Dressed in my new outfit, we left the store. The sun was burning down on us in all her might now, just some fragile feather clouds hung high above us. Mae showcased her newly acquired hat proudly as she rushed through the people who had to stumble out of her way. It was utterly ridiculous how everyone had stopped staring at me with their deprecating expressions, just because of my new clothes. Evelyn suggested we make a little detour to the market and grab some food on our way. Having passed various booths already, Mae suddenly grabbed her mother’s hand in excitement and directed us to a stand that sold all kinds of fish. The vendor was a middle-aged man with a dark beard, dressed in simple grey clothes and a white apron - with sprinkles of blood sprayed all over it. He was probably a head taller than every person in a one-mile radius and his overall build suggested that he wrestled with bears during his freetime. Despite his extremely rough appearance, his face actually lightened up once he took note of Mae and his mouth curved into a surreal broad smile.

“Whot can I do for ya, little lady?” 

Mae stared critically at the diverse arrangement of fish that was spread out in front of her. Some looked like your average river trout, while others had teeth as long as my fingers.

In which rivers do they catch monsters like these? I wondered.

Mae’s attention was drawn to a kind of black eely centipede creature. The corners of her mouth rose into a happy grin as she pointed at one particular fat specimen. Evelyn and I had then decided on a more...stereotypical fish. The giant of a man gladly handed us the bag with some bread and napkins in addition to our orders.

Quickly fishing out her...thing, which despite being grilled still looked creepingly alive, Mae twisted off its head and took a large bite.

“You have some rather...unique tastes and eating habits for a four year old,” I remarked while also throwing a curious eye over to Evelyn.

“Don’t look at me, I have no idea how that happened!” 

On our way home we came across a few people that had clustered around an individual - pretty similar to my first trip. 

“Ladies and gentlemen! Step closer if you want to witness unimaginable wonders! I, Darius of House Belight, can interact with the soul to predict the future of your child’s career! Wonder if your child will inhibit a technique of your bloodline? Come and find out!” the orange haired man, who was dressed in a long red robe and thick black pants, proclaimed loudly. 

“Are there any volunteers?” 

Many people raised their hands in wild anticipation, even if their children didn’t look very fond of being dragged in front of roughly fifty people. The man’s eyes inspected the crowd, but stopped when they saw me...or more precisely Evelyn, since she looked like a noble. 

“You want to step in front, boy?” he shouted in my direction.

Just because you hope to receive a fat tip from my rich-looking mother? I thought, annoyed.

Everyone’s curious eyes lingered on me, forcing me to accept. The sorcerer, or whatever he was, grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the middle. Standing in front of this crowd made me nervous but I was kind of interested in finding out what would happen at the same time. The man kneeled down, until his eyes were on the same level as mine.

“What is your name?” he asked.

“Nathan,” I answered shortly.

“Nathan, this is your lucky day. When I touch your chest, I will be able to take a short glimpse into your soul and see the magic that is hidden within. Only those with true skill can read your soul to this extent and since I am part of the forty-eighth squad...” he looked around to bathe himself in the reactions of a rather impressed crowd, “...I am able to wield this power.” 

I didn’t understand most of the things he was talking about though.

The man closed his eyes and pressed his hand against the middle of my chest. My heartbeat accelerated due to my nervousness. I felt the skin under his hand warm up while a cold shiver travelled through my upper body. It spread through my chest, then my mind - and finally reached a place I wasn’t even aware existed. However, as soon as his presence dived into it, it got sucked away as if there was another essence with its own gravity. He crept deeper and deeper into my ribcage. Faster and faster. My body stiffened. A part inside me spasmed as I watched darkness give itself a shape - a mess of black with multiple feminine arms and legs. A short, hollow, shrill and penetrating scream echoed within me. Flashes of terror, fear, agony and solitude spread in front of my inner eye, manifesting a feeling of panic. Unspoken words poured down from the dark sky, drenching my clothes until I feared to suffocate. Somewhere sat a girl on a chair, playfully swinging her legs as they were too short to reach the ground, and I heard a laugh. 

Oh, how oddly soothing.

The tiny part in the back of my head that still perceived the real world around me watched how the sorcerer in front of me collapsed, and all the chaos disappeared in an instant. I was still standing as if nothing had happened. Everyone’s eyes were focussed at the sorcerer, who had passed out and was now lying on the ground, painfully cramped together. His right hand was wrapped tensely around his left wrist. It covered purple bruises which were shaped like fingers. Saliva dripped from his open mouth. Coughing for air, the man slowly returned to his senses.

“Haha, he must have been in the sun for too long!” Evelyn’s voice. The crowd loosened up. Everyone fell into laughter. Something grabbed my hand - Evelyn. Black spots danced in front of me. I heard Mae crying. My hearing slowly turned blurry just as my sight. Black spots spread until they covered everything.

“Nathan!” my upper body jumped up. Evelyn had both her hands wrapped around mine - they were extremely cold. Sweat was running down my forehead. 

“I’m sorry, Nathan! I didn’t expect something like this would happen, I should have known. I’m so sorry,” her voice trembled and tears ran down her cheeks. It wasn’t until now that I noticed her hands and entire body were shaking.

“Evelyn I’m fine, it was just the sun,” I tried to muster a gentle smile.

“I’m so sorry...sorry...sorry...” her trembling got even worse.

“...Evelyn? ...Evelyn!” 

Her eyes finally locked onto mine and her breathing slowed down to normal.

“I am fine Evelyn.” 

She pulled me into a close embrace. A quiet sob let me realize that Mae had been witnessing the whole situation. She was slung around her mother’s waist, burying her face into the thin dress. Alan came back home late that night. I don’t know if Evelyn would tell him about what happened, I for my part didn’t understand anything. 

Would he be angry if he knew?

The bed was neither warm nor was it cold just as counting seconds was neither boring nor entertaining. Once I was done, I considered reading that book for a short moment - but couldn’t make myself do it. I turned off the light and just laid there while quiet tears fell down on my pillow. 

Not even two days in and I’m already a burden.

I missed Lory.