Lyra 2

Lyra's eyes burned with fury, energy crackling around her as she took a step forward. Her whole body trembled with anger, fists clenched tight. "What do you mean? Why are you doing this? What do you want from me? Release my friends. Now."

The woman's laugh was light, almost musical, echoing eerily within the dim, smoky tent. She gave a slow clap, the sound sending chills down Lyra's spine. "My, my… such pressure at such a young age. And without any formal training?" Her eyes sparkled with intrigue, piercing through the shadowy veil of her hood. "Color me impressed."

Lyra's glare didn't falter. Every muscle in her body was tensed, ready to fight if necessary.

"Oh, don't look at me like that," the woman cooed, her tone mocking and playful. "I'll give your friends back... for now." She lazily waved her hand, and two cards floated above her fingers, swirling in the air before releasing a cloud of smoke.

Elen and Marina reappeared, crumpled on the floor, eyes closed but visibly breathing. Relief flooded through Lyra, her shoulders loosening just a bit, but her glare stayed locked on the woman. "What do you want from me?"

The woman's lips curled into a wicked smile, a spark of excitement dancing in her eyes. "You can call me Bailey," she purred, her voice dripping with amusement. "My cards told me someone very special was nearby. Naturally, I came to see for myself."

Lyra's fists tightened. "Did someone send you?"

Bailey's laughter was light, almost musical, yet it sent a chill through Lyra. "Oh, no, dear. Certainly not your father, if that's what you're worried about. I came purely out of curiosity. And now that I've seen you…" Her eyes roamed over Lyra, studying her with a strange, almost hungry, fascination. "I want you to join me. A girl like you... I could put you to good use."

Lyra's heart raced, but her voice stayed firm. "Not interested."

Bailey's smile didn't falter. In fact, it widened as she leaned back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other as if they were merely discussing the weather. "Oh, I think you will be," she purred. "After all... you can't keep running forever."

Lyra's eyes narrowed. "How do you know all this about me?"

Bailey's eyes gleamed, the amusement never leaving her face. "Didn't you know? I'm an esper. Knowing that much is only natural." Her smile grew sly, fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "Anyway, will you join me? If you say yes, I'll explain everything. If you say no..." Her gaze flicked to the cards floating in the air, a smug grin forming as they swirled ominously. "Well... I'd hate to have to use these again."

Lyra's jaw tightened, a surge of helplessness crashing through her. Her eyes flicked to her friends, still unconscious on the floor. "Fine. I'll do what you want... just don't hurt them. Let them go. Please."

Bailey's face lit up with a victorious, almost childish glee. She clapped her hands, eyes sparkling. "Oh, wonderful! And sorry you had to see me behaving like this. But don't worry—I treat my aides very well. In fact, if you want, I'll even give you tasty snacks every day!"

Lyra's face twisted with disgust. "Cut the nonsense. What do you want me to do? Why are you going so far just to get me?"

Bailey's expression softened, her eyes gleaming with genuine curiosity. "Oh, you already know the answer. It's because your unique power fascinates me, and I want to study it. But don't worry," she added quickly, seeing the apprehension in Lyra's eyes. "I don't plan to use you like some disposable tool or experiment on you. I just want you to harness that power and work under me. As a disciple, an apprentice—whatever you want to call it. Isn't that good for you, too? You're on the run from your father, aren't you? And no matter how far you go, he won't leave you alone. But if you stay with me..."

She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper, "I can guarantee you safety, security, and most importantly... freedom. You won't have to live like this anymore. Isn't that the dream? And as a bonus, I'll pay you handsomely for your work. Guidance, protection, good money—it's a dream come true, isn't it?"

Lyra's mind raced. Everything Bailey said hit painfully close to home, but...

Her eyes narrowed. "You still haven't answered my question. What exactly do you want me to do? What do you gain from helping me?"

Bailey's laughter was light, her gaze playful. "You're a cautious one. But it's far too early to tell you that. Surely you understand, right?"

Lyra gritted her teeth. "Then at least tell me your real identity. Who are you? Who are you affiliated with? And why are you really here?"

Bailey's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Oh my, so many questions! But I suppose it's only natural to be suspicious. Very well. As I said, my name is Bailey. Bailey Marblemaw. I'm a fortune teller... and a wandering mage. And no, I'm not part of some bizarre cult or a group of horrible villains." Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "I'm an esteemed member of Cazadora. Does that ease your mind?"

Lyra's heart skipped a beat. "Cazadora...? What's that?"

Bailey blinked in genuine surprise before laughing again. "You don't know? I suppose you're still young. But that's okay. Ask any adult, and they'll tell you all about us." She gracefully rose from her seat, her cloak swirling around her as she walked to Lyra's unconscious friends. "For now, take your friends and go back to the orphanage. I'll come for you later. After all, a sudden disappearance would be suspicious."

Her gaze grew serious, her voice dropping to a low murmur. "Believe me, my cards showed me your future. It's pitiful, full of sorrow and misery. But if you come with me... you can change all of that. You can be someone else entirely."

She flicked her wrist, and the cards floating around her dispersed into thin air. With another wave, Marina and Elen awoke, groaning as they slowly regained consciousness.

Bailey handed Lyra a single card, her expression gentle, almost tender. "Keep this with you. It'll help us stay in contact. Don't lose it." She turned back to her table, her smile returning. "Now go on. I have other visitors to entertain."

Lyra stood there for a moment, stunned. She looked down at the card in her hand, then at Bailey, who was already setting up for her next "customer," humming a cheerful tune.

Guiding her still-dazed friends outside, Lyra's mind swirled with questions and confusion. Cazadora... who are they? What did Bailey mean about my future? Can she really change it?

She shook her head, gripping the card tightly. "I didn't ask for this power... I never wanted any of this. I just... I just wanted to live a normal life..." Her heart ached at the thought. A normal life... is that really impossible for me?

The orphanage stood just ahead, its weathered wooden doors slightly ajar, golden light spilling out into the dim evening. As Lyra approached with Marina and Elen in tow, the door swung open abruptly. Lady Miriam stood framed by the doorway, arms crossed tightly, worry and anger etched across her face.

"There you are!" Miriam's voice was sharp, her eyes blazing with a mixture of relief and frustration. "Do you have any idea how worried I was? Where on earth have you three been?"

Marina and Elen blinked sleepily, their eyes glazed with exhaustion. Marina rubbed her eyes, her voice groggy as she mumbled, "Huh...? Lady Miriam...? What happened...? I don't remember..."

Miriam's stern expression softened, just for a heartbeat, before her gaze zeroed in on Lyra. "You went to the market, didn't you? And you took these two with you!"

Lyra flinched, guilt washing over her like a cold wave. "I... I'm sorry... It was my fault. I didn't mean to cause trouble."

Miriam sighed, placing her hands on her hips as she shook her head. "Honestly, Lyra... you should know better. If anything had happened to you... to all of you... what would I tell the Headmistress? What would I tell myself?" Her voice wavered slightly, a hint of fear peeking through her frustration.

Lyra's shoulders hunched, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Miriam's rigid posture softened as she let out a long breath. "I'm glad you're safe. But there are consequences for disobedience. No supper for you tonight, and tomorrow, you'll take on extra chores. Now, inside. Straight to bed—all of you. It's far too late for little girls to be wandering the streets."

Marina and Elen shuffled in, their movements sluggish and eyes unfocused, as if moving through a fog. Lyra followed behind them, glancing back at the dark, empty street before closing the door.

They climbed the narrow staircase to the girls' dormitory, the wooden steps creaking beneath their weight. The long room was lined with rows of simple beds, each one neatly made with worn but clean blankets. Marina and Elen immediately collapsed onto their mattresses, drifting into a deep, dreamless sleep within seconds.

Lyra watched them for a moment, unease gnawing at her. They don't remember... anything...?

She sat on her own bed and slipped Bailey's card from her pocket, hiding it beneath her pillow. Her fingers traced its edges, feeling the faint warmth that still pulsed softly, almost like a heartbeat. Why can't they remember...?

"Marina... Elen..." Lyra's voice was barely above a whisper. "Do you remember... the tent? The woman... Bailey...?"

Marina's soft snores were her only answer. Elen murmured something incoherent, rolling over and hugging her pillow closer.

Lyra's shoulders slumped, confusion swirling in her mind. They don't remember... How is that possible?

A gentle voice broke the silence. "You three caused quite the stir today."

Lyra looked up sharply to see Lady Miriam standing at the doorway, arms crossed, leaning against the frame. Her long auburn hair was tied back in a loose braid, a few stray strands framing her face. Her sharp eyes softened as she looked at Lyra, concern flickering behind them.

Miriam walked over and sat on the edge of Lyra's bed, her shoulders relaxing. "I know you didn't mean any harm. But you must be more careful, Lyra. You're responsible for them when you take them with you."

"I'm sorry..." Lyra's voice wavered, her head hanging low.

Miriam sighed, her hand gently brushing a stray hair from Lyra's face. "I'm glad you're safe. But you look troubled... Did something happen?"

Lyra hesitated, her gaze flicking to Marina and Elen's sleeping faces. She took a shaky breath, her heart pounding. "Lady Miriam... do you know anything about... Cazadora?"

Miriam's body stiffened, her eyes widening. Her face went pale, and for a fleeting moment, fear flashed across her features. But she quickly regained her composure, forcing a calm smile. "Where did you hear that name?"

Lyra bit her lip, clutching her blanket tighter. "I... I heard someone mention it... in the market. I was curious..."

Miriam's eyes grew distant, her fingers twisting nervously at the fabric of her sleeve. Her voice was soft, cautious. "Cazadora... they're... complicated. A powerful group of individuals with abilities far beyond ordinary people. They're known across kingdoms... revered by some, feared by others."

Lyra's heart raced. "What do they do...?"

Miriam's gaze grew somber. "They're an elite group... mercenaries, wanderers... legends. They take on dangerous tasks, solve problems no one else can. But they're not just swordsmen or mages. That's why they're dangerous. Not because they're evil, but because they're beyond our world's rules"

Lyra's eyes widened, "how"

Miriam's voice softened, her eyes fixed on the window, where the night sky stretched endlessly. "They're powerful and influential... not just in our kingdom, but all over the world. But no one truly knows how they operate... or why they do what they do."

Miriam stood, smoothing her dress. "Rest, Lyra. And... don't think too much about Cazadora. Sometimes... curiosity is more dangerous than ignorance."

Lyra's chest tightened, her fingers trembling. "I... I understand."

Miriam's shoulders relaxed, a small smile gracing her lips. "Good. Now get some sleep. You have chores tomorrow... and you're taking the day off from work. A few nobles are visiting for donations and... maybe adoptions."

The carriage rattled down the lonely dirt road, its wooden wheels creaking against the uneven ground. Inside, a man sat trembling, his hands shaking as he gripped the leather seat. His eyes darted around the dim interior, sweat beading on his brow.

"What... What is happening? Why is this happening?" His voice wavered, panic lacing every word.

A subordinate stood before him, face pale with fear. "Sir... Our men... they... they vanished. All of them... gone into thin air!" His voice cracked, echoing in the cramped space.

The air grew cold. A chill seeped into the carriage, freezing the man's blood. Before he could respond, the subordinate's body shuddered—then crumbled into dust, scattering like ash on the breeze.

The man's scream was cut short as a card sliced through the air, gliding into the carriage with eerie precision. It floated before his face, its edges glowing with an ominous light.

A voice, playful yet laced with malice, echoed from the shadows. "Well, well... Hello, little rat."

She appeared without warning—Bailey, draped in flowing robes that danced like shadows around her. Her lips curled into a smile that was equal parts charming and terrifying. Her eyes gleamed, reflecting the golden light of the card that hovered between them.

The man's body went rigid. "Who... Who are you?! What do you want?"

Bailey's smile widened. "Me? Oh, I'm just a curious soul... curious about the filth lurking in the dark." She waved her hand lazily, the card spinning in the air before slicing clean through his legs.

His scream tore through the night as blood pooled beneath him, soaking into the carriage floor. His legs fell limp, severed cleanly.

Bailey crouched beside him, her face a mockery of sympathy. "Aw... Poor thing. Hurts, doesn't it?" She held up another card, its surface radiating an eerie golden glow. "This here is the Card of Judgment. Lie in its presence... and you'll be cursed. So be a good boy and answer me truthfully, won't you?"

The card spun above them, humming with power, its glow reflecting in his tear-filled eyes.

Bailey's voice was cold, devoid of mercy. "Who are you? Who do you work for? Why are you here?"

The man choked on his pain, his body trembling. "I... I'm Hans... I work for the Four Leaf cartel... I... I used to be a middleman for the Walaroth mafia, but... but I ran away... joined the cartel..."

Bailey's eyes narrowed. "And why are you here?"

Hans's voice quivered. "They... They're expanding their business... They sent me to strike deals with orphanages... to use the children... for their trade... labor... and worse..." His voice broke, his face twisting in agony. "I... I was on my way to the first orphanage... Haven't secured any yet... I swear..."

Bailey's face remained impassive, her eyes cold and calculating. "Tell me everything about the cartel. Their hideouts. Their leader. Every detail."

Hans's body shivered, his voice a hoarse whisper as he spilled every secret he knew.

Bailey listened in silence, her gaze unwavering. When he finished, she asked, "You used to work in Walaroth... in the underground gangs. What happened to the Vicious gang? Why did you run?"

Hans's face paled, his lips trembling. "A... A monster... A devil... He killed them all... Didn't even move... Just... spoke... and they died... Whole gangs... wiped out..." His eyes widened with horror, his voice hollow. "I ran... I ran as fast as I could... Didn't look back..."

Bailey's eyes narrowed. "This devil... What did he look like?"

Hans's face twisted with fear. "A... A boy... No more than fifteen... sixteen at most... Brown hair... That's all I remember..."

Bailey's lips curled into a disappointed frown. "That's it? I came all this way... and that's all you can give me? How boring."

She stood up, her figure towering over his broken body. The Card of Judgment spun back to her hand, its glow fading. She flicked her wrist, and the card vanished.

Turning away, she snapped her fingers. A flame danced on her fingertip—small but impossibly bright. She flicked it casually, letting it fall onto the blood-soaked floorboards.

The fire spread instantly, consuming the carriage in a blaze of roaring flames. Hans's screams were drowned out by the crackling inferno as Bailey stepped out, her form flickering before disappearing like a mirage.

She reappeared in her tent, reclining in her chair with a languid stretch. Cards floated around her, glowing softly. One of them vibrated, emitting a faint voice.

"Yo, Bailey. Got your audio and the confessions. The network's processing it now. We'll take care of the grunts from here. Didn't think you'd go personally, though."

Bailey rolled her eyes, twirling a card between her fingers. "It was boring. Didn't get much out of him." Her lips curled into a playful smirk. "And here I thought it'd be more fun."

The voice on the other end sighed. "You and your thrill-seeking... took you so long to complete a trivial mission, Mystic Seer."

Bailey's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Oh? Mountain King... Didn't expect you to be the one answering. Weren't you busy cleaning up that mess in the north?"

A chuckle echoed through the card. "I finished ages ago. Unlike you, Seer, I don't play with my food. "

Bailey laughed, her shoulders shaking. "Always so serious, Ricky... Lighten up a bit, will you?" She leaned back, her eyes drifting to the cards floating above her. "Actually... If you're free, I could use your help with something. It's... a bit tricky this time."

Mountain King's voice grew cautious. "Oh? You actually admitting you need help? Must be serious. What's the catch?"

Bailey's smile was sly, her eyes glinting with intrigue. "Come here, and I'll tell you. It's much more fun face-to-face, don't you think?"

A pause, then a resigned sigh. "Fine. But this better be good, Bailey. I don't like wasting time."

Bailey's laughter was soft and dangerous, echoing in the dim tent. "Oh, it'll be worth your time... I promise."