The parasite Elena told me so much about.
?What do you think she told you? That I don’t need a driver’s license because it’s too expensive? I started doing deliveries to earn the money and he insulted me because it wasn’t the job he wanted. And you know the best part? He hasn’t worked in ten years! He sits on the couch all day and lives off my mother’s salary!?
For some reason, it doesn’t surprise me that after two days everyone already wants him dead.
My hands itch.
Elena finds his presence useful?
Why?
Livio stands up. His arm is already gray.
I step closer to Guia, watching the black veins pulse beneath his skin.
?Was it like that when you took him in??
She shakes her head.
?He was injured a couple of hours ago. His arm was normal. I stitched it myself.?
That man must have an incredibly weak will to be corrupted so quickly.
Another thing I don’t like.
Livio straightens, shoulders raised.
?Look… I didn’t want to argue, but you could’ve been more understanding! I was attacked. I was injured!?
Guia stiffens.
?Lady Mina, I assure you we were more than understanding, but—?
I place a hand on her shoulder.
?There’s no need to justify yourself. You’ve done more than enough. I’ll handle him now.?
She bows her head.
?Serena is outside. She’ll help you send the wounded to Mirasogno.?
Guia clasps her hands to her chest.
?We can’t thank you enough. Without you, who knows what would become of this village.?
As she walks away, Livio narrows his eyes at her.
Elena told me he wasn’t just a parasite.
?He’s supposed to be the first person to help me, and instead I always end up thinking: “He’s being too nice. What does he want this time?” Do you understand?!?
Maybe this is the time he redeems himself.
But Elena never believed that.
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?He’ll never change! He says it every time, but he never does… I can’t stand him anymore.?
Careful.
Very careful.
?I’m Mina. Since Elena is gone, I command this realm. Until she returns, you will do exactly what I say. Clear??
His eyes widen.
?Elena is… gone? What do you mean? What happened??
I take a step back.
Strange. He looks genuinely worried.
?I don’t know what happened. But I’m certain you’re responsible for a good part of it.?
He points at himself, mouth open.
?Me?! What did I do? I’ve only been here a couple of hours!?
My stomach churns.
Inhale.
One. Two. Three.
Exhale.
?First we deal with your infection. Then we talk. Follow me—and stay quiet.?
I walk toward the corridor of light formed by the open doors. His heavy footsteps follow.
I untie Lyn, place a foot in the stirrup, and mount.
Livio’s touch reaches my waist.
He avoids my weapons.
?Hands on my shoulders.?
?Why?!?
Why is he offended?
?Because I said so.?
His hands settle lightly on my shoulders.
Annoying.
I hold the reins with my left hand, resting the other on my dagger.
I guide the horse toward the crowd of survivors gathered around poor Serena.
?Please! One at a time!?
Where is Sander?
I scan the square.
Beyond the well, I see a horse—and a boy sitting rigid.
I’ll check on him next.
I look at Serena, slip two fingers beneath my tongue, and whistle sharply.
The crowd falls silent.
?Serena, I’m taking Livio to Mirasogno. I’ll meet you there.?
She nods.
I spur the horse and stop near Sander.
His shoulders are tight, eyes fixed on the crowd.
?Sander!?
He flinches and looks at me.
?Stay calm. You’re safe with Serena.?
He nods, smiling.
It pains me to ride without them.
And with Livio of all people.
Without Serena helping me rest…
These will be miserable days.
Lyn struggles up the grassy slope, then begins trotting across the plain. The path lies a hundred meters ahead.
?I wanted to ask you something, if I may,? he chuckles.
What is there to laugh about?
?Make it quick.?
Lyn reaches the path.
?I can understand Elena holding a grudge against me. We never understood each other. But why do you…??
I told him to be quick.
?Elena may be reserved with you, but she wasn’t with me.?
Since he’s so eager to talk, I’ll ask a few questions.
?Why did the villagers want to kill you??
And is it a coincidence that six torments appeared so far from the walls?
He lifts one hand from my shoulder, shifting in the saddle.
?I was already nervous because I couldn’t find my wife. Then I got hurt, and nobody cared about me.?
I glance back. He jerks slightly.
?Then I went into the church and… well, it wasn’t exactly welcoming. You know how it is when someone isn’t thinking straight, right??
I stare ahead.
No.
I don’t know what it’s like to be an impulsive idiot.
?I reacted badly. But if they had stayed calm…?
I face forward again.
And I’m actually listening to him.
?It doesn’t matter.?
Right. He’s told me nothing new.
They were under attack. Of course they were agitated.
And he expects calm?
My soul pulses.
Maybe I need to calm down.
Inhale.
One. Two—
?Let’s talk about something else.?
Three.
?I… I love my daughter.?
Inhale.
One.
?Sometimes we just don’t understand each other.?
Two.
?But I don’t want her to suffer because of me. Do you understand??
Three.
I lower my gaze.
I still don’t trust him.
But his tone holds something warm.
Paternal.
?Why did you come here?? I murmur.
The saddle shifts again.
?I don’t know how to explain it… I felt something was wrong. And when I entered this world, I understood I had to find my family.?
I turn. His hand rests over his chest. His eyes are wide.
?I knew they needed me.?
I can’t be certain he’s sincere.
But I want to see how he reacts to danger.
?My team, your son, and I are going to look for Elena.?
He nods.
?What happened to you today is nothing compared to what you might face. Once you’re cured, you’ll have to decide whether your daughter’s life is worth your own.?
He swallows.
?If… if my son and my wife agree… I don’t know how useful I’ll be. But I’ll try.?
I remain still.
That sounded honest.
Could Elena have been wrong about her father?
After everything she told me?