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“Seren! Seren!” someone calls out, shaking me from my thoughts.
I turn, finding Meira running toward me, her little legs stumbling as she tries to catch up to me. I bend down as she reaches me and scoop her into my arms.
“Meira. Is Andro chasing you again?” I glance around for the young boy who is besotted with Meira. Though, who could fault him, with her big blue eyes, wild red hair, and never-ending ability to show kindness. Her beautiful heart makes her someone everyone adores.
“No, I lost him some time ago.”
I chuckle quietly to myself. Meira is not only known for her kindness but also her cunning nature. Although only six years old, she is intelligent beyond her years.
“Seren, Mama needs your help.” Meira’s face grows sad, sending a bolt of worry through me. Meira’s mother, Natasa, is always too proud and stubborn to ask for help from anyone. I silently beg whatever gods are up there that it isn’t something sinister.
“What happened?”
“She’s… stuck. Please come help her.”
I frown but put Meira down to follow her.
“Show me.” Ryuu will not be happy with this delay, but I cannot ignore someone in need.
We run past curious stares before coming to the edge of the town. Meira continues on out farther, until she stops beside a well. I pause beside her, giving her a questioning look. She points into the well before stepping away. It takes me a minutebut finally dawns on me what she’s trying to tell me. But… surely not…
I peek over the edge, seeing nothing but darkness. Frowning, I call on my light, letting it flow out and down into the deep well. Luminescent strings float downward before circling a figure completely drenched in thick mud.
“Not. A. Word.” Natasa’s sharp voice rings out around the dark circular walls.
I pinch my lips from the chuckle threatening to escape. It would do no good to mock her, not when she needs help.
“Just help me get me out of here.” Natasa sighs. Her weary tone snaps me out of any previous amusement.
I lean forward, getting a better look. Casting my light farther around her, I push more power into it, making it grow.
“Together?” I ask her. Like the Caligo, most Sidus work together to perform larger tasks that require more power. And although I could do this in my sleep, the Sidus are unaware of my expanded abilities.
“Together,” Natasa replies, calling upon her own light to join with mine.
We connect our strings of light, forming a net. It cocoons her, wrapping around her to gently lift her off the ground. I feel the slight pull as she moves upward, slowly floating toward me until she nears the top. Reaching out, I grab her nearest arm, my hand slipping slightly from the sludgy mud all over her before finding a grip. I drag her up, giving my light an extra push to help lift her over the lip of the well, before she’s able to break free.
Sweat and mud cling to her like a second skin. Her face, somewhat visible through the brown sludge, is pale, making me frown. Using her powers to carry herself, even with help, has drained her.
Giving her a moment to catch her breath, I reach out to help her stand up.
After a moment, Natasa takes a deep breath, and her pallor face returns to a normal color.
“Thank you.” Natasa’s voice is rough with emotion.
“Anytime.”
Pulling Meira into a tight hug, she dips her head before turning to leave. Just as she takes another step, she hesitates, turning back to me and clearing her throat.
“I would appreciate it if you didn’t mention this…misfortuneto anyone.”
I frown, feigning confusion. “I can’t say I know at all what you’re referring to?” My frown turns into a knowing smile. Keeping this small secret for her is no hardship. I have my own, though one more weighty with far more severe consequences.
Her stiff posture loosens as she shares my smile. Taking hold of Meira’s hand, she turns, heading in the opposite direction of the town. I doubt she wanted anyone to see her in such a vulnerable state. Vulnerable for her proud nature, of course.
“Thank you, Seren,” Meira shouts out.
I wave her off before heading back through town and on to anotherbondingsession with the captain.
