21. Evangeline

21

EVANGELINE

I bat open my eyes, heavy with early morning grogginess. Propping myself against the bed frame, I extend my arms and rotate my neck in a satisfying stretch, then lie back against the frame.

My life was vastly different the last time I woke up in my own bedroom. Hell, the last time I slept here, I woke up in the mountains and got chased down by a madman.

But that's what led me to the final living member of the Astreldi, sleeping here beside me.

"Oh Xeros," I muse, amused at the fact I've slept next to what others call a monster.

It's certainly nothing that the rest of the settlement can say they've done. I run my hand smoothly over his sleeping face, admiring his look of tranquility. No one else can admire his beauty like I can. No one understands that, underneath his rugged exterior, there lies a creature with a beating heart and blazing passions like mine.

Whenever I look at Xeros, I forget about all the troubles in my world, at least for a few seconds, but those little moments give me a peace I've never known.

Gods, I sound crazy, but it's true.

My attention is brought back to reality when I hear a group of children running by my dwelling. Being back in the settlement certainly feels weirder than expected, a notion I mull over as I prepare myself for my first full day back at camp.

After I slip on my winter clothing and fasten my boots, I plant a kiss on Xeros's cheek and head out the door, pulling my layers tight at the harsh greeting of the cold.

Children are at play nearby, throwing snowballs at one another, but the sight of their innocence is interrupted by a passing group of men walking in front of me.

Each of them glares with a disapproving look in their eyes, some shaking their heads as if I've done wrong just by standing outside my home.

It's hard to ignore them. I never held a high position in this settlement, but I thought there was a real sense of community here, that we all help each other out. A mutual respect between each neighbor to help one another survive.

But I guess I should know better after they exiled me for a harmless joke.

I walk around, trying to reintegrate myself back into the community by partaking in any duties that need doing. There's always something that needs to be done here, whether it's wood that needs chopping, caesin that needs scaling, or common areas that need tidying.

If I help out around here, perhaps then everyone will be willing to forgive me. Maybe they'll even accept Xeros into society.

But I soon learn that even the notion of ‘maybe' is too hopeful and too soon. The majority of my fellow humans are brash and snappy with me. Some even straight up ignore my presence and questions about how I can help.

"Hey!" I call to an elderly woodcutter. "I said I can help."

He shoots me a glare and scoffs. The stinging pang of rejection in my heart pulls me away. Each refusal of my help is a harsh reminder that blending back into the settlement is not going to be easy.

As if getting back here wasn't already difficult.

"Evangeline? Is that you?"

I turn around with my guard up, expecting a slew of insults and reasons why I should not be here. But surprise takes me when I am pulled into the embrace of a childhood friend, Thea.

"I heard you returned," she says with relief. "I must have been out with the hunters when you got back, but by the gods am I glad to see you in one piece."

I try to speak, but a sob bursts out of me, failing to be stifled.

"Hey, what's wrong?" she asks.

"Sorry," I say, wiping my eyes. "It's just that you're the first friendly face I've encountered all day."

"Come with me," Thea says. "Let's walk and talk."

We break away and begin a stroll along the enclosure of the settlement, where our only company is passing children. Thankfully, none of them bear the same feelings as the adult members of the tribes, and let me pass in peace, some of them even smiling at me.

"Tell me what's up."

I take a deep breath to calm myself and gather my thoughts.

"No one here seems to be glad I'm back. I mean, I know I was exiled and all, so a heroine's welcome wasn't what I was expecting, but it's like my mere presence alone is an inconvenience to everyone."

Thea nods, her head bobbing as she listens to every word of mine with intent.

"It seems to me that everyone is still upset about what you did."

"I just wonder why. Can't they see now I mean good? I brought them a protector and—" I stop, realizing I'm on the border of sounding crazy. "Sorry again, I'm just hurt. I just wish people would let go of their resentment."

"It's alright. You're here now, that's what matters. I think most villagers were just frightened by what you did, and maybe they need time to calm down."

Though I'm aware she's trying to make me see their side, it only adds to my fire of frustration.

"What about you?" I ask. "Need I win your heart back too?"

"I don't share their feelings," she says. "I was one of the few who disagreed with the council's ruling, but we just got lost in the fray. I'm sorry, Evangeline."

She lays a hand on my back and offers a reassuring smile. Such a small gesture of friendliness is almost overwhelming, letting loose another tear, one of relief this time.

"It's fine, but I just wish everyone would give me a chance to redeem myself in their eyes. I can't even find any work. How can I win everyone over if they won't let me do any good?"

"You can help me out if you want," she offers. "There's always a task that needs doing around here."

Thea takes me to her workstation, where I meet her group of like-minded young workers.

Most give me a warm welcome. Those who don't work with me in silence, but their silence is better than outright disgust. I've got to work with it for now.

A few days pass as I work tirelessly. Each workday is a draining effort of doing everything I can, all with a smile on my face. It's the hardest to wear when I feel like crying, but I don't want to give these people any more reason to doubt me.

Retreating to Xeros each night is my only release. I find resonance in his company, he knows better than me the struggles of being accepted into the community.

Today, I'm working with Thea to cook lunch for the settlement. Our preparation started early in the morning, and by noon, I'm already tired with sweat and a sore body.

"I could do with a break," I whisper.

"Go ahead and take one," Thea says. "Would you mind bringing this to the guards at the gate first?"

I take the tray of food and am off on my way. As usual, I'm met with sidelong glances of disapproval.

But nothing could have prepared me for crossing paths with Renee, the woman responsible for my ousting.

I see her coming my way, and I know for a fact she's noticed me, obvious by the initial glare of surprise in her eye.

Do I say something? Should I swallow my pride and try to say hello?

No. I won't.

I'm not the one who severed our relationship. I'm not going out of my way to gain her approval.

Renee casts her line of sight behind me, pulling a neutral expression as she walks by. No scoff, no glance, not even a whisper of a threat.

The lump in my throat swells with pain. Even if she is a traitor, it still hurts to be ignored by someone I once called a friend.

Maybe I should just get used to it. I might never win this settlement back.

"Good afternoon," I greet upon sintering the guardpost. "I've brought lunch for you all."

"Thanks, just set it down there," the captain says.

As I place the tray on the table, another guard enters the building.

"Captain, just wanted to give you the hourly report. No signs of the waira today, but we'll continue our watch."

"Very well."

Today?

"Have they been seen close to the settlement?" I ask.

The captain turns to me, his eyebrow raised as if I've just asked an offensive question.

"Nothing to worry about, citizen. Now be on your way."

I return to my workstation, taking my rest with a bowl of warm soup. Thea joins me.

"Do you know if the waira threat is drawing nearer?" I ask her. "I heard the guards mention it at the gate."

A grave look of concern falls over her face.

"So the rumors are true," she mutters.

"What rumors?"

"Some of the hunters said they saw them nearby while out scavenging. I guess the guards are trying to keep it a secret so no one panics, but word spreads quickly around here as you know."

"Do you think they'll attack?"

"I hope not. We have the guards, but who knows what the waira are capable of?"

"We also have Xeros now," I say, upbeat in an effort to reassure her.

"Yeah," she laughs. "It's a bit weird to think we have a monster working with us, but I'll take it. How is he doing, by the way?

"Just like me, struggling and putting up with prejudice."

"You two are perfect for each other then."

Smiling, I exhale a long sigh of exhaustion and recline back in my seat.

But the sudden screams coming from the gate make the bowl of soup slip out of my hands.

"What was that?" Thea yells.

"The waira are attacking!" a guard exclaims, running from the direction of the gate. "Everyone get inside your homes!"

"Oh gods," Thea murmurs, clutching my hand tightly before she disappears.

But I don't run. I head right for the chaos. I don't know what I'll do, but I've got to help.