60

Emily was pacing back and forth in the throne room as the Scavengers Bella and Aniya retold King Davis and Taylor everything.

When they finished their explanation, King Davis studied them for a moment then waved away the guards who had them pinned to the ground.

"So...Eli is now Ari," Davis asked. "And a war is coming? How can we be sure your intentions are good? What are you hoping to gain in return?"

Bella cleared her throat. "Your Highness, if I or my sister had come with bad intentions, do you think we'd be having this conversation?" she nods toward Emily. "Emily saw him with her own eyes, didn't you?"

Emily stopped pacing to give a nod. Taylor gasped and Dais leaned forward farther

Aniya spoke up. "In return, we're not asking for much. But I'm positive our father knows what we've done and has sent people to kill us."

"You want me to guarantee your safety from your own brethren?"

"They are no longer brethren," Bella whispered. "We're traitors."

Emily looked over at her adoptive parents who seemed to be speaking telepathically. It probably went something like this:

Taylor, you know we must do this!

Absolutely Not! Did you forget it was their people who hurt Emily?

I understand, dear, but this is the closest we've been to having any information on Eli's whereabouts!

And if they turn on us? Kill us in our sleep? What then?

Davis sighed and turned to face the sisters. "I'm sorry-"

"Wait!" Emily cried, stumbling forward. "I should have a say in this too!"

Davis began to voice his objections, but Taylor intervened by raising her hand and nodding, signaling to Emily that she could proceed. Emily gathered herself, sensing the undivided attention of the entire room as she prepared to speak.

She swallowed. "Look, I know in the past their people haven't had the best reputation. But our people have been wrong before - about the elves - I'm sure you've all heard about Kojo releasing them."

Emily paused to glance at the sisters who nodded for her to continue.

"Not all Scavengers are made out to be who they are. In stories parents tell children, Scavengers are ruthless creatures who've been known to bear kill makes on their arms." Emily gestured at Bella who attempted to cover the marks on her arm. "Like Bella. But not all Scavengers kill just for fin or because their life is miserable-"

"That's where you went wrong," Bella muttered.

Davis and Taylor exchange a look before inclining their heads permitting her to continue.

Bella tried to shrink from the attention but Anyia squeezed her arm.

"You must tell them." she whispered.