I never thought I’d be in this position. It’s pretty darn weird considering everything. For a moment there, I really expected that I would be able to save Lirius. I don’t really know what I could do though, maybe unlock some inner strength which would result in me acquiring healing powers? I do not wanna stress about it cause it’s futile at this point. But taking for grant the fact that we miraculously killed those guards, I reckoned that we were safe for at the very least some minutes. It would’ve been enough for me to figure something out. But no.

I never knew how it would be to hold a cadaver, and I didn’t want to particularly know either. I also knew that the day would come too when my mom would die and I had to witness that. But I wasn’t necessarily keen to find it out in any way. Yet here I was.

Then I was struck back to normal.. by this dude standing at the door. He didn’t seem too young, could’ve been my age. Black hair, brown eyes, sharped jaw and a pretty slim body. He looked convinced tho. Like he was there for a purpose? He didn’t look that much sad either. He was just standing there; looking at me.

I don’t really know why but something about him felt off. For how much I knew, he could’ve even been an enemy. I didn’t precisely know how much they had sent to capture me. Yet his scream was somewhat reassuring. It also felt like he meant it. There was only one thing to do.

“Hello!” finally said Eve after a long time of silence. “Did you know Lirius? I heard you calling him grandpa?”

“Lirius?” answered the boy. “I didn’t expect you to know his real name. I suppose the old fool wasn’t very careful this time.”

“Well, he said he had been waiting for me, “ replied Eve. “ so I guess he really did trust me on that regard. But who are you?”

“Oh, so you must be that girl.” exclaimed the boy. “Makes sense. Anyhow, I’m Kotlin; Lirius’ nephew. I don’t suppose he has told you about me. The thing is that barely anyone knows about my existence. I have been living with him my entire life since apparently my parents have left me here. Lirius didn’t tell me anything else, he said I wasn’t ready. However, he did mention the arrival of a girl and that my answers would be answered. I do think he was talking about you. I don’t really know how everything is connected, but you may be able to answer my doubts.”

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“Damn.” said Eve. “I-I don’t really know whats going on anymore. I thought Lirius answered some doubts of mine, but now I’m left with more. I have no clue anymore. Where were you all this time?”

“Lirius kept me hidden on one of his rooms. He said that Dorklings weren’t supposed to know about me. If they saw me they’d kne—

“Wait hold up, Dorklings? And he said the same thing about me. If they saw me they would know. What does that even mean.”

“Dorklings are the inhabitants of this city. I don’t really know what that means either, but something regarding their tracking abilities. You should know that Dork is the first city. It is so for the fact that the population can recognize strangers and thus report their intrusion. As I was saying, even thought I was in his room; after I heard the explosion I came immediately. You should know, stuff like this happen most of the time since I just explained, creatures intrude here. But I knew that it wasn’t them cause it was close to me, and the only thing that is that near me is Lirius’ house. That’s why I ran here, just to find you.”

“I don’t understand.. There’s too much going on.”

“Listen to me, we could stay here all we want but I’m pretty sure they already sent other guards to check on what happened here. And it shouldn’t take too long till they arrive, and it won’t be good when they do arrive. So please tell me what instructions Lirius gave you, if he did leave you any, and let’s flee as soon as possible.”

“Wait wait, if we were in danger, how come you stood there doing nothing just as you arrived?”

“I didn’t really care at that point. It wouldn’t have mattered for me either way, cause Lirius was dead and maybe I could finally get something out of those guards if they found about my existence. But after seeing you. After seeing that Lirius hadn’t been lying to me, I knew we had to find our answers together. So what’s our next destination?”

Eve was left in awe. She was too shocked and stunned at this revelation that she couldn’t think properly. Had she been staying there and done nothing, would have the guards come, take her and maybe end her life as well or whatnot. But she knew there wasn’t time to waste.

“We gotta go to Lak as soon as possible.” said Eve as she arose from the floor.

“Alright, I’ve memorized the map as Lirius instructed me.” replied Kotlin. “Follow me!”