“Jilly, Jilly, look.”

“Oh, what is it?”

“Rock.”

I gave a hesitant thumbs-up. “Co—Cool. And don’t call me Jilly.”

“Jilly and rock.”

“Ya, sure, rock. But don’t call me Jilly.”

A day has passed since Harley and the others returned. It was warm for the fall, which was surprising since I thought it would’ve been cooler. The lack of wind definitely helped.

I was alone on the bench with Quinn, who enjoyed picking up random stuff off the ground along with his furry companion.

“Klay no eat rock.”

Quinn offered the cat a rock as a snack, but to anyone’s surprise, he refused. He meowed and jumped onto the table. I found it astonishing how cats couldn’t jump so high.

He sulked at his furry friend and stuck the rock in his mouth.

“Ya, Klay doesn’t eat rocks, and you shouldn’t either.”

Quinn spat the rock out of his mouth and gave me an icky smile covered in slob.

“How in the world did you manage to do that?” I asked, surprised.

“Jilly, let’s play.”

“I’m good. And don’t call me Jilly.”

Seriously, when was he going to get the memo? I understand he’s a child, but he should have some understanding.

I didn’t know how I got into this situation to begin with. I sat on the bench alone, and Quinn appeared out of nowhere with Klay. Who was taking care of him? Why was he with me?

I never spent alone time with Quinn. Someone else was always around, so I didn’t know how to handle him.

How did this child even work? Do I throw the rock, and he chases it? No, that’s very animal–like.

Man, his childhood is completely different from mine. At his age, I was being worked for free labor and shackled in a cell. He really had it good.

Someone called my name from behind while Quinn tugged on my sleeve. I turned around and saw Ruby heading my way. Was she coming for Quinn or me? Either way, she headed this way.

“Hi, Quinn,” she said with a cheerful smile, “is Jill playing with you?”

“Jilly no play.”

She leaned towards Quinn. “And why is that?”

Quinn shrugged in silence. Ruby patted him on the head and insisted he go to Uwyana's place. He nodded and ran off, Klay following behind.

Quinn navigated around camp without an issue. Protected by an entire cult, he moved around with ease and popularity. He captured hearts as people walked by, giving him high–fives and lifting him in the air.

Man, what a lucky child.

Ruby took a seat next to me on the bench that didn’t have back support.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Meaning?” I asked, not knowing what she spoke of.

“Children. It’s refreshing to see them happy.”

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She stared at Quinn as he waddled in the distance. Her lips curled upwards, and her eyes sparkled with joy. It was the type of sight that I didn’t get to see often.

When did I ever witness her this happy? Was it when we surprised her with Klay? No, she was delighted, but not like this. It seemed like she was at peace.

“They’re interesting,” I replied. “Every child has a different story that molds them into adulthood. His story will be a cheerful one.”

“Now, what makes you say that,” she said while still keeping an eye on Quinn. Her body was here, but her soul was elsewhere.

“First-hand experience.”

“You know, you never speak about your childhood. I would like to know more so I can get the complete picture.”

I fiddled with my fingers. I never spoke about my childhood since opening up those brutal memories gave me chills. Even though it was in the past, it still haunted me.

“What’s there to talk about? I mean, I was a slave, basically.”

“You don’t like talking about it?”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because you’re shaking.”

I buried my face in my hands. My heart began to beat faster as the seconds passed. Was I really shaking? No way. There was no way.

I clamped my eyelids shut and dug my fingers into my skull.

The memories crashed through the wall like a deadly mob looking for blood. Those years flashed before me.

I called it Hell.

No, even the devil is more sympathetic. This was much worse. This was beyond Hell.

Relentless beatings. Mental and physical torture. Licking off crumbs on the cold concrete. The shackle that was attached to my ankle as I was trapped in a cell. I endured physical labor till I collapsed from exhaustion. I hugged my body to preserve warmth during the unforgiving winters.

I lived through it all.

But even after all of that, it wasn’t as horrific as something else.

After flying through the memories, I snapped back into reality.

“Jill? Are you okay?”

Ruby’s hand was across my shoulder. She pulled me close, rubbed my shoulder, and asked again if I was okay.

I let go of my face. Her head was close to mine. I could barely feel her breath, but it was there.

“Sorry. I find it difficult to speak about my childhood.”

“You don’t need to. I apologize for asking in the first place.”

I shook my head. “I endured a lot during my time in the cells. But nothing will come close to the pain of losing someone.”

“Is it Raphtalia?” She asked.

I was surprised she remembered her name. I believe I spoke about her in the very beginning, and nothing since.

I pulled myself away from her body, sitting upright like before.

“After everything I’ve been through, that pain will forever haunt me till my grave.”

I turned my palms towards me. I could envision her blood on my hands from that day. Since then, I was granted freedom and had to survive in the outside world without knowing anything.

But everything turned out ok for now. Right, Raphtalia?

“I, too, have lost someone I love. She was the previous leader of the Bariac Cult. Her name was Lexy. She took me under personal aid and trained me to become her successor. At least, that’s what I promised her. I wish she could witness the cult’s success. I think I’m doing a pretty good job so far.”

“You’re doing a better job than me.”

She tilted her head. “I don’t follow.”

“You successfully fulfilled your promise to the one you love. I envy that.”

She shifted her body to face mine—one leg on each side of the seat.

“Is it the SCAR agent?”

I nodded, sighing. “I have to defeat it and enter Ionia somehow. It’ll take some time, but when I do, I’ll be one step closer to fulfilling her dream. One day, outsiders and Ionias will thrive together.”

“That means you’ll leave the cult.”

I looked at her funny. “My intent was never to stay. This place is only temporary. You know this.”

“Right…you did say that.”

As I looked at Ruby, I could tell something was wrong. She had a weird smile that was nothing like before. This one told a different story. Ruby knew how to contain her emotions, but it was clear something was up this time. She had this strange look in her eyes. They were distant and not here.

I didn’t want to pry on it, so I didn’t bother asking.

“Ya. There’s still time before that happens.”

“You’re right. There is.” Her voice was soft as ever.

I didn’t know why. Questions circled in my mind, but I didn’t know how to ask.

It’s not like anything terrible happened recently. She was in a good mood while Quinn was here. What’s with the frown?

Why did she seem so depressed?

I brushed it off and stood.

“Let’s go, Ruby.”

“Huh—where?”

“To the kitchen. Let’s eat an omelet.”

She smiled. “Sounds good.”

From there, we went on to eat a fantastic omelet that Citrus made.