Episode 4. A New Life

The Naerith were known for being excellent hunters and formidable archers. Silent and swift, they lived in the heart of the forests they fiercely protected. Those who dared to damage their lands or hunt without permission often became their prey.

The woman looked at Camilla Hunbert, who was still on the ground, trembling.

— Why were they chasing you, little one?

— They’re going to hurt me… don’t let them hurt me… said Camilla, covering her head, shaking with fear.

Two Naerith stepped closer.

— They’re gone. You can get up now.

— No… no… they’re going to hit me…

The woman moved a little closer.

— Hey… it’s alright. They’re gone.

Her voice was soft. Calm. Reassuring.

Camilla hesitated… then slowly stood up.

Her legs were shaking.

And without thinking, she clung to the woman, gripping her clothes as if her life depended on it.

The other Naerith watched the scene in surprise.

— Emma, what are you doing? You know very well it’s forbidden to bring outsiders to the village without the chief’s permission…

Emma answered simply, without raising her voice:

— She’s just a child.

A brief silence followed.

Another woman stepped forward.

She was strikingly beautiful. Her hair fell like silk, and her blue eyes shone with a bright glow.

— What is your name, child?

— Ca… Camilla…

— Give me your hand, Camilla.

Camilla obeyed, hesitantly.

The woman then took the hand of one of the dead men who had been chasing the girl.

She closed her eyes.

A moment passed.

Then another.

Images flowed through her mind.

The cabin. The blows. The fear. The pain.

When she opened her eyes again, her expression had changed.

Colder.

More serious.

— It’s fine. She can come with us.

said Nera, the granddaughter of the Naerith tribal chief.

When they arrived at the village, hidden deep in the forest, Emma began to treat Camilla’s wounds.

The place was peaceful.

Surrounded by towering trees, lulled by the sound of the wind through the leaves.

Little by little, Camilla began to feel something change.

A fragile feeling.

Safety.

But only when Emma was near her.

Despite her injuries, she followed her everywhere.

Like a shadow.

Emma noticed… and stayed close to her as much as she could.

Later, Mirma, the village chief, gathered the Naerith.

— This child is an outsider, she said calmly. We must decide whether she can remain on our lands.

Some immediately protested.

— Humans always bring trouble. We should send her away.

— She’s just a child, Emma replied. If we send her away, she will die.

A murmur spread through the group.

Mirma observed Camilla for a long moment.

The little girl remained silent, clinging to Emma.

— For now… she will stay. But we will watch her.

Camilla would not take her eyes off Emma.

Even when she tried to walk away… the child followed her.

So Emma eventually lay down and closed her eyes, pretending to sleep.

A simple gesture.

But enough.

Camilla lay down beside her.

And for the first time in a long while… she stayed still.

But the nights were not peaceful.

Every night, the nightmares returned.

Cries.

Blows.

Faces twisted by violence.

Camilla woke up suddenly, trembling.

Always.

Again.

Nera watched this in silence.

Then she made a decision.

One night, while Camilla was sleeping deeply, she approached her.

And used her power.

She erased the memories of the kidnapping.

The fear.

The pain.

Everything.

But without realizing it…

She erased something else too.

The memories of her family.

Life went on.

Days passed.

Then months.

Then years, like leaves carried away by the autumn wind.

Camilla grew up among the Naerith.

She learned.

She changed.

She smiled again.

Even those who had not wanted her began to grow fond of her presence.

She had become one of them.

She was happy.

With her new family.

Without knowing that, somewhere else…

Another family was still mourning her disappearance.

© Jameila pose – All rights reserved.

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