Distorted

Chapter twenty one, The beginning of the end.

Winds blew in the cold alleys of Ilusia as the children marched in search for the warmth igniting outside each living home. And while the merciless world demolished their hopes, two particular children ran across the streets following the silver trail of their only hope, the journey was in its climax, truth lying within Corelight was at their reach.

Merit was still burning with the bitter sweet taste of half victory and half fear she experienced, oblivious to the missing camera and the rising threat she is yet to hear of. On the other hand, Lydia was still light headed, not considering any danger, and unbeknownst to her, the life she is treasuring was lost before in Merit's eyes.

But, Elijah's death was still a clean wound in both girls' hearts.

"I'm sure my father hid the map in his safety box, I know the combination well, but the thing is, I don't know if someone could've got their hands on it.." Lydia said while the two stood facing a very old house by the end of the street.

"You mean you don't trust these people?" Merit said, raising an eyebrow.

"Uh- surely not! That's not what I meant.." Lydia trembled showing signs of obvious distress.

"Then what did you mean..exactly?" Merit saying, closing in on Lydia, and with her piercing eyes staring into Lydia's, the girl's secrets were like an open chest to her.

"My Father wasn't a regular worker.." Lydia said, almost whispering.

"That's why he..?" Merit said, implying the reason of her father's execution.

"Yes. And he owed some people machine parts, very expensive ones I can never repay." Lydia sighed tearfully.

"He got w-" Merit said as she was pinched by Mechi who was quick to alert Merit for her completely cold hearted behavior and unnecessary comment. Such a strange world where robots alert humans regarding their behavior.

"Nevermind. May he rest in peace." Merit coughed, swallowing her poisonous words like a knife down her throat.

"He got what he deserved." Lydia laughed, turning her back on Merit and knocking the door leaving Merit shocked and almost dazzled of Lydia reaction.

"I didn't expect that." Mechi whispered, "Humans are hard to read, little one." Merit whispered back, hiding him deep inside her pocket.

As the doors were half opened, a lady let out her head and boldly asked who's there at this late hour, Lydia grinned like an idiot and introduced herself, the lady glared at Merit, inspecting her while she stood still, silent.

"Get inside, quickly" she said, letting the two of them inside.

Merit was greeted by the smoky living room and obvious drugged people lying on the floor, once Merit saw the lady's blood red eyes, she knew what this place was right away.

"Get upstairs, I'll be there in second." She said, showing them the way up.

"Try not to look too much." Lydia said.

There were about a dozen men and women lying half naked in the living room, they were all almost unconscious. The strong stench of drugs and alcohol broke through their noses, and overall, the sight of these adults was a scene out of a morgue, at least two of them were dead.

"I hope we are not sold as body parts tomorrow." Merit whispered to Lydia as they hurried to the room upstairs and barricaded themselves awaiting the arrival of the woman.

"Do you know her?" Merit said, sitting on the only bed in this empty room besides Lydia, the room was smelly and the two avoided taking glimpses at the blood red cloths thrown in the trash, they were already aware of the nature of this place, and the danger they were facing.