It had been nearly three years since I last saw my home. The great Oleni, capital of Karamir. The silver castle stood tall and proud at the edge of the city, the blue, sparkling ocean at it's back. People passed by, not sparing anything a second glance as they continued about their business. City guards patrol the streets, striking fear in the hearts of many and encouraging people to move faster to get away.

I stood in a darkened alley, everything about me disguised and covered. I was too recognizable to lose a single piece of this outfit. And while the danger was high and risk of being caught higher, I had to be here. My searches had led me here, back where it all started. An etheri was in this city and I won't rest until I find them. I couldn't. If I did, who knew what fate would befall them.

The guards crossed over to my side of the street. Cursing under my breath, I move through the crowd, letting my senses guide me. This was how most etheri were found. A feeling, a sense. It was something nearly impossible to explain, but so easy to sense, to feel.

The city guards were still behind me, almost as if they were following me. It isn't possible they've recognized me. I think back to when I dressed and go over the details. A baggy beige shirt tucked loosely into black pants, black boots in a similar fashion to military boots. No cloak, just a skara, which covered my head except for my eyes and fell down a little past my chest. A common fashion accessory in Atalo Lens, but this wasn't Atalo Lens.

I go over my cover story in my head once more. Amaris Yavena from Atalo Lens, visiting the Karamir markets for medicine for my dear, dying father. Of course, all this information is pointless if they don't ask or even if they don't stop me. Which they won't. They have no reason to. Please let me be right. I turned onto another street and the sight nearly doubled me over. A crowd watching, silently, as a young boy was led up steps to the executioner's block. A man stood at the edge, pronouncing loudly for everyone to hear. I caught his last few words.

"Let these unholy bastards die for their crimes!"

They forced him to his knees before the block, covered in the dry blood of all those who came before him. He was pushed down, his head pressed firmly into the block. His eyes scanned the crowd fearfully, desperately. His eyes found mine miraculously. Something in my mind clicked and I knew. This was the etheri I was supposed to bring home. But I couldn't stop this. No, I could only stand back and watch as this young boy was beheaded.

The two guards who had followed me continued on, each hitting me in the shoulder without an apology. My eyes were still locked on the boy, as his were still locked on me. He knew just as I did. He also knew I couldn't save him. Tears fell from his eyes but he didn't make a sound, he just closed his eyes and accepted his fate.

This couldn't happen. I had to find a way to stop this. Something, anything. The executioner lifted his ax high about his head. Come on! My eyes darted around, taking everything in, but nothing would stop this. Nothing could stop this. More people filed into the square, either excited or nervous to see the execution. There were people who protested the killing of etheri, but they were smart enough to stay away. No one was coming to help.

Varena. Please. Let me save him. I pray to you, Varena, goddess of time, an Archaic one, for time to save him from this accursed fate. Please, my Lady, let me save him.

I repeated the prayer over and over. It was the last thing I could think of. It wasn't even guaranteed to work. It was doubtful it would work. Then it happened. The ax came down. My eyes widened in horror. Then time slowed. I looked back to the boy. His eyes, locked on me still, glowed green. Varena's son. I used this opportunity. My feet carry me through the crowd. They barely react, too slow to react. The blade is still coming down.

This is pushing me to my limits, but I have to save him. I jump onto the platform and pull out my dagger. Without thought, I slash through his restraints and pull him off the block. His eyes close and the spell breaks. Time speeds back up and I flinch as the ax hits empty stone, right in front of me. The executioner looks down at me. As does everyone else.

"Etheri!"

I gather the boy in my arms and take off running. Guards chase after me, but I'm faster even with carrying the boy. My only hope is they don't think of their horses until later. The streets are practically a maze and entirely possible to get lost in. Poor designing on the engineer's part. Already the sounds of pursuit cut off. I don't dare think I'm safe yet. People cast me strange looks as I pass, but I pay them no mind.

Slowing down, I duck into an alley. It's dark and empty, located in the factory part of the city. There's two doors. Each lead into a different building. I opened the one on the right and closed it tight behind me. The inside was entirely dark, but I knew my way around well enough.

I maneuvered through the space and walked up the stairs. The boy was clutched tightly in my arms, head on my shoulder, arms on my shoulders though slowly slipping. His legs hung limply down my side, banging against me with every step. The inside was just as I remembered. Tinted windows lined the wall to my left, showing a lovely view of the warehouse next to us and the sea behind it. Medium dark wood floor, lightly covered in dust from disuse. A dark fireplace in the middle of the right wall. A settee sat in front of the fireplace, surrounded by armchairs, all of them covered with white sheets. A kitchen in the back on the left, fully stocked with non-perishables.

A dining table sat in front of the kitchen, six chairs seated at it. One large white sheet covered the whole thing. Off from the kitchen was the master bedroom. On the right wall were two doors to two other rooms, each on the opposite side of the fireplace. I opened one and walked inside. I set him down gently on the bed and covered him up. I left the door open a crack just in case and went to the master bedroom.

Three years. Three years since I'd last been here. This apartment, this city, this country. Imagining my life back then was so different to what it is now. Hard to believe it was ever the same life. The master bedroom was just as I remembered it, if a little unused. Standing in front of the mirror, I look over my outfit. They saw me take the boy. They'll be looking for someone dressed like me. Everything needs to change.

The closet is full with different types of outfits, for different sizes, shapes and genders. I picked out another outfit and put it on.

A pale blue dress with dark blue trim, falling to my ankles, the sleeves going to my wrists. Black flats. Something for my hair. I need something for my hair. The skara is too obvious, but it's not like I could just go without it. I stood in front of the mirror with a sigh and debated what to do with my hair.

Vibrant, wavy red locks fell around my face and shoulders, going down to my mid-back. I took two of the front pieces and twisted them back, pinning them in place. Another few strands, but these I twisted around the first strands. When the front of my hair was all pinned back, I looked over myself again. It wasn't much of a difference, but it would have to do for now.

Besides, once he woke up, we wouldn't be here much longer. A ship was waiting and ready for me. All we had to do was board it and set sail. Of course, he still had to wake up. Using your powers untrained like he did... he would be out the rest of the day. I could wait until night. But after that, the ship would set sail whether we were on it or not. He'd need new clothes, too. Better clothes than the prison garb he'd been dressed in. The fact the king would execute a young child just because of his parentage made me sick.

We couldn't control what we are and yet they blame us anyways. They worship the same gods who sired us, yet kill us for it. Hypocrites, every last one of them.

I'd wait until dusk to go out. Many go out around that time, preferring to do their darker business then. Until then, I'd wait here and watch over him just in case. I nearly laughed. I saved his life and I didn't even know his name. He was still asleep as I checked on him, so I let him be and moved onto the kitchen. Dried peaches and bread used to be a favorite of mine. I opened a can and spread it over the bread, then sat on the counter and ate in silence.

A place like this, a safehouse, wasn't meant to be entertaining or fun. It was just supposed to keep you safe and protected, hidden. Empty and plain. Elegant, but empty. I sighed. A noise sounded throughout the silent apartment, putting me instantly on my guard. Hopping off the counter, I crept silently towards the sound. The door cracked open slowly, revealing the young boy I'd rescued. I let out a huff of air and relaxed.

"I'm not going to hurt you. I saved you," I said. "Do you remember that?"

He nodded.

"I'm Amaris," I said, smiling and kneeling down, "can you tell me your name?"

"C-caden," He whispered.

I offered an encouraging smile.

"Do you know what I am? What we are?"

"Y-you're-" he shifted farther into the room- "we're etheri."

"We are. I'm the daughter of Iltrix. You're the son of Varena,"

"Goddess of time?" He asked.

I nodded. He walked out farther, slowly, hesitantly.

"Are you hungry? There's some food here,"

He nodded vigorously. I smiled softly and got him a snack and a drink.

"When night falls, we'll bundle you up and head to the docks. I'm going to take you to a safe place for etheri,"

He stopped eating.

"I have a brother. Can-can we bring him, too?" His eyes turned pleading.

Another person would cost me. Besides, if he hadn't been taken with Caden, that must mean he's orthori. The less likely option would be he'd suppressed his powers to continue on. It was possible, though it rarely happened. His eyes were still silently pleading. This boy was so young. Twelve at the most. Unruly black hair, pale skin and grey eyes. Circles under his eyes, his price for using untrained magic and from his imprisonment. I bit my lip. It was against the rules-

Damn the rules.

I nodded to him.

"Yes, we can bring your brother, too. What's his name?"

He smiled brightly.

"Lucas. He's my older brother,"

I returned his smile, though my mind wandered off to Losylo and what awaited me. Punishment, if I brought his brother. Orthori weren't allowed in the mountains. I sighed and glanced out the window.

"We're in the warehouse district. How far away is your home?" I asked.

"Ten minutes. It won't take long,"

I nodded. If it did take long, we wouldn't have a ship. Perhaps if we left earlier. Yes, we'd have to do that. I bit my lip, thoughts drifting and plotting every possible scenario. If we went now, while the sun was still setting, we'd have more than enough time to get to the ship. But we were more at risk of being caught now. We'd have to risk it, or we'd miss the ship.

"Caden, if you go into the guest bedroom, there will be a closet. There's some clothes in there. Try to find something that fits so we can get your brother and get going," I said.

He nodded excitedly and went to change. I could hear Ruben's words in my head. You're playing a dangerous game, girl. Gods, I hate that old man. Even on the other end of the continent, I couldn't get away from him. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I went into the master bedroom. I grabbed a royal blue cloak and swung it onto my shoulders, securing the clasp around my neck.

Caden waited in the main room, dressed nicely. A black shirt and pants, along with a grey cloak. Not exactly inconspicuous, but it would do for now.

"You're going to pretend to be my little brother, alright. Hold my hand, and we'll go get your brother,"

He nodded and grabbed my left hand, letting me lead him through the apartment and warehouse. His hands were cold, but held on tight. I squeezed his hand as we emerged onto the street. It was empty, save for the beggars on the street. Caden led me through the winding streets until he stopped us exactly ten minutes later. He opened the door and pulled me inside.

"Lucas?" He called out.

There was a rattling sound and a boy my age rushed out. He stood there for a second, staring transfixed at Caden before rushing to him and sweeping him into his arms.

"Caden," He breathed, eyes closed as he held his brother close.

When he opened his eyes, they found mine. He pulled Caden away from me, pushing the young boy behind him.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Amaris. I saved your brother," I said, holding my hands up. 

He eyed me warily. I didn't blame him. A strange girl who came here with his younger brother who was supposed to die on the block. 

"How?,"

I took a deep, steadying breath.

"I'm etheri. So is your brother, but you knew that. I saved him so I could take him to a safe place for people like us. He wanted you to come with,"

"I'm not etheri," He said. "And how do either of us know you're truly etheri?"

I pursued my lips. I knew he wasn't etheri.

"There are other safe houses for etheri. Orthori can live there. Caden will live there until his training is complete," I explained.

"Where will he go from there?"

"That's his choice. Some stay to live in peace. Some, like me, go out in search of others. Some go out and try to live in the orthori world,"

"How can we know you're etheri? Show us your powers," He demanded.

"It's not safe. The king developed a way to track etheri. If we use our powers here, he'll find us," I explained. "Please, we have to hurry. I bought passage on a ship to the mountains, but it'll leave soon. We have to go now."

Silence, as he contemplated what to do. Whether to believe me or not.

"Come on, Lucas, we have to go," Caden urged. "Please."

I prayed he'd listen. Slowly, he nodded. I let out a sigh of relief. He grabbed his cloak off a hook by the door and we walked out. Lucas held Caden's hand, keeping him on his right and me on his left. I led them through the streets until we reached the docks. One ship was alive with activity as it prepared to leave and I didn't fight the smile that rose to my face. It was still here.

I led them onto the ship, where the captain spotted us instantly.

"Amaris? You said only one etheri," She said, "and I see two."

"Complications. How much more for him?" I asked.

She sighed, running her hand through her long hair. Then she named her price. Sighing, I handed over the money. She counted it and nodded for us to continue on. I led the brothers below decks and to an empty room.

"You'll have to share a room. I hope that's alright. If you need me, I'll just be across," I said.

Caden nodded and entered. I turned to leave but Lucas grabbed my arm. I turned to face him, question in my eyes.

"Thank you for saving him. And thank you for bringing me,"

I nodded. For the first time, I noticed the bruises and cuts covering his exposed skin. A black eye, split lip. Bruised and bloodied knuckles. He noticed my stares and dropped his arm, releasing me.

"Do you fight often?" I asked softly.

His eyes hardened and ground his teeth together.

"I didn't get these fighting," With my confused look, he added, "Our father likes to hit things. Walls, doors. Us. I took the brunt of it, trying to keep Caden safe. While Dad was beating me, Caden went out to get some medical supplies for my wounds. He got caught stealing and they found out he was etheri. They took him."

"I'm so sorry-"

"I don't want your sympathy. Or your pity," He turned into the room and closed the door loudly behind him.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair and went to my own room. Later that night, the captain entered my room.

"Something I can help you with, Zada?" I asked.

"Hmm? No. I'm fine. Just wanted some company," She replied.

"There's lots of people aboard the ship," I commented.

She sighed and rolled her eyes at me with a small smile.

"I know that, Ris. But sometimes I need other company. I live with these people. I need different options," Zada said.

"Ah. I guess that makes sense," I conceded.

She sat on the edge of my bed, staring blankly at the wall.

"The older one, he's not etheri,"

A statement, not a question. I didn't deny it.

"No. He's not,"

"So why is he here? Orthori aren't allowed in the mountains," Zada said. "You know this just as much as anyone else."

"I know. I'll figure something out,"

"You'll get in trouble,"

"Then I'll get in trouble. Their father abuses them. I wasn't about to leave either one of them in his care, blood be damned,"

Zada sighed and closed her eyes. Then she stood, muttered "Good luck" and left. Zada was my friend, and I hated fighting her, but she had to know. When the time came, I'd just have to hope she loved me more than she loved her power. Even thinking about it, though, I think I know the truth. I wasn't powerful enough to go against nearly any etheri. I wasn't eternal, but her power was. I sighed and laid back, closing my eyes. I'd think about it more when the time came. For now, I'd try to keep the contents of my stomach inside me, and my thoughts far, far from where I could think of them.