The group's journey through the forest was tense, with Emily's unease palpable after the recent confrontation. Her throat still ached from the choking, her eyes watered, and her breathing remained steady. As they walked, Emily couldn't help but glance back at Lucas, leading them with a demeanor that seemed burdened, his movements sluggish.
Upon reaching the cottage, Emily immediately set to work with the teenagers to create a makeshift bed for Diana. Once the task was done, Emily, Lucas, and Henry turned their attention to the two girls, waiting for an introduction.
"My name is Aspens. The girl with the bow is named Thalia," Aspens said, her long blonde hair cascading as she spoke.
Henry, always direct, wasted no time. "You said you were with Diana?" he questioned.
Thalia eagerly hung her bow on the wall before turning back to the group. "Yes, yes," she began, her excitement palpable. Then, she turned to Emily with a curious expression. "What is a northerner doing here in the West?" Thalia asked, bouncing up and down.
Emily furrowed her brows, perplexed by the girl's question. "I'm not from the North," she replied, confused.
"Huh? We saw you in Lunaria once, and your aura spelt northern," Aspens explained, her tone certain.
"Aura? See, a lot has been going on, and I'm confused. What the hell is an aura?!" Emily exclaimed, her hands moving frantically as she sought to understand.
"So, I take it that shadow manipulation powers are new to you too?" Aspens questioned, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"To both of us," Henry nodded, gesturing to himself and Emily. "But he seems to be aware," Henry added, pointing ahead to Lucas, who stood quietly, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
"Yes, I'm aware," Lucas answered, his voice calm but distant.
Thalia cleared her throat dramatically, earning a smirk from Aspens.
"Well, you're in for a story," Thalia declared, her voice filled with excitement.
"Our land is divided into four regions," Thalia began, her eyes glancing at each of them.
"The north, south, west, and east," Henry chimed in as if he had rehearsed the lines.
"It wasn't always called that," Thalia continued, her tone taking on a storyteller's cadence. "The West was known as the region of magic. The residents there could conjure spells and brew potions from the materials of their surrounding environment," she explained, her words painting a vivid picture of a mystical land.
Aspens smiled proudly. "Thalia and I are from the West," she said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
Thalia cleared her throat, eager to share more. "The South is the region of the crossroads. Residents there have the power to predict every possible outcome of one's actions. Their eyes are blessed with the ability to see visions." She paused, letting the significance of her words sink in.
"The North was the region of the spirits and undead. These people communicate with and create bonds with the souls of the undead," Thalia explained, her eyes lighting up with a mystical glow. Emily listened intently, fascinated by the lore of the different regions.
"And the East, the region of the moon. These people have the power to manipulate shadows when the moon has risen," Thalia finished, her voice tinged with a hint of mystery.
Henry nodded thoughtfully. "So, I take it Lucas is from the East... But wait, I'm from the East too," he said, a mix of surprise and realization crossing his features.
"Not everyone possesses these powers," Thalia clarified, her gaze shifting to Lucas, who remained silent, his arms folded around him.
"And the ones that do... don't realize it," Lucas interjected, his voice heavy with regret. "This era has made sure to erase these things from public knowledge. People will never even realize they have these powers," he added, his tone filled with sadness.
Thalia and Aspens exchanged somber glances, their expressions reflecting a sense of loss for the hidden powers of their people.
"But you knew," Emily observed, turning to Lucas. He met her gaze, his eyes still black as night, reflecting the shadows within him.
"How did you discover your powers?" Emily inquired, curious about Lucas's past.
"How I discovered them is not important," Lucas began, straightening his posture. "But now the situation is more dangerous," he continued, his voice grave.
"They killed Our Lord and they tried to kill Diana. They aren't targeting just anyone. This is a revenge plan against those who wronged them in the past," Lucas revealed, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"How did Diana wrong them? She has done nothing but seek peace," Henry retorted, his brows furrowed in confusion.
"Not her, her parents. You don't understand... Lords, empresses, and emperors did everything in their power to erase our history. They killed rebels, and protestors, murdered and haunted people like me," Lucas explained, his voice cracking with emotion as he recounted the dark history of their land.
"The tension is thick," Diana remarked, wincing slightly as she was helped to her feet by Aspens and Thalia.
"I assume you've informed them," Diana said, her eyes flickering between the group.
"They have," Emily confirmed, her gaze steady on Diana.
"Lucas, your Lord was aware of your powers," Diana addressed Lucas directly, causing him to be visibly startled at the revelation.
"We were both considering seeking your help. The organization I mentioned in the middle of the sea houses individuals with powers from the east, west, and south. They relocated them there to protect them from... you know, being hunted and erased," Diana explained.
Lucas scoffed his expression one of annoyance. "And what's the downside? Perhaps we should be segregated from others," he retorted bitterly.
"The problem is they're resorting to murder. They're planning to eliminate anyone who opposes them," Aspens added, her voice filled with sorrow.
"They've already started by destroying your farmlands, killing lords from various villages, and targeting key villagers," Thalia chimed in. "Aspens and I nearly infiltrated the organization's islands, but we decided to retreat," she finished.
"Whoever leads this organization has a grand scheme. I can sense it, and whatever it is, it's not good," Diana warned, her tone grave.
Lucas sighed deeply, closing his eyes as he collected his thoughts. When he reopened them, they were back to their normal blue hue. Slowly, he raised his hands to his face, prompting gasps of astonishment from the others in the room.
"Your fingertips are pure black," Emily observed, her voice tinged with nervousness.
"He likely struggled with controlling his powers," Diana explained calmly.
Lucas lowered his hands, his expression now serious and resolute.
"So, we have a plan: infiltrate the organization, gather intelligence on their next moves, and I have an idea on how to get inside," Lucas declared, addressing the group with determination in his eyes.
"We should leave when the sun rises," Lucas began, his authoritative demeanor returning. "We should get some rest until then."
Henry sighed, walking over to Emily. "Things have escalated," he commented.
Lucas's gaze shifted to Emily. "Emily, could you come here for a moment?"
Emily approached Lucas slowly. He looked at the finger marks on her neck, grimacing in guilt. "How is your neck?" he asked.
"I'm fine, I'll be able to treat it. Eric won't let me hear the end of it," Emily said, trying to ease the tension.
Lucas's brow furrowed in regret as he continued to stare at the marks. "I think you should move to the North to be safe," he said.
"What? But you said-" Emily began to argue, but Lucas cut her off.
"Forget what I said. You have fingerprint marks on your neck. You're not ready," Lucas retorted harshly.
"Oh, really? If I remember correctly, you are also injured, and I was the one who was able to help you down from that shadowy HAND!" Emily responded sharply. Lucas scoffed loudly at her.
"I think having Emily stay will be useful," Aspens said awkwardly from behind Emily.
Lucas gave Aspens a sharp glance. "Sorry for interrupting your conversation," Aspens said. "But Emily has a northern aura in her. We need someone from each region," she finished.
"The adults are talking, and I don't recall us needing to consult with the spirits," Lucas remarked.
"Lucas," Diana walked up to him. "Sorry, but your conversation was loud, and I wanted to add something," Diana said.
"The North is the only region that doesn't have any problems in their land. Whatever otherworldly beings that control these lands respect and connect with the North. Emily is needed," Diana commented.
Lucas shifted his gaze to Emily, his eyes filled with concern and a hint of annoyance. "Good night," he said, walking away from her.
Emily sighed in relief; her eyes sad as she watched Lucas go. "Don't worry, dear. He's just worried," Diana said, gesturing for Aspens to leave them alone.
"I don't know how to help him. He seems so exhausted and sad," Emily said.
Diana smiled, resting her hands on Emily's shoulders. "Aw. Just find the right moments to lend him an ear."
Emily nodded, following Diana to prepare for bed, her mind filled with so many thoughts.
'The north, the regions of spirits...Interesting.'