It was as if Tariel had transformed into a goddess or a demon. Hundreds of eyes fixed on her. First, surprise and astonishment; then… they all knelt, revering her.

  Tariel took a few steps back until she found my body.

  — Save us, Tariel… — some of them said.

  The situation left us paralyzed. The silence stretched on until I regained my composure.

  — Nissi, stand up — I said, pulling her. — How do you know Tariel’s name?

  — Tariel, the Princess of Light — she replied with a smile.

  — Is she the daughter of a king or a ruler? — I insisted.

  — She has white hair… she’s far too beautiful…

  — I think they see you as an object of worship, Tariel — I commented. — That confirms our hypothesis that the Seliums venerate beauty.

  The situation bothered me. I did not want my wife to become some kind of priestess. That went against the Known Universe: no one is better than anyone else.

  — Sit down! — I ordered, sharply.

  The command was obeyed immediately. I stepped closer until I felt the hot air from the fire on my face. I gestured to Tariel, Anastácia, and Nissi, and soon we were all seated around the fire.

  — My name is Willian. This is Tariel, as you said, and this is Anastácia — I introduced us, kissing each of them on the cheek.

  The kiss on Tariel caused an impact. Many covered their eyes.

  — That can’t be… — murmured the same one who had questioned me before.

  — Tell me your name — I asked.

  — Lira.

  — Tariel and Anastácia are my wives. I love them both, and I would give my life for them.

  — We love him too — said Tariel, leaning against me, followed by Anastácia.

  Without realizing it, we exchanged smiles and touches, completely ignoring where we were, under incredulous gazes.

  — Willian… — AX brought us back.

  — Sorry — I said, embarrassed.

  That was when I noticed the children, grouped behind the others.

  — Do these children have mothers here?

  — They are orphans — Lira replied.

  — How can they be orphans, with so many of you here?

  She looked at me and, for a moment, remained silent.

  — Are you saying that we should take responsibility for them?

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  She hit the mark. She used exactly the word I wanted to hear. I smiled.

  — That’s right. To adopt is to assume responsibility. It is to give affection, care, love.

  — We have nothing here. How could we adopt anyone?

  — Is there no love in your hearts? Not even a little?

  Without an answer, I continued:

  — I will adopt all of them.

  There were murmurs and discomfort on all sides.

  — They will not be slaves. They will be my daughters — I declared firmly, though I feared the Sekvens might take my words literally.

  — That’s absurd! — another protested.

  — Why? Because I am human? Or because I have love in my heart? — I replied, coldly. — But we didn’t come here to argue. We came to free you.

  — Are you serious? — Lira asked.

  — I am. But I cannot simply release them and leave them once again at the mercy of humans. So you must choose. I can take them to your village, or they can come with us. Whoever wants to come with me, raise your hand.

  Only Nissi raised her hand.

  — Who wants to go with Tariel?

  Most of them raised their hands.

  — But Tariel chose to come with me — I smiled.

  Many laughed, embarrassed. I let them talk for a moment before continuing.

  — I will take you with me. All of you. The last Selium village will be attacked in three days. It makes no sense to take you there only to remove you again afterward.

  — They will be attacked? — asked a Selium near me. — Sorry… my name is Even.

  — Yes. I need to convince your people to believe me and leave that region, at least while the humans are there.

  — Take Tariel. It will be easier — she said.

  — Certainly. But why is Tariel special to you?

  — I want to know — said Tariel.

  — It is very rare for a child with white hair to be born — Lira explained. — When it happens, it is a cause for celebration. Many believe it is a sign of hope. These children often become spiritual leaders.

  — Are they seen as goddesses or as leaders of some religion? — I asked.

  — No — Nissi replied. — But they receive more attention and affection than the rest of us.

  — Do you feel that affection for Tariel? If so, raise your hand.

  They all raised their hands, smiling at Tariel, who opened a broad, almost childish smile.

  — Then you do care — I concluded. — It is time to bring out the love hidden deep in your chests. Only then will others notice you.

  — What do you mean by that? — Lira asked.

  — That you will only be loved if you show love. From now on, I will be responsible for all of you. I will be “adopting” you.

  — Willian will take care of everyone! — Tariel said, excited.

  — You too — I teased her.

  — You can count on me as well — Anastácia added — although it is Willian who takes care of me.

  Lira stared at me.

  — Why are you doing this? What do you gain by freeing us?

  — I do it because I have love for life, for people, for you. And I will gain something in return. The most valuable thing in the universe: love.

  Lira raised her eyebrows.

  — I would never trust a human. But despite appearances, you do not seem to be one. Besides, you showed us magic and brought Tariel — she looked around. — I will trust you… a little. I think I speak for all of us.

  — A little? — I joked. — I’m satisfied. You won’t regret it. And so you know, we are not alone. There are many rooting for me to earn your love.

  — Why love? I don’t understand — Lira complained.

  — Because it is the force — I replied. — It is what is giving you a new chance.

  She smiled, still unable to hide her disbelief.

  — Willian, we need to go — AX said.

  At my gesture, they all stood and moved closer, though still tense. I was too.

  — Tariel, may I touch your hair? — Even asked.

  Tariel stepped closer. Even held a lock of hair between her fingers.

  — It’s so beautiful… so soft… — she murmured, letting a tear fall.

  She smiled and stepped back, placing her hand on her own head. The gesture was repeated by others.

  — Even? — Tariel called. — Nanachá was used on me too. I was a slave, just like you.

  The revelation was a shock. Tariel smiled and added:

  — Willian loves me. And because of that, others love me and take care of me. I have never been so happy.

  On the other side, Anastácia carried the youngest child on her back — an adolescent, I imagined — with an injured foot.

  When we began to leave, I noticed that Nissi started to limp.

  — Come, Nissi… — I surprised her, lifting her into my arms.

  I knew they were simple gestures that strengthened trust. And helping also did us good.

  We left Bona Vista. With the cold, Tariel’s fur revealed itself: white and luminous, reflecting the faint moonlight and easily guiding the others.

  — The Princess of Light… — I murmured.

  — Our dark fur hides us in the night — Nissi explained. — Hers illuminates.