Once Upon a Midnight: Wanted

Chapter Twenty-One

Hearing voices, Aeryn came to an abrupt stop, shrinking back behind a tree. It was the same two men and boy Artemis had identified as Séamus that had passed them just a bit ago. She held her breath, watching with wide eyes as they walked by her, still complaining about the round up job they were having to do. From the sound of it they'd already grabbed a decent amount of people, though most of them had been killed in the initial attack, or trying to run.

The boy in their arms turned his head, locking eyes with Aeryn. She let out a silent gasp, taking a step back. His eyes were a strange clear green color that Aeryn had never seen before. Almost like looking through tinted glass.

Séamus gave her a slight smile, and Aeryn felt a sudden wave of calm roll over her. Her eyes widened as he gave a barely there nod to her, seeming pleased with himself.

"What are you looking at boy?" One of the Rahktar snapped, yanking on Séamus' arm roughly.

Séamus didn't answer, looking straight ahead as if he hadn't seen Aeryn or heard what the man asked.

"Whatever. Let's just get him back to the Council so we can get out of here." The second Rahktar said, gesturing for them to continue walking.

Aeryn waited until they were out of sight to let out a sigh.

That was strange. She wasn't sure what exactly it was Séamus had done, but for that one moment she felt like she didn't have a care in the world. Maybe that was why the Council was so interested in him? How many people in Jyn had abilities like that?

She quickly shook her head, trying to shake off the weird feeling that had left her with.

To be honest, Aeryn didn't know where to go. The Wall wasn't far away, she could see it from where she was standing. But going back into Jyn didn't seem like it would be a good move. If they had people outside outside the Wall, that only meant there would be that much more inside of Jyn.

On the other hand, she didn't know how well received she'd be going back to her village. They hadn't wanted her there to begin with, her coming back wouldn't be such a good idea. There was no telling what the humans would do if she were to return.

"Well well, if it is not Aeryn. I told you I would find you, did I not?"

Aeryn froze for a moment before turning to see Casper standing just a few feet away from her. He had a grin on his face that made her uncomfortable, and she found herself backing up into the tree. "Casper."

"It was only a matter of time before I found where you were. You could not have gotten far in this short amount of time at any rate. Just my luck you happened to be holed up here, so close to Jyn. And in the midst of so many like you. Truly you have done me a favor Aeryn. The Council will be pleased with this discovery."

Aeryn felt sick to her stomach, and she let out a harsh breath. "Why?"

"I already explained why, no need doing so twice." He made a motion with his hand and Aeryn was suddenly grabbed from behind, the grip on her arm painful and making it impossible for her to get free.

"I would not advise trying to get away." Casper said as he began walking away. The person holding her began walking after him, forcing Aeryn to begin walking as well. "Besides, do you not wish to see Claudia and Kristianna again?"

"What did you do to them?"

"Tsk tsk. You must have patience, Aeryn. You will see them soon enough."