We've just returned from our mission, and being away from my children, even for just a week, was an experience I never want to repeat. As I walked through the door, relief washed over me at the sight of my beautiful children, both in good health. Ife had taken great care of them, and I heard that Mother had also been helping out. However, I couldn't ignore the disapproving looks from my mother's sisters. It was clear they weren't pleased with the special treatment Sebastian was receiving. The atmosphere felt tense, and I sensed that a final decision about his future was looming.
My training to become the next Mother had been rigorous, but I felt like a different person now. I had been taught never to depend on a man; we women are meant to be strong and to look out for ourselves and each other. The success of our society—thriving under the weight of patriarchy for over a millennium—proves that we can achieve so much. Men are only useful to us as breeders, necessary for our survival, but ultimately a hindrance to our true power. We produce the legacies, yet we also have a duty to save young women from the streets, abusive homes, or dire situations, like in the case of Rose.
Rose's story is one I don't know well, but what I've heard fills me with disappointment and disgust toward men. Their actions have caused so much suffering, and it only strengthens my resolve to protect those like her.
A gurgling noise pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to see Scarlett, bubbly and full of life. I know she has the potential to grow into one of the greatest warriors of our clan. But for now, my main concern is Sebastian. His future weighs heavily on my heart, and I am determined to ensure he has every opportunity to thrive in a world that can be unforgiving.
~♤~
Helping Selene has been quite an experience. I've never been one who's interested in caring for babies. I've never been given such a duty ever since I came here.
Yes I've been given some complex and hard jobs both here and out in the world but never one as mentally taxing- in my opinion- as child rearing.
Selene has been getting better but she has been acting differently as compared to before she left. I know she was gone for nearly 2 years and obviously during such a long time of separation it's understandable she would change and grow but even I can tell she's no longer in the game. Our past mission was just proof of it.
As we were there taking care of loose ends in that man's house. I noticed her moments of hesitation when it came to him. I know that now that she's a mother she now has some reservations and complexities that werent there originally. I understand she was thinking of his children especially after we had watched him spend time with them but unlike me who was told all the evil deeds he has committed that warrant his extermination. She was left in the dark to shield. As that is my job, to shield the mother, to shield her.
I know it's weighing on her heart the questions of what if but she doesn't realise she just saved those children, any later and we would have been doing revenge instead of prevention. He's late wife was one of us, he caused her death and was going to in future ruin her sweet daughters, getting rid of him and bringing them here was something she would have wanted. This was her death wish but Selene isn't ready yet.
In order to ensure that breeders are able to act normal and possibly try and fall in love with their arranged partners, they are raised differently from us. We are a well oiled machine and each parts have their own function and values. Ife is a doctor. Taught on how to keep us healthy and well but also taught on poisons. Tamara is our informant, she always needs to know both current news on base and in every country. Information is power and hers is the deadliest. Cassandra is our spotlight. Living a glamorous and prosperous life. She has to as she helps butter the officials up and prevent them from looking into our business. To the world we are more like a church or organization that deals with orphaned young ladies. Luci as the spy is always the forgotten one. The ghost. She helps make Tamara's job easier
~♤~
We're walking toward the courtroom, and I can hardly process what's happening. I was shocked to see the rest of my sisters enter my room just moments before. "What are you guys doing here?" I asked, my heart racing. It would have been one thing if it were just Ro, Tam, and Ife, but the presence of Luci, Azee, and Cass was concerning.
"It's time," Ife said sadly, and I quickly glanced at Sebastian, my heart heavy with dread. The sound of our collective footsteps felt like a death march, each step echoing my growing anxiety. The thought of losing my son was unbearable.
As the doors opened, we walked in to see Mother on her throne, surrounded by her sisters. "We've come to a conclusion. After lengthy consideration, we've decided that the boy gets to live." My heart skipped a beat at her words. I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, and I could see the looks of disapproval from Mother's sisters, but in that moment, I didn't care. My son was safe, and that was all that mattered.
"We might have use for him, but you know the laws of our people. He cannot stay here," she continued. I barely heard her words, my thoughts consumed with the overwhelming need to see my son. I longed to rush out, scoop him up, and kiss his tiny face. The fact that he gets to live was a gift I needed to cherish, and I knew I had to hold my composure to avoid changing their minds.
"After the constant begging of your sisters, we've decided that both you and your children are to leave the village until the boy is old enough to return to his father's care. Only then can you come back," she concluded.
It felt like a sentence of exile, and I couldn't shake the sense of unrest that had gripped the compound over Sebastian's fate. I had been sleeping with one eye open, constantly on guard against the possibility of rebellion or a secret assignment from one of the council members. Yet, as daunting as the news was, there was a flicker of relief within me. I would be able to live peacefully with my children, at least for the next few years.
This was a special treatment that no one else would have received, and I knew it. It would be hard, but I was grateful for the chance to nurture my son away from the tensions of the village. In this moment, my focus shifted from fear to gratitude, and I silently vowed to make the most of the time we would have together, free from the shadow of uncertainty.