Chapter 182Voices to Lead

Walking the streets reminded me of a long time ago when I thought of some lines of poetry. But this time I had a very clear purpose, a very sharp goal. And I didn't want to face it alone.

Part of me hoped that I would come across Kai before I got there. Breaking in somewhere with him had proven to be both fun and very safe. He thought of the things I didn't, especially on the security technology part. I didn't want to lean on others all the time though.

And I had this strong feeling the others really needed me.

"Amy..." A whisper on the wind.

Whispers are so hard to recognize, little to no voice is left in them. Just the shape of the words in no more than a hiss. It came from the left, an alley.

Knowing better but feeling strong, I turned into the alley and looked around.

No one.

"Amy..."

This time it came from the roof. I wasn't sure if it was talking about me or asking for me. The sound was so neutral. Perhaps it was even someone calling out a completely different name, distorted by the distance.

Unlikely though.

One jump, holding on to a ledge in the wall and another short jump to reach the roof. Silhouetted against the dark sky was a man, standing defiantly in my sight. It took my eyes only a moment of surprise to adjust and see the face of the one taunting me.

A smile grew on my lips.

Afentis.

How did he?

"I saw you leaving his house, it seemed like the place to look for you." He winked.

"What did you find?"

He sighed. "Not much, the group looking for Nuru is led by a man named Jason. But it proved very difficult to come close to him. Though I do know a few people named Jason, they're either no longer among us or quite irrelevant."

"I think I know where he lives, my friends are trapped, probably, in his house. I was going there now."

He looked glum, something was wrong. "How I'd love to aid you in this, I've got a small score to settle with him."

An odd thought put itself forward. "Do you know a young girl named Rain?"

He looked surprised. "No? Who is she?"

I smiled. "The sister of someone I almost saved. She doesn't seem important, but I've just got this nagging feeling in the back of my head."

He smiled, it surprised me. "Ah yes, those feelings."

I frowned. "Afentis, why won't you come with me?"

He closed his eyes for a moment. "Circumstances I cannot change, unfortunately. I hope you will forgive me."

"Which circumstances?"

He hesitated. "I'd rather not burden you with this, Amy."

As if that wouldn't just make me more curious. "Please tell me?"

"It's Faith. She's... for want of a better word... very sick."