Chapter 03

They both walked out of the temple and decided to go to the clothing store for a while before heading home.

"Mama knows, right? Skayla felt like something was bothering her while she was praying earlier," Skayla said to Lucy.

"Oh, what was it?" Lucy asked, showing her interest.

"I'm not sure, but it seemed like there was a force calling me from my subconscious," Skayla explained.

"Are you sure?" Lucy asked, sounding a bit worried.

As Skayla was about to explain what had happened in the temple to Lucy, she saw a blonde-haired girl with dark black eyes sitting under a big tree near the footpath. The girl looked to be around Skayla's age.

Skayla felt curious and approached the girl. "Hi, what are you doing here?" Skayla asked with a friendly smile.

The girl turned to Skayla and Lucy and looked a bit surprised. "Oh, hi," she said softly. "I'm just enjoying the fresh air here."

"I'm Skayla, what's your name?" Skayla asked again.

"I'm Eve," the girl replied with a smile.

"Eve, do you live here?" Lucy asked.

Eve shook her head gently. "No, I'm just passing through and decided to rest here for a while," she answered.

Skayla felt that there was something strange about Eve. She looked restless and scared. "Is something wrong, Eve? You look worried," Skayla asked gently.

Eve bit her lip and shook her head. "No, there's nothing wrong. I just feel a little tired and hungry," she answered.

Skayla was not sure about Eve's answer, but she did not want to push her. She offered her help to Eve, "Would you like to eat or drink something? We can help you find it."

Eve nodded and gave a small smile. "Thank you, I will appreciate it."

They walked together to a food stall and bought some food and drinks for Eve.

Skaayla was still curious about Eve, but she didn't want to make her uncomfortable. She just hoped Eve would feel better and not worry anymore.

After they finished buying food, they continued their journey home. Eve still joined them and looked more relaxed after eating. However, Skaayla still felt that there was something wrong with Eve.

"Skaayla, you still look worried. What are you thinking?" Lucy asked.

Skaayla was hesitant to speak, but she finally expressed her concern about Eve. "I don't know, but there's something strange about Eve. She looked very anxious and scared under the tree earlier. I feel like there's something wrong with her."

Lucy pondered for a moment, then looked at Eve with concern. "Eve, what's really going on? Are you okay?" she asked gently.

Eve bit her lip and lowered her head. "I don't know. I just feel a little scared and uncomfortable in this city," she replied.

"Eve, do you have any family here?" Lucy asked again.

Eve shook her head. "I don't have parents. They died when I was young," she answered softly.

Lucy pondered for a moment, then said softly, "I understand how you feel, Eve. Feeling scared and uncomfortable in this city is not easy. But you don't have to be afraid anymore, because you're not alone. We're here to help you."

Skaayla nodded in agreement and gave Eve a small smile. "You can stay with us if you want. We have a place for you at our home."

Eve looked surprised by the offer, but she felt very grateful. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it," she said softly.

Lucy and Skaayla were happy to help Eve and bring her to their home. During the ride in Erys, they talked about their lives. Eve looked happy and cheerful, as she finally found a safe place and people who cared for her.

When they arrived at the house, Lucy showed Eve the room that had been prepared for her. She introduced Eve to their cute and friendly cat, and showed her where the kitchen and bathroom were.

Eve was very touched by the warm welcome from Lucy and Skaayla. She felt that she had found a new family who cared for her. After Eve settled into her room, Lucy and Skaayla invited her to join them in the living room.

In the living room, Lucy offered some snacks and drinks to Eve. They talked about everything, from life in the city to life in the forest. Eve felt very happy to be able to talk with Lucy and Skaayla.

As the day started to get dark, Lucy showed Eve to the bathroom to take a shower and change clothes. After that, they had dinner together in the dining room. The delicious meal and warm atmosphere made Eve very happy.

After dinner, Lucy showed Eve where her bedroom was.

Lucy noticed that Eve seemed awkward in her own room. "Eve, if you feel uncomfortable sleeping alone, you can sleep in the same room with Skaayla. She would be happy to have a sleepover friend tonight."

Skaayla smiled and nodded her head, "Yes, we can talk and share stories before going to sleep."

Eve smiled and felt relieved. "Thank you, that would be great," she said.

Lucy smiled. "Okay, you both can sleep in that room. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me or make any noise."

Eve and Skaayla looked at each other and smiled. They walked to Skaayla's room while talking about things they liked and disliked. It didn't take long for them to fall asleep soundly and happily.

Lucy watched them from outside the room, happy to see that Eve and Skaayla were comfortable with each other. She said a light prayer for both of them, hoping they would feel safe and happy in her home.

Skaayla woke up with a lingering drowsiness in her mind. She closed her eyes for a few more moments before finally opening them fully. After rubbing her eyes and fixing her hair, Skaayla felt a little confused because she didn't see Lucy in her room.

Skaayla got out of bed and checked the entire house to find Lucy. She searched the kitchen, living room, and dining room, but couldn't find her. Skaayla grew more worried when she couldn't find Lucy anywhere.

Suddenly, the front door opened, and in came a mysterious man with a very strong dark aura. "Hello, little one. What are you looking for?" he said in a heavy and arrogant voice.

Skaayla looked at the man fearfully, but she tried to remain calm and answered with a trembling voice, "I-I'm looking for Lucy. She suddenly disappeared."

The man smiled sardonically, "Oh, her? Ah, I understand now, but unfortunately, you will never find her again." In an instant, Skaayla felt her body being instantly transported to a very deep place. She fell to the cold and misty ground.

Skaayla felt trapped and unable to get out of there. She was scared and confused. She didn't know what to do and missed Lucy and her other friends. She kept crying and praying to be able to get out of there and meet her loved ones again.

Her prayer was answered when the protection given by the god who reincarnated her turned into a warm light, which dispelled Skaayla's fear.

The light then turned into a small, cute creature that could speak to her in the language of the gods.

"I have come to answer your call. I am Eriase, a creature who serves the god Xerxes who reincarnated you."

"I hope my presence can reduce your sadness and fear."