In the Name of Order

Chapter 15: Children- ZARAH'S PERSPECTIVE

Zarah's perspective

I can't help but stare at the phone in Isiah's hand. If only I can retrieve it and contact the people outside. I could pretend to be Isiah's colleague and send them away. Of course, they won't leave so easily. They expect the debt to be paid today.

"Don't even think about it. They'll want to hear my voice. Your threats won't work on me either. I don't have much to lose."

Isiah's voice takes my attention away from the device in his hand. "Your life."

"They'll kill me if I don't pay them today. Like I said; I got nothing to lose."

"Isiah, I can't allow you to take anyone away from here. We arrived here together, and I won't leave anyone behind," I say, looking at this man who believes he'll take my children or my nephew away.

"The choice isn't yours. The choice isn't mine either. Listen, you know who my vote is on. Let that kid walk out the door, and the rest of you get to carry on with your lives. Topaz will be fine. Trust me."

"I cannot allow my nephew to be sold on the black market."

"That kid shouldn't be alive."

"That's enough!"

"What did you think would happen here, Zee? Did you think you could come in here and irritate me enough to change my mind? Damn, it isn't my mind you should be trying to change. I have a debt to pay, and you people happen to be here at the right time. I'm sorry, Zee, but one of them has to go."

I stay quiet for a while and think of my possible options out of this. Kane should be the one to leave. The boy knows he should. The only problem with giving Kane up is that Willow won't allow it, and she'll hate me if I do anything to let that happen. I know I will be unable to fight my daughter in these matters.

I believe she loves him. Kane has been there for my daughter through many situations, including this one. Willow will not allow her friend to be sacrificed when he really wants to help us, and I can see he does.

As for Topaz, he was dragged here, because Ankah refused to leave him alone. Although I'm sure she would not have brought him if she knew things would go extremely off plan considering the attack from the Gifted Program officials at my home and now this.

"Zee, these people won't wait all day. One of you better hurry on out before they come in and take you all."

I know Isiah is right; we do not have much time to decide. It's unfortunate for my sister that I will not be able to fight my daughters. Willow will fight off her aunt and cousin in order to protect Kane. Mathea will fight to help her sister, and that boy will fight for himself.

When I turn to Isiah, he smiles at me, likely realizing my decision. He probably always knew I would decide this before I even accepted it.

I love my sister. I really do love her, but there is no stronger love than that of a mother and her children. There's no other option but to offer Topaz to the black market.

I should not feel guilty. Ankah would do this to me. In fact, Ankah has tried to take my children away to save her own child. Now, in this moment, is the only time I realise that I understand her. I can only hope she'll understand me, too.

"I have a plan," although I know the children are unlikely to hear me clearly, I lower my voice as I address Isiah.

"Go on with it, Zee." Isiah's voice is now as low as mine.

"You need to call the people waiting outside. You need to tell them to let us go."

"Zee, you know I can't."