#Chapter 53: Healing Needed

Under the moonlight, Clement and I left the estate in disguise to roam into the villages. It was admittedly dangerous; that’s why I snuck out that night. Aldrich would never let me go, and I also did not know if he’d approve of me returning to my former life. He was so protective and territorial, he would also never permit me to prowl the night with another man, despite the fact Clement would never see me that way. I was still certain he viewed me as a mere child. In the first village we visited, there were several people tucked into straw blankets for warmth along the streets. Women, men, and even some children. They rejoiced when they saw us, forcing me to try to remember why I ever stopped doing this in the first place. We eventually came across a single mother with her children bundled in her arms. They were shivering in the crisp autumn night. Her dark hair matched the bags under her eyes. I walked right up to her, kneeling onto the pavement.