Blood Ties

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

            Jake brushed thin hair out of Layla’s face, admiring her peaceful expression that only came with sleep. Underneath all that hatred and rage, she was just a girl, and somehow her dreams concurred with that fact. Perhaps, since her life was so nightmarish, her dreams showed mercy and allowed her to escape the pain she went through every waking moment.

            Jake watched her brow furrow, her body tense, and her eyelids flutter as she entered the conscious world. Her cloudy eyes looked nearly completely gray in the soft lighting. She remained still, for once knowing her body was too weak.

            “W-water,” she requested, her voice weak and soft.

            Jake hurried to do as she bid, quickly handing her a small bowl of water. She nodded gratefully, bringing it to her lips.

            After a few careful sips, she downed the rest of the water in one large gulp, before turning her head to face Jake. “Help me sit up.”

            He obeyed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and gently guiding her to a sitting position. She glanced at him appraisingly, taking a deep breath.

            “We’re in the village,” she drawled, pride shining from her eyes. “My mother sent me here to die, yet I am still living. I madeit.” She stretched, flexing her arms and rolling her ankles. Arching her back, she rolled her head around, her neck popping lightly. She smirked, her fists glowing purple as her body mended itself and her magic replenished.

            “In just a few days, I’ll be strong enough to infiltrate the village,” she sighed, leaning back. A plan was already forming in her mind, and her smirk grew.

            “Just a few days, Jake. A few days.”

                                                                                    *

            Star sat quietly at the breakfast table, half-listening to the conversation of the man and woman on her right.

            “Do you know if Kiya’s let anyone new into the village?” the woman was saying, leaning on the table and yawning widely.

            “Not that I’ve heard of, no,” the man replied, taking a sip of his tea, “Why?”

            The woman sat up straighter, taking on an air of self-importance. “Well, as I am the school teacher, I make it my business to know each and every child that enters this village.”

            “Yes, yes, we all know that,” the man said, winking at the young lady across the table. She grinned back, showing all her pearly whites proudly.

            The first woman scowled at the younger girl. “As I was saying, I know every child in the village. And I never forget a face. But just yesterday I saw a young lad, ‘round the age of maybe, eleven, twelve? He was the skinniest boy I’ve ever seen, and had the brownest, kindest eyes. He was by the well, getting a bucket of water, but before I could say anything, he scurried off, like a little mouse.”

            The young girl across the table opened her mouth to say something witty, but before she could speak, a loud grating interrupted her.

            Star turned, startled. Marco was standing above her, his eyes blinking rapidly. Grief, so intense it broke her heart, was etched all over his face. His eyes met hers, and she stood, grabbing his hand and holding it tightly.