After a while on the road, we came to a halt. "We're here. Get out. This carriage will stay outside the walls. We'll walk the rest of the way," the guard commanded. I did as I was told and stepped out, joining the other soldiers as we approached the gates of the elven kingdom.
As we passed through the gates, I was greeted by an orchestra of sounds—children laughing and playing, the hum of conversation, and merchants calling out their wares. It was an unfamiliar noise, having grown up rather quiet with both Johan and when i was my parents.
Those peaceful sounds, however, quickly shifted as the people around us noticed my presence. The murmurs began—whispers that turned into hushed conversations. "Who's that? She's heavily guarded for such a small girl," one person said, curiosity thick in their voice.
"Let's keep our distance, honey," another voice warned. "I think she might be some kind of monster."
Their judgment was understandable. It wasn't every day that a child, bound in restraints and flanked by guards, walked into the heart of an elven city.
We continued forward, making our way to a testing facility rather than a prison or audience with their leaders. They didn't want to imprison me just yet. They wanted to know what I was capable of, what weaknesses I might have. It was then that I heard a voice call out to me.
"Hello there. I've been briefed on your situation. We'll be running some tests. I'm Dr. Lorre. And what's your name, sweetie?"
"Annabel," I replied, my voice steady despite the strange environment.
"Could you tell me what I'm doing here, Dr. Lorre? I was expecting to meet with some kind of leader."
Dr. Lorre's laughter was light and amused. "You're a feisty one, aren't you? And so pretty, too. Don't worry. Once we sort things out here, we'll take you to a leader and find your parents." She rose from her chair and spoke to the guard, giving instructions on where I should be placed. As she did, I overheard a nearby conversation between her and one of the soldiers.
"There's no way she could have been the one to kill our men," Dr. Lorre murmured, almost to herself. "She can't be more than seven or eight years old. Children aren't even awakened at that age."
They seemed to doubt me, but the questions would soon be answered.
"Alright, Annabel," Dr. Lorre said, her voice filled with quiet excitement. "Place your hand on the ball in front of you. We're going to test your mana levels."
"Uhm okay", i responded. I focused intently, reaching for the familiar surge of energy that always resided within me. As I drew upon my mana, I felt it stir—a warm current of power that flowed freely through me. The ball in front of me pulsed with light, and I heard the sharp intake of breath from Dr. Lorre watching.
"Remarkable!" Dr. Lorre exclaimed, the surprise evident in her tone. "You're a Stage 3 mage. At this age?"
Before I could respond, Dr. Lorre walked away to speak with one of the soldiers stationed outside the room. "Sir, this child is a Stage 3 mage. That's impossible at her age—she couldn't be more than seven or eight years old. If you could stay close while I test her vitals, that would be appreciated. If she has ill intentions than she may be more of a threat than i initially thought."
Footsteps returned shortly after. "Okay, Annabel," Dr. Lorre instructed, her voice calm now. "You can release the ball."
I did, feeling the rush of energy fade as the light dimmed, leaving the room in relative silence. The test was over for now, but I could tell that the answers they were seeking had only just begun
"Okay, Annabel, I'm just going to take a few more readings," she said, as she moved closer. There was a slight rustling sound, followed by a click of something metallic—likely the device that would measure my pulse, temperature, and more.
I braced myself for whatever came next, not entirely sure what to expect, but trying to stay calm.
The cool pressure of something small, like a pulse reader, pressed against my wrist. "Your pulse seems elevated. Are you feeling nervous, Annabel?"
"Just… a little," I admitted, my voice soft. Being poked and prodded by strangers, especially when they didn't even trust me enough to speak to me directly, was nerve-wracking.
Dr. Lorre hummed thoughtfully. "It's understandable, child. We're going to make sure everything's fine. Just relax." Her voice was patient, but there was something in her tone—an edge, like she wasn't fully convinced I was just some ordinary child.
I could feel her moving, hearing her faint footsteps as she moved around, doing her work. I didn't know what she was doing exactly, but the cool touch of something else pressed gently against my forehead. It must've been to take my temperature.
After a moment, Dr. Lorre spoke again. "Alright, Annabel, now tell me, how old are you?"
"I… I'm about seven," I said cautiously.
Dr. Lorre paused, as if the answer took her by surprise. "Seven huh…" she murmured, the soft sound of papers rustling faintly. I could hear her scribbling something down. "Your age, combined with your mana levels... it's unusual."
I swallowed, trying not to think too much about what that might mean. But before I could say anything, I heard Dr. Lorre step closer again.
Her voice shifted. "Annabel, if you don't mind me asking, I noticed something earlier when you were interacting with the mana ball… Your eyes, they didn't react against the light." There was a pause, then a gentle question. "Are you... blind?"
I froze, the question catching me off guard. Hoping that maybe this would attract more sympathy and not more questions.
"Yes," I whispered, my throat tight. "I can't see, or at least everything is just a dark blur to me. I can only see very bright light and a couple shapes. I sigh for a second, i use mana to track everything"
There was a moment of silence on the other end. I could hear Dr. Lorre breathing, as if she was processing the information. When she spoke again, her voice was gentle, but the curiosity was still there. "I see… That explains some things, I suppose. Your heightened sensitivity to mana. You rely on it in ways most others can't."
I nodded slightly, "Yes… I feel the magic. It helps me find my way and track where to go."
Dr. Lorre didn't respond immediately, and for a moment, it felt like the room was holding its breath. Then, she spoke again, her voice a little more reassuring. "You're a fascinating child, Annabel. I'm sure we'll learn a lot from you."
I didn't know how to respond to that. I wasn't sure if I should be happy that I was fascinating or worried that I was just another test subject to her.
I just stayed quiet, trying to breathe evenly as Dr. Lorre continued to work, her soft murmurs filling the silence of the room
After the test, I was escorted through the halls of the elven compound. My steps echoed through the stone corridors, a constant reminder of the unfamiliar world I now found myself in. I focused on the feel of the ground beneath my feet, the gentle tug of the guards at my sides guiding me through the space.
We arrived at a heavy door, and the sounds from within reached my ears—shuffling, murmurs, the faint clinking of metal. I inhaled, grounding myself. This wasn't the first time I had faced a crowd, but this was different. I wasn't just a powerful general in this life. I was a small child in their eyes. And I wasn't sure how serious they would me.
The door opened, and I was led inside. Immediately, I could sense the presence of several figures standing around the room, their voices low and controlled. I couldn't see them, but I could hear the skepticism in their tones as they spoke to one another.
One voice, deeper and commanding, spoke first. "Dr. Lorre, we've gathered to discuss the child you brought us. But before we proceed, I must ask: how do we know she's not acting innocent? How do we know she is not a threat.
Dr. Lorre's voice was calm, but there was a hint of uncertainty, as if she was still measuring the situation. "Annabel is not like other children. Her power... it is far beyond what any child her age should be capable of. But I do not believe she acted out of recklessness. There is more to this than what meets the eye."
The room fell silent for a moment, and I could feel their unease. They didn't believe me capable of something like this. They didn't understand.
One of the voices, sharp and skeptical, interrupted. "So, you say she wasn't reckless, but how do we explain the deaths of our citizens? What was her reason for killing them?"
Dr. Lorre hesitated, her voice softer now as she continued, "At this moment, I can't say for certain what led to their deaths, but I do believe it was an accident. This child's abilities are not something she can fully control yet, and the circumstances surrounding the mens' deaths are complicated."
A new voice, colder and more inquisitive, spoke up, "Then what are we to make of the situation? What is the explanation for her actions?"
I could feel the weight of their gazes now. I didn't need to see them to know they were all looking at me, trying to find some explanation, some excuse for what I had done.
And in that moment, Dr. Lorre stepped forward, her voice commanding but understanding. "Before we discuss what happened, there is something important you should know. Annabel is blind."
The statement hung in the air, and I felt the sharp intake of breath from the room. Dr. Lorre continued, her tone quiet but firm. "She cannot see the world as others do. The way she interacts with magic—her sensitivity to it—is different. She relies on it in ways most others cannot."
I swallowed hard, but my heart didn't skip a beat. I'm sure they wouldn't take me seriously either way with or without sight.
Dr. Lorre's voice softened, but I could hear the curiosity still laced within it. "Her blindness... it has shaped how she perceives the world. It may be part of why she's able to wield her magic the way she does. She doesn't have the same sensory experience of the world that you or I would. She feels everything through the mana that flows around her."
The room was silent for a long moment. I could almost feel their disbelief. But Dr. Lorre didn't stop there.
"And there is something else," she added, her tone now steady with resolve. "Annabel should be allowed to speak for herself. I believe she should tell you what happened that night. She may not fully understand her power yet, but the truth of her actions is hers to share."
I wasn't sure why Dr. Lorre was giving me the chance to speak. Maybe she thought it would humanize me in their eyes. But as I stood there, feeling the weight of their stares, I knew there was only one thing I could say.
"I killed them because they deserved it," I said, my voice steady, though every word felt like it was cutting through the silence with the weight of truth. "They killed my teacher Johan. They took him from me. And they didn't care." My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my fingers trembling slightly. "I didn't do it by accident. I did it because I had to. They were monsters, and they deserved to die."
There was a long silence. I could feel the shift in the room—the way the air seemed to grow heavier with tension as my words settled over them. I wasn't a frightened child anymore. I wasn't begging for mercy. I wasn't just some experiment for them to dissect.
The lead voice from the judges spoke after what felt like forever. "So you admit it, then. You killed them in cold blood."
My lips curled into a small, bitter smile. "I didn't kill them in cold blood. I killed them because they were dangerous. They deserved it."
Another judge spoke then, their voice quieter now, more cautious. "You might not have meant any harm girl but what if others think you're a danger, Annabel? What if this power of yours grows out of control?"
Dr. Lorre's voice was firm as she interjected. "That is why we need to observe her. This child has power—more than any child should. But I do not believe she is beyond saving. With the right guidance, with the right training, she may yet prove to be an asset rather than a threat."
The room fell silent again. I didn't need to hear the murmurs to know that I was an enigma to them. Something they couldn't quite understand, but something they needed to control.
Finally, the lead judge spoke once more. "We will put her on trial for her actions. And we will decide what to do with her after we have a better understanding of her abilities—and her motivations."
I didn't react, though my heart tightened in my chest. They could judge me all they wanted. They could try to break me down and figure out why I did what I did. But nothing would change what I had done. Nothing would bring Johan back.
Later that day after i was fed and clothed to look presentable i was brought to the trial.
The courtroom was suffocating, the air thick with tension as I stood there, hands bound, the eyes of dozens of judges and nobles upon me. I could feel their gazes, sharp and piercing, even though I couldn't see them. They were all waiting for me to speak, waiting for me to explain why I did what I did.
"Annabel," a voice called, clear and commanding. "You stand accused of the deaths of several soldiers. "State your full name and give us your defense."
I didn't need to look at them to know what they were thinking. A little girl, bound, standing trial for murder. They probably thought I was a monster. But I wasn't going to let them break me. Not today.
"My name is Annabel Valor, and what i have to say for my defense is i protected myself and they deserved it," I said firmly, my voice steady but sharp. The silence in the room thickened, filled with the shock of my words. I didn't hesitate. I couldn't.
"They killed my teacher Johan," I continued, the words coming quickly, like a surge of power rushing to the surface. "They ambushed us. Killed him in cold blood. One arrow straight through his neck." My chest tightened, "Right there. He didn't even have a chance."
I could feel the room shifting. The whispers started, growing louder as they tried to piece together what I'd said.
"Why should we believe you, Annabel?" another voice cut in, accusing, mocking. "A child, with that much power? How could someone so young even have the strength to do what you claim?"
"I'm not a just some ordinary child," I snapped back, my words quick and fierce. "I'm strong, stronger than that trash i killed. They didn't give Johan a chance. They didn't give him a warning, and they didn't deserve one either. They killed him without mercy, and I killed them back. I don't regret it!!."
"You're a child," one of the judges spoke again, their voice uncertain, as if they were trying to reconcile the girl standing before them with the weight of the crimes they accused her of. "How could you, a child, have done this even if you are powerful, theres no way you could control all that power at your age. You're no soldier. You're barely even old enough to hold a weapon."
"I didn't need a weapon," I said, my voice steady. "I used my magic. I don't need a sword when I've got this." My mana—my power—was mine, and no one could take it from me. I didn't care if they didn't understand. They needed to know the truth.
"I didn't use my power recklessly," I added, my voice firm now. "I did it because they needed to be stopped. They were a threat, and I protected myself!"
The room was silent for a moment, before one of the judges spoke again. "Your mana, your power—it's unlike anything we've ever seen in a child. Stage 3. Do you even understand what that means?"
"I understand enough," I said, my voice sharp. "I'm not some innocent child. I've trained for this. I've trained with Johan for years. He taught me to fight. He taught me that when someone attacks, you don't hesitate. You fight back. I won't apologize for that."
There was a long pause, and then the head judge—his voice heavy with authority—spoke again.
"You speak with conviction, Annabel. But your actions have consequences, and they will not go unnoticed. The alliance between humans and elves is already fragile enough. What do you think your actions have done to it? To the trust we've worked so hard to build?"
I could feel the weight of his words, the judgment in the air. But I wasn't going to let them make me feel guilty for something I didn't regret.
"They attacked us first," I said quickly, my voice cutting through the silence. "They broke the truce. They attacked us on human land. You can call it whatever you want, but I didn't break anything! They did. I'm just the one who's now paying for it."
A few of the judges shifted uncomfortably, but there was no turning back now. I wasn't going to let them paint me as the villain.
Dr. Lorre's voice rang out suddenly, calm and measured, cutting through the murmurs in the room. "Your Honor, if I may, we have a suggestion."
I felt her presence shift beside me. I didn't need to see her to know she was there, her calm authority filling the space.
"Rather than locking Annabel away for years in a cold, dark cell, we could offer her something more beneficial for both her and for us," Dr. Lorre continued. "Her mana is unlike anything we've seen before. Stage 3 at her age. If we study her, if we work with her, we could learn much about her abilities—and perhaps even more about mana itself."
The room fell silent, and I felt the weight of their stares as they considered her words. The idea of me being studied, experimented on—it didn't sit well with me. But what choice did I have? They weren't about to let me go free.
Dr. Lorre continued, her tone calm but insistent. "We could monitor her progress, study her, ensure she's not a threat. At the very least, this will prevent her from being locked away."
I swallowed hard, my voice coming out steady but quiet. "I want to see my parents," I said, the words simple but filled with everything I felt. "I haven't seen them in over two years. I need to know if they're alive."
The room grew still, the weight of my words sinking in. I knew they were processing what I said, and they were beginning to understand the depth of my words.
The head judge spoke again, his tone much softer than before. "We will consider your request. But understand this, Annabel—your actions have consequences. Your fate is still in our hands. But for now we sentence you to being observed by our doctors and magic professionals. With Dr. Lorre as your main observer. You will be under surveillance at all times by either her or a guard. And we will use lethal force if you try to resist."
I nodded, my heart racing. At least I wasn't being locked away. But there was still so much uncertainty. Still so many things I didn't know. And I wasn't sure how much of it I'd be able to survive. No matter how powerful i already am, but i wasn't going to let them stop me from making it back to my family.