His Kiddo
1145 Words
Thalia's Pov
The bus honked outside, and I could hear the kids laughing and shouting. They sounded so happy. I stood by the door, holding my backpack tight. I had woken up extra early to packed it. Sandwich, a chocolate bar, my water bottle and my crumpled permission slip I found on the counter. I was ready.
“Mummy, I’m going now,” I said, my voice shaky.
She looked up from her cup of tea, her eyebrows raising like I had just said something ridiculous. “Going where?”
“The trip, Mummy. I told you about it last week. To the zoo.”
She set the cup down slowly, and I knew it wasn’t going to be good. “You are not going.”
My chest felt tight. “But... but why?”
Her eyes went back to the table, to the grocery list she was writing. “We need the money for your sister’s dress. You don’t need to be running around at some zoo. You have schoolwork to do.”
“I...I saved the money! I have been saving it for weeks!” My voice cracked as I unzipped my bag and pulled out the crumpled bills and coins, holding them out to her like they were proof I was worth something.
She didn’t even look at them. “Put that away. You are not going.”
Just then, Elsa waltzed down the stairs, her hair braided and tied with pink ribbons, a brush of shimmering glitter on her brows.
“I’m ready, Mummy,” she giggled excitedly.
“You look absolutely radiant my darling.” I could see love and admiration in her eyes.
“Here,” she handed her a lunchbox as she planted a kiss on her cheek. “I packed your favorites. Off you go.”
“Mummy, everyone else is going!” I felt my throat closing up, my words breaking into pieces.
Her gaze snapped back to me, sharp and cold. “Do not raise your voice at me. Now go to your room.”
I didn’t move. My legs felt heavy, stuck to the floor, even as the bus honked again.
“Did you not hear me?” she barked. “Go.”
I turned slowly and went back upstairs. I sat by my window and watched the bus pull away. The kids were singing now, their voices fading as the bus disappeared down the road.
I stayed there for a long time, staring at the empty street. My backpack sat on the floor beside me, still packed.
I didn’t unpack it.
****
The cold shower ran down my body as I washed away the residue of my nightmares. I wasn’t in the mood for Raze’s call, but when he said it was urgent, I knew I didn’t have a choice.
I slipped into my usual black cargo pants and crop top, tugging my boots on. As I walked into the arena, the heavy buzz of anticipation filled the air.
“This mission is delicate,” Raze started, his tone sharp as he handed me a photo. “She’s our target. I need her alive.”
I stared at the girl in the picture. Something about her face felt familiar, but I couldn’t place it. She looked so young.
“She looks young,” I muttered, my voice low.
Raze’s eyes narrowed. “This isn’t up for debate. Tirlam scouted her location. She’s our bargaining chip. Get her here in one piece.”
The rest of the team moved into action, their boots thudding against the floor as they prepared for the mission. I stayed back a moment longer, staring at the photo. I didn’t like this. Not one bit.
We piled into the black SUVs, the hum of engines breaking the tension. I sat in the passenger seat, silent as we tailed the target.
“There she is,” one of the team members said, pointing ahead.
The girl was driving like a bat let out of hell. Her car darted through the night traffic, weaving effortlessly. She was good, I will give her that.
“Remember, no harm should come to her.” I reminded everyone over the radio.
But the chase grew wilder. She was pushing her limits, and I could feel the frustration in the team growing. Just as I was about to issue another warning, one of the SUVs sped past me.
“Fall back!” I shouted, but it was too late.
The SUV slammed into her car, the impact sending it spinning out of control. My heart sank as I watched her car crash into the side of the road, smoke coming out from the hood.
“Idiots!” I hissed, slamming my fist against the dashboard.
I jumped out of the SUV before it fully stopped, storming toward the wreckage. She was slumped in her seat, dazed but alive.
“Get her out. Now,” I barked at one of the team members.
They yanked the door open and pulled her out, but I stepped in, “Careful,” I warned.
"What did I say about no harm coming to her?" My tone was icy as I turned to Jeremy.
"She was giving us a chase and..."
"Save it. The next time you disobey my orders, I will be feeding your remains to the vultures."
Silver stumbled as she was dragged toward our SUV, her legs shaky. I couldn’t help but notice how small she looked, like a bird with clipped wings.
Once we were back in the SUV, I sat beside her in the backseat. She was silent, her eyes darting around like a cornered animal.
“You are lucky you survived that,” I said, my voice low.
She didn’t respond, her lips pressed into a thin line.
When we arrived at the safe house, I led her into a small, dimly lit room. She sat on the edge of the bed, her shoulders hunched. I disappeared for a moment and returned with a tray of food and water.
“Eat,” I said, placing the tray on the table.
She eyed it suspiciously.
I took a bite of the bread and sipped the juice. I pushed the tray toward her but she pushed it back.
“I’m sorry for the... discomfort,” I said, though my tone sounding rough.
She glanced at me, her expression softening just a fraction. “Thank you.”
I nodded, leaning against the wall. For a moment, neither of us spoke, the silence heavy but not unbearable.
"How old are you?"
"Seventeen." She whispered.
My jaw clinched. This is insane.
“What’s your name?” I asked finally, my voice softer than before.
Her gaze met mine, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of emotion.
“Silver,” she said quietly. “Silver Vittoria Vercetti.
- Writer
