Cathelaya's POV:
After a sensation of antigravity, I'm hit by a thud against the cold, hard stone floor. Unable to even regain my balance, I look around only to find a strange room I've never seen before. Shouts of surprise soon fill the room as the words of what sounds like a crowd hit me.
- But what…?
Before I can fully grasp the situation, a piercing shout fills the room.
- Aim!...Fire!
A hail of arrows is launched at me. The crowd I'd heard earlier were soldiers with bows and crossbows. Time slows down as they descend upon me. The shock leaves me unable to defend myself. I can only clasp my arms in front of me as I close my eyes, trying to shield myself from the arrows.
- …
But nothing happens. A few seconds pass, but I feel no pain. I tentatively open my eyes only to find a large screen of my clothing in front of me. The arrows were caught in the clothing that had formed a kind of barrier. It took me a few seconds to realize where that barrier was coming from.
- Mama Ria!
I quickly scanned the area and found Mama Ria a few meters away. A wave of relief filled my chest as I ran toward her. She was raising her small arms toward the barrier. When I got close enough, I realized she wasn't unharmed.
- !
An arrow was embedded in her side. Blood was visible through her apron as she breathed heavily. Mama Ria's figure, focused on the barrier as she struggled with the arrow, broke my heart. Without thinking, I lunged at the arrow, intending to pull it out.
- Don't do it!
A familiar shout stopped my hand. I froze, looking up at her.
- If you remove the arrow right now, I won't be able to cope with the blood loss. Although it pains me, it's better that the arrow stays where it is.
Without looking at me, she concentrates in front of her while making sure the barrier holds. Soon, impatient shouts are heard from the soldiers who launch another volley at the barrier. The terrifying whistling sound of the arrows hits the barrier, making many new holes, but none of them manage to penetrate it. I stare in amazement at the barrier before hearing the sound of something falling.
- Huh?
I turn to look at the source of the sound before realizing that it was Mama Ria herself who had fallen to the ground. The shock makes me freeze. As if I were watching a flying cart, I stare in disbelief at Mama Ria's small figure on the ground. The first thing that reacts is my legs. I bend down at full speed, catching Mama Ria in my arms. Her breathing is even heavier, and her cheeks turn crimson. Her forehead, clearly covered in cold sweat, shows that something is wrong with her.
- Mom, what's wrong?!
- ...I think the arrow... was poisoned... I'm having trouble... staying conscious.
- Poisoned?
My brain is struggling to process the situation. How sudden it all was only makes it harder to accept. The tiny being in my arms feels so fragile that I'm terrified to use any more force. The possibility of losing Mama Ria assaults my mind with force as I look at how weak she is. The image of myself on the streets after losing my family haunts me. The coldness of the streets and the loneliness pound in my heart in what feels like an avalanche of emotions and desires. Tears begin to fill my eyes as I desperately rack my brain for a solution.
- Don't cry, my little one.
A warm feeling brings me back to reality. Mama Ria's hand gently touches my cheek as she strokes me like when I was a child. Despite the obvious pain she feels, her face tries to form a kind smile as she looks at me.
- You're right to say I'm not your real mother. I'm just a stranger who wanted to take care of you.
- Mom Ria. I didn't—!
With a small gesture, she silences me. Though I want to continue. I respect her wish and wait for her to speak. A small sigh escapes her lips before she continues.
- But even if you don't consider me your mother… You'll always be my little girl.
- I—
Before I can reply, another whistling sound comes from the other side toward the barrier. Just like before, all the arrows get caught in the barrier, but something is noticeably different this time.
- Fire?
Some of the arrows that were fired were surrounded by liquid as they burned violently. My clothes didn't take long to catch fire and spread the flames across the barrier. A deep sense of panic overwhelmed me as I watched in terror as the barrier slowly burned. As if it were a premonition, the vision of my family burning invaded my mind as I observed the situation in horror. The soldiers around us began to move, and occasional shouts could be heard among them.
- Cathelaya, you have to run.
That phrase brought me back to reality. Mama Ria's serious expression only made her words heavier.
- Run? There's no way we can run when you're in that condition! We can't get through so many soldiers on our own.
- ...
A silence filled our surroundings as Mama Ria gave me a smile. That kind smile sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't help but have a bad feeling about this.
- No…
Mama Ria doesn't say a word as she gets up unsteadily. The bad feeling only grows stronger as several threads stick out from her clothes. Slowly, she moves toward the front where the barrier has almost been completely burned away.
- Don't think I'll let you do it.
I quickly get up to stop her, only to freeze in place again. One of her threads had slipped into my clothes, restricting my movements. Still unsteady, she turns to look at me and gives me a warm smile.
- Mama loves children who listen to her, you know?
Before I can argue, she walks toward the soldiers without any fear.