𝙀𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙄𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨

Chapter Five

It had been almost a month since Bella and I had our argument. I was in my room, trying to focus on my AP Statistics homework, when my phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw Bella's name flashing on the screen. I hesitated for a moment, but I decided to answer.

"Bella?" I said cautiously, but before I could say more, her voice came through, rapid and filled with urgency.

"Ishkhan, I’m so sorry about our argument. It was stupid of me to say what I said. I know you were only trying to help, but I really need to tell you something important," Bella said, speaking so fast that I barely had time to process her words.

"Bella, wait—" I tried to interject, but she continued, her voice trembling.

"I was looking for the meadow that Edward took me to, on my own, and I saw Laurent. He told me Victoria sent him to find me and that he intends to kill me. Then, five huge wolves appeared and chased him away," Bella said in a rush, her words tumbling over each other.

I sat up from my bed, alarmed. "What do you mean Laurent is going to kill you? Why?"

"Victoria wanted to know if I was under the protection of the Cullens. Laurent said he was doing Victoria a favor. She feels it’s only fair to kill Edward's mate since Edward killed hers. An eye for an eye," Bella explained, her voice filled with fear.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my own anxiety in check. "What did you respond with?"

"I tried to make it seem like the Cullens were still here, but Laurent was going to kill me when the wolves came out and chased him away," Bella replied, her voice shaking.

"Bella, this is serious. You need to keep your guard up and be extra careful. If Laurent doesn't get you, Victoria will. Who knows what will happen next?" I said, my heart pounding with worry.

"I know, Ishkhan. I'll be careful." Bella said, her voice softer now, but still filled with tension.

"Just—Just promise me you'll stay safe, okay?" I said, feeling a mix of worry and relief that she had reached out to me.

"I promise. " she said, and with that, we ended the call.

I put my phone down, my mind racing. I knew I had to focus on my AP courses and my job application, but all I could think about was Bella and the danger she was in. I hoped she would stay safe and that we could find a way to deal with Victoria and Laurent before it was too late.

Although I couldn't shake off the thoughts swirling in my mind. If vampires and wolves were real, surely there had to be more elves out there too. I knew I was an elf, but beyond that, my origins were a mystery. Where was I from? Who were my birth parents? Were there others like me?

Determined to find some answers, I made my way to the kitchen, where my mama was busy preparing dinner. My mom was out for the evening. The familiar scent of freshly baked bread and simmering stew filled the air, but today, it did little to comfort me.

"Mama," I began, my voice filled with curiosity and a hint of desperation, "can I ask you something important?"

My mama turned to me with a gentle smile, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. "Of course, Ishkhan. What is it?"

"I've been thinking a lot lately," I said, struggling to find the right words. "I know I'm an elf, but I don't know anything else. Where am I from? Who are my birth parents? Are there any more elves like me?"

Her smile faded, replaced by a look of deep sorrow. She took a moment before speaking, her eyes reflecting the weight of my questions. "Ishkhan, you were all alone when your mom and I found you. We didn't have any clues about your origins, except for a few things."

She disappeared into her room for a moment, leaving me standing there. When she returned, she carried a dark green blanket and a small, intricately designed pendant. She laid them carefully on the kitchen table.

"These were with you when we found you," she explained, her voice tinged with emotion. She picked up the pendant, a silver piece with an emblem that looked ancient and mysterious. "That's all we know. This blanket and this pendant. I wish I could tell you more, but this is all we have."

I took the pendant in my hands, feeling the cool metal against my skin. I studied the emblem. The design was intricate, with symbols and patterns. The blanket was made of a material that felt both familiar and foreign.

"Thank you, Mama," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. 

She hugged me tightly, her warmth providing a momentary solace. "You know no matter what, you will always have us."

As I stood there, holding the pendant and the blanket. The answers were out there, somewhere.