Chapter 3: The Seven Lands.

"The map of the seven lands resembles a six-petal flower. Each petal signifies a different land, and the central pod represents the Midlands, Ruvishia, where we're currently headed.

The uppermost petal is Humania, home mainly humans. Its inhabitants do not welcome other beings so freely into their land. If a Special or creature is found there without an official pass from the council, they will be executed, without mercy.

Moving clockwise on the map is Barvadon, a land shared by both humans and creatures. Here, no Special is allowed without a pass and if caught they're either imprisoned until the council intervenes, or they are bound and thrown into the forest of shadows left to be devoured by the beasts; terrible and frightening creatures with red eyes and thick black horns that inhabit the dark forest separating Barvadon from LOC."

"H- have you ever seen one?" Katrin asked, slightly spooked by Lucy's descriptions.

Lucy nodded. "Once, during my travels; It was a dreadful experience. People..." she paused and dragged in a shaky breath, "...lost their lives that day. Thankfully being a half human and half Special child worked in my favor. The Beasts had difficulty detecting my scent, and I managed to escape to safety. That day was a mixture of survival, loss, and injuries."

Katrin was about to inquire further, but the sadness in Lucy's eyes made her reconsider, so she stayed silent and waited of her to continue when she was ready.

"After Barvadon comes the Land of Creatures. While the name does lacks creativity, the Creatures specifically chose it to emphasize their ownership. To enter, you need not only a council permit, but you must also hold a high-end official position or be extremely high class. Even then, your stay has a time limit and if you overstay, you become a meal for those who desire you."

"But what if a human or Special is brought in as a slave?" Katrin asked, her concern about her future seemed increasingly daunting. What if she was bought by a Creature?

"Well in such cases, the said slave must remain within the confines of the household they serve. Stepping out requires a signed document by their master. Though, some creatures may ignore this and resort to violence for their own amusement or as a warning to send messages to certain families." Lucy explained, her words not causing any form of relief in Katrin's heart.

But she nodded, comprehending the grim reality. Even if one is technically free, they remain a prisoner in different ways.

"The land of the creatures is quite small for them all to occupy so about two hundred years ago they had payed a lot of powerful specials to create realms for the more populated races, and the only way into these realms are through certain portals."

"After LOC is the Dead Lands. It's a desolate region deemed uninhabited by most, but in truth, a lot of Mixies secretly reside there, using the empty caves as their homes. For my kind, it's the only place where we can live in peace. I and a group were on our where there before I got captured."

Katrin sympathized with Lucy's pain, though the past couldn't be undone. "But why didn't you just seek a time jumper's assistance, go back to the right time and save yourself?"

Lucy chuckled. "It's not as simple as said, child. Time jumpers are humans who are giving the gift of time, yet they are cunning and rarely agree to favors. They operate by the principle of 'an eye for an eye.' The first time I encountered time jumper; they demanded a vial of my blood just to retrieve something from my past."

"What did you need, and why would they want your blood?" Katrin inquired, her pure curiosity obvious.

"My needs are not important. What mattered is that the blood of a Mixie is exceedingly rare and quiet valuable," Lucy revealed. "Many specials breed Mixies solely for their blood, and not all can survive before they are completely drained. Besides, I had given my word to these people. There was no turning back for me even a time jumper couldn't assist."

Katrin's acceptance conveyed through silence, allowing Lucy to continue. "Next is Kornicus, where we currently are. It's home to the Specials. I assume you're well acquainted with life here, a place where the powerful dominate the weak. Anyone can take any action just to climb the hierarchy."

Katrin nodded, relating to Lucy's words. Specials were consumed by a hunger for power, and while Humans were accepted, you would hardly come across one as they were cautious, fearing spells, manipulation and being used for rituals.

Observing Katrin for a while, Lucy pressed on. "Following Kornicus is Welberd, the final petal. It's the only place where humans and specials coexist harmoniously. Specials there are notably respectful, and they are a lot of strict laws against using beings for sacrifice. Any offender is delivered to the council's court for severe judgment and recive justly punishments." Lucy took a pause, reaching for a bowl of water that she had got and was now sharing with Katrin.

Returning the bowl, she resumed. "Each of these lands, except Ruvishia, is governed by Kings or Queens, Emperors and Empresses, Lords and Ladies. Ruvishia, represented by the pod is at the center of it all. It houses the council's headquarters. Which the three main council heads oversee. All three species are welcome there; it's a hub of diversity, status, and unity. Where every month, a small but grand auction takes place, and slaves are sold. and by this time tomorrow you will must likely be in the custody of your buyer."

"But," Katrin implored, her voice fragile and shaken, the uncertainty of her future was looming over her. She met Lucy's understanding gaze with desperate eyes, "W- what if I'm sold to a sorcerer or someone who wants to use me? How do I escape? How do I survive? I-I don't want to die."

Lucy took Katrin's hands, her concern genuine. "For now, abandon thoughts of escape and proceed with caution. See what lies ahead; you won't be hurt, I promise. This is all I can tell you."

Katrin's heart sank to the depths of her soul. Her survival now depended on obedience, perhaps she could win herself favor with her buyer, fostering affection that might lead to better treatment. But she wasn't sure if she could even do that; she wasn't someone people easily liked.

"You should rest," Lucy advised, moving to lay down on the floor beside her. "We'll be reaching Ruvishia by morning, and you'll need your strength."

Katrin nodded and settled beside Lucy. The hard wooden floor, ceaseless shaking, and the impending uncertainties made wonder if she could even find.

"Cease your thoughts and sleep child. It's essential," The woman gently urged before turning away and soon, she drifted into a far slumber.

Katrin remained awake a little longer, her mind filled with contemplation, especially about her sisters and the what they might say to their mother to account for her disappearance. Would her mother believe them? Or, would she see through the lies and come looking for her? She doubted it.

After a few minutes, she slid down to the wooden floor, her eyelids drooped, and she to found sleep.