HIS EVENING STAR

Chapter III

Nameless One

"There's nowhere to run now, girl! Either way, you are coming back with us! Just accept the orders you were given now!"

I pray to you, God, please... Have mercy on me.

Suddenly, the wooden plank breaks underneath me.

I jolted awake with a scream dying in my throat, chest heaving as I gulped down air.

Deep breath in... deep breath out...

Deep breath in... deep breath out...

Slowly, realization dawned—I was alone. The scream had been my own.

Drawing my knees to my chest, I hugged myself tightly, shivering as the memory of icy water piercing my skin flooded back. I could still feel the river choking me, still see my hands desperately reaching for the surface, grasping for air, for life. The last thing I remembered was the rush of the waterfall before darkness claimed me.

A deep breath escaped me as I hugged myself tighter, suddenly aware of the thick blanket surrounding me. Blanket? My head jerked up, eyes falling on the fur cloth. Panic seized me as I threw it off, scrambling backward as if it were aflame. Where am I? Did the guards catch me? Am I back?

Relief washed over me as I took in my surroundings. This wasn't the Royal Kane House, but the unfamiliarity brought little comfort. The room was small, cluttered with storage boxes along the walls. A tiny window let in cool morning light.

How long...

I rose unsteadily, approaching the window. Trees stretched as far as the eye could see, offering no clue to my whereabouts. Glancing down, I noticed unfamiliar attire—an old but clean gown. To someone unaccustomed to gifts, it felt luxurious.

A sound outside the door made me jump.

Someone is... singing?

Curiosity overcame caution, and I found myself moving before I could stop. The door creaked as I opened it, but the singing continued uninterrupted. A short hallway led to a staircase, with another closed door across the way.

Swallowing my nerves, I crept towards the stairs. If anyone heard my footsteps on the creaking floorboards, they gave no sign. As I descended, the brittle rails and worn steps spoke of the house's age.

The singing grew louder as I reached the ground floor. While not unpleasant, it wasn't exactly a siren's call either. Pushing the thought aside, I edged towards the source of the noise, pressing myself against the wall to peer around the corner.

A middle-aged woman stood in the kitchen, kneading a large mound of dough on the counter. A pot bubbled in the hearth, filling the air with savory aromas.

"Reckon you're hungry now that you're awake, yes Missy?"

I flinched, eyes widening. The woman hadn't even looked up.

"Come on now," the old woman said, clapping flour-covered hands together. "The congee must be all good by this hour. Sit, sit."

Having little choice, I stepped into the kitchen as the woman retrieved a wooden bowl and ladle. Spotting a table by the window, I settled into a chair, taking in the view. The yard stretched into a large field, dotted with gardening tools and a storage shed. My musings were interrupted as a bowl appeared before me.

"There ya' go now," the old woman said, smiling proudly. She extended an open palm. "That'll be three gold coins."

My eyes widened, heart pounding.