Two Different Worlds: An Aarmau AU~

Chapter 2

"Miss Green," the man began broadly. "It's time to pay up."

    I panicked, knowing that I didn't have the sufficient amount of money. I hesitated before I spoke. "I don't have the money," I sighed quietly.

    "You don't have the money?" He asked as he raised his eyebrow. He crossed his arms, standing there with a look of impatience and disappointment.

"Yes, but I can assure you that I will have the money next week."

The landlord sighed as his fingers traveled to his nose. "Look," he began. "You told me that last week. And let's not forget about the week before."

"Yes, that is true but-"

"But nothing. Aphmau, I'll give you until tomorrow night to leave. Anything left behind legally belongs to me," he said before walking away.

My eyes widened in fear and anger. "You're kidding, sir."

"I don't kid around," he said as his body reached the door. He slammed the door behind him

    I fell to my knees, knowing that finding a new place to live overnight is impossible. My hands turned into fists. I glared at the floor as tears dared to fall. Footsteps could be heard throughout the small place as Mother crippled her was towards me. She got on her knees and put her hand on my chin, lifting it up. "Aphmau," my mother began softly.

    That's all she said before she pulled me into a hug. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

    "It's not your fault," I sighed, "I'm the one who works. You're not able to."

    She embraced me tightly, practically burying herself in my shoulder. "You should never have to apologize for things I'm supposed to do."

    "Mother, you can't work," I said, emphasizing the word 'can't'.

    "And who said I can't?" she interrogated.

I sighed. She's a stubborn one alright. I won't be able to pay up tonight and I know that.  A feeling of defeat overcomes the atmosphere. A feeling of sadness came over me. The same way I felt when he left. But this time, it's not someone who's leaving me. Instead, I'm the one who's moving on.

    The next day came all too quickly for Aphmau and her mother. With nothing but a few bags, the clothes on their backs, and a horse, they began to prepare to leave. Sylvanna practically limped towards the door and made her way outside. Aphmau was still inside, shocked that this was all happening. The young girl was still processing what had happened yesterday. "Aphmau, hurry up. The landlord will be here soon."

    "I'm coming Mother," Aphmau sighs deeply, her poker face expression staying the same. It had been like this for a few days. The atmosphere, dreary and dry. Their world, full of color. Her world, full of disappointment. Their sapphire skies are her shades of gray. Everyone else sees happy families. She sees chances and opportunities for betrayal and manipulation.

    "Aphmau! Snap out of it!" Slyvanna yelled.

    Aphmau was taken aback. It had been a long time since she heard her mother's yells. Far too long. The girl made her way out of the door, glancing at the broken place they called home. "Aphmau," Slyvanna began, "Come here."

    Aphmau walked over to her and looked up. Sylvanna's expression softened to one of honey and sugar. "Wherever we go, we will make it our home."

    "Where will we go?" Aphmau questioned.  

    Slyvanna smiled. "Whatever destination draws us towards it."

The Lycan Manor in Falcon Claw

    A beautiful mansion is always visible to those in Falcon Claw. It towers above all the others. It lies in the center, so everyone's attention is drawn towards it. Beautiful gardens surround it. Marble walls and pillars outside of it. Crystal lakes and ponds surround the gardens. Workers that seem happy are out tending the land. Species of all sorts thrive there. What a disguise the place puts on.

    The family that lives there is nowhere near perfect. Ever since Rachel Lycan passed on to the afterlife, balance has been lost. Derek, Rachel's husband, is the lord of Falcon Claw. He's a very respected man due to Falcon Claw being a powerhouse in the west. Everyone knew his name, but no one knew his struggles. He hides his troubles behind smiles that seem to be true. He carries boulders of stress on his shoulders. Those are the same boulders he passes to his son.

Aaron Lycan, son of Derek and Rachel Lycan. Next lord of city-state Falcon Claw. No one knows much about him. After Rachel passed away, Aaron cut off himself from the outside world. He lost his connections with his friends. Meanwhile, Melissa was only a baby. The world has high expectations for Aaron. They imagine this perfect image. A person who makes his way through every situation. Everyone will be fooled and let down when they see the type of man he is.

Aaron is a respectable man aside from his rude facade at first glance. But, like a lot of people, he's afraid. There was a time when he smiled so much more often. After his mom passed on due to Melissa's birth, Aaron stopped trying to talk to people. He believes that there is no point in making relationships that all lead to the same path. He knows that everything dies in the end. He reminds himself of that everyday.

Melissa Lycan, daughter of Derek and Rachel Lycan. A very energetic and naughty child. At least, that's what the staff say. Her family sees it differently. They see it as a young girl who thinks she's a burden, not wanting the things she deserves just because of who her family is. Melissa knew she was the reason her mom died. Everyone knew, they just never admitted it.

A man with tan skin that glistened in the sun, stared out the window of this lavish manor. His face rested in his hand. His black eyes looked up at the birds. How he longed to be one of them. Free from the chains of reality. No expectations weighing them down. Aaron sighed.

A knock came from the door. "Come in," Aaron's voice said quietly.

"Sir, Miss Falcon will be here today. Please get ready," the guard said. He left as quickly as he came.

Aaron knew this day would come and he's dreaded it since he was a child. Marriage is a lifelong commitment. You should commit yourself to someone you love. Not some stranger that'll make your city-state prosper. Aaron didn't choose this lifestyle, it chose him.