Our heads quickly turned to see Otacian soldiers lined up, a couple of them dragging a woman and man from their home. I recognized them. Iliera and Xaro were their names. They were friendly neighbors, and Mother sometimes played cards with the brown-haired woman on Sunday afternoons.
“Please! Otacia is my home!” she cried.
“Otacia is no home to witches,” the soldier replied harshly.
No way.
People began to gather around, yelling slurs at the couple and spitting at their feet. When a Mage was banished from Otacia, they were thrown out with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The kingdom confiscated all belongings, whether personal or for survival. It was then up to the Mages to survive in the forests and find another place to live, though it wasn’t a surprise if hateful citizens decided to hunt them down.
The only positive was it was spring, so at least they need not worry about the elements.
The guards pushed them forward, the crowd’s words making me want to vomit. They were people, just like them. Good people. Iliera’s tears were overflowing, and then her frightened eyes met mine.
I didn’t show fear, anguish, or disgust like those around me. Instead, I gave her a grave nod.
My heart hurt for her, and she saw it in my eyes before I forced the expression away and turned to walk back toward my home.
I hoped she felt seen. I hoped she knew that in this kingdom—thisworldfull of hateful humans…she was not alone.
I am not alone.
Quill followed me, remaining silent until I stopped at my cottage door.
“Lena?” He grasped my arm, and I slowly turned to him. “Witnessing that affected you,” he stated softly.
“Yes. It did,” I muttered.
“Is it because you don’t feel safe?”
Yes, but not in the way that you think.
“It is a scary thought," he continued quietly. "Their kind being able to blend in so easily…that they’re able to hide their ears.”
I squeezed my hands tightly, my nails digging crescents into my palms in an attempt to hide my shaking. “They were kind,” I whispered. “I knew them. And they were kind. I don’t enjoy the thought of them being thrown to the woods with not a single belonging.”
He looked at me with raised brows, and after a moment of silence, Quill replied, “What a beautiful heart you have.”
My brow furrowed as I looked up at him in surprise, and he gave me a warm smile in response. “I must go now, though I so badly wish to stay,” he murmured. To my surprise, he kissed me on the forehead. “I will see you next week. Practice those maneuvers.”
I nodded and watched as he strolled away.
I was left flushed and confused. My sorrow for the couple remained, but the thought of Quill’s words brought a small smile to my face.
I was used to the sadness that came with the hatred of my people. No, it wasn’t an everyday occurrence that Mages were discovered and thrown out of the kingdom.
As I entered my home, I wondered just how many of my neighbors held the same secrets that we did.
Chapter Eight
Motherhurriedlyenteredourhome about half an hour later, and I knew word had spread about what happened to our neighbors.
“Are you okay?” I asked as I ran up and hugged her.
She let out a soft cry. “She was my friend. Gods, I didn’t even know she was one of us.” She pulled away and wiped her eyes. “It surely is a wake-up call.”
Seeing Mother cry always broke me. So much suffering she had been through…
“We should lay low for a while,” I said calmly. “Maybe make less potent elixirs…I don’t know.” I sighed. “How were they found out? Did you hear anything?”
