"Mommy, can I please have a little more?” Nerissa’s small hands clung to her mother’s skirt.

Her mother’s eyes darkened. “You’re lucky I gave you any at all.” With a sharp shove, she pushed Nerissa aside.

Nerissa didn’t protest. She lowered her gaze, lips pressed tight. Not worth the fight.

Suddenly, her mother’s face shifted, a sly smile creeping in. “Come on, Nerissa. Let’s go for a walk.”

As they walked, Nerissa picked a wildflower and held it out shyly. Her mother didn’t notice.

At the door of a dilapidated cabin, her mother rapped sharply.

 "Keep your pants on, I'm coming." An unfamiliar man said. 

He opened the door "Whatcha want?"

"I have an 'Item' you may be interested in." Her mother said as she gave her a scheming glance.

He stuck his head out the door and looked around.

"Let's see it, come on in."

“She’s rare, you know,” her mother said, stepping forward. She cupped Nerissa’s face, turning it toward the man. “Look at her—midnight purple that fades to a gold crystal-like color, like the sun rising into the midnight sky. Skin like fresh snow. An angel, really.”

The man thought for a moment. "She is indeed a rare beauty." 

 Suddenly his eyes widened. "Y-you, how did you- this child... is a Rue, isn't she? Lord Nathan Rue is known for his rare eye color, angel-like appearance, and his missing sister." He looked up at her mother with an accusing stare.

 Her mother rushed on. "I can guarantee you can get a very high price on her."

"Do you know the penalty for messing with a noble? We'd be flogged and-" he signaled with his thumb sliding across his neck. He then rolled his eyes. "Oh wait, this isn't just any noble, it's the Duke Rue. Once they're set on something, not even the emperor can stop them. What were you thinking!?"

Her mother’s smile tightened. “That’s why she’s valuable. Ship her out, and the price will be high.”

He hesitated, then chuckled darkly. “A noble’s wrath is no joke, but you’re right. This girl can be worth a whole lifetime of money. I'll take her. This way, please."

Her mother walked away looking relieved. 

She was about to follow after them when a hand grabbed her shoulder. "Wait here, kid." 

She looked back calmly. "Unhand me." She glared at him. 

The man burst into laughter, and after a while, he stopped. "First, we should fix that little attitude of yours."

Her mother walked into the room with a large bag in her hand. Her mother walked straight past her, not even glancing back.

"Mom? Are we leaving?" Her mother kept walking. She began to go after her, but one of the men grabbed her arm.

"Oh no, you don't." 

She looked at her mom, "Mommy? Where are you going?"

Her mother stopped at the entrance. "Nerissa, I hope you don't hate me too much."

She bowed and spoke, "Goodbye, Lady Nerissa, it was a joy serving you." Her mother began to laugh as she walked away.

 

"Mommy? Wait! Mommy, please don't leave me! I'm sorry, I'm really sorry," she attempted to release herself from the man's grip. The door began to close, erasing her mother from her view.

The man released her, and she ran to the door but failed to open it. She sank to the floor. 

She began to hit the door, "No! Mommy, don't leave me! I'll be good, I won't ask for food anymore. I'll be good. Please come back..."

Suddenly, she heard a voice. "Neri, it's ok. You're safe, Mommy is here."

The world around her went dark; only a door of light was in front of her. 

She stepped into it, slowly she opened her eyes. 

She sat up, sighing in relief; it was just a nightmare of the past. She looked up, and in front of her was a young boy.

"Neri!" He hugged her. She looked around, Her mother stood next to her bed, an unfamiliar man stood beside her with an arm around her.

She began to tear up, "Mom?" Her mother lifted her out of the boy's embrace. 

"Now, now. Nathan, you haven't formally introduced yourself. Of course, Neri will be frightened." She looked at the young boy. "I'm not scared. Mom, I'd like to sit down."

 She was placed next to the boy again. "What's your name?" 

The boy's eyes brightened. "I'm your older brother, Nathan. You also have three other brothers, who are older than you."   

The man from earlier came closer. "My dear Rissa,"  he said with teary eyes.

 "I'm so glad you're safe. Your mother and I missed you so much." 

She looked up, "You are... my father?" The man lifted her in the air "Yes, dear, I'm your father." 

His face was full of joy. 

A tear slipped down her cheek. Her father's face darkened, and she quickly wiped her tears. "I'm sorry, I-" 

Her father interrupted her.

"Neri, it's ok to cry. No one will hurt you anymore."  Tears began to stream down her cheeks.

Was she hurt? She never allowed emotion, but for some reason, she couldn't hold back when she was around these people, her family.

***

Raphael hugged his daughter as she cried. "It's ok, Neri," he stroked her hair softly.

"You're with your family now, you're safe now." Neri's whimpers slowly got quieter.

 Akana came near. "She fell asleep."  He set her down on the bed.

"Akana love," he turned to face her.

"Tell me you made those bastards suffer." His voice was filled with rage.

"Rest assured..." He suddenly felt a chill. His wife was indeed scary at times.

 "Dad, Mom, I'll be staying here with Neri to-" Nathan was interrupted by the doors being swung open 

"Neri!!"

"SHHHH!" They all hushed Alen.

 They turned to see Neri still soundly asleep, they sighed in relief. 

"I heard she had woken up... Don't tell me... I missed it!? Why didn't anyone send for me?" Everyone looked away, avoiding answering. Alen wore a dejected expression.

"Alright, everyone, let's let Neri rest. We can see her tomorrow morning." Akana pushed everyone out of the room. 

"Goodnight, my lovely Neri, see you in the morning." She slowly closed the door. 

******

Hya! Hya! 

"My lord! We've been riding at full speed since early morning. We should rest. It's dark now and it's begun to rain. It'll be dangerous if we continue."

He looked back. Everyone looked exhausted. "We'll stop at the inn up ahead. You all may stay. I'll get a new horse and continue."

He must arrive before sunrise tomorrow morning, no matter what!