Page 124 of Trivium

“The less you know about them, the better.” Ren eyed Lennox, a silent urge not to say too much.

Loveleena flipped through people she knew, contemplating their possible association. Her mind traced back to Lady Shadows and how she had shown up in the woods to help Ahmina. She combed through their last several interactions, including the day she stole the tully.

The day she ran into something large on her way home.

Something that promptly vanished.

“I ran into a creature the day before the Initiation. What was that?”

“Ren playing a Soul Snatcher for the day,” Lennox said, laughing.

“It was an accident. I didn’t mean to run into you.”

Loveleena turned back to Ren. “You were in the library garden that day. Ahmina saw you!”

Ahmina’s face fell, the realization hitting her.

“Well, that was not an accident,” Ren said. “I had to back up Lennox.”

Ahmina turned back to Lennox. “Are you serious, Lennox!? What did you even need back up for? Did you think I was going to throw a book at your head? It was the library!”

Lennox’s charm was unmistakable. “What?” He shrugged, smiling like it was all a joke. “You’re an infamous Veloria with arguably the most potent magic in the world. Can’t be too careful with a terrifying woman like you.”

“I’ll show you terrifying.” Ahmina swung for him half-heartedly, losing her balance as she did, and Lennox dodged it, egging her on.

“See what I mean, stress-mina? So unpredictable.”

Ahmina laughed then, still trying to pretend she was angry. “You’re so—UGH.” She pushed him back, and he held onto her wrists in response, pulling her against his body.

“Come here.” He secured her pretzeled arms into a full-fledged hug.

“We didn’t know if your magic had awakened yet or how in control of it you were,” Ren clarified.

“Why didn’t you tell me any of this?” Ahmina asked Lennox, her eyes glassy.

“We couldn’t interfere and risk your magic not awakening, remember?”

“That’s true for all three of you,” Ren added.

“The creature sympathizers…” Loveleena said slowly, her mind flashing back to Ren helping them escape beyond the wall. “Is that where you were sending them? Astoria?”

Ren nodded. “The sympathizers see past the façade that Jarrah has created. To this day, many creatures live in harmony with humans. It’s incredibly normal in Astoria. But that’s not to say there aren’t dangerous ones. The creatures are divided. They are as complex and mentally advanced as we are, arguably, even more so. Of course, some despise us and wish we were dead. Can you really blame them after all that has happened? Because of Ash, we’ve betrayed them. Hunted them. Stolen their children⁠—”

“—On that note,” Lennox cut in. “We found where they are hiding them.”

Ren perked up.

“There’s a farm of them hidden under the Academy.”

“The creatures were right there all along.” Ren shook his head in disbelief, taking in Lennox’s words, before continuing his explanation. “There’s a whole army of creatures working with us to restore magic to its former state. The creature sympathizers, although incredibly stupid, don’t deserve to suffer and die. In Astoria, we can work with them. Their valiant efforts won’t be wasted.”

“Why?” Zeina’s words cut through their conversation. Loveleena had almost forgotten she was there. “Why did our parents abandon us?”

“Like we said, to protect you.” Ren frowned.

“No, I mean, why did she get to go with the Alvas?” Zeina simmered, shoving a finger at Loveleena.

“Ash got word of your mother’s pregnancy, and your parents…” Ren shifted on his feet. “Your parents were in danger. There’s nothing that man wants more than Veloria magic. And triplets? That man would do anything to get it. Cruel, unfathomable things. Your parents were so worried for your safety. They didn’t trust the Astorian community to protect you, since we were regularly under attack at that time. So, they hid you in Jarrah and told everyone you died upon birth. They tried to leave you where they knew you’d be taken care of. But they had to separate you to keep you safe. If you all showed up with nobles, it would be pretty obvious. Ash was looking for three babies, not one. And you were safe if no one knew who you were. They didn’t have time to be picky, and not long after…” Ren trailed off, and Lennox looked at Ahmina, pain in his eyes.