Harold led them to another open area with many more people. They all wore the same uniform as Harold and Edward, a dark brown long coat and black leather armor. Etched onto the breast pocket was a bright orange Sun. Evelyn's eyes twitched curiously.
"Tell everyone to start packing" Harold whispered to the nearest person next to him. The group of a couple dozen began to hurriedly pack their belongings into vehicles.
'Wow! What kind of cars are those?' The cars were shiny from an all black coat, and most surprisingly, hovered over the grass.
"Sorry about the cars. The government doesn't fund us very well". Harold interrupted Evelyn's amazement. Unsure how to answer, she gave a light nod. It only took a few minutes for them to be prepared to leave.
***
Inside the car was even more fascinating. There were panels located at almost every seat with complicated words floating in blue. Evelyn just decided to observe rather than touch anything. She sat right in between Harold and Edward in a smaller car.
"We are approaching the Nation. Look!" Harold whispered.
Evelyn's eyes drifted outside lazily, but soon she immediately sat upright. She saw impossibly large walls that stretched up hundreds of meters. At the top, the walls blossomed like a flower. She could see faint outlines of people moving on top.
It wasn't long after that they arrived at an entry point. A few guards greeted the cars.
The walls were imposing, but the inside was much more welcoming. Just in the streets, hundreds of people walked around casually.
"This is a trading port ran by the Nation mostly for soldiers like us returning from outside," Harold explained.
They stopped the car momentarily for people to exit the car. Harold took over the wheel, and now, it was just Evelyn and Edward.
"We are going some place much more exciting though," Harold smirked at Evelyn.
***
They continued to drive and passed by several more entry points. Each area was more populated. Finally they arrived in front of another large wall, though it was nothing in comparison to the outermost one. The wall was decorated in tassels and ornaments.
Guards arrived at the vehicle. Compared to the guards at the border, these were much more harsh and strict.
'It seems like there is segregation here too'
"Identification," the guard spat out.
Harold presented his wrist forward, and the guard scanned it with a small device. Edward also did the same. Once the guard looked at Evelyn though, Harold placed his hands out.
"She's with me," Harold stated. He threw a small bag at the guard. The guard opened it apprehensively, but he immediately smiled afterward.
"You are good to go sir," the guard gestured kindly to Harold.
Edward let out a long sigh in annoyance, but no one noticed.
The tall gates opened and revealed a new world.
"Welcome to the capital Evelyn," Harold's boisterously laughed.
The city bathed in sunlight, radiating a comfortable warmth. The streets tightly packed with people. A rich scent of food and scents enticed Evelyn. She stared outside the entire time, engraining all the sights, smells, and noises. It was far different from any place she had been too ever.
The remaining ride was quiet. Harold only made short comments to which Evelyn responded halfheartedly. As the sun began to set, they arrived in front of massive estate.
"This is my house," Harold stated proudly after he saw Evelyn surprised.
They headed inside shortly after. The ceiling was as tall as a small building. Every fabric hanging was dazzled in jewelry. The marble floors reflected brightly.
Harold stopped in the middle of the open area. He called over one of the many servants waiting. "Evelyn follow this man. He will guide you to a room."
It didn't hit Evelyn until now.
'Can I really stay here?' She began to question her situation.
"You can stay here as long as you like. I will help you get situated with the capital," he practically read Evelyn's mind.
Evelyn followed the servant through the maze-like house. The servant led her to a secluded region, but Evelyn did not question it once she saw her room. The room was spacious, clean, and filled with luxurious furniture. It was already nighttime, so Evelyn eagerly prepared for bed. However, as soon as she finally hit the soft bed, she couldn't sleep.
In the silence, she felt uncomfortable.
'It's like there is a gnawing empty feeling itching my brain'
Strangely, her memories were jumbled like an impossible puzzle. The longer she thought the more confused she became.
Hours passed in the dead silent night, and Evelyn was still wide awake. A wave of anxiety and depression crippled her. She was alone in an unfamiliar place with no memories. She pulled the massive blanket over herself.
CREAK
An faint noise caught Evelyn's attention. She noted it sounded like the door to her room opening. She did not move from under her covers in fear. The door continued to creak open slowly. Evelyn's heart raced. She thought her loud, beating heart would give her away.
Suddenly the a hand peeled the blanket off of her. Evelyn pretended to be asleep. A large hand stroked her face faintly. Evelyn slowly opened her eyes.
Harold stood over her bed. His dark red hair laid messily on his forehead. His clothes were loose and casual.
Noticing Evelyn woke up, he said, "Did I wake you up dear?"
His voice was sweet and gentle, but Evelyn did not like the look in his eyes.