulled out her old studies.

She had been researching for years, with family trees, map layouts of the forest, and data on the Kratens.

Vorian joined me, smirking as he read some of the doctor's work. "That lady is smart," he said.

I wanted to know about their relationship. Dr. Evans had said she was close with the chief and his family.

"You were close with her, correct?" I asked.

He nodded lightly. "My father was. I was a young boy."

"Who is this?" I asked, pointing to his family tree.

He smiled, running his fingers over the drawings. "You haven't met my brother Ash. He is next in line to be king and is the kindest Kraten you'll meet," he said, a huge smile spreading across his face.

Seeing him talk about his family, I could tell he grew up surrounded by love and support.

I couldn't say the same for myself. My mom was all I knew, with no other relatives, and my father's side had died from diseases.

"Not all humans value family the way you do. Mine are all dead, and it was just my father, who was barely around growing up," I mumbled.

"We have a saying," he said, staring at me. "Molk hiu tak."

(Family builds life.)

The way he pronounced it sounded magical. I tried to repeat the words. "What does it mean?" I asked.

He smirked, walking away to finish his food. "I'll tell you once I free my people."