They felt comfortable traveling with just Leisha, and relief somewhat found them. They realized managing one companion was an easier task. Nahara ensured their supplies would last through the journey.

  Kiara retained a rough idea of the destination’s location, having traveled to Cadíl twice in the past; however, they required visiting a place several times before traveling without any guidance. All that in consideration, Kiara projected arrival in one to two months, utilizing the stars if Leisha pushed herself. Exhaustion with the rush of curiosity. What could be so crucial at the Cadíl ports?

  Maybe Lustration information? Jayce offered.

  Could be. Ty cautiously agreed.

  “The stars are starting to disappear.” Leisha breathed.

  “Yeah,” Kiara noted the light purple taking the midnight sky. Let’s make camp.” She surveyed the area. A bit further lie a circle of trees, with branches separated by a few inches. Excellent camouflage for any wandering Ketigaj.

  “First one to the ring doesn’t have to fetch wood!” Kiara needed some fun after such an exhausting event.

  Their competitive spirit energized their healing body while their agility remained unaltered by their binds. Both they and Leisha’s steps lightly crunched in the snow, the wintry air whipped at their cheeks. Leisha jumped, hand stretched toward the tree and face planted into the snow with her fingertips mere inches from the tree.

  Kiara burst into laughter as Leisha stared at them with white eyebrows and eyelashes. The frozen crystals began to glow with the first fiery rays of the sun, bathing her face in a subtle reddish-orange glow. The sparkling rays lay like fireflies floating about a mossy pond. Her laughter rosied her cheeks.

  She’s glowing. Kiara gazed, simultaneously unbothered and nervous for Leisha to notice. Like a precious gem in the sun’s glow. Drudging up an emotion they’d buried low.

  Her smile warms the forest. Can we keep her safe? She still has a thirst for life.

  She’s not permanent. Ty warned. Kiara, we are a liability to everyone around us. Besides, who would love all of us?

  Jade did. Kiara swallowed.

  And we killed her. Ty spat. Whatever you think is going to happen, I won’t allow it. None of you will put us through that again.

  “Kiara?” Leisha was mere inches from them.

  When did she get up? “Sorry.” Kiara shook their head. “Lost in thought.”

  “Oh.” Leisha forcefully chuckled. “I’m gonna go get the wood.”

  “Okay, I’ll get the tent up.” Kiara nodded.

  They used the trees to create a sturdy wall against the elements. They ensured the tent stretched large enough for two and sturdy enough for high winds, then gathered branches to conceal them. With any luck, should Ketigaj come by, nothing but tight branches would greet them.

  Kiara admired the shifting diamonds of the freshly fallen snow while they prepped cooking utensils. Leisha’s silhouette materialized through the snowy mist, arms full of firewood. They promptly started a small fire, a minor risk in exposing their location, but they hoped it’d produce minimal smoke. Besides, they needed to cook to eat.

  They started boiling water and began a stew. The sun began shifting to its morning hue when the boiling water sizzled. Leisha sleepily blinked, her head lulled against their shoulder. She must be so exhausted.

  “Hey,” Kiara whispered, gently nudging her. Leisha stirred with a jerk. “Get some rest. I’ll take care of this.”

  Leisha moaned with a nod and practically collapsed into the tent.

  Kiara appreciated the dazzling Meyat. She always loved the snow. Everything looked fresh and bright with its reflecting blanket, like a physical representation of Halíz. They hardly noticed the cold, admiring icicles refracting the sunlight, echoing the flames before them. The forest provided tranquility through near silence, with a few foraging creatures and some winter birds periodically calling. Shadow work isn’t so bad.

  Some relaxation could do us good. Rin agreed.

  We’re still on a mission. Ty interrupted their peace. We need to get to Cadíl as soon as possible. Stew’s ready. Eat, or stow it and sleep.

  Kiara wished to watch the sun continue its sensational dance with the snow, but Ty knew best. They needed rest to continue the mission, and the body's ultimate requirement to recharge was an uncontrollable delay.

  *

  A red glow peeped through the tiny vent. Sunset.

  Leisha’s arm wrapped around their waist, her breasts pressed into their back, and her breath tickled the nape of their neck.

  Kiara cautiously maneuvered her away. They quietly packed, Leisha occasionally turning and groaning. They exited the tent to start a fire and warm stew. The sky varied from pink to deep lavender, navy blue not far behind. The brightest stars began emerging in their place amongst the endless sky.

  They surveyed the area while waiting. A few deer had previously passed through, leaving hoofprints. They were headed our way. Could we catch one?

  We have plenty. We have to get to Cadil. Jayce answered Kiara’s thoughts.

  I guess you’re right. Kiara sighed, the frigid air turning their breath to fog. It's not like we could do much hunting with this shoulder anyway.

  Three to four months before we get full use back, Jayce sighed. We’re just lucky our injuries weren’t more severe.

  I know. Kiara admired the darkening sky, searching for the emergence of her favorite color. It’ll be nice. We need a break.

  Yeah…Ty’s been struggling with it. Jayce never hesitated.

  What’s wrong now? Kiara sipped the warm broth.

  She feels useless doing shadow work. Jayce sighed. Rin says she wants to change things, not spy. You know how Ty is.

  A pissy, bloodthirsty altruist? Kiara chuckled then sighed heavily. What happens when this is all over? When I don’t need you to protect me, will you leave?

  Do you want us to? Jayce sounded concerned by her question.

  It’d be too quiet, Kiara answered. You’ve been with me all my life. I couldn’t get used to the silence. Just wish I knew for sure that you're real. Why doesn’t everyone have people like you?

  Nahara told us that we’re here because of trauma. In the old Meyat, it even had a name. We’re real. You aren’t crazy, and you are not broken. Okay?

  Even if things do change, we’ll still be an oddity. Kiara prepared stew for Leisha.

  I’m sure we’ll find people like us. Jayce attempted reassurance.

  “Kiara?” Leisha’s groggy voice beckoned from the tent.

  “Out here,” Kiara replied, gathering her thoughts.

  After a few minutes, Leisha joined them, covered head to toe in furs. “Morning.” Her smile failed to reach her eyes.

  “Morning.” Kiara passed her a cup of stew and then began dismantling the camp.

  “You don’t waste a second.” Leisha blew on the steaming cup.

  “Because we have a mission.” Kiara smiled. “Have you ever been to Cadíl?”

  “Once, when I was small,” Leisha answered. “I don’t remember much though.”

  “It’s not bad,” Kiara recalled their memories of the large harbor town. “There’s a lot of people because the work’s steady. I’ve been here twice already, but it’s been about three years? I shadowed the first time, so I was distracted by training rather than location mapping. It’s my one weakness.”

  “Focus?” Leisha giggled.

  “Memorizing landmarks.” Kiara lightheartedly stuck her tongue out.

  “So you won’t be recognized?” Leisha appeared nervous.

  “Nope.” Kiara beamed. “Besides, we’ll be invisible.”

  “Is it hard?” Leisha fidgeted with the hem of her furred cloak. “Living completely off the land?”

  “Can be,” Kiara responded earnestly. “It’s easier in the warmer months, but we should get there by spring, so we’ll be okay. Roran will also bring us supplies, remember?” They sat next to Leisha. “I won’t let anything happen to you, okay?”

  “Kiara, Nahara said you gotta rest your arm for two months.” Leisha expressed her concern. “I can fight, but not a whole group, and there’s no way I could protect you. We should’ve told Nahara to keep us on standby until your arm was better.”

  “Stop.” Kiara attempted a gentle approach, placing a hand on Leisha’s shoulder. “Trust in Nahara and the Rikevra. They will make sure we have everything we need.”

  Leisha’s clouded, olive eyes searched theirs. “How can you believe in the Rikevra so fiercely? It’s a death sentence to be different. Whole families can be punished for the sins of one person.”

  “Because the Rikevra doesn’t think I’m broken or a sinner. Life changed for me when I was fourteen. I fully planned on ending my life but walked into Nahara’s apothecary. She validated my existence and helped me work through a lot of things. Being Rikevra meant I could finally just be myself. Rikevrans will always take care of each other, or we’ll lose the last bit of hope. So don’t worry, we’ll be okay.”

  Leisha nodded. They finished the stew, secured heavy bags to their bodies, and traversed nocturnally.

  This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  “Every summer, my sisters and I would help my mother in the shop. My sisters would sell vases throughout town, and I was old enough to help create stuff. My favorite part was adding colors.” Leisha excitedly babbled as they followed the starry guides.

  Kiara struggled to balance listening to Leisha and remaining observant of disturbances in their surroundings.

  “I used to help the neighbors and my grandparents with whatever they needed done. It felt mostly like playing outside all day.” Kiara chuckled. “I miss them a lot.”

  “Are they still alive?” Leisha asked.

  “Yeah. Nahara said my brother lives with them now and helps them out a lot. He’s even got a girlfriend, but they don’t seem keen on marriage yet.”

  “That’s rare.”

  “None of us follow many societal norms. My grandparents believe in Bolidac, but they question a lot of the things the Assemblies say. In private, of course. They say if something doesn’t feel right, then it probably ain’t, and to always listen to the little voice inside. A lotta things in this Meyat don’t feel right, but defeating the Ketigaj does.”

  “That’s for sure.” Leisha huffed. “Are you ever worried about them being taken? About your identity being exposed?”

  “Ketigaj don’t know my face without the raven,” Kiara answered. “They don’t even know my real name, and I usually only braid my hair when I’m fighting, so any who survive never seem able to expose me. Plus, Nahara keeps tabs on everyone’s family. She doesn’t want us to worry. Didn’t she give you any updates on your family?”

  “She said my sisters seem well, but I did ask about her taking them from my parents,” Leisha answered, staring blankly ahead. She said she could try, but if they made a scene, she couldn’t save them. I was told to write them a letter, and she’ll have it delivered before the rescue.”

  “That’s great!” Kiara expressed genuine excitement for Leisha.

  “I guess,” Leisha sighed. "I just wish I knew what she would do with them afterward.”

  “She won’t put them in the field if that’s what you’re afraid of. She has a secret place for kids.”

  “Where?”

  “It’s a secret.”

  “Were you there when you first joined? Do you know how safe the kids are? Who’s watching them? If they’re happy?”

  “I lived with Nahara, but I think she was worried I’d kill myself. Nahara’s main priority is always children. Elder Rikevrans and anyone unable to perform in the field are with them. Nahara would die before letting anything happen to a child in her care.”

  “Could I join them?” Leisha stopped, staring off into the distance for an unknown land. “Would I be allowed to quit and just be with them?”

  “It’d be selfish.” The Meyat swirled from Ty’s instant control. “What about every other child? Every little boy and girl trapped with monsters, like our fathers? You’d leave them to suffer when you could do something?”

  “Maybe I’m selfish then,” Leisha whispered, her voice cracking. “I don’t want to die and leave my sisters all alone.”

  She’s just nineteen, Ty. Kiara futilely fought for control. Be nice or give it back. It’s her choice.

  Then take it back. She chose the field to start. She needs the truth, not to be coddled. “Don’t you want them to be safe everywhere they go?” Ty exhaled, calming her aggravation. “They can’t live hidden away forever, Leisha. Don’t they deserve a Meyat where they can be themselves? Where they don’t have liars telling them that it’s a father’s right to destroy his daughters? Don’t you want that to change? And, ya know, this could all end before they’re old enough to even think about joining, as no one is pressured, but they usually do. Don’t you want to give them a Meyat where they won’t have to fight to live?”

  “Yes.” Silent tears streaked down Leisha’s cheeks.

  “Then why do you want to give up before you’ve barely fought? When you could change things for them?” Ty desired a way to understand. Numerous people hated the way society operated, but nobody tried changing anything about it, just Nahara and the Rikevra, a compact group of hundreds when they needed thousands.

  “Why die for something that might happen?” Leisha gasped, breaking into sobs. “What’s the point? It’s not certain that things will change. I don’t want to die fighting for a maybe. I’d rather take my sisters and just keep running. We could stow away on a ship, take a raft, and find someplace untouched by Bolidac and the Ketigaj.”

  Let me talk.

  Kiara drew Leisha to close. “Is that what you want for your sisters? To run and hide their whole lives? They’d be on the run forever. Always looking behind them. Never have any place they could call home, because righteously suspicious people will always stick their noses into places they don’t belong. They’d never be able to love. They’d never get married. They would be exhausted with life by thirty when they never really got the chance to live. Nahara would keep you safe, but you'd have to run away to keep them from the Rikevra. If you don’t let them have a choice, did they ever live?”

  “I want to live, too.” Leisha clung to them, her grip throbbing their shoulder, but they returned her grasp.

  “I won’t let anything happen to you.” Kiara attempted to reassure her. “I haven’t let anything happen to ya yet, have I?”

  “You got thrown off a cliff!”

  “Yes, I was thrown off the cliff.” Kiara involuntarily chuckled. Being ridiculous.

  Worrying about death when she didn’t have a scratch on her.

  “And I’d gladly be thrown again if it meant protecting you and everyone deserving of a real life.”

  “Don’t you know how insane that is?” Leisha shook her head, her eyes searching for a way to understand them. “You’d die for strangers, Kiara?”

  “Yes, because that’s what it means to be human to me. The children are mostly what I think of when I’m fighting. I don’t have or know any, but I remember what it felt like to be free with my grandparents. I didn’t worry about anything when I was little, even though we had almost nothing of monetary value, because I knew my family could take care of itself and that I could take care of myself because of them. When I became Rikevran, I vowed that I would do whatever it took to give all children that freedom. No child should worry about food, clothes, their parents, or being abused. I fight to give them a Meyat that will protect them, and if that means I have to die so that they can live in peace, then so be it. But I will die by my terms and when I decide. I’ll ensure things are getting better before I let anyone take me out.”

  Leisha’s sobbing lessened, and she stared at Kiara with a look they struggled to correctly identify. “I think you might be insane.”

  “I am insane.” Kiara bore a devilish grin, hoping the comment was just an intended joke. “What if your sisters are like you? What if one of them fell in love with a woman? Do you want them to deny that? Do it in secret? Or become a victim of Lustration? Because that’s what will happen if they’re like you. It’s not fair. And I know I’m not being fair, but you can do something about it now. You could give them a Meyat where they could openly love a woman. If the people before us, all the people who know how fucked this Meyat is, had done something, then we could’ve grown up in a Meyat where Lustration was a forgotten word of the past. I wouldn’t have lost Ja…” Their voice caught. She sighed. “Do you know the youngest recorded person ever Lustrated?”

  Leisha quietly shook her head, dabbing her tears with her sleeve.

  “It was a four-year-old little boy.” Frenzied tears stung their eyes, recalling the document Nahara kept hidden, claiming she worried the information might further antagonize their condition.

  They knew better than to snoop through her desk, but the gold inlay of the gray folder caught their eye.

  “A father found his nephew assaulting his son, almost beat the nephew to death, and tossed him out. Husband’s sister returned later with the Ketigaj and claimed the child asked her son to perform sexual acts and when he told the father, the father tried to kill him. She claimed that he knew his son was a sinner and was trying to cover up his son’s secret. He was four. The Ketigaj took the father and son for Lustration. The father was hung after he watched his four-year-old son burn for being a victim.” They vibrated with anger, Leisha’s gasp distracting them for a moment. “Doesn’t end there. The wife and mother? She was out of town visiting her relatives, only to return as a pariah in her community. One of her friends told her what had happened, and she futilely tried to find where her son and husband had been taken. She found them, obviously too late, and returned home. She burned the house down while laying in her son’s bed, holding his stuffed animal.”

  Leisha held a haunted stare. “Four.” Her voice barely above a whisper.

  “Yeah.” Kiara steadily nodded. “When I read that document…I was so angry. The Rikevra had dwindled to single digits at the time, so no one could even try and help them. Their neighbors did nothing; their friends did nothing. They all knew what had happened, and they let that little boy be taken anyway. How many kids will I let down if I just quit? How many could we save if we succeed?”

  Leisha looked away, slowly backing as though searching her mind. “You don’t want me to quit because you don’t want me to be like those people.”

  “I don’t want anyone to be like them.” Kiara corrected. “How can someone look at a child and not feel this drive to keep them safe? To me, anyone who can just stand by while children are suffering deserves nothing in this life. Children continue humanity’s existence on this Meyat. They keep us from becoming a footnote of a forgotten past. They need to be protected, and everyone keeps failing. I have to do something. Everyone should do something.”

  “It isn’t right.” Leisha agreed. “But if I die, then who will keep my sisters safe in this new Meyat?”

  “Leisha, I promise I will not let you die. You may get scrapes and bruises, but I will not let a person hurt you, and I will not let you die.” Kiara’s determined stare seemed to captivate Leisha. “I promise you will see your sisters again. Will you fight with me so you can live in peace with them someday?”

  “I’ll try,” Leisha whispered. “And I’m sorry if I end up failing you.”

  “You’ll only fail me if I fail you.” Kiara gave her a soft yet confident smile and tilted their head. “‘Kay?”

  “Okay.” Leisha sighed.

  *

  Ty stirred to an unknown, instinctively retrieving their athame and leaving the tent.

  “Did I wake you?” Roran’s tender voice calmed her.

  “It’s alright.” Ty sighed. “Nahara having ya visit already?”

  “You were pretty banged up.” He shrugged, his eyes full of warm concern.

  “Wanna stay awhile?” Ty gestured to the firepit. “Warm up a bit?”

  “I got time.”