TWO YEARS LATER
☽ ☽ ☽ ☽

"Willow, you knocked down my clock!" Rebel turned her head to glare daggers at the cat before groaning in exasperation. Her classic alarm cloak had shattered to pieces next to her nightstand.

The seven-year-old crouched down, looking at all the bits and pieces that made the device. "What a mess," Rebel muttered under her breath, already thinking of how hard it would be to clean up.

And knowing her aunt, she would make sure she swept up every piece until it was all cleaned.

Selene had magic and probably could make the pieces disappear in seconds. Probably even fix the device itself too. And yet, it would become a teaching lesson for Rebel.

Whenever Rebel ever made a mess or had poor manners, Selene always made it a lesson.

Of course, she understood why. That Selene wanted to raise her right, but sometimes the brunette could be downright bossy.

The young redhead sighed before fetching a broom and dustpan.

Might as well clean it up before Selene sees and lectures me.

Carefully, she swept up the broken pieces. She was cautious not to cut herself with any glass pieces before dumping them in the kitchen's trashcan.

When Rebel returned to her room, she huffed a breath and sneered at the brown tabby cat who sat on her bed.

Willow remained unchanged from her previous position, unaffected by the havoc she had caused. The cat just blinked at the girl and let out a simple meow.

"Brat." Rebel said before walking over to her bed and plopping down on her back next to the cat.

The cat crawled over to her. And even though Willow couldn't express herself with words, she knew that Rebel couldn't stay mad at her for long. None of her caretakers that lived in the cottage could. Even the adults. The brunette with jade eyes. And the brute who always had a smile on his face.

Within the day that she had come to live with them, they had adopted her into their family. That same day they had turned their family of three into four.

But Rebel was her favorite. Her favorite out of the three humans. She loved to spend time with the little girl. She was her person.

Rebel giggled, feeling Willow begin to swat a fuzzy paw at her nose. "Silly cat."

She smiled, leaning up and seizing the cat in her arms. She started scratching her cat's head, getting at that spot behind her ears that Willow loved. "Look at you making me a big softie just like Henrik."

Willow nuzzled her head against Rebel's arm in response to her confession, looking upward at her freckled face like, "Sorry, but I can't help it."

And she couldn't. Willow was adorable. Who could ever turn down the chance to snuggle her?

Besides, when Henrik and Selene were crazy about maintaining school and training lessons, Willow was the only tolerable one.

Unfortunately for Rebel, her aunt and uncle were relentless during their training sessions. Typically, they spent at least three hours a day doing exercises to test her agility, speed, endurance, and coordination.

It was a lot.

This wasn't even considering that Rebel still had six hours of elementary school lessons every weekday. And even though her courses were taught by Selene, and she trained her too, the brunette was not willing to jeopardize her education for training's sake.

No, there had to be both.

Which Rebel understood why, but it just sucked sometimes. It especially sucked whenever it cut into her time for reading.

"I should get back to math homework, though," Rebel said, her smile fading with the realization. "I mean, I was doing it before you interrupted me." She sat aside Willow on the bed and walked over to her desk, taking a seat at her chair.

As soon as her eyes met the worksheet she had been working on, she sighed.

Math. It was her least favorite subject. She hated it.

Nonetheless, she grabbed her mechanical pencil and looked over the problems. Trying to make sense of all the numbers that she had to multiply.

All they did was make her head swirl.

Rebel completed four problems before she broke away, deciding to put her homework on a momentary pause.

"When will Henrik and Selene be back?" She mused aloud, her head thrown back against the seat's cushion. "I mean, it's not fair they get to go into town, but I have to stay here alone."

It was just supposed to be a quick shopping trip into town. Just to trade a few items: The fruits, vegetables, and herbs Selene had harvested in the garden out front.

What was taking them so long?

Without another thought, she returned to her work. She just hoped they were okay and that they'd be back soon.

She could only hope.

☽ ☽ ☽ ☽

The golds, pinks, and oranges of sunset burned brightly in the sky.

Sighing, Rebel reached over her nightstand and took a sip of water, deciding to put down the book she had been reading.

It was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and she was thoroughly enjoying it. But it was enough reading. At least for now.

Selene and Henrik had still yet to make an appearance. Anxiety had begun to claw at her. Dread sent a shudder down her spine, making her feel like hundreds of ants were crawling all over her skin—something was not right.

Then there were three knocks at the door.

Rebel jumped in her seat, surprised before the gears turned and her head and she bolted to the door. "Rebel, we're home," she heard Selene's voice from the opposite side of the door.

Her fingers did quick work of unlatching the bolt, the one always slotted in place whenever the little girl was on her own. She knew there were other security measures in place too. Security measures that her aunt had ensured would never fail because of her peak magical abilities.

Those same powerful, magical abilities that all Laurents carried in the bloodstream, Rebel included.

But power was deadly since it set you apart. Power like that marked you from birth, for better or for worse.

The front door opened and revealed Selene, and Henrik was right behind her. Her guardians had looked the same as they had left. Selene was still wearing a navy blue sundress scattered with white polka dots. Meanwhile, Henrik wore jeans, a graphic tee, and a beige corduroy jacket.

They looked just the same as they had left.

The only difference was that Selene was carrying a bag of items they bought at the farmer's market, and by the looks of it, Henrik had some bags in hand, too.

Thank the Gods.

"Are you guys okay? I was worried about you both." Rebel opened the door wider, moving aside to let them through.

"Yes, we're good." A small smile broke out on Selene's face as she walked over to the kitchen and sat down the groceries. She didn't miss that Rebel had followed in her steps, only a couple of inches behind her aunt. She was practically too afraid to let her aunt out of her sight. Selene and Henrik found the action adorable, causing Rebel's uncle to snicker in amusement. "The farmer's market took just a bit longer than expected, but we're good." The jade-eye brunette explained as she started unloading the groceries and putting them away with the help of Henrik. "Thank you for your concern, Rebel."

After he finished putting the groceries bags away, Henrik came up to Selene. "Hey, I going to gather and chop some firewood." He paused, looking outside at the darkening skies. Golds and reds, turning into blues and purples. "A thunderstorm is supposedly coming, and I want to be prepared." He gave her a quick hug from behind.

"Okay, love. Dinner should be ready by the time you get back." Selene turned her head and sent him off with a peck on the cheek.

The door swung open and closed before Rebel sighed.

"It's just that I didn't know where you guys went." The seven-year-old said from her seat at the dining table, a couple of feet away from the kitchen. Rebel cast a downcast glance at a loose thread hanging from the olive green long-sleeved shirt she was wearing.

Maybe Willow had pulled a loose thread while she was playing with her, but to be honest, she didn't have a clue where it came from.

"You guys should've brought me," Rebel said, voice filled with unknown resolve while her eyes remained fixed on the thread.

Rebel knew she shouldn't pay it any attention and that Selene would cut it soon. But everything felt so suffocating because Rebel like she knew nothing. For all she knew, her aunt and uncle could have abandoned her. Or something could have happened in town. And they would have gotten hurt. Or even worse: They could've died.

All these irrational thoughts flooded her head, and her chest felt tight. She hated the feeling of being unaware of things. Being alone for nine hours had terrified her.

It terrified her since she knew her parents were killed in some type of an accident.

What if the same were to happen to Selene and Henrik?

"Yes, we should've, and I'm sorry," Selene admitted apologetically. "All your friends were at the farmer's market, and they wouldn't stop bugging me asking where you were. And there was music and dancing, too." Selene started gathering some ingredients from the refrigerator and cabinets. "I think that Elmhurst was having a festival of some kind."

"Exactly." Rebel's head perked up, eyes darting upward at her aunt. "I would've had fun with my friends while you guys went shopping." Her tone became sharper, accusatory. "Everything would have gone as planned."

Selene shook her head, amused. With Rebel, sometimes you just could never win.

"Well, maybe you're just a little angry because you couldn't see Jackson." Selene chewed on her bottom lip before a grin formed on her lips. "I think you have a little crush on him." The brunette tossed a knowing, cheeky wink at her niece before going over to the sink to fill a large pot with water.

"No, I'm not. I-I don't like Jack." Rebel defended, caught off guard by the accusation that she liked the little blond boy with who she had been friends for the longest time. Undeniable pink had begun to spread all over her freckled face, reaching to the tips of her ears. Rebel swore it had nothing to do with the boy.

The stovetop lit up with two clicks, and Selene set the water to boil. Once it was finished she added dried spaghetti noodles.

"Mhm, sure."

"I- we're just good friends." Rebel swung her foot back and forth, trying to focus on something else. "That's all," she mumbled in explanation, with burning cheeks.

"It's okay if you do have a crush on him." Selene had got a skillet and placed some ground beef in the pan, the meat sizzling at the contact. "Jack's a great kid."

"Bringing me would've let you and Hen stay out for longer since you wouldn't have to worry about me at home."

"It was only a few hours longer." Selene countered, beginning to chop some garlic and onions to add to the beef.

"Well, I'm just saying that you guys could have even done a few things at the festival with your adult friends like Taylor, Kai, Loki." Rebel's brow narrowed in thought, pretending to search for another name for a dramatic pause. "Oh, and Michael, too."

Selene shook her head, snickering as she grabbed a wooden spoon, moved the meat around, got it to sizzle, placed the spoon aside on a plate, and a lid on the skillet. She blew out a breath from her nose. Rebel was being a bit spiteful, but to be fair, she understood why. "Michael is not from town. You know that."

"But, he's one of your only friends that comes over here every so often!"

"You know he works as an advisor for King Cryus, and the capital is only twenty minutes away from here." Selene blew out a soft breath. "I've just known him for a very long time, and he's a great friend."

"Would Henrik say the same?"

A pause. The knife in Selene's hand stilled before she set it down on the cutting board.

The brunette sighed, facing her niece at the table, "Rebel, I only love your uncle. You know that."

"Yeah, whatever."

Selene ignored the comment.

The brunette reached over, plucking a grape that she had washed and popped into her mouth.

"You want some grapes?" She offered to Rebel a few seconds later.

"Okay." Rebel said her voice barely above a whisper. She was trying to sort out her feelings, but she couldn't. It was as if life had handed her a new problem that she didn't know how to fix by herself. Besides, she wasn't the type to be vocal about negative emotions because she didn't want her aunt or uncle to worry. It just made the whole situation a lot messier.

"Here's your grapes," Selene placed the bowl in front of the little girl, noticing her niece's somber disposition.

Rebel was brilliant, but she had the habit of doubting herself. Selene couldn't believe that the young girl would be a pre-teen in a few years, and she would be even more silent about her feelings. She couldn't even imagine how Rebel would be when she was a teenager. Probably more of a sassy spitfire with a smart mouth.

Oh, yeah. During those years she would definitely be trouble.

But she just hoped that she'd come and talk to her whenever she was having an issue. She didn't want niece to suffer in silence.

"Come here, little one." Selene crouched down on the ground beside her, beckoning her into her open arms.

Hunching her shoulders and huffing out a breath, Rebel slid off her seat and ran into Selene's arms. She wrapped her arms tightly around her aunt.

"You didn't mean all of that, did you?" Selene said, voice soft with understanding.

"No. I'm so sorry."

Against her will, Rebel's lip started to wobble, and her eyes stung. All her emotions were about to pour out at any second.

"I was just so scared— I'm sorry for being mad—" the seven-year-old sniffled against her aunt's shoulder. Rebel knew she could be a bit petty when angry, even have a sharp tongue and say awful things. But it was because she was so scared of her emotions.

She loved Selene and Henrik, and Willow fiercely. They were her family. Despite her awful words, Rebel truly never meant any harm. She wouldn't know what she would do with herself if any of them got hurt.

"It's okay, baby. I got you." Selene whispered consolingly as she stroked the back of her head. Turning her head slightly, she planted a gentle kiss on Rebel's forehead. "I'm so sorry."

"And I-I'm sorry. I-I'm sorry, I just didn't want you to be hurt." Her eyes were glossy as a tear rolled down her cheek. "What if you and Henrik died like Mom and Dad?"

Rebel's words made Selene's heart feel like it was threatening to shatter into a thousand pieces. How could she ever say that? She should never be worried by such a thought.

"Oh, that could never happen, baby," she whispered, pulling her closer. "And I know I cannot make up for how much I scared you. But I plan to spoil the Hell out of you." She all over her niece's face, sneaking a hand to tickle Rebel's side.

The seven-year-old shook her head in protest but couldn't deny the smile on her face, "I'm going to give you so many sweet treats tonight, and we'll build pillow forts. And even have a pillow fight. You'll have the time of your life, and then you'll tell all your other friends that I'm the greatest aunt ever," Selene finished, then bit her lip before attacking her niece with tickles.

"Ahh, stop, stop, stop!" Rebel wriggled in her arms.

"Never, munchkin."

"No, seriously. I don't want to pee myself!"

Selene's eyes went wide, stopping her attack. "Well, we certainly don't want that." She laughed, letting Rebel break free from her arms.

She looked up at her niece, much taller than she was at five. Her hair had also grown darker red. Transforming from strawberry red to a more coppery color. With each passing day, Rebel seemed to be taller, smarter, faster, stronger, and prettier— she was well on her way to becoming a beautiful young lady. She could see Jackson being the first heart she'd break in a line of many.

"Mhm, why don't you use the restroom? Then after, you can help me set the table." She smiled up at her.

"Okay."

Rebel tossed a smile back at her before she went down the hall.

☽ ☽ ☽ ☽

Dishes clattered as the trio sat down their utensils on their empty plates.

"Thank you for the wonderful dinner, darling," Henrik announced, turning towards Selene. "But I'm stuffed." He chuckled gruffly and threw his napkin beside his plate.

"I'm glad you like it, my love." Selene finished up her pasta. "And since you're stuffed, I'm assuming that'll leave more ice cream for Rebel and me?" The brunette asked with a playful glint in her eye as she met her niece's glance, who had a twinkle just as mischievous in her own blue eyes.

"Oh, I would love some, but too much pasta." He laughed. "Let me clean the dishes, though." He began gathering their empty plates before carrying them to the sink. The tap turned on a few seconds later.

Then there was a knock at the door. "Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker." A male voice called from the other side of the door. "It's the king's guard. We'd like to speak with either one of you for a few moments."

Henrik snapped off the water faucet. Droplets fell from the tap. "And who am I speaking to?"

"Captain Nilsen and a few of my men." A pause. "We don't mean to intrude, but it'll only take a moment. It's about your recent tax payment."

Henrik and Selene shared a glance. "Maybe, it's a simple misunderstanding. . . ? We paid." Selene mouthed, eyebrows knitted in confusion.

"I'll be out in a minute," Henrik called back. "We'll fix this." He dried his hands before passing by Rebel and Selene with a reassuring smile. Pressing his lips against Selene's, he hummed into their kiss. "It'll only be a moment," he whispered against her lips. Before they knew it, he was out the door, chatting with the other men.

"What do they want?" Rebel said in a sharp whisper.

"They say it's something to do with our payments. I don't think that's the case, though." Selene looked at the door.

"Should we go peek through the curtains?"

"No, Bel." She grabbed her niece's wrist, steering her away from the potential danger and towards the cottage's living room instead. "I don't trust them," she whispered. "Go get the dagger I gave you."

"But I don't know how to use it."

Selene shook her head. "That's fine." Her full lips pressed together in thought as her jade eyes danced across the living room, assessing. "And also bring your teddy bear and blanket, please."

"Okay," Rebel inhaled shakily, folding her hands before heading towards her room. She didn't know what was going on and wanted to ask Selene why she needed those items, but based on her tone, it sounded serious. And like her aunt didn't have much time to give her all the facts. Maybe she'd get the chance to ask later, though.

Selene's eyes widened at the sight of Rebel with the requested items in her arms. "Okay." She crouched down on her knees to be eye-level with Rebel, "I need you to go into the kitchen pantry."

"Why."

"Doesn't matter, but; for this to work, I need you to trust me, okay? Can you do that for me, baby?" Her smile widened, white teeth gleaming in the buttery lamplight, and her eyes seemed softer, angelic even. Her chest rose softly, and she gently tucked a stray piece of Rebel's red hair behind her ear. Her aunt's touch was soft, always so gentle with her, no matter how pushy she could be.

Rebel nodded her head quickly. All she wanted to do was make her aunt proud, and based on her tone, Selene sounded confident. Her aunt sounded sure of her plan.

It would work. It would work. It would work.

The alternative was not an option. Rebel would not give any thought to it because she couldn't.

And Henrik would be back any minute now too. And they would go back to having dinner and being a family again without interruptions.

"Promise?" Rebel asked, her blue eyes growing wider. "Do you promise?" She hoped Selene didn't hear how her voice trembled.

"I do, Bel." Another kind smile slipped onto her face before her aunt kissed her middle and pointer finger and pressed them against Rebel's smaller fingers.

She then traced her fingers over her heart.

"I cross my heart, Bel. I hope to die if I don't honor it." Her aunt let out a soft laugh before giving her another reassuring kiss on the cheek. "I promise, babygirl."

Rebel shuddered at the contact. Everything will go according to plan, Selene swore on it.

She didn't know why she felt so worked up, though. Maybe the lingering thoughts from earlier?

No.

Nothing bad would happen. Everything would go according to Selene's plan, and her family would be safe.

"Now, we must walk back to the kitchen, okay?" Rebel nodded, and Selene got up, offering a hand to her so she could walk side by side. "Once we get there, I'll help you into the pantry room. Then I'll wrap you in your blanket, and you'll stay there with your bear. If the men do enter, I'll settle whatever issue they have. It'll only take a couple of moments, and you can safely watch me from the crack between the doors."

"What about Willow? Where will she go?" She glanced up at her aunt, wondering where the cat was.

Selene sighed. "There won't be enough time to hide her anywhere. I'm sure they won't hurt her."

"Why can't she go into the pantry with me?"

Selene thought for a moment before her brows knitted together. "Okay. But please promise you'll keep her quiet." Her eyes looked at the necklace around Rebel's neck before stepping over the kitchen's threshold.

Side by side, aunt and niece walked over to the white farmhouse doors that opened to the pantry room.

Selene carefully pulled the doors apart, revealing the closet reserved for storing food and emergency supplies. The room wasn't small by any means. But Rebel couldn't help but feel a little claustrophobic with all the shelves filled with materials. A little girl wasn't meant to be here.

Selene tipped her head forward, a gesture that it was safe for Rebel to go inside.

A few seconds later, Rebel's hesitantly shuffled into the room.

Selene then placed her pale green blanket over her shoulders, wrapping Rebel in the blanket.

When she was finished, Selene's attention slid to the teddy bear in Rebel's left hand, tucked into her chest. "Look, Bel, you got Mr. Snuggles. He'll protect you."

It was a poor attempt at a distraction, but Rebel didn't say anything.

Then her aunt's eyes fell to the dagger in her opposite hand. "And you have your dagger too. . just in case," Selene said lowly, lips twitching into a meek smile before she inhaled deeply.

Emotion was thick in the air before her arms slowly brought the doors to a close. "I love you, Rebel. Don't you ever forget that." She whispered, the gap between the doors closing. "It'll only be a moment."

"Wait, Willow—"

"Shit," Selene muttered under her breath. Wincing at her forgetfulness. "I'll get her right now."

When they had entered, the cat was lying by the window still, sunbathing.

Now, Willow was nowhere in sight.

"Uh, I can't find her, Bel," Selene said after another moment of searching. "I'm sure she scurried off and will turn up later."

"Let me help—" The pantry doors began to part open.

"No, Bel." Selene snapped, flicking her wrist so the doors would stay shut. "I love you, but you cannot."

"Okay. . I love you too. I love you so much, Sel."

Then, they heard a snarl belonging to a large wolf followed by screams and the sound of flesh being torn apart.

Henrik.

By the sound of it, whatever conversation he had tried to have with the men had gone to shit. They were enemies.

Rebel knew her uncle could turn into a giant wolf at will, but the sound of death being so close was eerie. She sealed her eyes shut.

But then there was the sound of chains, a click, and horrible choking sounds. Her uncle's voice broke out.

"Please—" he pleaded with the men, gasping for breath. "Don't hurt my girls. Please." A thunderous boom rang out, and Rebel could no longer hear Henrik.

She shuddered. At least Henrik wasn't suffering anymore.

Only a couple of seconds followed before it sounded like the men had blasted open the front door.

A group of seven men entered. Every piece of clothing save for the silver brooches pinned to their capes and blood-red capes trailing behind them was obsidian black. They held swords and chains in their hands. Yet on the sides of their belts were also pistols.

Six of the men wore hoods that obscured their faces. Meanwhile, the frontman leading the group showed his face. He had mid-length white hair, a cropped beard, and beady black eyes that looked like they could eviscerate any living thing that crossed his path with a glance. Unlike the other men, he also had a red emblem on his left bicep. From the looks of it, he had a higher position than the rest. A captain?

A smear of blood ran along the right side of his face, left by fingers. Rebel's stomach immediately soured at the sight.

So he was the one who killed Henrik.

Based on the ensemble they wore, the group did belong to the guard of some noble. However, they didn't wear the usual navy blue outfits of King Cyrus's knights, the reigning King of Sangrea, or any other noble on this continent. And knowing what they did to Henrik, Rebel wouldn't question if they crawled out of the depths of Hell themselves.

Where was Selene, though?

"Selene, come out, come out, wherever you are." The captain taunted, his thin lips curling into a smirk. "I already killed your husband. Don't you think it's time for you to join him in death?"

"Fuck you, Pollux," Selene called from the shadows.

A second later, knives seemingly flew out of nowhere toward the invaders. A few of the men, Pollox included, were able to duck in time. However, two of the hooded men weren't so lucky as Selene's blades lodged themselves deep into their chests, and they gagged before crumbling onto the kitchen floor.

"Just a feisty as before." Pollux chuckled from his place on the ground, his back against the island wall. "Such a shame you went with Henrik. I like my woman fiery." The captain then turned his head to look at his fallen men and grunted. "But that wasn't very nice. I don't like losing my soldiers."

"Maybe you should be a better captain then."

"Oh, the sarcasm," Pollux dryly scoffed. His voice was gravelly, but not in the attractive way Henrik's was. It was rough and sounded like swords scraping against one another. "Even though you killed two of my men, Selene, I might be willing to make you an offer you can't resist," he laid a hand on the counter, using it as leverage to help him to his feet. "But I much prefer if we negotiate face-to-face."

Selene appeared from the darkness. This time, wearing a black bodysuit with knives along her belt.

The four reaming hooded men made a move to strip Selene of her weapons, but Pollux held his hand in the air, calling them off.

Selene took notice before her eyes slid back to Pollux.

"What do you want?"

"It's been a very, very long time since we last saw each other. Why not even say 'hello' and smile for me?" Pollux taunted as he shamelessly dragged his beady eyes along Selene's body. The action made Rebel want to hurl. "But, I think you know exactly what I want." The captain smiled menacingly. "Give me Yvaine's girl for Zagreus."

Her aunt swept a piece of hair from her face, responding coolly. "Rebel died along with her parents."

"Mhm, no." Pollux shook his head. "That's untrue because you stole her away before any harm could come to her. Zagreus knows, and I do too." He ran a hand along the long blade of his sword, indifferent to the pointed tip or possibility of cutting himself. "I won't kill her, but he wants her."

"Then, why isn't he here himself?"

"Political obligations to Alaric," Pollux explained, eyes dancing around the kitchen before he let out a sigh. "The foolish human king was just a means for more power and strength, but he plans on killing him and his family soon," Pollux said so carelessly, because to warlocks like him human lives didn't matter.

Humans were powerless compared to supernaturals despite whatever rank they had. Just like little bugs that could be squashed so easily.

"And what will you do with me?"

Rebel could see the dagger Selene held behind her back, just waiting for the perfect moment to strike. She was luring Pollux and his men into a false sense of security.

"Depends." His eyes trailed down to her cleavage before making eye contact again. Selene noted his straying eyes but didn't say anything and instead smiled kindly. "I'll take you as a prisoner instead of killing you. Of course, Zagreus won't like the switch of plans. But I'll get him on board."

Her aunt feigned being impressed by his plan. "Just for me?"

"Mhm, just for you, darlin'." He returned the smile, eying her curves before glancing at her ass. "Anything for you." Rebel was disgusted with how much his words were dripping with horniness.

"Oh well, I have a secret to tell you," Selene said sweetly, leaning closer to Pollux, her breath warm against his skin. "Do you want to hear it?"

"Mhm, what is it?" Pollux grinned. "Are you finally gonna confess your love for me, doll?"

"I fooled you, pervert," Selene said against his lips.

Pollux paled with surprise, unable to comprehend what Rebel's aunt had just said.

But it was already too late for two more of his men.

Selene quickly slit the guard on her left's throat before chucking the blade into the chest of the one who tried to run towards her from the right.

Chaos unfolded as the other men grabbed their chains and tried to throw them at her. Although, Selene was quicker, and she jammed her blade into Pollux's right eye. "That's for Henrik, asshole." She twisted it, wanting to inflict as much damage until the bloodied knife clattered onto the floor.

"Argh! Fucking Laurent bitch with her dirty tricks," he seethed, voice full of malice. Droplets of blood fell to the floor through his fingers as he held a hand over his injured eye.

Too bad Selene wasn't quick enough to avoid the spiked chain of one of the guards.

She fell onto her knees from the blow to her back.

The other guard quickly came behind her, binding her wrists with steel shackles. Rebel's stomach dropped. Oh no, this can't be happening.

Somehow, Pollux was able to will the strength to get in front of Selene. He lifted her chin with a tight grip.

"I should kill you right now," he hissed. "But, I need to know where is Rebel?"

"Go to fucking Hell." Selene spat, jade eyes filled with hatred and fury.

Smack!

Selene gasped, reeling from the hit that Pollux had landed on her face. He was a despicable man.

"You know that's not the answer I want." He gritted before gathering some of her hair in his gloved fist. He gave it a firm tug. Selene clenched her jaw, fighting back the pain. "So I'm going to ask you one more time. Where is Rebel?"

Rebel wished she could lunge at Pollux and the other men and save her aunt.

But she knew she was only seven years old and didn't have the capabilities to face the men. She couldn't reveal herself either. If she did, all that Selene did would be for nothing.

Helpless, a tear rolled down her cheek as she was forced to stay silent and watch from the pantry door. She prayed that a miracle would happen.

"You won't ever find her. You will die before you ever lay a finger on her. She will avenge me, Henrik, and her parents when she's older. And I swear she will be the death of Zagreus. I swear." Selene heaved as she stared back at Pollux, eyes brimming determination despite her circumstances. Rebel's aunt was unwilling to surrender. She wouldn't allow herself to coward into defeat or beg Pollux for mercy.

She wouldn't have if anyone else forced her into the same situation. Selene just wasn't that type of person.

Although, it was at a cost. Maybe Pollux would have granted her mercy if she begged because he was a sick pervert who had been obsessed with the brunette for centuries.

But her response made him rage. It angered him so much that she wasn't willing to break.

With a tight grip, he grabbed her chin for a final time.

"Then you leave me no choice."

It only took a split second for him to slice Selene's neck.

She gasped, her eyes widening with realization before blood began seeping down her chest and onto the floor.

Even though time passed by, as usual, the defying silence made each one feel like it stretched on for ages for Rebel.

It was like someone had snuffed out a flame that was her happiness.

Her life—the one she had with her aunt and uncle and their cat in their quiet cottage was gone.
It was torn away from her by the men in red capes in the blink of an eye.

She would never hear the rasp of Henrik's voice as he played a song on his guitar or watch him cheer her through her training, never get another piggyback ride from him. Never see the smile he always wore. Or the deep, understanding blues in his eyes, or get another scruffy morning kiss on her forehead.

And she would never hear Selene's lulling voice, watch her try to hide a smile as she mustered the seriousness to scold her and Henrik after playing a prank or being goofballs. She'd never get to eat another of her aunt's delicious meals, especially her mouthwatering peanut butter and chocolate cookies. And she'd never get another hug from Selene and fall asleep to her gentle voice as she read a story before bed.

All she had now of her old life was the memories and pain of what was lost.

Rebel's eyes stung. She wanted to sob for all she had lost, but she couldn't out of fear of revealing herself.

So she bit down on her bottom lip and held onto her teddy bear tighter. Now, all she had to care about was her survival.

A few moments later, Pollux sighed deeply, releasing his hold on Selene's hair. Her body landed with a thud face down on the hardwood floor only a few feet away from Rebel's hiding spot.

"Find the girl," Pollux spoke, his voice low, defeated.

How could he have the fucking audacity to be pained? He was the one who killed Selene.

At that moment, Rebel wanted nothing more than to jam a knife in his other eye and finish the job Selene had started. She swore once she was older, Pollux would be her first kill.

Rebel would live up to Selene's final words, she promised to herself.

"Are you okay, sir?" A hooded man said to the right of his captain.

Pollux's lip lifted in repulsion before he yelled. "Yes, I am fine! JUST FIND THE GIRL!"

The two other men snapped into action at their commander's words, beginning to make their way through the kitchen.

Then sky cracked, thundering. The men, Pollux included, stiffened.

Had it been raining before? Why were they acting strange now?

Rebel didn't have a clue.

But to her surprise, Michael stepped through the entryway door.

As always, he wore a well-tailored suit. After all, he was an advisor for King Cyrus and had to look his best at all times.

Today, he dressed in a sleek black and white tuxedo with a black tie. His short brown hair was neatly trimmed, and his sturdy jawline was clean from a fresh shave.

"Gentlemen." Michael's dark brown eyes landed on the group. Then they fell onto Selene's body on the floor. "It seems like you all are unwelcome visitors that have overstayed your visit." He eyes looked back at them before he flashed them a pleasant closed-mouth smile. One in which they responded with a scream of terror.

Soon enough, Rebel quickly understood why they were screaming.

The next moment, Michael's white angel wings spread from his back. And he was clutching his favorite sword.

"Rebel, please shut your eyes." His honeyed voice called.

Rebel obeyed, sealing her eyes shut.

It sounded like three bodies had landed on the ground. All of them had been dealt their death by the Archangel Michael.

She then heard him whisper Selene's name and pray.

"You may open your eyes and exit the pantry. You are safe." Michael said a few moments later.

Slowly, Rebel pushed open the pantry doors from her side.

But the bodies were no longer there, and Selene's now had a white sheet over it.

"Where did they go?" Rebel looked up at him, and despite decapitating Pollux and his men, he didn't have a speck of blood on his suit or face.

"To Hell." Michael smiled kindly at the little girl.

"What about Selene? And Henrik?"

"I'll have them buried. Don't worry." He crouched down and pulled Rebel into a tight hug. "I'm so sorry, Rebel. Selene called me earlier with concerns. She mentioned something about a group of men watching her and Henrik at Elmhurst's farmer's market. I wish I had gotten here sooner."

"I just hope she's in a better place." Rebel mumbled against his shoulder.

"I'm sure she will be. They both will be." Michael gently patted her back. "However, with Selene and Henrik passed, some things must now change."

Rebel pulled away, looking at Michael's face. "What do you mean?" Her brows knitted in confusion.

"You will now live with someone new."

"Is that you?"

Michael lightly shook his head. "I'm afraid that can't be."

"Why not? You know how to use weapons and can continue training me. You only live about twenty minutes away in the capital." She paused, trying to think of anyone else, but Michael seemed like the obvious choice of who would raise her next. "You've always kind of been my unofficial uncle. And your Selene's closest friend."

"Wait, Selene said that?"

"Mhm."

His lips pressed together for a moment before grunting. "It's just my job. It's dangerous, and I wouldn't want you to be exposed to that type of world yet. It is no place for a child."

"Then who?"

"Well, considering that you do not have any other family within the continent, it would be best to send you to Rahim Fasih."

"The Assassin King?"

"Yes, Bel." An amused smile formed on the angel's lips. She was a quick learner that Selene had taught well. A bright girl whose knowledge never failed to impress him during his visits to the cottage. This time was no different.

"But, he's not family. And isn't he a scary man because he trains all the assassins in Sangrea?" Rebel pressed her lips together in thought. "He must be a big meanie who loves blades and guns."

"No. He's actually not scary at all in person. As long as you are not one of his client's targets, that is." Michael chuckled softly, watching Rebel begin to understand. "But he can be quite charming. And he and his wife have wanted to adopt a child for a while."

"But– but—" Rebel began to protest.

Although, she wasn't able to get the words out because Michael had used mind control to get her to sleep.

"Sleep well, Rebel." He got to his feet and grabbed Rebel's teddy bear, and set it aside on the counter before carrying her towards the door. "I promise that you will like your new life," he whispered. "And I'll always have your best interests in mind and watch over you, just as Selene requested."

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