Has any of you seen a little child?

Some of the people guided us and went together with us to the town square, where the Municipal Hall is located and where the people are currently residing.

When we reached the town squared I suggested, "Why don't I go down now Your Highness?" I want to walk and stretch my legs, I can barely feel it and I'm too conscious of the people's burning gaze towards both of us.

I overheard him say, "Wait a minute," and then he leaped from the horse. When my feet touched the ground after mounting myself off the horse using the string, I felt my knees begin to tremble and buckle. I was about to fall to the ground when a pair of hands fortunately caught me.

"Thank you." I said in a small voice as I was too embarrassed of what had just happened. The Prince helped me to stand up straight and I immediately grabbed my skirt and lifted it up to exercise my legs by kicking it wildly just anywhere.

I looked up only to see a middle-aged man running in our direction. "Your Highness, you're here!" He exclaimed, obviously delighted that the Prince had arrived.

The Prince nodded, "I was already informed of what happened here." Seeing that they were still going to discuss some things, I grabbed my skirt and was about to head to the Municipal Hall just a few meters away from me when I heard the Prince ask, "Where are you going?"

I turned around to see who he was speaking to, and when I realized it was me, I answered, "Your Highness, I'm going to the Municipal Hall. My family may be there."

He nodded then ordered one of his men who had been following him as some had already left and scoured the place, "Reuel, go with Lady Elivette." A man stepped forward and walked towards me.

I simply did not object as I know it was for my safety also.

"Then I'll go, thank you Your Highness." I walked towards the Municipal Hall. There are already a lot of people going out taking care of their business.

The Municipal Hall served as some kind of a rescue shelter for now.

I was shocked to see that even the floor of the small establishment was crowded with people who were laying on it with some sheets and pillows.

You can hardly find any places to use as a path.

There seems to be everyone here, including adults, children, and even the elderly. Even known faces are there can even see familiar faces. As the parasites don't really cause any injuries, they all appeared to be in good health, but I could still feel the weariness and anxiety on their faces.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for them because what they had all just gone through may have severely shocked them, not to mention that some of them may have even lost loved ones.

Feeling their inquiring gazes, I gathered my courage to go through the people trying not to step on any of them as some have laid on the ground and some only sat.

I could hear the whispers as I was moving through.

"Isn't that the Hirsch child?"

"What is that woman doing here?"

"Who is she?"

"I thought she had left already?"

One word followed by another, I simply didn't give any attention to them and looked around the place to look for Olivia and Amos.

My head looked left and right, but I didn't see their familiar faces. When I've already scoured the place and I was back at the entrance door again my heart began to pound loudly.

They're not here?

I looked at the man who had been following me and asked, "Are all of the survivors staying in here?"

"Yes My Lady. Aside from the people who had gone out to help scour the town and prepare the needed foods for the people, everyone is gathered here." I nodded and I looked back at the sea of faces again.

"Can you please help me look for Olivia and Amos? Olivia is a little girl just around 5 years old, with long hair always worn in braids, while Amos is an old man around 60 years old, he has a big mole on the side of his right eye." I requested, hoping that he could help me a little and make the search a lot faster.

Amos might not be here as he might have gone out to help, but I'm sure Olivia should be here.

He nodded then with full of authority, he stated in a booming voice, attracting the attention of everyone. "Has any of you seen a girl named Olivia, just around 5 years old and an old man named Amos who is around 60 years old?"

Everyone got quiet for a moment. Then buzzing can be heard anywhere.

Amos and Olivia live among themselves and they don't really have any neighbors.

Would anyone know about them though?

I waited for a few minutes hoping that someone would answer, but unfortunately no one did, desperate to find them, I stated, "Please... The little girl has freckles on her face, and she has long hair always done in braids, I think..." I pointed to my waist, "she's this tall."

Once again no one answered, "I'll get someone to find Amos My Lad—"

"Eli?" I was stoned to my place when I heard a small yet familiar voice. I looked around as I knew that voice belonged to Olivia and to my relief, the little child was indeed here.

She was sitting with her knees propped up as she hugged it. My heart couldn't help but ache when I saw how vulnerable she was.

I immediately walked towards her.

"Thank God you're okay." I said as I hugged the little bundle of a girl.

I felt her arm enclosed me, and I sighed out of relief when I felt her familiar embrace.

Then suddenly I felt something wet on my shoulder, hugging the little girl, I couldn't help but notice her shaking shoulders.

My heart was in a state of panic, I patted her back hoping that it could console her a little as she might have felt scared all this time.

"You're fine now, I'm here okay? I'm here." I said in a soft voice just enough for her to hear.

"Eli...." Hearing her mumble my name felt like someone was squeezing my heart dry, and the next words Olivia said felt like someone stabbed my heart this time.

"...grandfather.... grandfather... was controlled by those parasite."