Whoops it's been a week since the last chapter; Sorry guys!! If there are typos, I apologize! Hope y'all like it! Blessings, A. R. -----------------------------------------------------------      Laurel felt better the next morning. Her voice sounded hoarse when she spoke, but she knew it would be back to normal soon.      Her mother had made breakfast, fed her, then left for work soon after, without bringing up a word about yesterday. Laurel had a feeling she wanted to avoid it at all costs.      She tied her prey mark around her neck and inhaled as deeply as she could before exiting the house, heading towards Brown’s villa. She would have to catch up on her chores from yesterday, giving her a long day. She sighed. And she was hoping to maybe go to the school and see how Patrick was doing. The headmaster would most likely shut the door in her face like he did in the past, but she might as well try.      As she turned into the sixth district, Laurel noticed a cluster of Administration bucks gathered in the middle of the street. She felt her heartbeat increase and her face burned. She didn’t want to cross paths with them. Not now. Not after yesterday.   She scanned all possible routes to get past the bucks without them noticing her, unsure which would be the best road. A hand touched her shoulder. Laurel jumped and turned around.      Whittle stood beside her, offering a small smile, but a look of worry in his eyes. He offered her his arm, which she took with no question, and he led her down a separate road.      “I heard you were attacked yesterday,” he said quietly, backtracking through the alleys towards Brown’s home.      Laurel snuck a glance towards him. He was a tall buck, his fur grey and his eyes gentle. He reminded her so much of her father.      “Yes. It was weird, I will admit.” She answered, a little bewildered that he was here.      Whittle continued to thread their way down different streets and soon, the large house loomed before them.      Whittle stopped her just before the back door. “Laurel, if you get the chance, speak with Melody.”      Laurel gave him a confused look. “Melody?”      Whittle looked around quickly before continuing. “She is not being as careful as she could be. Yesterday she nearly got fired by her supervisor. My wife heard the whole exchange. Melody isn’t being cautious and she could blow over the whole mission if someone doesn’t warn her.”      Laurel met his gaze. “And you want me to speak with her?” She added, sounding doubtful.      Whittle nodded. “Laurel, you’re both close in age and interests. Besides, you accompany captain Brown to council’s in Morbin’s palace; the chances of you crossing paths are favorable.”      Laurel swallowed, looking down. “I’ll try, Whittle. But I can’t promise that I will sway her.”      Whittle laid a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him. He smiled. “If you just speak with her, then that’s all that needs to be done.” He paused, his eyes dimming. “Laurel, you remind me of someone. And I… I hope that…” he stopped talking, stepping back and looking down the road.      Laurel wondered why he had stopped talking, then realized his eyes glistened. “I’ll see you tonight, Whittle. Take care.” And she turned into the villa. She didn’t know why Whittle would be choked up. Remind me of someone? Who?      Laurel had to brush aside all these questions when Delta handed her a list, slightly longer than usual. But all these chores would be completed from inside the house. At least she would be out of sight of the Wrongtreader soldiers.        Laurel set down the empty basket and looked around, noticing that Melford was finished with the dishes. He smiled at her, not saying a word.      It had been a quiet day; apart from clarifying instructions with Delta, no one had said a word to her. That suited her just fine. Her throat didn’t seem to want to cooperate.      Laurel heard footsteps and tensed, looking up towards the doorway. Brown stood there, looking at her in a queer manner. He caught her eye and motioned her to follow him. She did so quickly, wondering why he looked so odd.      He stepped out onto the veranda and looked over the bare courtyard of his property. He was silent for a moment.      “Evergreen, are you up for another council?” He asked. Laurel slowly nodded. Brown continued. “Tori has been saying that he should be coming along. Of course, he hasn’t been that direct; but he seems to be saying that I made a mistake choosing a doe. Have I?”      Laurel gave him a confused look. “Sir, I don’t understand.” She answered.      Brown snorted. “I don’t understand it either. Whatever the case, will you be up for another trip to Morbin’s palace? It wouldn’t be as long as the first one; we could be back before sunset.”      Laurel remembered what Whittle had asked her. Speak with Melody. Caution her. If this was to be a quick council, then her chances would be slim. But she’d be close. And if they were back by sunset, she still had time to stop by the school.      She looked up at Brown. “Yes sir.”        The halls were dark, hardly any light at all save a few torches that were lit. The air was cold and close; it sent chills down Laurel’s spine. She looked up at the high ceiling, wondering if something was hiding in the shadows, waiting to jump down and seize her. She shivered.      Brown had been brought straight into the council chamber, but she had been told she had to wait outside, as the news was only for a captains ears. Brown had looked indignant when they were told this, but didn’t argue and told Laurel to just wait in the hall, and that he would send for her should he need anything.      And she waited. She didn’t like waiting here. It was quiet. Too quiet. Even the sound of a broom sweeping and scratching along the stone floor would be welcoming enough. But there wasn’t a broom. There wasn’t any rabbits. She was alone.      Laurel leaned against the wall and crossed her arms, trying to remain calm. She tried to think of what she had to do. First, if she got the chance, she would speak to Melody. Then when she got back to Akolan, she would ask the headmaster if she could say hello to Patrick. Then she would head for the L. D. And meet Dylan at the corner house.      Her heart sank slightly. She had no idea what Vitton wanted with Dylan. She hoped he wasn’t in trouble.      She heard footsteps and she tensed  looking down each side of the hallway. She saw no one.      Laurel clenched her fists, trying to not freak out. The steps were getting closer.      A side door opened suddenly and Laurel jumped, staring wide eyed at the gaping hole. She hadnt even noticed the door when she first entered this hall. A few rabbits exited into the hall and started down it, whispering quietly to themselves. They never noticed her.      “Laurel?” A voice asked.      Laurel turned and saw Melody approaching her, grinning. “Didn’t think I’d see you till later today.” She mused, coming close and giving Laurel a hug. When she pulled back, she looked somber. “We heard what happened yesterday. Are you feeling alright?”      Laurel finally found her tongue. “I’m okay, thanks. Listen, someone told me that you’re getting yourself into trouble.”      Melody smirked. “Really? Evergreen, tell me something new. I’m always getting into trouble!”      Laurel gave her a sharp look. “Melody, I’m serious. You got this position for… other purposes. You can’t blow this!”      Melody looked a little startled. “You think I’m going to blow our whole plan?” She asked quietly.      “Yes!” Laurel hissed. She was losing her patience. “This isn’t like working for a family in Akolan, Melody. This is Morbin’s abode, his home! If you make the wrong move, by Jove we're all scooped! You could be killed by the Blackhawk himself!”      Melody’s eyes darkened. “You’re just like the rest of them. You all think I’m just a reckless, brainless doe whose going to ruin us all!” She accused sharply, glaring at Laurel.      Laurel scowled. “I didn’t say that! But a little caution is always a good thing, Melody. Look at me! I was nearly killed yesterday! Suppose you get mugged in an alleyway? Suppose no one is there to help you?”      Melody clenched her jaw. “I can’t believe this. I thought you trusted me!”      “I do trust you, but you have to be careful, for all our sakes.” Laurel interjected, feeling angry, exhausted, and alone.      “Right. ALL our sakes,” Melody grumbled, walking away. “I’m doing just fine, Laurel. Just. Fine.” And she disappeared into the shadows.      Laurel sighed, feeling agitated. She hadn’t done what she hoped to. Whittle said speak to her. She didn’t expect the conversation to go in the direction it had. She scowled at herself. Way to go, Evergreen. You’ve just ruined your friendship with one of your few friends.      She drew a deep breath, feeling like she would cough. This dank, tunnel-like air was not helping her lungs at all.      “Laurel Evergreen?” A voice asked quietly.      Laurel turned and saw a doe about her mothers age standing by the now closed door. She smiled, approaching her slowly. Laurel wondered if she knew her.      The doe held her hands. “Whittle told me that you would try to speak with Melody. I’m sorry it went the way it did,” she explained softly, an almost defeated look in her eyes. But there was something else… like a flame. A flame of something that would refuse to go out until it’s done all it could.      Laurel blinked. “I… well, um…” she stammered, not sure what to say.      The doe smiled. “I’m Sween, Whittle's wife. He told me to watch out for you should you come here. I’m grateful he asked me too. If I hadn’t come across you both, one of the wolves might have and then you both would’ve been in trouble.”      Laurel nodded slowly. “I’m glad too,” she murmured, looking down towards the darkness that Melody had disappeared into. “But what if that was a mistake?” She asked.      Sween frowned. “One of the most asked questions. What if. We may never know, Laurel. But for now, let’s hope that she listens to you. If she doesn’t, well… we might have a difficult time in the near future as a very, small resistance.”        Laurel could still hear Sween’s words in her head as she headed towards the school. She didn’t know if Melody would listen to her, or if someone else would speak with her. She just didn’t know!      Laurel had been summoned not long after Sween left her, and found Brown standing outside the ajar door of the council chamber. Inside, voices were conversing back and forth in a quiet, chilling manner.      Brown had said little to her, other than she would stay with him the next time they came. He obviously didn’t like the attendant that was available in the room. They had returned to Akolan, Laurel made sure her chores were done, and she left not long after. The school would be getting dinner ready for all its students about now, and it would be a good time to ask the headmaster how Patrick was doing.      Laurel was worried about him. She had no idea if he was being treated nicely, or if he would have turned like the many other rabbits, cold and uncaring. She hoped not.      The school was a large building, and could easily be mistaken for a mansion. But its large, walled courtyard and smaller buildings adjoining the large one gave the impression of a neat and orderly operation. Akolan's Academy.      Laurel pressed her mouth tight as she examined it. The gate was open, but a rabbit was guarding it. Unusual, she thought. She could hear some little kits running around inside, shouting and cheering.      She inhaled deeply as she began to approach, hoping that this would go well.      The guard tensed when she drew near. “What?” He asked, gripping his spear.      Laurel exhaled slowly. “I’m here to check in on one of the students.” She explained, respectful, but determined.      He gave her a cold look. “You can’t.” He answered, his tone flat.      Laurel felt her heart rate increase and she tried to sound as civil as possible. “I’m sorry? I was just wanting to see how he was doing and-"      “And I said you can’t.” He reiterated, taking a step closer. “All the students are under the tutelage and care of their teachers and don’t need any distractions from meddlesome does.”      Laurel glared at him. Forget all thought of pleasantry. “Listen. I promised my brother that I would check in every couple weeks, and I intend to keep that promise!”      The guard crossed to her quickly and gripped her arm tight. She clenched her jaw.      “If you don’t get out of my sight in ten seconds, I’ll send your hide to Morbin.” He hissed, lowering his spear so that the tip of the blade was level to her throat.      Laurel stared right back at him. “I am going to see my brother,” she said slowly, emphasizing every word.      The guards eyes thinned to slits and he drew back his spear. But before Laurel could flinch or the guard could slit her throat, a voice broke in.      “That will be enough. Let her in.”      Laurel turned and saw Dylan standing right behind her, his icy blue gaze on the guard. He let go of Laurel’s arm and scowled.      “Walters, I don’t know what kind of game you think this is, but I have orders that no one is to fraternize with the students.”      Dylan didn’t blink. “I’m telling you: let her in.”      The guard barked a laugh. “Right… and I’m going to listen to a lieutenant who thinks he can run the whole of Akolan!”      Dylan smiled. It was a cold, dangerous smile. Laurel knew he was losing his patience.      “Not a lieutenant.” Dylan said quietly.      The guard gave him a bewildered look, and Laurel realized he had a special gold band added to the other ones on his right arm. Her jaw dropped.      “You’re a captain,” she said quietly, not sure if she should be relieved or scared.      Dylan merely glanced at her, then looked back at the guard who was stiff as a board. He looked like he was resisting the urge to run both rabbits through with his spear.      “Now then, let this doe inside.” Dylan said again, his composure calm.      The guard spat. “You have five minutes.” He growled, jerking his spear towards the gate. Laurel quickly went inside, trying to focus on Patrick.      Inside the courtyard, kits were running around, chasing a ball as some of the older students and supervisors watched from the sidelines. They noticed Laurel’s entrance and watched her. She felt their chilly gazes and tried to appear confident, despite how hard her heart was pounding against her chest.      “Laurel!” A voice squeaked excitedly.      She turned just in time to see a small brown buck race towards her, his prey mark tied loosely around his neck. His grey eyes were wide with excitement.      Laurel laughed and knelt, opening her arms to welcome the small kit. He threw his arms around her neck and clung to her, laughing and chattering breathlessly.      Pat pulled back and drew a deep breath. “I missed you!” He exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.      Laurel smiled and kissed his cheek. “I missed you, Pat! Oh, it’s so good to see you! How are you doing? Are you staying out of trouble?”      Patrick blabbed on about his last two weeks of classes, not noticing the other students being ushered inside. Soon the courtyard was empty, save Laurel, Patrick, and one supervisor.      The supervisor drew near, his eyes drilling into Laurel’s. “I’d like to know why you’ve caused this intrusion,” he said in a low voice, lifting Patrick to his feet and setting him towards the school.      Patrick stopped chatting, looking confusedly at Laurel. “But I want to talk to her… she’s my sister,” he objected, his innocent eyes full of fear.      The supervisor turned to him. “Master Patrick, return to the mess hall. No questions.”      Pat's chin quivered and his eyes filled with tears.      Laurel squeezed his hand. “Its okay, Pat. I’ll come see you soon, I promise.”      Patrick nodded and with one last pleading look at Laurel and the supervisor, he slumped towards the school.      Once he was inside, the supervisor turned on Laurel. His eyes were full of fierce anger.      “I don’t know who you think you are, but you have no right to make such meaningless promises!”      Laurel clenched her fists. “He’s my brother. I promised him I would see him. Explain to me why he hasn’t been able to come home?”      The supervisor glowered at her. “You’re family is unfit to care for him. He will no longer be returning to your home on his days off. He is now under the care of the Administration.”      Laurel couldn’t breath. No! It couldn’t be true! “No… he-he… he can’t, what do you…” she stammered, trying to breath slowly.      The supervisor grabbed her arm and dragged her towards the gate where the guard waited, a smug look of contempt on his face.      “The Evergreens are being watched, miss. I’d be careful if I were you, otherwise you could be causing master Patrick a lot of pain,” the supervisor threatened, shoving her out of the courtyard. “If you show up here again, you will be arrested promptly.”      The supervisor turned on his heel and returned to the school, the guard shutting the gate.      He sneered at her. “If you don’t get out of my sight, I’ll run you through.”      Laurel swallowed, her eyes burning with tears. “I’m going,” she answered hoarsely, turning and heading towards the sixth district. She could see the shadow of a buck waiting there in the shadows of the steadily darkening evening. She knew it was Dylan. He was waiting for her. She knew he had news. But she didn’t know if she would make it through tonight’s meeting.      Patrick wouldn’t be coming home.      Her mother and her were being watched.