The third Planet

18. Innocence

Ana's POV

"You know where she is? This isn't one of your tricks, is it, Niklas?" I stuttered.

"No, I promise. C'mon, let's go." He grabbed for my hand and guided me out of the room into the strategy center.

Niklas pointed to the big table, full of cards and maps.

On top of all was a map of the galaxy, so big it nearly covered the whole desk. It was marked with a pin where two planets were located.

The one we were living on right now and another one, three planets futher away.

"How?" Niklas demanded an answer, every time he used this tone he wouldn't give up till he got a reply.

"How is she able to get to another planet? You never told us about it. And then, yesterday, a friend of mine told me she was seen. You know which planet this is right?"

I was paralyzed. The opportunity to get her back was nearly touchable. I was so near.

I didn't tell them because I didn't trust them, but Niklas didn't have to know that. So I simply said: "I don't know."

"You don't know what, Ana? What?" He shook me at my shoulders. He was furious right now. The glomming in his eyes was always the same then.

"I don't know how she's doing this!" I shouted back. Now, I was angry too. Did he seriously believed the urge inside me to find her faded? "And no, I don't know this planet." I closed, a little more calmed.

"Ever heard of the angle" he questioned a little depressed.

I shook my head. His eyes laid sad on me, as if I won't like what he was going to tell me.

"It's some kind of cult. People can go there and can get trained. They'll get guards of the angle and of the goddess of innocence. When your in it, you can't get out ever again. I heard they use their members, torture them and sometimes even kill them if they'll dare to question their methods and believes. They make them blind or take their voices."

"No" I laughed. "She wouldn't have joined it. Claire is naive. But even she would have seen that."

"Are you sure? Because my friend had information that she would join the angle as a soldier in a week. She's ready, Ana. She is ready and you should be too. So what do you want, Love?" He looked at me as if he gazed into my soul. Straight and without any hesitation.

"Do you want war?" Niklas whispered in my ear. He leaned even more forward. "Or will you hide and leave her?" He backed away. "You have one day, Ana."

The door closed behind him and left me alone in the twilight.

I'll get her back.

Yea, sure. And you will risk another war. Ana, believe me, this girl isn't worthy enough. You don't really know her anyway.

You better shut up...

You love her.

I know...

Even in my head I sound desperate and morose. How could it possibly happen that I'd fall in love with the girl I should bring in front of them?

You don't need one day. You know, you want her back. Remember the touch on your skin, how her lips nearly kissed you. Remember her eyes and her smile. She's adorable and pure. I wouldn't wonder if she was the goddess of innocence herself.

I moaned. Hell, I missed her. I'd get what I wanted, even if it meant to go into the second war.

I wouldn't risk her being at them's. Not after all I got to know.