Black Ice ✓ | Deathsworn #1

Chapter 3: Oblivion

I had come to realize that the place where I was dropped off was vastly different from the one I had come to know. Everything was different—from clothes to furniture, down to how the people around me moved. I wondered about my birth parents and how they fared now that they had their child taken away. Would it be possible to be reunited when I was clearly dumped on the opposite side of the world?

"Don't worry, Evy," Hellenia said, holding me upright as I explored the room with my eyes. "I'm trying to see if I could search for your parents...but it seems no one is looking for you. You're quite...different. I didn't think it would be hard."

I understood what she meant by different. Her complexion was many shades lighter than mine. I had a mix of my parents' complexion, so I had somewhat of a creamy cappuccino skin. There wouldn't be many people looking for a baby like me considering how ethnically different the locals seemed to be.

"If I still can't find them at the end of the month, I'll take you under my name."

I did not know whether to be sad or happy when she said that. A part of me was delighted to know I was lucky enough to be taken in by someone like Hellenia. Still, my heart called out to the people who, though I hadn't known for long, had shown me unconditional love. I doubt my parents were capable enough to find me within a month's time. They were, after all, in the complete opposite side of the world.

Besides that, Amber must have his reasons for bringing me here.

Hellenia lowered herself to the cherrywood floors, her light lavender dress flaring beautifully around her. She set me down gently and I stood to leave her lap, crossing the spacious bedroom to probe on the furnishings.

"Hellen?" The screen door slid open to reveal a beautiful woman with green hair. I stopped short on my tracks and met her eyes, which were of a similar color. "Dragons bless you, child," she greeted with a smile.

Fear pooled in my chest as her tall and poised stature entered the room. I hurried back to Hellenia's side, nearly tripping on my short legs. Luckily enough, she caught me before I face-planted.

"Dear me, you must scare her so." Hellenia laughed.

"Is this her?" the woman asked.

Thin, willowy fingers swept back my short, red curls as Hellenia welcomed me back to her lap. "Yes. Isn't she beautiful?"

"She is," the green-haired woman replied. "Though very unusual. That kid is most probably not from around here."

Hellenia pulled on my cheeks comfortingly, seating me on her leg. "Don't be afraid, Evy. She means no harm."

"That's quite a young babe: Probably around ten to twelve months," Kora replied, pausing as she took a seat on the floor across Hellenia—and she did so with unmatched grace. "I heard from the others. You're planning on leaving Oblivion?"

She sighed. "Lamia is right," Hellenia said. "This is no place to raise a child. I wouldn't want Evyionne to know the life we had—or the life we have now."

"That is true," Kora said. Her brows furrowed. "But have you thought this through? Leaving this behind is not easy, Hellenia."

"If I have to go back to the old life I had before this, I'll be okay. I have saved up enough."

"I'm not talking about that." Kora reached forward and took Hellenia's hand, concerned. "Hellen, you know how very cunning the people we stand against are. You are very vulnerable without Oblivion's protection. Even if you run away, you'll still end up being chased. These people do not give up just because you disassociate yourself with us. They will come after you for revenge."