## Chapter 41: Evelyn's Sad Past
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## Chapter 41: Evelyn's Sad Past
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Evelyn faced a dilemma. She was free, yet homeless in a world she didn't know, and now confronted the imminent danger from the black market traders who wanted her back. Lux offered safety, which she desperately needed. After a brief hesitation, Evelyn placed her hand in Lux's cold one and followed him into the unknown.
Lux and Evelyn walked through the dark alleys, leaving the black market behind. Lux expertly led her, avoiding unnecessary patrols and confrontations. Evelyn arrived at Lux's temporary hideout, an abandoned apartment in an old building, far from the hustle and bustle of the main slums. The place was simple, but it offered her the safety she lacked.
"Sit here," Lux said, pointing to an old chair. "You can rest."
Evelyn was still tense, but she felt a sense of security with Lux present. She dared to ask him, "Why are you doing this? Why did you spend all that money to save me?"
Lux looked at her with deep, dark eyes. "I told you, you're not merchandise. And because I see potential in you. A power you haven't used yet."
Lux began preparing some food for her, while Evelyn watched his every move. Gradually, she started to feel comfortable, and her fear began to dissipate, replaced by curiosity. She was in his hands now, and she had to trust him.
"It's been a long time since I felt this safe," Evelyn whispered, eating slowly. "My whole life has been a nightmare since..."
She stopped, her blue eyes clouded with deep sorrow. Lux encouraged her with a calm gaze. "What happened?"
Evelyn took a deep breath, and began to tell her story, her voice trembling at first then growing steadier with each word:
"I came from the distant Elf kingdom, a place full of beauty and magic, where trees harmonize with rivers, and the fabric of life intertwines with the threads of mana. I lived a happy life, surrounded by my family and my people. We were a peaceful folk, focused on nurturing our land and developing our magic. I had a normal life, and I was preparing to become a forest guardian, a sacred role in our society."
Evelyn paused for a moment, her lips trembling. "Then the invaders came. They weren't humans, but creatures of darkness. Their attacks were sudden and brutal. We weren't ready for war. They were searching for mana, for the pure energy that flows in our veins. They destroyed everything."
Evelyn's face contorted in pain as she remembered. "They killed my brother, killed my father, and my mother... no one was left but me." Evelyn's eyes filled with tears, but she continued with strength. "After that, they took me. I became a slave. I was sold over and over again. They used mana restraints to keep me weak, so I couldn't use my magic. I lived in darkness and fear for years. I saw nothing but despair. Until this auction..."
She looked at Lux, her sad eyes fixed on him. "When I saw you, I thought I would be sold again, perhaps to a worse fate. But you... you saved me."
Lux listened in silence, his dark eyes concealing any emotion. But inwardly, he felt a touch of empathy when he heard about the loss of her entire family. He remembered Laila, the child he had saved before. This feeling of weakness and loss was what had driven him to intervene.
"You've suffered a lot," Lux said in his calm voice. "But that's over now. You will never be a slave again. With me, you will find the strength you lost. And we will use that strength for a greater purpose."
"A greater purpose?" Evelyn asked, her eyes holding a glimmer of hope.
"Yes," Lux replied, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "I have plans. Plans that will change this world. And you, Evelyn, have an important role to play in them."
After this painful confession, Evelyn began to feel that she had found a sanctuary. Lux was mysterious and powerful, but he was also her savior. Perhaps he truly had a noble purpose.
How will Evelyn help Lux achieve his plans, and what is this latent power he speaks of?
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