I GLANCED at the few crumpled bills on the table, and then made my way to the kitchen. I grabbed a can of cat food from the cupboard and opened it with a satisfying pop. Ophelia appeared at my feet within seconds, her green eyes wide with anticipation.
As I scooped the contents of the can into her bowl, I stroked her soft fur as she eagerly devoured her breakfast. I then made my way to the bathroom for a much-needed bath, opening the dingy faucet and letting the water cascade. The tap water enveloped it, and I then soaked myself as it washes away the grime and stress over the past few days. While I was bathing, the warm water embracing my skin allowed my thoughts to drift, pondering the uncertainty of my life. The moment I spend the last penny I have on me, I have nowhere to go.
I reluctantly closed the faucet after a while, the cool air sending a shiver down my spine. Wrapping myself in a towel, I went to my room, opened my cabinet, and changed into a comfortable shirt and a pair of faded jeans. Ophelia had made her way to my bed, curling up on the soft duvet, her eyes half-closed in contentment. I joined her, running my fingers through her fur and whispering softly to her.
Ophelia purred contentedly as I ran my fingers through her soft fur, but just when I thought my worries could get any lighter, the memory of yesterday's sight lurked in the back of my mind. I mean, true, it could be Augustus. But the thought made my heart race and my hands tremble ever so slightly. If Augustus was here, that could only mean one thing: Miss Alice must have found me. But how? And why?
As I stared into the distance, I couldn't help but consider the possibility that Bryce might have played a part in this. My mind raced as I recalled the time he had used his telepathic abilities to find me when I was lost in the forest. Could he have done it again? Was he responsible for all this?
Maybe. Maybe he did. But if he did, where should I go next? I will be located by them at the end of the day if that's the case, right? I mean, I don't know what else to do. All I knew was that I couldn't just sit idly by. I had to do something to find out if it really was Augustus that I had seen or Leo. To know whether or not Miss Alice knew where I was right now. I shouldn't let my thoughts consume me. I know I had to figure out how Augustus knew my whereabouts and if he really was the guy I saw yesterday.
I scooped up Ophelia into my arms, feeling her comforting warmth and the steady rhythm of her purring as I prepared to step out of our tiny, ramshackle home.
The streets of Perthlochry were bustling as usual after I headed out, with merchants peddling their wares and children laughing as they played games. But today, the cheerful atmosphere seemed to hold a weird undertone. Every shadow seemed darker, and every whisper seemed more ominous. I then walked continuously, Ophelia nestled securely in my arms, her eyes scanning the surroundings. I navigated the winding cobblestone streets, the worn soles of my shoes providing little comfort as they slapped against the hard ground. I occassionally walk past posters of missing children, however, I just didn't read them one by one as it would form a knot in my stomach.
As I neared the police station, my heart picked up its pace, pounding in my chest like a caged animal. I tried to reassure myself that it was just a coincidence, that it wasn't Augustus, and that it was Leo. But deep down, I knew something was up. Something surely was up.
I hesitated for a moment outside the station's imposing brick facade, taking a deep breath and bracing myself for what lay ahead. Ophelia turned her head to look at me, her eyes questioning, as if she too wondered what we would find inside. With a sigh, I walked towards the pathway to the entrance of the police station.
As I approached the entrance of the police station, I felt the weight of my decision pressing down on me like a heavy shroud. And then, just as I was about to take the final step, my heart skipped a beat. A man emerged from the entrance, his silhouette unmistakable even in the fading light. It was the man who bore a striking resemblance to Augustus; his hair buzzed close to his scalp, and the outline of a cop's uniform hugged his lean frame. I froze in my tracks, my breath caught in my throat as I stared at the apparition before me.
It wasn't Augustus; it was indeed Leo. or Cornelius, as Lucy recalled his real name back when we were at her cabin. Whatever. I sighed, and I felt relieved. I backed away from the police station entrance, and Ophelia blinked her green eyes at me, offering no reply but continuing to purr softly. I knew she couldn't answer, but the thought burned within me.
I moved further into the shadows, keeping a safe distance as I watched him walk away, my heart pounding in my ears. A torrent of questions swirled through my mind as I followed, each step an echo of the past. What if Leo and Augustus secretly communicated with each other? Did he know about my presence? Could it be that Miss Alice has already discovered my whereabouts?
As Leo turned a corner, I quickened my pace. I felt like a detective in a noir film, tailing a suspect through darkened streets, my entire world reduced to the figure ahead of me. Then Leo stopped abruptly, his gaze fixed on something across the street. I dove behind a parked car, my heart hammering in my chest as I peered out at him from my hiding place. He appeared to be talking to himself, but the distance was too great to hear his words. I strained to listen, my pulse racing with a mixture of fear and anticipation.
A gust of wind swept down the street, tousling Leo's short hair and revealing the profile of his face. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the world suspended in a breathless instant as I studied his features. The curve of his jaw, the arch of his brow, the shape of his nose—they all looked very much like Augustus, but I could tell it's Leo. I don't know how, but I just could. I then pulled Ophelia closer, her warmth a balm to my frayed nerves. "Is he already aware of my presence in Perthlochry?" I asked her once more, my voice barely audible above the hush of the wind. She tilted her head, as though considering the question, then nuzzled her face against my skin.
As I stood there, I couldn't help but make up my mind quickly. The officer seemed to have an uncanny ability to navigate the crowded streets, weaving effortlessly through the sea of people. I, on the other hand, struggled to keep up, my vision occasionally obscured by the taller people around me. He rounded a curve, and in the blink of an eye, I lost sight of him. But I refused to let it bother me, though. Instead, I focused on the one thing that had always been true: I didn't want to return to Miss Alice's orphanage.
As I continued walking, a couple of minutes later, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched, like invisible eyes were boring into my back. I spun around, scanning the faces of the people around me, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe I was just being paranoid. But it was in that moment that Ophelia suddenly sprang free and bolted in the opposite direction. It was as if she had seen a ghost, and her sudden departure left me with a tug in my stomach. "Ophelia!" I called out, my voice barely audible against the roar of the crowd.
Despite my better judgment, I decided to follow her. Ophelia's sleek black form weaved in and out of the throng, her movements graceful and almost otherworldly. I chased her down narrow alleyways, past merchants hawking their wares, and through a maze of cobblestone streets that seemed to twist and turn in impossible ways.
As I rounded yet another corner, my heart racing, I finally caught sight of Ophelia again. She was perched atop a low stone wall, her green eyes fixed on something ahead of her. As I approached, I realized that she was staring at a peculiar-looking man, his face obscured by the brim of a wide hat. The man seemed to be deep in conversation with another figure, their features hidden beneath a dark cloak.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure whether I should interrupt their clandestine meeting. But as I stood there, I knew that I couldn't simply walk away. There was a reason Ophelia had led me here, and I owed it to myself to find out what that reason was.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, bracing myself. Of course, I was kind of nervous. I watched as my cat stared at me, her tail swishing back and forth. She seemed to have finally found what she had been chasing. "Ophelia!" I called out one more time, relief washing over me as she stopped in her tracks.
I approached her cautiously, my breath coming out in short puffs as I tried to catch it. I reached out my hand, ready to scoop her up into my arms, when, suddenly, a man leapt out of the shadows of the alley, snatching Ophelia away. My heart skipped a beat, and I yelled out in shock and fear. But before I could react, two more men emerged from the darkness, their bodies covered in tattoos and grime. I took a step back, panic rising within me, but it wasn't their intimidating appearance that caught my attention. It was the man who emerged slowly after them, his bulky body casting an ominous shadow on the cobblestone ground.
His bald head gleamed under the dim streetlights, and the tattoos on his arms seemed to dance menacingly as he moved. His face remained stern, but his eyes held a glimmer of recognition. As he opened his mouth and spoke in a mocking tone, I realized who he was.
"Long time, no see," he said.
I swallowed hard, my throat feeling dry and tight. My body trembled as I took a step back, but one of the big man's lackeys stepped forward, blocking my path. I glanced around, my instincts screaming at me to run, but I knew there was no way out.
Ophelia meowed pitifully, her frightened gaze locked on mine. My heart ached at the sound, and I knew I had to do something—anything—to save her. "What do you want?" I asked, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.
The big man grinned, his teeth yellow and crooked. "I think you know, Primrose. I think you know exactly what."
My mind raced, trying to think of what he could be referring to. I knew I had to play it cool and stall for time. "I don't know what you're talking about," I said, my voice wavering.
He stepped closer, and I could smell the stench of alcohol on his breath. "Don't play dumb, girl," he growled.
The air was thick with tension as Raunn's towering frame loomed over me like a dark cloud, casting a shadow that chilled me to the bone. His eyes were narrowed, a dangerous glint lurking within their depths as he spat out his question, and his voice was a menacing growl.
"How did you do it?"
I could sense the incredulity in his tone, the disbelief that someone like me—a girl—could defeat him, the infamous underground fighter known for his brute strength and ruthless tactics. The pulsing vein in his temple was a testament to his mounting frustration, yet I held my tongue, unwilling to speak. To do so would be to expose myself and make myself vulnerable in a place where vulnerability meant certain death.
"You must have cheated," Raunn taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "That's the only way a pathetic girl like you could ever defeat someone like me."
"You still can't accept defeat, can you?" I said, causing him to sniff in anger.
"If you won't talk, maybe your precious cat will," Raunn sneered, gesturing to the small cage in the corner where my sweet, terrified cat huddled, her eyes pleading for help. "Tell me what you did."
A lump formed in my throat, but I held my ground, my resolve firm. Even though my heart ached at the thought of Ophelia, I don't know how to respond to his question. Raunn's mocking laughter reverberated through the dimly lit room as the damp stench of mold and mildew clawed at my nostrils. I could feel the weight of the situation in my body. But no matter how much he taunted me, I refused to give him the satisfaction of a response.
"Have it your way," he said, his eyes narrowing as the smirk on his face grew more sinister. "But I know you did something that day. I saw it myself."
"I don't know what you're talking about," I said.
"Your necklace. It let out a faint glow, and suddenly... I felt weak." Raunn's voice trembled at the admission.
"Maybe you're just getting old," I retorted.
Raunn's face turned a deep shade of crimson, his anger boiling over. "I know you did something, girl. Did you cheat? Is that how you won?"
The accusation hung heavily in the air, and I could feel the room closing in on me. But I would not let him break me.
"You know nothing," I spat, the words dripping with venom. "You lost. Fair and square. You underestimated me, and that was your mistake."
Raunn's fists clenched, and I could see the veins bulging in his neck. "After what happened, they ridiculed me, Primrose. The respect I had was stripped away, all because of a teenage girl."
They? I asked inside my mind.
The satisfaction of knowing I had dealt a blow to his ego was a small comfort, but it was enough to keep me going. I knew I had to find a way out, to save Ophelia, and to escape.
"Maybe you didn't deserve that respect in the first place," I said, my voice steady despite the tremor in my hands. "You're a tyrant, after all."
As the words left my lips, I could feel the necklace beneath my shirt begin to warm. The bitterness in his words spoke volumes about the humiliation he had suffered at the expense of my winning. He explained how the people in the illegal arena had ridiculed him and how the respect he had once commanded had been stripped away as easily as a snake shedding its skin. It seemed that losing to me had dealt a devastating blow to his ego, one that he was desperate to avenge.
One of Raunn's lackeys chimed in, smirking as he echoed his boss's sentiments. The air around me cracked with hostility, the weight of their contempt pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket. But I refused to let them see me falter, to let them know just how much their words stung. Instead, I stood tall, and my chin lifted defiantly as I met their gazes with steely determination.
My thoughts, however, were consumed with worry for Ophelia, who had been locked in a cage by one of Raunn's men. The thought of her being frightened and alone tore at my heart. I knew that I needed to find a way to save her, to free her from the clutches of these cruel men.
But first, I had to think about how.
"Aren't you going to say anything, Primrose?" Raunn once again sneered.
And then I recalled what happened.
As the clamor of the crowd echoed in my mind, there I was, a mere novice in the world of underground fighting, staring into the bloodshot eyes of the reigning champion.
"Come on, little girl! You think you can take me on? You're just a pathetic waste of space," taunted Raunn, his voice dripping with venom.
I gritted my teeth, refusing to respond to his mockery. The crowd roared with anticipation, their cheers and jeers blending into a chaotic cacophony. I could feel their eyes on me, sizing me up and doubting my ability to stand up to the brute before me. But I then spotted Mamori, her eyes wide with concern as she watched me from the sidelines. I could see her trembling hands and her white knuckles gripping the railing as she silently prayed for my safety.
The fight began with a storm of fists, and I quickly found myself outmatched. Raunn was relentless, a whirlwind of brutality that left me battered and bruised. Each blow that connected seemed to echo through my very bones, and I could feel my strength fading with every passing moment.
As I lay there on the cold, unforgiving ground, I saw the smug look of triumph on Raunn's face. He sauntered towards me, preparing to deliver the final, crushing blow that would end it all. Mamori's face was a mask of terror, her eyes brimming with tears. But as he raised his massive arm, something unexpected happened. The necklace I wore began to glow with an ethereal light. Raunn's eyes widened in confusion, and before he could react, I felt a surge of power coursing through my veins.
I rose to my feet, my body now infused with a strength I had never known. My fists connected with the astonished Raunn, and the once-invincible champion crumpled to the ground like a ragdoll. The crowd gasped and then erupted into a deafening roar as I stood victorious.
And there, the bell rang.
The memory of that day slowly became a haze, interrupted by Ophelia's meows. Raunn's threat to harm her and me hung heavy in the air, and my heart raced with fear. One of his loyalists stepped forward, his malicious grin promising a world of pain. But just as he reached out to grab me, a voice rang out from behind. I turned to see a police officer obscuring the path. He stood between me and Raunn's henchman, his gun raised in their direction.
And as I stood there, I knew that I was tangled in a mess like a vine in the middle of the pathway. Raunn and his men then noticed the police officer, gun in hand.
"Police! "The officer yelled.
Raunn looked at me with irritation inked in his face as he said, "This isn't over." They then fled the alley as fast as their legs could carry them. A wave of relief washed over me, but there was no time to waste. I hurried to the cage where Ophelia was locked away.
"Ophelia," I whispered, my fingers trembling as I fumbled with the lock. With a click, the cage door swung open, and Ophelia leaped into my arms. Her soft fur brushed against my face as I buried my head in her neck, tears streaming down my cheeks. I had never been so grateful.
"Are you okay, Miss?" The police officer's concerned voice broke through my tearful reunion. I looked up, still cradling Ophelia in my arms, and froze.
The police officer reached out a hand to help me stand, and as I took it hesitantly, he noticed my face.
"P-Primmy?" Leo asked, a look of concern etched on his face. "I haven't seen you in a while. What on earth were you doing here?"
I shook my head, unable to speak. There goes the dumb nickname.
"Were those men hurting you and your pet cat?" he asked, but I remained silent.
He sighed. "Look, I get it that we don't typically go along with each other, but hey, that's because you are a very hardheaded girl. I mean," he scoffed, "look at you, those men are up to something. Are you certain you are not doing anything stupid again?"
"Yes," I said. Leo shook his head and sighed.
"Anyway, enough of the stuff. Where have you been? I haven't seen you in a while," he said. I looked down.
"My adoptive father died, and I have to look for another means to survive," I said, causing Leo to pause for a bit.
"I'm sorry," he said. I just remained silent. An awkward moment slowly wrapped around the both of us before his phone suddenly shattered the silence that encased the hushed alley. He fished his phone out of his pocket and answered as he pardoned himself. The man on the other line chattered something inaudibly, and Leo suddenly became agitated. Leo took something out of his wallet as he placed his phone back in his pocket.
He handed me a card with his name and contact information. "My superior just called me; we have a criminal on the loose. If anything happens, if those men ever come back, just contact me."
I stared at the card, my mind in a whirlpool of confusion. It had his name and contact information in it. As I clutched the card and held Ophelia close, Leo bid his farewell as he ran to his car. With a shaky hand, I decided to walk away from that alley.
But one thing was weird, though. I mean, I typically throw his card away every time he gives it to me. But right now, for some reason, I decided to keep it in my pocket. Who knows what will happen, right?
***
On my way home, I couldn't tear my eyes away from the card Leo had given me. The embossed letters spelling out his name and title shimmered under the streetlights as my thoughts swirled.
As I walked, I couldn't help but worry about the possible consequences. What if Augustus and Leo had somehow crossed paths? What if Leo had informed Augustus of my whereabouts? What if Lucy, Leo, and Augustus were in contact this entire time? Could I be wrong?
The weight of uncertainty pressed down on me, tightening my chest with anxiety.
In need of a reprieve from my spiraling thoughts, I entered a nearby store, the familiar chime of the bell above the door momentarily diverting my mind. The fluorescent lights hummed overhead as I scanned the aisles for something to drink. Perhaps a cold, refreshing sip of lemonade would wash away the unease that had settled in my bones.
As I continued to peruse the store, I remembered that I needed to pick up some food for Ophelia. I turned down the pet food aisle, my eyes scanning the shelves for her favorite brand. The store was nearly empty, and the quiet was a welcome respite from the chaos of my thoughts.
Just as I began to think that my day couldn't get any stranger, a familiar voice broke the silence. "Miss?"
Startled, I looked up and found myself staring into the eyes of a man I hadn't seen since our encounter in the forest. "Giusseppi?" I breathed, my heart skipping a beat as I recognized the dendrologist's warm smile.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
Ophelia, cradled in my arm, suddenly hissed and arched her back, her fur bristling. I had never seen her react so strongly to anyone before. Trying to soothe her, I murmured. "It's okay, Ophelia. Calm down."
As I apologized to Giusseppi, he chuckled softly and said, "No need to apologize. Animals have a keen sense of character, after all." The twinkle in his eye hinted at a deeper meaning behind his words, but I was too preoccupied with Ophelia's unusual behavior to delve into it.
Ophelia continued to glare at Giusseppi, her eyes narrowing to slits as she emitted a low growl. Her distrust of him was palpable, and it left me wondering what had changed since we last saw him.
As I stood there, torn between my memories of Giusseppi and my cat's unexplained animosity, a cold shiver ran down my spine. The events of the day suddenly seemed to be pieces of a puzzle, slowly fitting together to reveal a picture I wasn't sure I wanted to see. But one thing was certain: my life had taken an unexpected turn, and there was no going back.
"How are you now, Prim?" Giusseppi asked with a concerned tone. I stood there, caught off guard by his sudden appearance and the fact that he knew my name. I kept my mouth shut, not knowing what to say or how to react. His eyes wandered, observing our surroundings.
"Interesting. You're out here in this town alone with your cat?" Giusseppi's voice carried a hint of amusement. His words sent a chill down my spine, and I could feel an alarm ringing inside my head.
Giusseppi leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, a girl like that shouldn't be wandering all by herself in this scary town."
My heart pounded in my chest, but still, I remained silent.
Giusseppi's lips curled into a mischievous smile, his gaze shifting to the pitiful amount of coins in my hand. "You don't have enough money right now, do you?"
I shook my head. "No."
The truth in his words stung, but I couldn't deny it. Really, he was right. I was desperate to avoid going back to the academy, and Giusseppi seemed to know something crucial about Miss Alice. He told me something back when we first encountered each other in the forest. I know he knew something.
He sensed my hesitation and added, "Don't worry, I will tell you all the things that you need to know about her."
I stared into his eyes, searching for any signs of deceit. But all I saw was a strange determination, a fire that burned brightly within him. My heart raced as I weighed my options. Going back to the academy would mean returning to a life of uncertainty and fear, but following this stranger could lead me to even greater danger.
The seconds ticked by, and I made a decision. With a deep breath, I looked straight into Giusseppi's eyes and said, "Alright, I'll go with you. But you have to promise to tell me everything."
His smile widened, and he extended his hand toward me. "Deal," he said, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and relief.
As I took his hand, a whirlwind of emotions swirled inside me. Fear, hope, and curiosity mingled together, creating a storm that threatened to consume me. But I held onto the belief that I was making the right choice, and as Giusseppi led me away from the familiar town I had known, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen next.