Layla

AGE 18-20

"Ignoring Eden and her obvious red flags, I continued completing jobs with this little group, and things were going pretty well, actually. I-I mean, sureee, maybe we got into arguments sometimes and they told me things, a-and maybe those things hurt, but I could trust them. I depended on them, and they gave me a home. I could put up with it if it meant we got to live a little better for now."

"There was this mission, this job, that they wanted to complete, but I was hesitant; it would involve us breaking into the palace, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to risk things, but they told me to trust them. So I did. We went, and things were going according to plan; everything was going fine, but Eden caught the attention of one of the guards. We ran fast as we could until we found a hiding spot...I thought it was a hiding spot. Before I knew it, they escaped out of there, leaving me behind to get caught."

"I thought I could trust them. I was stupid to think I could. Those good-for-nothing bastards left me there to get caught, and they fled; they used me...I was turned in, but Selene had pity on me; I saw it in her eyes. She talked to me some more that day, and we agreed on a compromise: I would complete a job for her, and in turn, she would allow me and Iris to live in the palace. Of course I accepted, how could I not?"

AGE 15-18

"I tried to find a job, something that would make us money, but there was only so much that was offered for a kid my age. Meanwhile, we lived in a shared home with other people like us who had no homes. I'm grateful the people were kind to us while we were there, but I wished we could have our own home."

"I was in town buying stuff and came across bounties posted up on a board, I had heard of bounties but never really knew what they were. But when I saw that all you basically had to do was turn in these people for money, I grew interested. I went out to try and get some bounties of my own—small ones, of course, like your usual thief or something like that. Not to boast, but I had a knack for it and was quite good at it. But...despite getting the money, I wanted more. It was just barely enough so that I didn't struggle with food for a while, but it wasn't enough for us to live on our own. However, while out checking the board, I noticed a small group of people next to me talking about assassin work; it seemed more sufficient than bounty hunting; it wasn't a first come, first serve job, but guaranteed. Anyways, of course I got interested, and with some hesitation, I got into that line of work. I was like 17? I was young, but I was good at what I did. Apollo taught me at a young age how to wield an axe and how to use it, so I did."

"With time I got better, and more people hired me. I was finally making us enough money that there was enough to spend on things other than necessities. I wanted to save up enough to afford at least a small home. Sure, I was far from my goal, but I believed it was easier to reach it now. I was approached one day by this person named Eden; she said she had a small assassin group and was interested in having me join. I was hesitant about it, but if I could get these jobs done with a group of people, then maybe I could take on more jobs and thus make more money. I accepted, and they welcomed me quickly. Even offering my sister and me a place at their hideout. It didn't take long for me to get used to the others and become friends with them. Iris even got along with some of them, thankfully; she didn't know what I or any of them did for a living, but I was relieved when the others kept it a secret around her. I grew quite close to Eden, and I appreciated her a lot for what she did for me...She knew that. And looking back on it now, she used that against me...she was...well, she wasn't the best person out there."

AGE 12-15

"There was this one instance where he stayed home...I really wish he went with us. There was a small festival in town—you know, those ones they host for some mini holiday or something, I dunno. I took Iris with me, and Apollo was supposed to come with, but mom told him she needed his help with something. Reluctantly, Iris and I went, and it was quite fun if I'm honest. The pretty lights and decorations they had, the neat things the vendors were selling, it was wonderful...I think Apollo would have liked it.

"Sorry, I'm getting distracted. Anyway, it was time to come home, and I brought Iris home in my arms. We were both sleepy, but we would be able to rest up at home...but...but when we got back, I saw the house...It was on fire-No. It was completely engulfed in flames. I don't know what went through my mind at that moment; everything was a blur to me. I set Iris down, and without a second thought, I bolted inside. It was stupid of me; I know that now...but I just wanted to get them out of there...I couldn't. Gods, I would've met the same fate if someone hadn't dragged me out of there."

"I don't know how long I was out for, but all I remember is that I woke up in a healer's room with Iris sitting not too far from me with an expression that broke my heart. I guess I wound up passing out from the smoke or something...I didn't mean to make her worry about me. I don't know what happened that night, but what I knew then was that I had to make sure she and I would get through this and that I was ready to do whatever I needed to make sure she was safe."

"I wasn't going to lose someone again."

BIRTH-12

"You're asking me about my 'story'? Haha, alright, I guess I can entertain you for a bit by talking about myself since you so kindly asked."

"I lived back in Lizora with my family; it was my mom and my older brother Apollo; my little sister Iris wasn't in the picture yet of course, but she will be! Hmm, my life was pretty normal when I was young, but nonetheless, it was nice for a kid my age. I was just enjoying life at home with my family. Apollo was always so fun to spend time with; mom was... eh, but this isn't about her. Anyway, Iris eventually came into the picture, and it was the first time I experienced being the older sibling for once, and I took it seriously too. I took care of her when mom would let me, and me and Apollo would watch over her."

"Naturally, I grew attached to her and became very close; I would take her out to the shops nearby or just take her out for walks around the neighborhood. Apollo joined us, but he would sometimes stay home to help out with mom. I kinda felt bad seeing him stay behind; the two of them often argued about things and I'm sure without a doubt they argued while we were gone."