Embers of Light and Darkness

The girl came to a halt, darting her eyes around to make sure no one had heard her before proceeding with the walk, and whispered, 

"Not many people know for certain where it is, including me." Lyla's heart sank at that, "but..." The girl continued, "I suspect it's at the Sanctum, there's a secluded section where no one is ever allowed to go, and guards heavily protect it."

"Maybe it's just something else?" Lyla suggested, even though she didn't know what this Sanctum was

"My mother works at the Sanctum as one of the head healers. I sometimes go there to help her, and one day she asked me to accompany her to the other side of the wing, where only a few people are allowed. While we were there, I stood by one of the windows on the upper floors and I spied a huge tree, the most beautiful I have ever seen, surrounded by a tall wall. Luckily, the top was made of glass, that's how I saw it."

"What did the tree look like?"

"It had leaves of many colors, vibrant and shining brightly."

Lyla took in her words, the description matched the one at home, but still, she inquired.

"How sure are you that that tree is the gateway?"

"I once read a book from the Keepers' library about a tree that led to another world," the girl blinked, realizing that perhaps she shouldn't have mentioned that she had sneaked into that library. 

Lyla placed her hand on the girl's arm, a reassuring smile on her face, " I wouldn't mention this ever. It'll be our little secret, plus why would I even tell her, the woman is unbearable to be around" the girl's eyes widened making her grin before they both started laughing. 

"You're my friend, Ismene. I would never do that to a friend."

The words warmed their way through Ismene before settling in her heart, and a smile surfaced on her lips.

They proceeded to look around the market before her stomach decided to embarrass her by growling so loudly that the man walking past turned to stare. She simply smiled as Ismene chuckled while linking their hands and leading them away.

They entered a cozy, minimalistic pastry shop, and Lyla was immediately harassed by the delicious smells that wafted around. Pastries of all kinds were displayed behind a glass, and her mouth watered just at the sight as her legs carried her towards them.

A man who looked to be in his mid to late 30s stood on the other side of that glass with an amused smile on his face as he watched her. 

The man in question turned his head towards Ismene, and that smile turned brighter and warmer. My father owns a bakery nearby. She remembered her saying, Then this must be

"Hello, Dad," Ismene said, her tone more joyful than she had ever heard

"Hello sunshine."

"Dad, this is my new friend Lyla. Lyla, meet my father."

"Hello, Sir," Lyla said, bowing slightly. She didn't know why she did, but at the moment it just seemed right. The man waved her off.

"Please just call me Theo." 

"We are a bit hungry," the girl started, giving her a look, "could you spare us something?"

"Of course, of course. Sit," The man said, ushering them to one of the little tables before leaving

He had returned a few minutes later with several pastries and drinks for them, and she had barely finished saying thank you before she dug in. The smell was only a teaser for just how immaculately everything tasted. Lyla ate and ate until the vacuum that had formed within her was full, and when it was time to pay, Ismene's father adamantly refused to take any coin from her; they got into a stalemate for a few minutes before the man reluctantly gave in and took some coins from her 

It was amusing, Ismene said as they left. Her father had always been stubborn, so witnessing someone match up his energy was something even her mother would pay to see

Lyla laughed her first real laugh since she got here when her friend narrated a time when her parents got into an argument, which ended with the man being thrown out, and because he was so stubborn, he refused to get in, even as it rained. That was until her mother dragged him back in

Lyla laughed and smiled fondly at the girl, and she carried that smile even as they entered the mansion, but the misery of this house carried it away when she found a familiar guest awaiting her 

*

The moment they locked eyes, her smile was replaced by a flat look. Aeneas did not miss that, even Ismene caught on to the change of attitude. 

He forced himself to smile as he turned to the girl, now looking between them in question, "Hello, Ismene."

"Hello Aeneas"

Lyla saw it the minute realization hit him, saw how his eyes slightly widened before they shot towards her. She stared him down unfazed, waiting for him to form a good enough excuse. 

His throat worked in a bob, and he started, "Lyla…"

She realized then she didn't want to hear it. Didn't want to know why. Trust had always meant a lot to her, and she had trusted him, walked to her possible death, believing she would be protected. She had trusted those comforting smiles and reassuring words he gave whenever fear gnawed at her. Even when he'd kidnapped her and brought her here, a part of her believed he was sorry, saw the pain and concern in his eyes, and trusted he hated making that decision, following that order that ripped her from her life and family

But now, seeing him sit on the bed, she had curled up and cried on not caring for anything or anyone. Giving in to the hurt and pain that had ravaged her and still did. 

That denied truth that seemed so little weighed heavily 

Perhaps he had always been lying; maybe those smiles were not for comfort but to fool her into believing he could be trusted. Maybe he never cared and was only trying to draw her closer because she was peculiar. Maybe he just wanted to use her; wasn't he the one who suggested having her as bait? 

It had all been a lie, a facade, and she had fallen for it like a fool

She turned to face Ismene, who was still standing beside her, silently watching them, "Thank you for today. I had a great time, but I need to rest. We'll talk tomorrow?"

"Oh..okay. Goodnight"

"Goodnight" 

She waited until the girl was gone before she turned to him

"Get Out"

"Lyla…"

"Get…out"

"Lyla, please let me explain."

"Explain what exactly. That you have been lying to me. That something as simple as offering me your real name was too much to do. When I referred to you by that name, you did not feel the need to clarify things? How can I trust you when even the name you gave me was a lie? Were you ever planning to tell me, or would you have waited for me to keep looking like a fool, which I did"

"I'm sorry, truly. When we went to your world, we thought it best not to use our real names, and I know I should have said something here, but I…I was wrong and I'm sorry."

He tried walking towards her, but she shook her head, stopping him

"Ask me anything," he offered as a way to try and mend things, "anything and I'll tell you?

She almost chuckled at the absurdity of the offer, and she wanted to reject it, but then… an idea popped into her mind