Chapter 10: A Fresh Start.

MIA. SIX YEARS LATER. A low grunt escaped my lips. I pivoted my heel, ducking low. My eyes squared in at a distance as I mounted my fighting stance. My bare feet dug into the cool, damp earth and my muscles coiled like a spring, before I swung. The wooden staff I was holding in my hands cut through the air with sharp precision.  I leaped forward, landing on all fours. Beads of sweat clung to my temples as I lifted my head. I sucked in a deep breath, readying myself to go again. But then, a voice called from behind and I halted.  "Mommy," I took off my blindfold before turning around. The staff slipped from my hands to the ground. "Theo" I called. He was standing on the edge of the clearing, right next to his sister.  They were both barefoot, dressed in patched clothes, their faces sleepy but curious.  "Ella" I whispered, gesturing them to come closer. They did. "Why are you still awake by this time?" I wrapped them in my arms.  "We were watching you. You were doing it again." Ella repl