Trilex stroked his chin thoughtfully. He could send his Paine assassin group, but he felt like a game. Years of the same routine had made him bored.

Yes, this is a game... I'll let her and that child live...for now.

***

Panting, a young woman left her silent baby on the door steps of an orphanage. The sign clearly read-

'ORPHANAGE FULL, NO MORE ACCEPTANCES'

That didn't matter; nothing mattered now but keeping the baby alive and hidden. He kept his eyes on his mother, beautiful eyes endless. It was like looking into a mesmerizing pond. But she had to go. Her keen ears had heard the marching steps of the patrolling guards and they were definitely on the lookout for her.

"Goodbye." She whispered, gazing at the baby with a look of longing in her eyes.

Perhaps one day they could... no, she couldn't--wouldn't--jeopardize the baby's future.

Not now and not ever. Tears filled her eyes and she turned away.

The young woman never looked back.