Nev felt all the pain she kept bottled up begin to bubble to the surface. Blinking back tears, she looked at him. “You don’t understand. We can’t do this. I can’t do this. And no matter how much I may wish that was different, it just isn’t. I already let you get too close. I knew better, but I did it anyway,” she stammered through her building emotions.
Wyatt looked at her, and his angry expression immediately grew soft. “I want to help you. I want to understand. Please, help me to understand,” he said tenderly as he moved to sit close to her.
She felt heartbroken and overwhelmed. Looking at Wyatt, the images from her most recent nightmares came rushing into her thoughts. This time, she was powerless to stop them. “It has always been him in the chair, but now… now it is you. You can’t understand,” she responded in anguish.
He sighed heavily and looked at her with immense concern, “What chair? Nev, please talk to me,” he pleaded gently.
Nev knew she shouldn’t. That knowing the truth would put him in even more danger, but she grew weary of carrying her secret alone. “Alright,” she relented, as a tear ran down her cheek.
Wyatt reached out and gently wiped the tear from her cheek. “It’s going to be okay,” he reassured her softly.
Nev took a deep breath and started at the beginning. She told Wyatt about her father and how he had raised her deep in the woods. How he had taught her the skills she would need to survive on her own and how to never be prey. She shared his dire warning to be careful who she trusted and never let herself be captured. That she had not learned until the day of her father’s death the truth about herself. Lastly, she explained how she had seen her father die to keep her safe and how the truth about who she was had caused her to be hunted her entire life.
Chapter 12
Nev came bounding into the small cabin beaming from ear to ear. She stretched out her arm to reveal the bow she had just finished crafting that morning. “What do you think, father?” she asked eagerly.
He took the bow from her hands and examined it closely before handing it back to her. “Well, I think,” he said, before stopping for a long pause.
Nev bounced up and down and exclaimed, “Well, what?”
“I think you did a marvelous job,” he replied with a proud grin. “Should we take it out and see how well you can handle it?” he asked, moving to grab Nev’s cloak from the hook before handing it to her.
“Yes!” she said before skipping out the door with her bow in one hand and her cloak in the other.
Nev’s father grabbed her quiver and arrows prior to following after her. They walked for almost an hour before reaching a small clearing that they had hunted in many times before. He knelt beside her and pointed towards a rabbit that was grazing unaware of their presence. “Now, do you remember how I taught you to clear your mind and focus your thoughts?” he asked, whispering and smiling at Nev.
Nev nodded and slowed her breathing, letting her senses focus on her prey. Suddenly, its heartbeat drummed quietly in her ears. She skillfully pulled an arrow from her quiver and prepared to take her shot. She cleared her mind. In a flash, her arrow landed true. The rabbit, mortally wounded but not dead, collapsed.
“Hurting something or someone is easy. Making it right is not. Always remember that,” said Nev’s father as they moved to find the wounded rabbit.
Nev and her father found the rabbit quickly. It laid on the ground with its breathing becoming more and more labored. Her father then handed her an object wrapped in a piece of purple fabric. “What is this?” she asked eagerly.
“This belonged to your mother, and it will help you make things right. Starting with today,” he said. His tone and expression were serious.
Nev carefully unwrapped the package and stared down at its contents. It was a beautiful dagger. The blade was black and made from a material she didn’t recognize. The hilt was decorated with the etching of a raven’s profile on each side. In each of the birds’ single eyes, was embedded a stunning, purple gem. “It’s beautiful,” she said, as she held the dagger close to her face and studied it. Beyond its beauty, there was a quiet hum of energy coming from within it that she found curious.
“I will tell you more of your mother and the story that dagger is destined to help you tell. First, we have more pressing issues,” father said, gesturing towards the rabbit.
Nev nodded and, without hesitation, ended the rabbit’s suffering. “Make it right,” she said softly.
“Only ten years old and already wiser than most adults I have met,” Nev’s father said, smiling.
“Was my mother very wise?” she asked, watching her father place the rabbit in a sack.
He knelt in front of her and smiled, “She was the wisest of us.”
Nev thought for a moment and then asked, “Then why did she die and leave us?”
He let out a heavy sigh and replied, “She worked very hard to find a way where she could stay with us. She loved you more than anything, never doubt that. But there were… other forces that pushed to take your mother far from us.”
Nev watched her father’s face grow troubled and grave. She had always felt her father’s blue eyes seemed friendly, but now they were temporarily overcast by a painful shadow. She studied his face for a moment, watching his eyes darken and his hair blow in the light breeze. It was short and had very tiny bits of grey, but it mostly matched her own hair.
“I wish things had turned out differently, but it was not meant to be. And sometimes, the only way to protect those we love is to take a risk. And sometimes the cost of that risk is very high, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it was wrong to take”, he said, looking closely at Nev.
Nev nodded and queried, “So, I should take risks? Even when I might die?”
Her father’s expression lightened, and he let out a small laugh. “You also ask harder questions than most adults I have met. Well, if what you are taking the risk for is truly important, then… yes. Even when it causes you great pain or will cost you your life. And while we are at it, always try to fix your mistakes and always cling to love. Also, never turn away allies that have proven their worth, never take the easy path just because it is there and never eat soup upside down,” he said grinning.
Nev giggled and gave him a hug. “Can I eat soup sideways?” she asked, still giggling.
“Sure, but only outside,” her father said, chuckling.
On the walk back to their cabin, the familiar purple butterfly danced and glowed around Nev. As the delightful fluttering companion danced circles around her, she giggled and pranced all the way home.
After studying her lessons about local geography and how to find, follow, and hide trails, she got ready for bed. She snuck in a few quick bounces on her mattress before her father came in to read to her.
“Bouncing is for bunnies, and not for beds,” he said gently.
Nev nodded and smiled. “Can I see my stars tonight?” she asked.
“I don’t know, dear. Father’s head is not feeling great, something has been bothering it today,” he replied, his voice momentarily distant.
“Please. Pretty please. I won’t be able to go to sleep without seeing them,” Nev pleaded.
He chuckled softly and asked, “You know you’re a stubborn thing? How about we just peek out the window instead?”
“Alright,” she agreed, slightly disappointed.
He opened her bedroom window and smiled at her as she stared up at the night sky. “Alright, time for sleep. You need your rest. Love you,” her father said, tucking her in and kissing her forehead.
Nev hugged him around the neck and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight,” she whispered.
“Goodnight. Sweet dreams,” he replied softly, walking slowly out of the room and pulling the door to.
That night Nev was woken up by her father. He placed his hand over her mouth and handed her bag to her. “I thought we would have more time. I should have told you so much more, but I thought you deserved to be just a kid—at least for
a while,” he said, his face full of regret.
Nev looked at her father, puzzled, and fought to clear the fog of sleep from her mind.
He leaned close and spoke quickly, “Listen closely. Your mother was brave, beautiful, and kind. She was also the Empress Astrella. When shadows overtook her, I fled with you. I was forced to leave the woman I loved to be killed so that I could save you. The one who killed her knows you are her daughter. He will stop at nothing to capture you and use you. For now, you must hide from him and survive. But one day, you will need to face him and your past… or you will have no future. You have a destiny to fulfill, but tonight you must survive.”
Nev tried to speak, but her mind was spinning, and she just looked at him feeling frightened and confused. She sniffed back tears as he placed a necklace over her head. It had a small purple gem attached to an emblem of a raven. It was the same gem that was embedded in the dagger he had given her earlier that day. “I don’t understand,” she said, her voice trembling.
“I know, and I’m so sorry for the burden you’ll be forced to carry. It’s your destiny to achieve greatness, but the road will be long and arduous. Take this necklace. It is a piece of your past and your future. Whenever you need help, it will aid you, and your path will become clear. Now, a bad man is coming here. I will keep him busy and give you time to escape,” he said, as he glanced out the window.
“What? No, I am not leaving without you,” she said frantically.
“My part in your journey is over, but I will always be looking over you. You must run tonight, and one day you must stand and fight. Then you will be able to seize your destiny. You are the risk worth taking. Never doubt you were and always will be worth it,” he said, sharing a warm smile with her.
“I can’t do this alone,” sobbed Nev. “Please. You have to come with me.”
“You are so much like your mother when she was young. You will find your courage. Listen to your heart, remember your training, and find others to help you… eventually. For now, you will need to be wary of everyone. Don’t get close to people or stay in one place for very long. It breaks my heart to know you will be alone, but you must not let yourself be captured. I hope, one day, you’ll find someone kind and trustworthy. Someone to help ease your burdens and help you no longer feel alone. Hopefully, more than just one someone,” explained her father. The sadness in his voice was evident. “I love you more than words could ever convey my dearest daughter,” he said, kissing her on the forehead.
Nev nodded and rapidly put on her shoes, cloak, and pack. She turned to look at him, tears streaming down her face. Lunging into his arms, she hugged him tightly. “I love you,” she said, with her face buried against him and her voice muffled.
“I know. I love you too. Now you must do one final thing for me,” Nev’s father implored, kneeling before her. He took her hands in his and squeezed them tightly. “Flee into the woods, and no matter what you hear from this cabin, you are not to return. Promise me,” he pleaded. His tone was deadly serious.
She gave a single nod and whispered shakily, “I promise.”
He kissed her again on the forehead and quickly tied a piece of purple fabric around her wrist. It was the same cloth that concealed her dagger earlier. “This is a piece of your baby blanket. I’ve always carried it. Keep it and know you will always carry my love. Now go, be strong and remember your promise,” he said, smiling with tears in his eyes as he stood up.
With that, Nev ran through the door and into the darkness outside. She’d run all the way to the clearing before her mind allowed her to think past the shock. Suddenly, Nev stopped and stared down at the spot where she had found the rabbit. Memories and emotions poured into her, and she turned and began running back towards the cabin. I only promised not to go back to the cabin. I won’t get too close, she said, running as fast as her feet would carry her. Her mind raced as she ran. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe this was just some horrible test to see what I would do, and he was waiting for me to figure that out and come back home.
Nev heard screams before seeing any flames. The sight of her father strapped in a wooden chair stopped her in her tracks. The scene was taking place just in front of her cabin, and she found herself unable to look away.
A strangely armored man stood over her father, his silhouette being lit by the fire that was now consuming the chair and everything sitting upon it. Nev felt her father urging her to look away while the desire to either scream or vomit quickly seized her. Without thinking, she found herself running. Soon Nev was far past the clearing. As she reached a part of the forest she did not recognize, exhaustion claimed her. She collapsed to the ground and cried herself to sleep.
Chapter 13
Wyatt listened silently as Nev spoke of her childhood, father’s death, and who she was. He knew Nev had been keeping something secret from him. It was hardly something he could blame her for. After all, he hadn’t immediately told her about being a Tink. This, however, was so much more than he could have ever imagined.
As incredible as it all sounded, he believed her. All the pieces were starting to fit into place now. It explained why this prowler had an unnatural obsession with her, the strange amulet she carried, and the various survival skills she had. It also made the walls she built around herself understandable and explained all of the guilt and pain she carried.
To witness something so tragic at such a young age and then to be thrust into the unknown—all alone—would have utterly destroyed most people. Undoubtedly, through sheer will, Nev had survived. She had not, however, survived unscathed. Her past had left deep and terrible wounds.
Nev was sitting with her knees pulled close to her chest, and her head buried between them. She had her arms wrapped tightly around herself and was rocking, ever so slightly. She’d tried, in vain, to hold back her tears and now found herself sobbing quietly and unable to stop them.
Wyatt moved closer to her and pulled her towards him, surprisingly she offered no resistance and collapsed into him. She clung to him as she continued crying with her face pressed against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her gently. Then, he simply let her cry.
Nev had held in so many tears for so many long years, and now they were free. Powerless to stop them, she sobbed against Wyatt’s chest. She cried tears for her father, who suffered to keep her safe. For a mother, that tragedy and betrayal kept her from knowing. Tears for the little boy she’d always known hadn’t survived long after his reunion with his family. Tears for all the women whose suffering paid the price for her to remain hidden. Lastly, she cried for herself, and the long road she’d walked alone.
Wyatt didn’t know how long they sat like that in the growing darkness, with Nev’s fingers gripping at him tightly as she whimpered softly against his chest. He’d held her snugly as he watched the fire slowly die down to just a few lingering embers. Taking a deep breath, he focused his mind on the last of the glowing coals. Suddenly, a warm fire sprung from them. The flames ignited a few pieces of unscathed wood, and he felt the warmth of the fire begin to stretch out into the cave once more.He could still feel Nev’s fingers gripping at him tightly as she whimpered softly against his chest.
Wyatt struggled to keep his eyes open and decided they could both benefit from some sleep. In response, he carefully laid down, making sure not to let go of Nev. He pulled her with him to the ground and felt her adjust for a moment before becoming still. With her resting quietly, Wyatt fell asleep with Nev at the forefront of his thoughts—just like he had every night since she had first stumbled into his life.
Chapter 14
It was late in the morning before either of them stirred. It wasn’t raining outside, but the air outside was still damp and cool. With Wyatt’s attention to the fire, the cave had remained dry and warmer than the outside air.
Wyatt woke first, although he was in no hurry to act on that. He kept his eyes closed as his mind flirted with the idea of falling back asleep, and he drifted in and out of sleep for seve
ral long minutes. As Wyatt felt Nev shift her body, he suddenly realized she was still in his embrace and smiled warmly. He contemplated if she might prefer to not wake up like that. Eventually, he decided it was better not to disturb her than it was to risk waking her by trying to move his arm out from under her. For the next hour, he laid quietly and listened to her breathing and the rain fading.
Nev stretched a bit as she slowly began to wake. She gradually became aware of her surroundings as she allowed herself to ease into wakefulness. Nev could feel Wyatt’s heartbeat upon her cheek and his warm breath on the top of her head. She suddenly felt surprised and worried to find him still holding her close. Remaining still, she took in a long, deep breath.
The night before, she had laid her soul bare, something she had never done before. Feelings of anxiety washed over her as she began to worry over how Wyatt was going to react to everything she’d told him. Maybe he had only remained through the night due to some sense of obligation or pity. Nev suddenly felt undeserving of his embrace and moved to sit up. She glanced at him and then walked outside, standing for several minutes in the sunshine before moving to sit upon a fallen log nearby.
Wyatt watched her quietly exit the cave and followed her out a couple of minutes later. He found her sitting upon the remnants of a fallen tree and sat down beside her. Noticing her hand resting on the log between them, he reached down to gently squeeze it. He was relieved when he felt her squeeze his hand in response. “I know telling me wasn’t easy, but I’m truly glad you did. I hope you’re glad you did as well,” he said gently.
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