Chapter 5 The Price of Protection

CHAPTER FIVE

Melvin knew that Clara had made up her mind and couldn't be persuaded otherwise. The thought of what had happened to Clara distressed him. "I've known all along that men are not to be trusted!" he exclaimed, his red eyes filled with indignation. He clenched his fists, frustration clear on his face as he turned and stormed out of the room, unable to bear the thought of Clara throwing herself back into danger.

Clara sighed as she watched him leave. She understood his concern-Melvin had been like family to her these past five years. He had watched over her, helped her build a peaceful life in Amidex City, and treated her children as if they were his own. But there was no other choice. If she stayed, the entire community would be at risk. Eden Lerry was a man who always got what he wanted, and he would turn this peaceful sanctuary into a battlefield just to find her.

In the room, aside from Clara, only Jonathan and Melvin were present. For a moment, silence filled the air as neither of them knew what to say. Jonathan, a thin old man with graying hair and sharp eyes, eventually spoke, his voice gentle yet firm, the tone of a caring elder. "When you leave, take good care of yourself. Remember, our community is not to be bullied by anyone. Don't let yourself be wronged, understand?"

Clara felt a pang of discomfort at his caring words. If possible, she truly didn't want to leave. She had spent the past five years in Amidex City, a place that had become her haven, a home unlike any she had known before. But considering Eden Lerry's power and the safety of those who had sheltered her, she had no choice. She suppressed her emotions and nodded. "Don't worry, Jonathan. I won't let anyone bully me."

Jonathan, always calm and thoughtful, reassured her, "I'll have someone protect you in secret. Just because you're leaving doesn't mean you have to do it alone."

Clara nodded with a small smile, appreciating his practical support. She had spent so long fighting alone that she had almost forgotten what it was like to have people care about her.

Just then, Melvin burst back into the room, panic in his voice. "Something's wrong with Lunia! She opened Jonathan's cabinet!"

Clara's expression changed instantly. Her heart pounded as she rushed out of the room, Jonathan and Melvin following closely behind. Jonathan's cabinet had always been locked, filled with rare medicinal items, some of which were dangerous. Lunia, ever curious, had tried to access it multiple times but had always been stopped by Clara. How had she managed to get inside now?

They reached the small bedroom where Lunia had been playing earlier. Clara's breath hitched as she saw her daughter lying on the bed, her tiny face pale with dark circles under her eyes. Her lips had turned a faint shade of blue, and her breathing was shallow.

Clara hurried to check Lunia's pulse, her hands trembling. A wave of relief washed over her when she realized the poison had not yet spread completely. There was still time.

She turned to Jonathan, eyes sharp with urgency. "What was in your cabinet? What did Lunia take?"

Jonathan's face was ashen. "The cabinet contains an old poison pill from our sect's history. Lunia must have ingested it."

Clara's eyes widened in shock. "Poison? What kind of poison?" She could feel Melvin tense beside her.

Jonathan hesitated before explaining, "Our sect, the Medical Family, has two branches: one focusing on surgical skills, the other on ancient, sometimes dark, practices. Five hundred years ago, the latter led to a catastrophe, and their knowledge was sealed away, including this poison pill. Lunia accidentally ingested it."

Melvin swore under his breath. "Then what do we do? How can we save her?"

Jonathan took a deep breath, his expression grim but resolute. "Lunia needs to study the ancient medical skills to neutralize the poison."

Clara's heart clenched. "She's only four years old! How can she study something so complex? Isn't there another way?"

Jonathan shook his head. "This poison is unique. It is not something that can be expelled with ordinary medicine. It bonds with the one who ingests it. The only way to counter it is to learn how to control it from within."

Melvin urged, "Then start teaching her now!"

Jonathan nodded. "Don't worry. The fact that Lunia is still alive indicates she has the innate potential to handle the poison. She must stay here and train under me to ensure her survival and to develop her abilities."

Clara was speechless. She looked at her daughter, who lay unconscious, her small hands curled into weak fists. She wanted to stay and protect her, to watch over her every step. But deep down, she knew Jonathan was right. Lunia was special. If this was the only way to save her, then she had to accept it.

Tears welled in Clara's eyes, but she fought them back. She took Lunia's hand and whispered, "Be strong, my love. Mama will come back for you."

Lunia stirred slightly, as if hearing her mother's voice in her dreams.

Clara turned to Jonathan, her voice firm despite the ache in her chest. "Promise me you'll take care of her."

Jonathan nodded solemnly. "I swear it. She will be safe here. I will train her well."

Melvin looked at Clara, eyes full of pain. "Are you really leaving now? After all this?"

Clara inhaled deeply, steadying herself. "Now, more than ever, I have to go. If Eden Lerry is already looking for me, it's only a matter of time before he finds this place. I can't let that happen. If I draw his attention elsewhere, I can buy everyone here more time."

Melvin clenched his fists, frustration evident on his face. He wanted to argue, to stop her, but he knew Clara well enough to understand that her mind was set.

Jonathan finally spoke. "You are stronger than you realize, Clara. But you don't have to do this alone. There will always be people looking out for you."

Clara managed a small smile. "Thank you, Jonathan. And thank you, Melvin. For everything."

With one last lingering glance at Lunia, Clara turned and walked out of the room. She didn't look back.

The next morning, Clara stood at the edge of Amidex City, her bag packed and her resolve unshaken. The city had been her refuge, her sanctuary, and now she was leaving it behind.

Melvin stood beside her, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by solemnity. "Are you sure about this?"

Clara nodded. "It's the only way."

He sighed. "Then take this." He handed her a small wooden pendant. "This has my mark. If you ever need help, show this to any of our people."

Clara took it, her fingers tightening around the pendant. "Thank you."

Melvin smirked slightly, though his eyes remained sad. "Just don't go getting yourself killed."

Clara chuckled softly. "No promises."

And with that, she stepped forward, leaving Amidex City behind, walking straight into the storm that awaited her.