Who are you?

Part 24

Shirori's opportunity came a few days later. Akira told her that everyone in the temple was going to be busy for the day for a ritual, so she had the day to herself. So she decided to stay in her room and read the book.

She had made some progress with it. It was definitely an interesting read with a lot of information, but why would Scar point her to this book exactly. There didn't seem to be anything immediate about the book. Just an ordinary book with historical information.

She finished the book by early afternoon. Since everyone was busy, the temple was almost empty. She used the opportunity to sneak back inside the library. Her heart was drumming in her chest, and she was hyper-aware of her surroundings, but she managed to get there without being noticed.

She didn't want to explain how she had acquired the book. After making sure it was safely in place, she headed to the kitchen for a late lunch. She was so focused on finishing the book that she didn't notice how hungry she was.

No one was in the kitchen, and she didn't want to stay there for long, so she picked up a piece of bread and dried meat and decided to eat her lunch outside. Maybe she could see Scar again.

There was an old husk of a tree that provided good shade. She headed there and sat with her back, leaning against the tree. She put a small cloth on her legs, put the bread there, and picked up the meat.

It was hard and chewy, but traveling a lot meant that it wasn't unfamiliar to her. It also had a nice combination of spices. She should ask Kenji about it later. It was spicy and flavorful, with a mild citrus undertone.

She was focused on her food when she heard a sudden cawing. She looked up to see Scar near her feet. She quickly put down her meat in favor of grabbing the bread and breaking off a piece. She held it for Scar, and when he didn't run away, she slowly threw it in front of him.

He looked at her gratefully, and they both started to eat. When he finished a piece, Shiori would throw him another. They finished their food in silence. When it was done, Shiori cleaned her hand with the cloth and held it out for Scar. Maybe he would let her touch him?

Scar seemed to take the hint and jumped on her arm. His claws were a bit sharp, but they didn't penetrate her skin. Once he was settled, she gently brought her other hand, and when she was close enough, Scar seemed to take the hint and held his head for her to pet.

She gently rubbed his head a few times. He seemed content. "I read a green book like you said. It was about different historical clans. I'm not sure if it was the right book. Maybe next time, I shouldn't take my advice from a raven." Shiori said in a soft voice so she wouldn't startle the bird.

Scar seemed offended and started flapping his wings. His grip on her hand tightened. She tried to pull away, but suddenly, he let go and flew through her face. It was the last thing she saw as her vision went dark.

He was running in the fields as if his life depended on it. The tall grass should have provided adequate cover, but he wasn't willing to risk it. He kept running and running, pushing the grass out of his way as he made his way.

He was used to the terrain, yet he paid extra attention to the ground so his feet wouldn't get tangled in the tall grass and cause him to trip. His breathing was becoming labored, but he didn't stop. He could hear the ones pursuing him getting closer to him.

Suddenly, he was tackled to the ground. "You think you can run away? You filthy halfblood. We will show you your place," his tackler said. He was tall and quite big for his age. His features were angular and strong. He had black spiky hair and red eyes. His pale skin created a sharp contrast with his other features. He was wearing the black robes of his clan.