Averith, flanked by four angthen guards, descended to the lowest cells. They stopped before a thick, steel door, its surface marred by age and chains. A small, barred window in the center offered a glimpse inside, where the dim glow of a fire lamp faintly illuminated the prisoner's shackled form.
"This place will be your punishment," Averith began, her voice low. "Believe it or not, I take no pleasure in seeing you here, but the laws stand above all of us, even me. As for the boy - since you refused to remove your mark, he will be closely watched. And lastly... Cerro is not with us anymore. I thought you should know... This will be the last time anyone speaks to you... I'm sorry, Claireth. But this is for the good of all."
After delivering her final words, Averith and her guards departed. Yet, before they could get far, dreadful screams reverberated around them. Averith recognized these cries as those of deep grief and sorrow. Resolute, she took flight, leaving Claireth's fate behind.
****《•》****
Thousands of angthens descended upon Isvel, their mission clear: to repair the devastation left in the wake of battle and cleanse the hivrins afflicted with taint of wickedness. Among them were those skilled in manipulating minds, charged with erasing the memories of those who had witnessed their existence. Though they knew restoring order would be a daunting task, they were urged to remain resolved. Yet, despite days of relentless effort, the balance between good and evil remains a distant and uncertain goal.
****《•》****
June 4, 2017
After four long months, Zach remained in their home in Lynchburg, refusing to return to school or engage in his usual activities. He spent almost all his time in his room, silent and staring vacantly into space. His grandparents were deeply concerned; they had never seen him so downcast and despondent. Despite their efforts to understand his condition and consultations with doctors, there was no improvement. Zach's energy remained low, and he had lost a significant amount of weight.
One night, just before midnight, Zach was jolted awake by the harsh roar of thunder. After a few moments of staring at the dark ceiling, he pushed himself upright and blinked several times, trying to clear his dazed mind. When lightning flashed, two silhouettes materialized by his bed. His heart, numbed by loneliness, showed no reaction. With the next flash, their dim faces became visible. Zach turned on the lamp beside his bed and saw Per and Ark looking directly at him. He stared at them for a moment before speaking. "Why are you here?" he asked, his voice low and weary, his expression devoid of emotion.
Per glanced at Ark, who nodded in response. Turning back to Zach, Per took a step forward. "We're here to ask you one question," she said, her tone quiet yet firm. "Do you want to see her again?"
****《•》****
The following late afternoon, Zach's former classmates from Delamir High School visited him after learning he was struggling with depression. They decided to cheer him up by throwing a party at his house that went on until midnight, with many staying overnight. Before everyone had fallen asleep, Zach was discreetly taken to the airport under a different name.
****《•》****
"Can I speak with you now?" Zach asked as they entered an old house.
Per and Ark led him down the narrow stairs to a basement beneath the old house.
"Okay, it's safe now," Ark replied.
YOU ARE READING
Divine & Wicked: The Trapped Memories (Book2)
Fantasy(Fantasy•Romance) COMPLETED Zach woke up with an addled mind and empty heart a few days after his surgery. He seemed to feel that his life had begun again. As he continued with what he thought was his normal life, fragments of his lost past slowly b...
