\[Elise’s POV\]
I sit alone while Maria busies herself in the kitchen. With how easily she moves around, I begin to wonder whether or not she is actually blind, but when she bumps into the fridge and Tristan jumps up from his place on the floor in front of me and rushes to her while fussing, I know that she actually is. Even if she was trying to do her best without assistance, it was clear she still wasn't quite used to her surroundings.
Sighing, I relax in my seat and once again find myself wondering where exactly Denali knew Maria from and why it was so important to keep her hidden. And by the time she returns with our drinks, I’m chomping at the bit to ask everything I’m thinking.
Taking a seat across from me, Maria passes me one of the two cups she holds.
For a moment, I don’t move as I eye the liquid in front of me. Although I’m certain that she wouldn’t do anything since I was here on Denali’s behalf, I still can’t fight the thought that she may be slipping me something.
“Don’t worry,” she giggles, taking a sip of her own tea. “I am not your enemy.”
Frowning, I examine her once more, from her hazy eyes to her plump lips that form a kind smile, down to her neck, where I find a mark sitting.
“Where should I begin?” She asks, drawing my gaze back to her face.
“Maybe from the beginning.” I try, remaining in place. “How did you and my sister meet?”
“We were in the dungeons together.” She responds, causing my heart to drop as I understood what she was referring to. “I’m not surprised you don’t remember me.” She continues. “There were so many of us there that it is impossible to keep up with everyone.”
Swallowing, I feel my wall slamming into place. So this was where Denali found her, which meant that I was most certainly her enemy. So much for that tea she offered me. And I was actually thirsty.
“You don’t have to be so on guard with me.” She continues. “I’ve heard what of your true involvement.”
Eyes widening, I look around, half expecting someone to be near, ready to attack me for my deeds in the shadows during that time.
“You helped as many of those who were sold as you could, right?”
I don’t respond, as I feel like all my layers are being slowly torn away bit by bit. How was it possible she would even know this? I was so cautious to not get caught because I knew if I did, not only Alexander but also his boss would kill me.
There was a lot that I was willing to do when it came to Alexander, but watching him traffic children and women wasn’t it. That didn’t mean that I turned a blind eye while the bastard in charge did what he wanted with them. However, when they were finally taken away, I made sure they experienced true freedom.
“I don’t think you’re all bad, Elise.” Maria continues. “Maybe a little morally gray and easily convinced, but not bad.”
“I don’t know if you’re trying to insult me or compliment me." I say slowly. “Anyway, now that I know how you know my sister, could you tell me what this apartment complex truly is?”
“It is a shelter for all those women who couldn’t return to their homes after being tarnished. Since they had nowhere to go, Roscoe and Denali invested in this building and allowed all of us to move in. We are safe here from those who still may be working for the dungeon master and from any other threat.”
“That’s good, at least.” I sigh, relaxing ever so slightly. “Then why are you willing to put yourself in danger again by coming to Emerald Moon to help my dear sis?”
“Because I owe her and Rosco my life.” Maria shrugs. “I can’t just sit aside when I know they’re in trouble.”
“And what about him?” I continue, nodding toward Tristan. “Where will he go while you’re in Emerald Moon?”
“With my mother, isn’t it obvious?” The boy growls, shooting me a glare. “Don’t tell me you intended to take her without me.”
“Well,” I chuckle, leaning forward so I can get a better look at him. “I was more or less wondering what a pipsqueak who isn’t even ten can do.”
“I am ten!” Tristan growls, his eyes flashing. “And I’m not a pipsqueak! I am mommy's strong man!”
At his words, I shoot Maria a look as she just smiles and shakes her head.
“He truly is a big help around here.” She says, reaching out and patting his head. “Especially when I was first getting used to the layout.”
“Because of your eyes?” I ask before I can stop myself. “Were you always blind?”
I know that it was rude of me to ask such things, but I couldn’t stop the feeling that whatever her response was, it was my fault.
“I tested the boss.” She says softly, causing Tristan to let out a growl of anger. “And this was my punishment.”
Nodding, I remain quiet as I realize that my fear is valid. Because I just sat there and didn’t do anything, she suffered along with all those other women, and because of that, she would never see again. Dammit, if I could, I would switch places with her.
“Please don’t be so hard on yourself.” Maria says, reaching across the table between us and touching my hand. “I’m sure that you had your reasons for what you did.”
“Why are you so quick to believe in me?” I ask quietly. “Because of me…”
“Did you guide that knife that stabbed into my eyes?” She counters.
“No, but…”
“Then it isn’t your burden to bear.”
Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue with what she has said, but stop myself as I realize nothing I said would convince her otherwise.
“Anyway, that is about all there is to it.” She says, changing the subject. “Because of both our misfortunes, we became friends, and I have been asked to assist in what is happening back in Emerald Moon.”
“Are you sure about this?” I ask, suddenly feeling like this wasn’t the best of ideas, especially after she managed to get out of such horrible circumstances. “I’m sure Denali would…”
“I know what I’m doing.” Maria assures me. “Nothing you say will stop me from going to Emerald Moon to do what I can do, and if that leads to me losing my life, so be it.”
“Alright then.” I say standing up. “Since I can’t talk you out of it, I can only promise to do everything in my power to protect you.”
“No need.” Tristan hisses. “I can protect her alone!”
“Sure you can, kiddo.”