1 Chapter one
Leo and his wife Kathryn were driving along the busy street of Las Vegas. They had successfully landed in Dallas after being away for almost three months for a business trip. They were discussing and laughing that they didn't notice the girl covered in rags, walking carelessly across the road. The girl seemed to be lost,as she was walking and looking. Their car hit her and she fell, immediately becoming unconscious. Kathryn gasped as she came out of the car with her husband and realized that it was a human being that their car had run into.
Kathryn:oh my goodness.(sobs) please do something Leo.
Leo: c'mon let's take her to the hospital.
He took her to the backseat, his wife entered the car,and he zoomed off.
At the hospital
Kathryn was pacing around in the waiting area, with her husband trying to console her, but his efforts was fruitless.
Leo:calm down Kathryn, she'll be alright.
Kathryn:I don't want anything to happen to that poor girl. I won't be able to forgive myself.It was my fault.
Leo:(shook his head) no baby it's not your fault. I was the one driving, not you, remember?
Kathryn:I know.....
The door opening, interrupted her from saying what she wanted to. The doctor came out of the ward and walked towards them and immediately, Kathryn went to meet him with her husband trailing behind her.
Kathryn:( sounding somewhat impatient) how is she doctor? Did she survive? Please talk to me doctor.....
Leo saw that the doctor was trying to say something,but his wife wouldn't let him, since she was asking numerous questions.
Leo: easy honey. The doctor has something to say and you're not letting him.
The doctor smiled in appreciation towards him.
The doctor: you'll need to come with me.
The couples followed the doctor into his office.
Kathryn: what is actually wrong with her doctor, please talk to me.
Kathryn was visibly impatient to know about the girls condition.
The doctor:(sighs) before I continue,I'd like to know who her parents are.
Leo: we don't know who her parents are. Is anything the matter?
The doctor's name was Neil.
Doctor Neil: to be honest with you,we tried to save her but....
Kathryn interrupted him
Kathryn: but what doctor,you must do everything you can to save her.
She gripped the doctor by his collar. The doctor looked at Leo pleadingly with an expression of'please calm her down. Leo got the memo. He moved closer to his wife.
Leo: calm down honey. The doctor isn't through yet. Let's hear what he has to say and he can't do that if you're holding his shirt like that.
Kathryn released the doctor's shirt as her husband made her to sit on her chair.
Doctor Neil:(adjusted his tie and cleared his throat) what I was trying to say was that we did all we could to save her,we succeeded, but she lost her memories.
Kathryn sighed in relief. She released the breath she didn't know she was holding. She had tears in her eyes as she smiled at her husband. She thought they had lost the girl. That statement about the girl's survival was like a breath of fresh air to Kathryn. It doesn't matter if the girl lost her memories. All that matters is that she's alive and she survived.
Leo: (sighed softly in relief) thank God.
Doctor Neil: she has been a victim of malnutrition. She is poorly nourished.....
Kathryn:(cuts him off) then what are you waiting for? Tell the nurses to get her something to eat.
Neil: we're on it ma'am.
After sorting everything at the hospital, the girl was transferred to the VIPS ward,as per Kathryn's permission. She wanted to speak with the girl but she wasn't awake, so she left with a promise to check on her the next day.
This time, Leo was more careful in driving as he didn't want a reoccurrence of what happened earlier. They got home and met their daughters the twins (Reinee and Sheila) Their daughters were happy to see them.
Sheila:(hugged her father)oh dad, you kept us waiting. We thought you weren't coming anymore
Leo:(Pat's her back) am sorry buttercups. Your mom and I had something important to attend to.
Reinee:(arches her brows)and what's more important than your daughters? huh?
Leo: no dear. I didn't mean it like that
Reinee:(rolled her eyes) whatever.
Leo: please girls. Will you forgive me?
Sheila: only on one condition
Leo: name it and it'll be done immediately.
Sheila:(smiled) we want the latest.....
Kathryn:(interrupted her daughter) you are not getting anything
Leo: let them be honey.
Kathryn: you are spoiling them
Leo:at least am not complaining. (Turned to his daughters) are am I right girls?
Reinee: yes daddy. Well as I was saying,we want you to get us the new baby in town. The one McKendra flaunted yesterday on stage.
Leo:noted ladies.
Kathryn:you are spoiling them Leo
Reinee:(rolled her eyes) and we're not complaining mom (turned to her dad) thanks a lot dad. I love you
Leo:(smiled) I love you more than anything in this world
Sheila: easy there dad, someone is getting jealous
Leo:(winked at his wife) she knows I love her more than anyone in this world.
Kathryn:(smiled) where's Molly?
Reinee: she's asleep. I guess she couldn't wait any longer.she was up until few minutes.
Kathryn:oh my goodness. My baby is so gonna be mad at me.
Leo: alright girls,it's late already. You're gonna be late for school.
The twins pecked their parents on their head and made their way to their rooms.
#########
Two days later
In the land of Salem, the chief of slaves, Gaius, reported to the king that one of the slave was missing. Not just any slave,but the King's slave.
The name of the king was Riverdale.
Riverdale: repeat what you just said Gaius
Gaius: the Kings slave is missing.
Riverdale:(scoffed) how come? How is that possible? I kept her in your care two days ago,so what are you saying?
Gaius: I had sent her to get herbs behind lady Tabitha's tomb. I waited for a while and didn't see her. I went there to check up on her, but I couldn't find her.
Riverdale:then you must be punished for it... Guards?
Gaius went on his knees and began to plead.
Gaius: please pardon me my lord. I promise to find her and bring her back to you in two months.
The king was never the type to go back on his words."Guards"he called again and two guards appeared before him, bowing their heads
'yes my lord'
Gaius: please my lord.please give me a chance. I promise to find Izia no matter where she may be hiding.
Riverdale: two months. Two months it is and if you are not able to find Izia,I'll have your head. Not just yours. But that of your family members too. You are dismissed.
A cold shiver ran down Gaius' spine at the Kings statement. He bowed his head and left the Kings Chambers.
Gaius didn't know what to do. He was already planning on how he's going to punish Izia if he gets hold of her. Just two months to find her and bring her back to Salem. No matter how hard he tried,he just couldn't get through to her. He was supposed to be able to know her whereabouts through her scent, but he can't. Heaven knows what he will do to her. He will definitely punish her severely. Definitely.
#####
Kamara:oh mother, where could Izia be?
Laura:I wish I had an idea dear. I really don't know where she went to. I wonder where she is. No matter how hard I try,I can't seem to get anything.Ive tried linking my mind with hers, but it's not working. I've tried calling out to her via my head,it's not working either. The king will come to ask about her whereabouts from me.
Kamara:am really scared mom. He'll think we're hiding her somewhere.
Laura: don't worry dear, the king made us to take an oath the day he took your sister as his slave. He made us take an oath that we'll never have anything to do with her. So don't worry.
(A knock came at the door)
Kamara:who could it be?
Laura: wait here let me go and see.(walked to the door) who's there?
'open the door Laura' It was one of the Kings slave. She opened the door.
Laura: what can I do for you Dargak?
Dargak: your presence is needed at the palace.
With that,he turned and left.
Kamara noticed that her mother was kinda scared. She went closer and hugged her.
Kamara: don't worry mom,he's not calling us to ask about Izia's whereabouts.
Laura nodded her head.
Without having to waste much time and implicate herself and her daughter, she took her daughter and they journeyed to the palace. When they got to the palace,they were directed to the consultation room. There they met the king sitting on his throne with darkness emanating off him and the rod of the punishment in his left hand. Among all supernaturals in Salem, Riverdale was most ruthless, the most wicked, and the most intimidating ruler. No doubts he was a handsome ruler with that perfectly sculpted pointed nose and lips, with silver eyes that glints with darkness and evil.
His presence alone makes one stumbles.
Seeing the rod of punishment in his hands, Laura felt herself shivering with fear. The king only uses the rod of punishment when he wants to punish powerful and high rank demons like them. That will only mean one thing. He plans on punishing them.
Laura:(bowed her head) you summoned me my lord.
He didn't reply. He kept on staring at the two ladies before him, his eyes practically on Laura.
Riverdale:I will ask this question only thrice and if you can't give me a reasonable answer,I'll have you punished for three days. Where is your daughter?
Laura:my lord the day you took her as the Kings slave,you made me take an oath that will never have anything to do with her anymore. I haven't set my eyes on her. I don't know where she is.
Riverdale: where is Izia?
Laura: with due respect and honesty, I don't know where she is.
Riverdale: for the last time, where is Izia?
Those times he was staring at her,he was searching her mind to know if she's lying. Laura knew that the king is searching her mind, she didn't try to block him from doing so. She wanted him to know that she's not lying to him.
Riverdale:am giving you just three months to find and bring Izia back. Failure to do so, will cost you your head. You are dismissed.
Laura and Kamara bowed and they left together.
Riverdale didn't want to believe Laura. He won't. He knows that he made her take an oath never to cross paths with her daughter. He feels that she's hiding Izia from him. A mother can go against anyone just to be with her daughter. That's actually what he feels Laura has done. The king wants his slave back at all cost. No matter what it takes. He misses hearing her screams especially when he punishes her for the slightest mistakes committed. He misses her presence,her scent. Hell he misses everything about her. Her beautiful blue eyes. He can't afford to lose her for anything in the world. Not in this life or the afterlife. He must get her back. No matter what it takes.
#######################
Kathryn had gone to the hospital to check up on the girl they had brought two days earlier. The doctor had called her.
Kathryn: hello doctor,you wanted to see me.
Doctor Neil: yes ma'am. Please have your seat.
Kathryn sat down on the chair in front of the doctor.
Kathryn: is anything the matter?
Doctor Neil: not at all. It's about the girl you brought here.
Kathryn:(nodded her head) what about her doctor?
Doctor Neil: I would suggest we conduct a facial surgery on her cause the accident affected her face badly. We need to conduct a surgery, cause if the wound fades,it'll leave a scar.
Kathryn didn't want to do anything to the girl without her permission s. It wasn't legal.
Kathryn:(shook her head) not yet doctor. We need to ask her about it before we can proceed with anything. Is she awake?
Doctor Neil:(nodded) yeah.
##################
They were now in her ward. The girl was already awake when Kathryn entered.
Kathryn:hey? How are you feeling?.
Her voice was laced with concern. The girl didn't respond. She kept on staring at the intruder. Everything feels strange. How did she even get here? She had a feeling that this is not where she used to be. She tried to recall something,but she couldn't. This clothes this intruder was wearing looks strange. She hasn't seen such kind of clothes before.
Kathryn:(sat on the bed) what's your name?
Still there was no reply from the girl. 'maybe she's dumb' Kathryn thought. She ignored the thought and went closer to the girl, taking her hand into hers. The girl can't be dumb. She can't.
Kathryn:where are you from? Ineed you to tell me,so we can take you back to your family..
The girl still didn't reply. 'The girl is actually dumb' she thought.
Kathryn:(sighed disappointedly) it's okay dear. It's okay if you don't wanna talk. (She stood up from the bed and was about leaving when she heard the girl's voice behind her.
"Wait" the girl muttered.
Kathryn gasped. She was speechless and gobsmacked at the same time. 'The girl was not dumb?'
'Her voice was really angelic' Kathryn thought to herself. She gathered herself and turned to face the girl.
Kathryn:(smiled) yes dear.
"Where am I?" The girl led out.
Kathryn: you're in Dallas. Where do you stay? Do you have your parents contacts? I wanna call them. They might be looking all over for you.
"I don't know"
Kathryn:(sighed) you really don't remember anything, right?
The girl didn't respond.
Kathryn:it's okay. But you'll have to tell me your name. What's your name?
The girl closed her eyes trying to recall something. Anything. But her head was just too blank. She couldn't even get anything, even if it was flashes.
"My name is....."the girl paused trying to think of what to say. She opened her eyes and stared at Kathryn.
"My name is So..... Sophie"
Kathryn:(nodded her head) okay Sophie,you don't really remember anything at all?
Sophie shook her head.
Kathryn: don't worry, we'll try to help you regain your memories and take you back to your place, okay?
Sophie:(nodded) okay.
For some reason, Sophie didn't like the sound of that. 'your place'. Even if she didn't remember anything, she can't afford to go back to the so called place.
Kathryn:(waved her hand in Sophie's face) Sophie are you there?
Sophie:(sighed) yeah.
Kathryn:(smiledyou zoned out. I was saying if it'll be okay by you if a surgery is conducted on you, cause the injuries will leave a scar when it fades.
Sophie:(frowned) surgery?
Kathryn:(nodded) yes dear
Sophie: what's surgery?
Confusion was written all over her face. Kathryn arched her brow. Who didn't know the meaning of surgery? She shrugged. 'Maybe she's an illiterate' she thought.
Kathryn: surgery is a medical treatment of injuries that involves cutting open a person's body and replacing them with some parts.
Sophie: I like the sound of that. Will my body be opened?
Kathryn chortled with delight. This girl must be an allen. Who on Earth likes surgery? Who on Earth wants his body to be cut open? Definitely an allen.
Kathryn:no dear. Your face will become more beautiful. You'll look more stunning than now.
Sophie: I see. I'll like to be more beautiful. But you'll do me a favor.
Kathryn: what is it dear?
Sophie:you'll mark my face.
Kathryn:(chuckled) you mean I should take a picture of you?(Sophie nodded) alright dear, that's not a big deal.
She brought out her phone and took a picture of Sophie. Sophie screamed when the light flashed on her face.
Kathryn:(frowned) what's wrong?
Sophie:(hid her face with the pillow) what's that light? Is it lightning?
Kathryn:(shook her head) that's not lightning. It's from the camera in my phone. Whenever you take a picture,it flashes. Here take a look at it. ( Gives her phone to Sophie who collected it from her and admired it) you see,it's not lightning.
Sophie: wow. This is a phone?
Kathryn:(smiled) yes.
Sophie: it looks strange.
Kathryn sighed. She didn't need a soothsayer to tell her that this girl is really an allen.
After spending more time with Sophie, Kathryn decided to take her leave. She really enjoyed Sophie's company and she could tell Sophie did too, as the frown was visible on her face when Kathryn told her that she'll be going. Kathryn liked the girl. She hasn't met anyone in this present time that is so naive. Well, she's an allen.
Kathryn:see you tomorrow Sophie. Your surgery will commence tomorrow. I've spoken with the doctor and he'll make arrangements for the surgery. See ya.
She bid Sophie goodbye and left, with a promise to come back the next day.
###########
Laura and Kamara returned to their home with gloomy faces. 'The heavens are really testing her. But why will it choose to test her with this? Why have the heavens decided to punish her this way?' Laura thought sadly.
Kamara:am scared mom.
Kamara held her mother's hand, with fears visible on her face.
Laura:(sighed) don't be scared kamy. We'll think of a way out. We'll go and find your sister and take her back to the king.
Kamara:but mom, the king knows that we don't have anything to do with Izia's departure yet he's asking us. I hate him. He's ruthle...
Before kamara could finish her statement, Laura put her hand over her mouth to prevent her from completing it.
Laura:shhhh kamy the walls have ears. Someone might report you to the king and he'll have you punished. Please mind what you say.
Kamara: I know mom. I know the walls have ears,but they don't have mouth. I have an idea.
Laura: what is it?
Kamara:I think we should leave Salem for Pendragon.
Laura: what? Are you crazy? Do you want to implicate us? That'll land us into more troubles. Besides that's impossible. No one dares to leave Salem without the Kings permission or the departure stamp,and it's hard to get to the Kings court.
Kamara: who needs the King's permission to leave Salem. We can leave without his permission.
Laura: enough about leaving Salem. If we leave Salem, the king will think that we know of Izia's whereabouts.
Laura didn't want to do anything that'll implicate her. The king already thinks that she's hiding Izia. If she leaves now, it'll implicate her further.
Kamara: mom I thought we have our own powers. Why can't anyone dethrone the king and choose another king.
Laura: yes Kamy,we have powers, everyone in Salem does,but no one can dethrone the king. He's the most powerful demon. Besides his reign is not ending anytime soon. He still has about nine hundred years to go.
