Chapter 39 - Family (Patreon)

The ship dropped anchor in the harbor, if you could even call it a harbor. The area was so small, the vessel looked monstrous by comparison. It was taller than even the tallest building in Sandy Branch.

It was made of dark wood with brilliant red and white trimming along the ship. The sails were a brilliant white color, lined with red on the outside. It stood like a darkened ray of scarlet casting itself across the water. Even the ocean seemed to bow to the ship.

“Good intimidation tactic,” I muttered. “Wonder how much that thing costs to make?”

Whoever was on board seemed to realize the ship couldn’t make it into the harbor. A boat previously attached to the side soon saw activity. I watched six people load into it. Once they were secure, whoever remained on board began releasing the line securing it to the ship, allowing the small boat to glide gently into the water below.

My eyesight was great, but with one eye down, it was hard to keep track of depth like I used to. I could only watch the shape get closer until my eyes could finally recognize what I was seeing.

Archdevils. It’s so weird to see other people with horns.

Of the six, four were covered in light black armor with red lining, making them seem uniform and scary. They wore full helmets that covered their faces, with masks attached. The masks had open eyes and a false mouth with sharp teeth reminiscent of a monster. Horns naturally sprouted out of their heads between holes made into the masks. 

The other two figures looked very different, by comparison. 

One of them was a woman. She wore a light black dress that comfortably showed off her arms and legs just below her mid-thigh. It hung to her like it’d been painted on. As they got closer, I could see the outline of her ribs, muscles, and belly button in the fabric. It was all erotic, like a veiled shield only made to prevent nudity. Her orange eyes stared at me, unblinking.

But of everyone, my gaze lingered on the lone man standing comfortably at the front of the craft with his eye perfectly centered on me. It could be no one else but Edwin Syn.

He wore a dark, perfectly pressed suit with a white shirt and black tie. His hands were firmly clasped behind his back. The motion of the ship didn’t deter him slightly. Gray eyes, second only to my own, stared at me from across the water. They were accented by the long hair, only a shade lighter than his eyes, that was tied at the back of his head and fell around his face. 

All of them looked athletic and powerful, but Edwin had an air about him I’d never seen from anyone before. It was like he felt he deserved everything life could give him and more. It was a level of pride and power I didn’t know a person could have. 

I can’t tell if they have emotions. They look cold from a distance. Best to act distant and act accordingly as things progress. I took in a breath, exhaled, and affirmed my stance with confidence. It’s time.

The ship moved closer and closer until it was finally on shore. The knight fastened the ship while Edwin walked along a smaller side dock toward me.

We were face-to-face quickly, merely three people apart in distance, yet it felt like the whole process took hours.

Behind me, I could hear shouting in the distance. The town was mobilizing. It gave me as much relief as it frightened me. 

I stood before the six archdevils with my hands grasped firmly behind my back. Even I could tell my expression was cold, and it was good that it was. All of the archdevils had the same expression, vacant of emotions, dominating their faces.

Archdevils really are emotionally stunted. I finally confirmed. Thank Gods it wasn’t something wrong with me.

“What is your name, child?” said the man bluntly. There was no warmth of expectation in his voice. Just words seeking answers.

“Yennifer,” I said, imitating his tone. “You are Edwin Syn, I presume.”

“You would be correct.”

“My apologies if I’m addressing you incorrectly,” I said quickly, noticing a flickering of annoyance bouncing across the red-haired archdevil’s eyes. “I’m unsure of the etiquette I should direct your way. You are the first archdevil I’ve seen outside of myself. I know very little about you, our kind, or our culture. My apologies.”

“It is no bother.” Edwin’s eye drifted toward the red-haired one beside him for a brief moment before returning to me. “Etiquette is a waste of time when superiors are not present. And I am not your superior, in a sense you’re likely accustomed to.”

His gaze flickered over me, examining my entire body. It wasn’t sexual, like I’d come to see in recent years. It was a genuine assessment, as if he were looking over a weapon he’d just bought. Edwin looked over my legs, my torso, my arms, and my face. He lingered on my eyepatch for a moment before moving to my lone eye, staring into it for a good while. Whether he was impressed or surprised by them being white, he didn’t say anything. I couldn’t tell at all what he was thinking from these gestures. 

“Where are your parents?” asked Edwin in the same bland tone as his prior question.

“They’re dead,” I repeated in the same tone as I answered last time. I held in any sadness I may have felt, as little and inconsequential as that amount may have been. “It happened shortly after I was born.”

For a moment so brief, I thought I must have imagined it, pain flashed across Edwin’s eyes. The only reason I didn’t think it false was the warning signals it sent through my brain. I felt agitated since I was so hyper-focused on their words and expressions. Something like that wouldn’t just be my imagination. I was too conscious of the nothingness they had displayed previously. That small crack was powerful, as minute as it was. 

Why does he care so much? I found myself wondering. 

“Who raised you then?” asked Edwin. His face was cold and expressionless once more. The crack I noticed was a forgotten memory now. 

“Humans,” I answered slowly. “A hunter in the village saved me from a demon. He and his wife raised me.” I paused, debating if I should add more, and decided I must. “Life was peaceful. I had hardships that any devil might have on this continent. There were difficulties being an archdevil due to inherent human fears, but I’m well respected and powerful in this community.”

“And your Mark of Enslavement?” asked Edwin.

Ah, so he knows about that. He was in Camden. The King and his people must have told Edwin a few things. 

I lifted my shirt a little more to fully show my stomach. “None here or anywhere on my body.” I showed my back and limbs as much as I could without getting fully naked. “I’d formed a partnership with a banished prince who found me here. It allowed us to both live in relative peace, living off of the rumors and perceptions of the other.”

“Ah. Intriguing.” Edwin looked down. He gripped his chin and thought for a moment before looking up, nodding. “A good plan. Your use of the lessers is commendable.”

The lessers, huh?

“You have done very well here amongst the savages,” said Edwin. “It’s time for you to come home.” He turned, as did the other five archdevils with him, and began walking to the boat. 

I stood my ground. “No.”

All of them froze. Edwin was the first to turn and look my way. “No?”

The red-haired one shot Yen a look of such hate and poison she thought she’d choke at the sight.

“Apologies, but I feel no connection to any of you, nor the lands you come from. While my kind may live in Paradise, I have never. From what I know, I was born at sea,” I said bluntly, imitating what I thought the emotionless version of me might say in that situation. “I have as much a connection with Paradise as I do with the Broken Bits or any other country. Meaning none, as I’ve never left this village.”

My words made me nervous, but I didn’t budge from my position. It was either stand my ground or relent to them, and I chose the former, obviously. They acted like soldiers, to a degree, regimented and indoctrinated to a certain belief and lifestyle. Their lack of emotions likely had something to do with it, but I also saw flashes of something in their faces–sadness in Edwin and anger in Elaine. So they weren’t totally vacant of feelings, but they were very much repressed, like I was.

The dock creaked anxiously in anticipation of an answer. Small waves crashed against it, and gulls laughed overhead as they swarmed the waters for any little fish they could find. Behind me, the commotion in Sandy Branch had softened a bit, like they were finally coordinated and ready for a response. I could feel eyes on me from the town. There was no doubt in my mind that people were watching. I was the center of attention, and the end of a fuse that would either be lit or dampened depending on what happened next. 

Besides the red-haired archdevil, though, none of the five seemed disappointed or annoyed by my answer. Least of all Edwin. 

“I understand your words,” admitted Edwin after a moment. He thoughtfully touched his hand to his chin, accenting his naturally refined face. “If I were you, I wouldn’t want to leave this environment either. From what little I’ve gathered, you’ve accomplished a lot on your own. You also appear strong, capable, and independent. Your mother was the same way, so that’s unsurprising.”

“My mother?” I whispered. 

“I’d be loath to take you by force,” admitted Edwin. “You are obligated to return to your homeland and serve the Ancient One.” He paused. “But I’m curious why you’d want to stay. It appears I am missing context, and you certainly are regarding our culture, people, and history.” He paused again, letting his arms drop to his side. He looked at me for a moment, then said, “I would like you to show me around this…Sandy Branch? This town, please.”

Ah, dammit. 

Hesitation and distrust must have shown on my face, because Edwin raised a hand as if to calm me. “It appears humans have taught you to see your own kind as barbarians.”

“Rumors do not come from nowhere,” I said blandly.

“True,” he admitted. “Then I shall come alone.” Edwin gestured back to the redhead and his troops. “You may return to the ship. I will handle the situation myself for now.”

“But—” The redhead tried to speak, but Edwin cut her off.

“Elaine.”

Elaine’s eyes narrowed. They darted from Edwin to me, where she held her look for a long time. Pure, unfiltered spite consumed her gaze, but she relented. “Fine.” She looked at Edwin again. “I will await you on the ship.” She gestured toward the soldiers and thundered off, clearly pissed as she returned to the ship.

“She has changed quite a bit since leaving Paradise,” I heard Edwin mutter to himself before turning to me. “Shall we go?”

I hesitated.

Faking a smile, Edwin held out his hands. “Do you wish to bind me first?”

I frowned. “I…don’t intend to go that far. I’m just…leery of new things.”

“As you should be.”

•••

Edwin followed Yennifer behind as she led him into town. His wind couldn’t help but wander as he stared at her.

She looks just like her mother. Edwin found himself thinking. Same hair, same structure, same attitude. If it weren’t for her words, tone, and eyes, I’d think it was Melania herself. A flash of sadness rushed through Edwin’s heart. Why do these feelings persist even after your death? They should be gone. I felt them disappear.

Sandy Branch was as unremarkable as Edwin, though it’d be. The streets were mostly made of cobblestone, with dead grass carving artificial pathways in random areas from human footprints. The buildings were barely taller than two stories, with only one being visibly larger than the others in town.

Townsfolk came into view. They were far rougher than Edwin’d imagined they’d be. A town of this size should have had elderly families and farmers, but it looked as if the entire place was made up of budding warriors. They were all wearing armor, staring at him and Yen with fear, reverence, and intrigue.

She has the locals in check, it seems. Edwin praised. I can tell from some of their faces that they respect her. I didn’t expect that. What is her secret? I’m intrigued. This might be useful.

As they entered the middle of town, the crowd grew bigger, and the circle around them smaller. They were still offered a wide berth, but people were letting their fascination belay their survival instincts.

She’s handling it well. I can’t detect nervousness in her. The human continent hasn’t corrupted her. Good.

Then, Yen’s eyes tensed. It was a change that was so small, Edwin would have missed it if he weren’t looking out for it.

A small crowd seemed to separate from the larger group, drawing the attention of others and Yen. At the front, a blonde male with long hair tied behind his head, a lean build, and green eyes dressed in fine clothing stared in terror at Edwin and Yen.

Beside him was a group of oddities. They were dressed like the others in town, warriors, but they held a closeness akin to a family, in Edwin’s eyes. There were two humans, clearly siblings to an analytical eye, even given their gaze. One was a little taller than the average person with shaggy brown hair and violet eyes. He looked to be in his thirties and had an air of wisdom about him, by human standards. Tower over him was a younger man with a broader build and violet eyes as well. His long brown hair fell over his shoulders. The smaller human looked tense, but the taller one looked downright distraught.

Two Fey were in the fray, and seemed abnormally close to the humans, which shocked Edwin. They showed no signs of restraint or enslavement. They were genuinely closed to the three humans around them. The female, a Drayd with blonde hair and green eyes, was missing an arm. Her gaze constantly flickered between Edwin and Yen. Beside her, towering over everyone, even the tall human, was a Theriad with wolf-life features. He had black ears and a tail and looked as if he were made of pure muscle. He quietly crossed his arms over his chest while his fingers dug into his arms.

They must be her companions. Summized Edwin. Curious. Why are those Fey bothering with those humans? Intriguing.

Edwin noticed a change in Yen, enough to garner his full attention. Her mask had crumbled completely, however briefly, while staring at that group. The coldness turned to warmth, and her breathing quickened. It seemed as if her whole body has pulsed with immense feeling.

She loves one of them. Edwin’s gaze flickered to the crowd of five. Which one? He narrowed it down to the tall human with brown hair, the small blonde one, and the Theriad.

While Edwin felt disgusted, a Primordial of Yen’s lineage would see a Theriad as anything more than a competent lover to use when needed; the idea of her loving humans boiled Edwin’s blood. He felt bile fill his throat and poison drown his veins at the mere thought of another human taking someone he cared about away from him.

He watched Yen make a quick gesture, as if to stop the crowd from getting closer. But Edwin knew it was a signal to those standout five—to stay put and let her handle the situation. It impressed and annoyed Edwin.

She does a good job of hiding her emotions. Thought Edwin as he stared into the side of Yen’s face. She must have had them for years. Most cannot handle them for so long. She either has a strong will to avoid killing herself, or has found an outlet to repress the side effects of caring so intensely.

He wanted to dig deeper.

“When did you lose your eye?” asked Edwin out of the blue as Yen led him to the tallest building in town, which, to Edwin, seemed like an inn or sorts, though shabby and small.

“Hm?”

“How did you lose your eye? It seems recent, given how you move,” he said. Yen had made little motions like she wasn’t used to the depth her single eye missed.

Yen gritted her teeth. “Two days ago.”

“How?”

“In a battle with a Dread Tier monster,” she said slowly and blandly, but Edwin could still sense the emotions bubbling underneath her words. “I injured it, but it took my eye.”

“Injured? But didn’t kill.”

“No.”

“Were you alone?”

“No. I had a party.”

“And were they of help?”

Yen paused. “A little.”

“Hmm.” Edwin shrugged his shoulders. “Loss is a part of life. We live for hundreds of years. Do not fret about the eye.” He gestured with an open palm at Yen as he spoke. “We can give you a new one when we return to Paradise.”

Again, Yen’s face flickered with emotions—hope and distrust. They decayed as soon as they were born. “Is that so? You’ll have to tell me how.”

“If you’d like.” Edwin shifted to Yen’s single eye, white and radiant. It was the highest concentration of mana a single individual outside of the Chosen could possess. “When did you achieve that?” he asked, gesturing to her eye.

“When I awakened to mana.”

“Ah. So you were destined to be special. Not surprising, given your parents. Do you have a preferential fightings style?”

Yen paused. “I’m proficient with the Chaos style, and I know a few spells.”

“Chaos style?” Edwin looked at the Theriad with a short glare. “I would not have expected that.”

“Nor would most of my opponents.”

“An astute point. If you wish to learn the Warring style, I became a Warring Monarch a decade ago. There are very few of us. I could think of no better tutor.”

Even Yen couldn’t hide her surprise as she looked at Edwin. “Warring Monarch?!”

It was a step above Master, and a title achieved by very few. The vast majority of internal mana fighters stopped out at beginners. Of those people, half go on to be Experts. Of that half, a quarter go on to be Master. Of that quarter, hundreds become Monarchs. Beyond that are Heroes, of which there are dozens, all known names around the world. And at the apex of a style, only one holds the title “Spirit.”

“Yes, child.” Edwin decided to ignore the flash of emotions Yen betrayed. “It is not a hollow offer. I owe you that much.” He walked ahead of Yen a few paces.

“Owe me what?” he heard her whisper.

“May I meet these humans who raised you?” said Edwin suddenly, changing the topic. “I’d like to thank them.”

“They’re dead,” said Yen without hesitation. “Five years now.”

Lies. Edwin thought. “A pity,” he said out loud. “Companions?”

Yen gestured around. “Everyone in this town.” Her voice pitched up loudly and boldly. “Am I right?!”

Out of nowhere, the surrounding warriors erupted into cheers. Some looked startled to be called upon, but the rest seemed happy just to get acknowledged by the archdevils. The only ones who did not cheer were the five Edwin had picked out earlier in the crowd, further affirming to him that they were close with Yen.

“Good. Respect is better than love,” said Edwin in a voice Yen could only hear. He closed the distance between her and looked her directly in the face, craning his neck downward until he was looming over her. “Love could kill you if you’re not careful, given what we are.”

Edwin saw it on Yen’s face. Those words affected her deeply. It was as if he’d stabbed her in the guts. Such a thing would not have happened if she hadn’t been affected by the sin of emotions.

He leaned away, turned around, and headed toward the tall inn he assumed Yen was leading him toward.

It’ll be difficult to convince her to leave while her mana is tethered to another. Thought Edwin as he stared straight ahead. I’ll need to cure her of her affliction when I find the source. Only then will she be a true Primordial. His gaze darted to the men in the group of four he’d seen earlier—the three humans and the Theriad. Maybe I should kill them now to test my theory.

*•*•*

I was trying my best not to freak out from all the overthinking I was doing.

Did he notice I had emotions? Did that matter? Did he have emotions? Was he hiding them? What did he think of the town? The parts of my life he’d seen so far? Was I in danger? Were the people around me? And what was that last sentence about love? Was he warning me, or telling me he knew I had emotions?

I wasn’t sure of any of that.

Only two things were certain to me, though.

One, he was going to take me back to Paradise eventually.

Two, he knew my parents. Intimately. Enough to keep dropping hints.

There was no doubt in my mind that I wasn’t acting like an archdevil should, even with my assumptions and past experience from my childhood. There was no way I could. Even my little interactions on the docks with the others told me that, and being around Edwin as I led him to Beginner’s Rest only affirmed that more.

I could probably play it off as influences from the human lands and my upbringing. I decided. He admitted I wouldn’t know a lot of their culture and history, so I could always use that as an escape in sticky situations.

“This is where you’re leading us, yes?” asked Edwin, breaking me from my thoughts. He gestured to Beginner’s Rest, the largest building in town. “Any reason why?”

“It’s a good place to chat, eat, and have a drink,” I said slowly. “One of the only places in this town, actually.”

“Delightful. I’m sure it’ll be sensational,” said Edwin. I couldn’t tell if he was mocking me or acting genuine.

“Oh, that it will!” Gai Regal burst out of the front doors dressed from head to toe in noble formal wear of blues, reds, whites, and blacks, wearing formal gloves to cover up his hands. He bowed deeply before Edwin. “An honor to serve you, sir.”

“Ah. Respect. Interesting.” Edwin looked at Gai for a brief moment then stared at me. “Or is he mocking me?”

“No, he’s—”

Edwin crouched down low until he was looking into Gai’s eyes. “Why would someone with orange eyes serve anyone?”

“A coward,” said Gai with a smile, straightening up. “Being born with power doesn’t mean you wish to use it. But I help others. You know of the Guild, yes?” He gestured behind him. “This is the chapter for this town. It is an honor to have you here.”

Edwin examined Gai briefly. His expression became bland as disinterest filled him. He gestured for Gai to rise fully, and he did. “Vacate the premises, then. I wish to chat with my family.”

“Already done, sir.” Gai stepped aside and pointed. “Right this way.”

Edwin walked in first. I followed, shooting Gai with a baffled look. He merely smiled, then gave me an “okay” hand gesture before I stepped inside.

It was completely empty, as if cleared out in a rush. Gabby was at the bar cleaning furiously while Lex, oddly enough, was dressed like a barmaid, similar to Gabby. They were both cute, showing just enough skin to tease customers. It was normal for Gabby, but Lex always wore all black from head to toe. I’d never seen her outside of her rougish attire. Honestly, she looked good. She clearly hated it, I could tell by her face, so I wouldn’t compliment her later—maybe only a little bit. If there even was a later.

Gabby was staring at us like we were aliens. Her eye didn’t leave Edwin for a second. She has a mix of fear and desire on her face. If I were on the upper-end of attractiveness for women, then Edwin was the same for men. He had an effeminate masculinity about him, as contradictory as that seemed. If you preferred softer features, he had them. If you liked rugged me, he was rugged. There was like an effortless blending of both, and whichever you preferred seemed to stand out as you stared at him.

Scary. I thought. The redhead one was pretty, too. Are all archdevils super attractive? Is there a reason for that?

Ignoring everyone else in the inn, and especially Gai, who was trying to seat them, Edwin found a table dead in the middle of the room with only two seats and planted himself in one.

“Would you like anything to drink, or—” Gai said before he was cut off.

“Leave with the other two. Now.”

Gai hesitated and looked at me. I gave him a slight nod. Without a word, his frown shifted. He stepped away. All the while, his gaze was on the back of Edwin’s head like he was studying a predator out in the wild as it tracked different prey. He gestured for Gabby and Lex to follow up. Lex seemed annoyed to do so, but Gabby was so tense she quickly nodded and hid behind Gai the entire time they were in the room until they left.

Then it was only Edwin Syn and I alone in the room.

“Tell me everything about your past in as much detail as possible,” said Edwin Syn. “I know scattered details from the King’s people, but I wish to hear your story from your own lips.”

“It’s a long story,” I said.

“And it is a story I traveled across oceans and continents to hear.” He leaned forward, put his elbows on the table in front of him, and rested his head in his hands. “Please.”

And so I told him a quick rundown, leaving out the parts where I reincarnated, Eve, and detailed sections of my earlier childhood that no reasonable being would remember.

By the end, Edwin’s brow had knitted together in thought. He didn’t say anything when I finished speaking. For minutes, he sat in silence, staring past me like I wasn’t in the room.

“You’re certain your mother died on that beach?” asked Edwin after a long moment.

“Yes,” I said with so much certainty, lacking in any hesitation, that Edwin didn’t doubt me for a second. It was the truth, after all. I’d seen her die with my own eyes and watched a demon crush her skull over me.

“I knew that,” said Edwin softly. “I felt the connection severed. But to hear it…” He stared past me again. Then his eyes darted to me quickly, as if his brain sought a different topic to save him from himself. “What do you know of our people?”

“Very little,” I admitted. “We have horns. The horns pull in mana from the environment when we’re low on power. All of us live on Paradise. Humans are terrified of us. That’s mostly it.”

“You’ve nearly died a handful of times if you knew about the horns,” said Edwin. He looked at my lost eye. “The proof is there, so that shouldn’t be surprising.” He dropped his hands to the table, letting his head support itself as he leaned back in his seat. “Paradise is our homeland. Our seat of power. While there is much you must know, knowing our leader is required. He is a God incarnate, Oberon Syn, the Ancient One who has ruled our kind for thousands of years.”

“Thousands?”

“Yes, thousands.”

“Is that normal?”

“No.”

“Ah.”

Edwin continued, “Aiding him is a council of influential Primoridals known as the Etherial Council, of which I am a member.” He placed his hand on his chest, not bothering to explain what a Primordial was. I assumed from context clues that was their name for archdevil. Which was better, honestly. “I have control of a military division known as the Hellknights, which is a sort of…special forces, if you will.”

“That’s…okay.”

“Primordials are the names for our people. Not the disgusting ones the humans gave us,” said Edwin, answering my earlier thought without me having to ask.

“…I prefer that,” I admitted honestly.

Edwin nodded. “As you should.” He looked away for a moment, crossing his arms over his chest. “Your mother’s name was Melania Syn.”

I blinked for a moment as the words hit me. Putting it all together, I my neck straighted and I quickly rose from my seat. “I’m related to the leader?!”

“The Ancient One,” corrected Edwin. “And yes. Your mother was his granddaughter.”

I blinked rapidly. “Wait.” I stared at him. “You have the same last name. Are you my uncle or something?”

He frowned. “No. I was given the name when I became a part of the Etherial Council. All members are given the name, showing their right to succession, should that ever take place. You and your mother are direct descendants.”

“O-Oh.” I wasn’t sure if I touched a nerve or something. It was hard to tell with Edwin’s expressionless face. I sat down again, calm. “What does that mean for me?”

“You must go home.”

It was the first time I’d actually believe those words. If I were some random archdevil, I might have been able to wiggle my way out of leaving. But if I were a descendant of the leader, that basically made me royalty of sorts. I couldn’t stay. It wasn’t a possibility.

In theory.

“Why am I here then?” I found myself asking.

Edwin’s face looked colder than normal. “The Pantheon. Those cowards from Agias, and that order of witless curs led by the Voiced.”

I recoiled at his words. The Voiced were the strongest humans in the world, all living in the country of Agias and working for the Pantheon, the world’s religious order, aiding the bishops, holy knights, and Holy King. People only ever spoke of them with reverence. It was the first time someone talked about them in such a way, it sent small shivers down my spine.

“The Voiced has an elite group of soldiers under them called the Seekers,” said Edwin. “They are always seeking to infiltrate Paradise and find weaknesses. They’ve failed dozens of times over many decades.” He paused. “But they succeeded twenty years ago. A group of six entered Paradise. They stayed for less than a week. We discovered five of them, but the sixth fled with your mother out of the city before we knew what had happened.”

I kept my mouth shut and my eyes trained on Edwin. I didn’t even blink.

“Your mother was not with child until that incident,” said Edwin slowly. “We did not know of your existence until very recently. All we knew was that the ship they took out of the Broken Bits had been destroyed in the storm. We confirmed that with the Naids of Paradise. It’s why you’ve been alone for so long. I’m sorry.”

“Do not apologize,” I said softly.

Edwin nodded. “And I’m sorry your father is human. I’m sorry a drop of his filthy blood violated your mother and disgraced your birth.”

Filthy blood? Disgraced? In my memories, it looked like my father and mother loved each other. I know they did. They wouldn’t have acted that way on the ship, and my mother wouldn’t have grieved like he did when he died if it were otherwise. If anything, they were both terrified of something else. I’m assuming it was the archdevils, but I can’t be sure. Shit, I’m still missing stuff, and I can’t even ask about it.

“I’m alive. That’s all that matters,” I said bluntly, instead, to fill the silence.

“That is true,” said Edwin softly. “And you are clearly blessed, surviving what you have where you are, and awakening to white eyes.”

For some reason, blessed didn’t feel like the right word.

“I was engaged to your mother before she was taken,” Edwin revealed softly. “I was to be your father.”

“Oh.”

We sat in silence for what felt like an eternity.

That one sentence contextualized so much of the weirdness I felt, and why Edwin, of all people, had chosen to find me, and the steps he’d taken since entering Sandy Branch.

“I’ve traveled the world to see you,” said Edwin after a while. “And I have an offer for you that I hope you’ll accept.” He held out his hand. “Let me adopt you as my daughter and take you back to Paradise. You’ll live the rest of your days in luxury and privilege, wanting for nothing, and doing whatever you desire without fear of hatred. Your very existence will command respect, and your days will only know joy and fulfillment.”

They were the words a girl might wish for from a lover, not a threat she’d been worrying about for months on end. I expected violence and threats, not offers of wealth and ease.

It was so baffling, I couldn’t answer.

“Take your time answering.” Edwin stood up abruptly and walked away so that I could no longer see his face. “We will remain here until you come to an answer, as long as they may take. I will inform our people of this.” He paused for a moment, then returned to the table, leaning over with his hand on his heart. “You have my promise, while we are here, we will cause no harm to the people of this town. But you will come home, be it tomorrow or a year from now. We will not leave until then. We have nothing, if not time.”

With that, he left the inn.

I stared after him. There was so much information in my head, too much to process. I expected their arrival to spell the end, but now it was like I had a new beginning—with more questions than I ever had before.

But my goal remained the same.

I would not be leaving.

Not without a good reason to do so.