Chapter 108Of Sticks and Stones

Khuna released me as we were all looking at Valerie. Afentis had wrapped his arms around her in a way that made me feel slightly jealous. It was so warm and loving. I missed my mother that moment, missed that simple and honest parental love. Is that why I wanted to travel with him?

I shook my head, Valerie deserved my focus now. She was crying, letting it all go while she held him. It was a sight to behold. Khuna whispered something in my ear that surprised me, and explained a lot.

"Did she loose her parents?"

She didn't know! It could even mean that Khuna wasn't aware of the significance of the graveyard near the Brotherhood's Church. It all flashed through my head and I had to try hard not to reply to it. It was Valerie's secret, hers to share or hide. I kept silent and just waited for either of them to say something.

Afentis spoke first. "I'm sorry."

"Why?" Valerie replied in tears.

He looked in her eyes. "I've never had the courage to face you. I've seen and heard what happened and I'm sorry."

"Why now?" She answered softly.

"All because of her." His eyes rested on me for a moment.

They all looked at me with surprise. On Khuna's face I could see her surprise mixed with admiration and pride, it was cute. Valerie did nothing but look confused and Kai, to my surprise, looked thoughtful. What was on his mind?

Valerie hesitated. "I... think I understand. But please tell me why?"

Afentis smiled. "It's quite simple, she has this odd manner of accepting the things around her and an open mind to it all while she never betrays her own values. People are so afraid for something new and changes, but she just goes on with the flow." He nodded at my appearing blush. "As I'm sure you've all noticed."

Khuna nodded and hugged me. "I've noticed it too, it's like you're always balanced, regardless of what happens."

Valerie released Afentis and smiled. "That was my feeling too."

Kai looked up from his thoughts, taking the pause to ask something. "Did Janus turn me?"

Afentis shook his head. "No, I am quite sure of that. There just aren't many alternatives that I know of..."

A strange thought occurred to me. "Kryss?"

Kai shook his head fiercely. "No! He cannot have turned me. I would have been part of his group if I was or they would have killed me. They never really bothered me." He muttered a little more. "...Of course I don't leave the house that often anyway... but..."

Khuna put her hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure it was someone else. Afentis, do you know who Janus is?"

Khuna asked the question that had been on my mind not so long ago. I guess she did think like me.

"Yes, but it is not my secret to share." He bowed a little.

Khuna pouted. "Not fair."

A moment of silence. Everyone left to their respective thoughts. It was such an odd evening where so many answers were given and new questions asked. Did the orphanage need just virgins? Or would we have lost our 'gift' had we lost our virginity. And what about Kai? He did have the dreams once and definitely has something intense about him. Even if he loses himself in his world too much.

Valerie looked up suddenly. "I see. You two are here to say goodbye."

I nodded. "Yes, I want to travel with him, to learn."

Khuna turned to look at me. "You don't want to stay with us?"

I smiled. "I do want to stay, but I also want some time to get my head straight. There are quite a lot of things I want to figure out and I need some time away from most things I know for that."

"But... but..." Khuna looked down. "I'll miss you."

A sound interrupted us all.

The room reverberated with the sound of something heavy hitting the metal door outside. It sounded big, very big. But the metal door was quite strong and we were sure no one could get in easily. All of us were shaken as we woke up from this sensitive moment.

Someone at the door, impossible! No one knew we were out here. The five of us dashed outside to find a heavy stone on top of a piece of paper. Valerie picked it up and read it quickly. She turned around, white as a sheet and allowed us to see it. The writing was unfamiliar but brought chills to my mind as I read it. The name at the bottom explaining every single chill...

Isabel.