Secrets and Lies (2)

“Are you sure that is the witch’s daughter?” One of the men said to another. Both of their faces hidden under black cloth.

“Yes. I was watching that general store all day and night yesterday. That is the house of her mother’s friend and that’s where she’s staying now.”

The man standing at the center of their small circle nodded. Lia assumed that he was the leader as he seemed to be more commanding than the rest and the others listened to his every word.

These men, despite their clothes, did not look like they were from the town. Despite looking like passing merchants, Lia caught a glimpse of an eye tattoo on the arm of one of them. She recognized that as the insignia of the Unseen, similar to the ones she saw inside the tent.

Realizing who these people were, Lia tried to shrink herself even further, making herself as small as possible behind a tree. The longer she listened to them, the more she was certain of their plan.. They were, without a doubt, looking for her. If she made a careless noise or movement right now, it would be like walking right into their trap. And even if she got captured right now, there was no telling what they would do with Yolly and Frankie. These people seemed to be targeting those who were related to Tamara. Perhaps this was what her mother was afraid of.

“Continue watching the store. We’ll go in tonight. Let’s meet here again once the sun sets before we go. Report any strange movement or suspicious people who go in and out of their store.”

The men voiced their agreement and set out to different directions.

Lia remained huddled behind the tree, afraid to create even just a little movement. She did not realize that she was shaking. Wrapping her arms around her, she remained alert to her surroundings. She did not dare do any big movements. Someone might be keeping a lookout which would result in her capture. The only part of her body she let roaming around was her eyes. She kept an eye on every shadow, every branch above her, everywhere a man could hide.

After what seemed like an eternity, she moved her stiff limbs, still with careful movements. For the first time since she overheard the men, she let herself breathe, calming the hammering of her chest. Those were men from Unseen and they were out to get Lia. But why? She hated to admit that Yolly was right that there was someone out there out for her blood.

Yolly! With a jolt, she straightened up and ran to the store. When she stepped into the town, she remembered that the men had their eyes around the town. If they happened to spot Lia in a hurry, they might get an idea that she knew what they were planning.

It took all of her effort to act normally, all the while keeping an eye all around her. She wanted to laugh. She thought that once everything settled, she would start walking freely in the town. No more hiding, no more disguises. But now, she was still hiding and on the edge.