I feel like some of these chapters feel really frazzled, so I apologize if coming chapters sound like trash. If the coming chapters bug you guys, just let me know and I'll try to fix things 😉 Blessings, A. R. ---------------------------------------------------------‐-     “Did Vitton have something to do with my dad’s death?” Laurel asked as they crept along the alley. They hadn’t stayed long after Dylan had shared the news. Laurel was worried about how the week would play out, especially since she had been told beforehand what would happen. She wondered if maybe they could smuggle Patrick away. But, she remembered with a scowl, that the Longtreader Administration had many ways of finding things out.      “Possibly. I know that Vitton had something against your father, but we may never know what it was. That said, if he finds out that Linden's daughter has joined the resistance, then he might just use that opportunity to remind others who is in charge.” Dylan explained quietly, peering around the wall and out towards the other districts.      He turned back and faced her, a stern but worried expression on his face. He had changed back to his uniform; but Laurel knew she would always remember him in a tunic and jacket with a gentle smile. Not with the uniform and badge of a Longtreader Commander, with no emotion whatsoever.      “Who knows what will happen, but be careful. If I hear anything and have the chance, I’ll try to meet up with you. Until then, keep your head down and don’t breath a word to anyone, including your mother.” Dylan instructed. Laurel suddenly thought of something.      “Did my dad know that my mom doesn’t have faith in the Cause before he died?” She asked. If that was the reason of Dylan bringing her to the Seventh District, it made sense. If Fern wanted her daughter to live life without the thought of a Mended Wood, all would be peaceful. But Linden knew his daughter was a fighter. And one of the last rabbits he could’ve spoken to was Dylan.      He looked at her with worry.      “We'll discuss that later. Now go!  Before someone sees you.” Laurel opened her mouth to say something, but when she saw the fear on his face, she knew it would have to wait. She had enough answers for one night.      “Be careful, Dylan.” She whispered as she ran across the space towards the fourth district. She didn’t once look back.        Laurel peered around the stone wall of the district, trying to see where the guards were stationed. She couldn’t see anyone. Carefully walking alongside the wall, Laurel headed towards her house. It was after curfew, and if she got caught, she would be done for. She still didn’t know what she would tell her mom; if she got caught, what would she tell the Administration?      Laurel saw her house and was relieved to see the windows were dark. She would be able to get inside without causing light to arouse any rabbits. She approached the door and quietly opened it, stepping inside quickly. She removed her prey mark and hung it up, turning to head to her room. She froze.      Her mom stood in the middle of the room.      Fern glared at her with suspicion but also with relief. Her shawl was wrapped tightly around her shoulders and her foot was tapping the floorboards impatiently.      “Where have you been?” She hissed. “Its after curfew and you should’ve been home hours ago! Patrick has been asking about you all evening!” Laurel swallowed.      “I-I was working late. Master Brown had some special assignments for me to complete and they were the hardest ones to do by yourself. Sorry, mom, I was just doing my job.” Laurel couldn’t believe it. She just lied to her mother’s face. And it was easy! She hoped she wouldn’t have to do it again for a while. But she had a sneaking suspicion that it would not be the case. If she was to make it as a fellow Causer, she would have to do whatever it took to keep the Seventh District hidden.      Fern sighed and crossed the room to her daughter, hugging her close.      “I’m just glad your home. I was worried after yesterday and didn’t want you to get hurt.” Fern explained softly, pulling back and examining her daughter.      “You’re a mess! Did he have you crawling through the dirt?” She asked. Laurel felt so near laughing that she gave a small smile, one that could be mistaken for weariness. Fern sighed and walked into the kitchen, emerging a few seconds later with a slice of bread and hot tea.      Laurel took a sip and looked up at her mom. After connecting the dots between countless pieces of information, Laurel thought that she would never see her mother the same way again. But she looked the same. The weary, thin frame, but the gentle eyes and smile. She would have to be so careful now, especially if she was to keep her family safe.      “How was your day?” Laurel asked after she began to eat her dinner. Fern frowned.      “Unusual. After you left, a lieutenant came by, asking how you were feeling.” Laurel thought back to earlier that morning. It felt like ages ago.      “Was it the same buck who brought me home last night?” Laurel asked, trying to appear disinterested. Fern closed her eyes, thinking.      “As a matter of fact, yes. Funny how I didn’t notice it.” Her face was full of perplexity, but then grew curious as she looked at Laurel.      “Why do you ask?” Laurel felt her heart dip.      “I keep running into lieutenants and they have been asking if I’m keeping up with my work,” Laurel explained. It was half a lie, and half the truth. But that didn’t stop the guilt that gnawed at her stomach.      Fern looked at her daughter in surprise. When she spoke, her voice was low.      “Be careful, Laurel. We don’t need anymore trouble with the Administration. Patrick has been nervous all evening, and has been asking about you. He looks up to you, you know.” Laurel swallowed painfully. She knew that all too well. How would she be able to go through this week if Patrick was moved?      Laurel nodded and put her empty dish in the kitchen.      “I’ll go say goodnight to him,” she suggested, not wanting to be questioned further.      She slipped into the buck's room and paused, letting her eyes adjust to the darkness. She saw his small frame huddled under the blanket. His fuzzy, brown ears flopped to one side of the bed, and his soft grey eyes watched her. She could see a slight smile in his expression.      “Laurel?” He asked in a whisper. Laurel smiled and crossed the room, kneeling next to his bed and smoothing his fur.      “You should be asleep.” She whispered, feeling a piece of her broken and confused heart healing at the sight of Patrick. He shrugged and sat up, his blanket draped over his shoulders. He was such a little buck with an adorable personality. It was a surprise to find such a youngling in this horrendous place. That’s what made the ache in Laurel’s heart worse. She couldn’t lose him.      “I wanted to see you first, before I went to sleep,” he explained, rubbing his eyes. Laurel smiled and sat beside him, wrapping him in a hug.      “You did?” She asked teasingly. He nodded his head, then snuggled in her arms.      “The kids at school are acting funny.” He whispered in her ears. Laurel frowned.      “Really?” She asked, worry tugging at her heart. Patrick nodded again.      “It scares me. They act all mean and like growed ups. They don’t play with me anymore.” He admitted, clinging to her tightly. Laurel clenched her jaw and hugged him closer, rubbing his back soothingly.      “I’m sorry, Pat. It’s not fun when no one wants to play with you.” Pat nodded, pulling back to make eye contact with Laurel.      He looked scared.      “Laurel, will you come play with me?” He asked. Laurel inhaled sharply and he wrapped his arms around her neck, settling in her embrace.      “Pat, you know I would love to. I want to come and play with you, but… you know that I have work, and master Brown can be very picky if I take any time off.”      Patrick sighed, and when he spoke again, Laurel could tell he was almost asleep.      “M-Maybe… I could… talk to… him, and he will… give you the day off,” he slurred. Laurel smiled and kissed the top of his head.      “Maybe.”