I couldn’t contain the shock in my eyes. It all made sense. That’s how he was able to recognize me when he and Joseph were rescuing me from the prison. He had met me before.

-When I saw you, I was... amazed. – Dominic continued. -I couldn't find any explanation for that. How could such a fragile creature be the government's greatest weapon? It was clear that you were the other descendant. Orion's plans for you were perverse. When I saw you, it was like my heart was beating for the first time, in many, many years... I tried to ignore it, but I was no longer sleeping, just thinking about you, thinking about what he wanted to do, and I couldn't allow that. When I realized, all my loyalty to Orion was gone. I had been loyal to him since I was little, since when I first met him. I always wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. But that loyalty was over that day.”

“You opened my eyes and my heart and that was something that had no turning back. I was not the same; my conscience had finally awakened. I felt the need to protect you and I couldn't take that anxiety anymore. I decided that I was going to do my best to get you closer to me and I promised myself that I would keep you safe. So, I deserted. I left everything I had and with the help of my mother, I ran away and joined Joseph. Actually, he was the one that found me. He has a very interesting gift. – Dominic paused for a second and then continued. -But just after I ran away, they hid you. They moved you from Carthage and sent you to a prison on the other side of the world. We spent a year looking for you. And at last, we finally found you.

Dominic had seen me before... but I didn't remember. I remembered being transferred from where I was, and the long voyage by ship, but I had no notion of time and no memory of Dominic. However, I felt that, somehow, I knew him. Perhaps, just as he had an ‘awakening’ when he first saw me, I also had one when I saw him. And that feeling made me trust his words, even when I hardly knew him or Joseph.

For that very reason, I couldn't lie to them. They couldn't trust me.

-I don't want to deceive you and Joseph. I would really like to help ending those who harm others, but I must insist that I am more of an enemy than an ally. I am weak and at the same time I can kill anyone in front of me. I don’t know to what extend goes my powers. Nor do I have the slightest control over it. I don't know how I could face Orion and be of any help for you.

- I want you to understand that you are the best thing that ever happened to me. You saved my life, my soul. You should not rush to say that you are not capable, as we are sure you are. Don't worry about fighting now. We will protect you. We cannot destroy the government in one day. In time you will become stronger, I will help you. But it all depends on what you will choose. You are not obliged to fight, and we will understand if you don't want to get involved in this. It's a very dangerous path.

-I make your words mine. - told him. - I want more than anything to go with you, however...

-Great! I'm going to call Joseph. - Dominic spoke with a smile, not letting me finish my sentence.

In a matter of seconds, I was alone in the heated room. I could only hear the sound of my heart beating. Was that... happiness? I finally understood. I understood who I was. Why I existed.

I was a Descendant. And that was the reason why I was imprisoned. That was the reason why I was... different.

A few seconds after leaving the room, Dominic was already back with Joseph. I tried to get up, but once again Dominic stopped me.

-How are you feeling now? - asked Joseph.

-I feel... a bit confused. And overwhelmed. -I replied with sincerity. -But overall, my wounds are not hurting anymore.

-Very good. -said Joseph with a big smile. -I will leave early tomorrow to hunt and collect supplies for our trip to the island of Lyrus. You will stay here with Dominic. We will have a lot of time to answer all the questions that you will have and, in any case, it's already late. You must sleep well tonight in order to fully recover by tomorrow.

-Yes, I will. Thanks for everything Joseph. Good night and good luck tomorrow on the hunt.

-Good night Althea. -he said.

While Joseph left the room, he closed the door without noise, and I could see still a smile on his face. It was also amazingly natural the way that the conversations were flowing with him.

Dominic in the meantime was still standing in the middle of the room, analyzing me. I didn't want him to leave as well. As if listening to my thoughts he pulled out a chair and sat next to me. Dominic then pushed me gently, forcing me to lie down once again in the bed while covering me with a thick blanket.

-Do you want me to stay here until you sleep?

-Sincerely... yes... but I think you'd better go to sleep as well. You must be tired after today. – I replied.

Dominic then reached to my right hand and held it. With the other hand he stroked my head, as if I was some kind of a small animal. At that moment, I could see the kindness in his eyes, and I questioned myself for fearing that man before.

 I tried to force myself not to fall asleep. I wanted that moment to last an eternity. Nobody had ever treated me that way before and the feeling of safeness and warmth started rising on my chest. I didn’t know that people could be that kind towards others.

-You are safe now Althea. You can rest.

 Yes. I was safe. They knew who I was and still accepted me. I had finally met people who were not afraid of who I was. They treated me as human. I felt so relieved that little by little my eyes were closing until the moment when sleep overcame me.

I had a dreamless and peaceful night. I woke up with the sun rays entering through the window, touching my face. One more day had passed, and I was still living on that amazing dream.

 I got up and found the bathroom on my own. It seemed that I was on the second floor of what looked like a small chalet. I realized then that I was possibly in the house of the doctor who attended us. I found the stairs and went down, arriving to an empty room. I walked a little more until I finally reached the kitchen, where the doctor was sitting and eating breakfast at a round table with four empty chairs. He then noticed my presence and made a gesture, inviting me to sit down. It took me a few seconds for me to overcome the feeling of embarrassment for not knowing very well how to greet him. The doctor then served me milk and food while I got accommodated.

-You already look much better than yesterday young lady. Those boys did very well in bringing you here. You actually healed in an amazing speed, almost like you have special powers. -he said while laughing. I then smiled to him shyly without knowing what to say. - Oh, of course. I forgot! We haven't been introduced yet. I am Valmir. I am the doctor of this village. - he continued, very excited, stretching out his hand.

-I am Althea. - I spoke taking his hand and shaking it. -I am very grateful for your help and care yesterday. It is thanks to you that I feel much better already. -I said.

-Yes, yes! We can remove the bandages now. I just hope you and your friends don't get in trouble again. Joseph told me that you came across a group of Hunters. - Valmir chattered, pulling me aside, cutting the bandages and throwing them in the dump next to the bench. I moved my arm happy to have it free again.  - In fact, I have to thank both Joseph and Dominic for taking care of them. Those savages were tormenting the residents in our small island.

-Doctor Valmir, did you see if they left? -I asked when I noticed the silence in the chalet.

-The youngest, Joseph, went out early to hunt in the forest, I didn't even see him. Dominic is finally asleep. He's been up all night, watching you, I must say. He only laid down after I woke up and when he was sure I would keep an eye on you. He's a great kid and he seems to care a lot about your safety. You have very reliable friends young lady.

- Yes, indeed they are great. And I think some sleep will do well for Dominic. -I replied. – Would it be alright if I took a walk around? I didn’t have a chance to see the surroundings yesterday.

- Excellent idea! But don't go too far or I will certainly have problems with the young lads. -laughed once again the doctor.

I finished my breakfast and left the chalet. The moment I stepped outside; the fresh wind touched my face bringing a feeling of relief. It was not a dream. I was free.

I was able to see the village to the east, but I decided to go to the opposite side, towards a lake. It was a beautiful day. I was contemplating the blue sky for several minutes, lying on the grass in the shade of a tree. Everything felt wonderful. Everything shone and there was so much... light. None of it reminded me or had any resemblance to the darkness I lived in for so many years. It was still hard to believe it was all real.

-Beautiful day, no? - spoke a cheerful voice. I took a fright.

-Dominic! Did the doctor wake you up? He shouldn't; you must rest.

- I woke up by myself. I've had enough sleep for today.

He sat beside me and observed the landscape in front of us.

-This place is beautiful. - I spoke, breaking the silence.

-Yes, it is. But I believe that any place seems magnificent for those who spent so many years in the darkness.

Silence again. He was right. But... how many years...

-Dominic... I'm sorry if that question sounds a little... strange. But could you tell me how old... how old am I? Do you know what is my age? - I told him, blushing in embarrassment.

-Althea, you don’t need to be ashamed to ask me anything, especially about yourself. I will be very glad if I can help you clarify any questions you might have. -he answered, holding my hand. - I can't tell you with full accuracy, but as far as I know, you are between 15 and 16 years old. I believe you will still be 16 this year.

I was covered in shock. I was already 15 years old. Fifteen. Years. Old. I was definitely not a child anymore.

And that also meant that I...

-Nine years?

-Yes. -Dominic immediately confirmed, with a sad countenance. -You have been imprisoned for at least nine years.

The wind got stronger and colder at that moment. I had spent more years of my life in the dark than free. It was not unexpected, but it still came out as a shock. My body also showed signs of the passing of the time. I still didn’t have the courage of facing my image in a mirror, but I could see how much my body had changed. Also, I was constantly noticing the lack of the weight of the chains on my arms and legs. I felt tired walking for more than a few minutes and the light still hurt my eyes. It was unbelievable.

Dominic’s expression went dark. It was better to change the topic.

-You seem to know the surroundings well. I don't even know where we are to tell the truth. I can't even remember where I was born. Everything is too new for me, so I hope I don't cause too much trouble for you. -I said, giving him a smile. I had never talked to anyone for so long and it was very exciting! -And before I forget this detail, I'm warning you: I have a serious problem of balance, since I was a child, and I believe it has intensified with these years of sedentariness. I feel my legs shaking just from walking from the Chalet to here.

- Sedentariness? Where did you learn that word? Anyhow, I promise you that I'll try my best to keep you standing. - he then laughed.

At that moment I saw a big bird, diving into the water and rising a few seconds later with a fish in its beak. It enchanted me and Dominic seemed to have fun with my expression. Then he seemed to remember something Joseph said last night and stood up in a quick motion.

-Well, I prepared something for us to do today. But I think we're going to have to walk a little bit until we find the right place.

-What part of my problem with long walks did you not understand? -I spoke sarcastically.

-Yes, yes, I know. But I'm afraid we have no other option. I promise I will try to hold you when you stumble, but in case you fall I don't know if I will be able to avoid laughing.

-That's inhuman.

-Another complex word... where did you learn to talk like that? -asked Dominic, with curious expression.

-I always liked to read. Besides, I used to listen to the conversations of passersby people in the island I lived with my aunt. But it has been quite a while since I had such a long conversation with someone. The words seem to be resurfacing in my head, and I feel like using them all at the same time.

Dominic then held out his hand and helped me get up, laughing as he imagined the scene to come. Then we started walking towards the forest while we continued the conversation.

- Ever since I was a little girl, I've always liked to unveil the books my aunt had at home. I spent hours reading, sometimes even until I fell asleep. It was the only way I had to discover the world. - I explained. -I believe this contributed a lot to my vocabulary.

-Impressive. At the age of six I could barely keep my focus on the books I was obliged to read. In fact, who taught you how to read? Can you write too?

-I kind of... learned it on my own. -I spoke, soon regretting to see the amazement on Dominic' face. -I used to watch hidden some of the classes at the school in the village... but I never had the opportunity to really study. So, I had to learn little by little by myself. I can also write a little... but my handwriting is terrible.

-Incredible. Orion also has a superior intelligence than normal. I believe this may be one more of the characteristics of the Descendants. - said Dominic. -But still, you are incredible for doing it on your own.

I felt my face turning red with those words. A compliment. He had praised me. I couldn't say anything else afterwards.

All along the way I had the displeasure of stumbling on several roots and almost falling every few minutes. As he promised, Dominic stayed by my side and helped me pass by fallen trunks, holding me at each stumble. While I was furious about my imbalance, he had fun at my expense, which made me even more embarrassed. It was a very long walk and finally we arrived at a beach with a huge strip of white sand and crystal-clear water. Separated from the beach, about 50 meters away, was a quite big sand bank, floating in the middle of the sea. As the beach was shallow, we could reach it on foot.

-I will take a test with you today; I will test your powers. You can consider this as our first day of training. -he said. - I'll take it easy with you because you're hurt. Still, I think it's safer to stay as far away from anyone as possible. I just want to get a sense of your ability and it will be good for you to release your powers as well. The faster we start, the faster you will gain control over your it.