CHAPTER TEN: THE HARSH DEATH OF MRS. HUNTER.

MELONIE'S POV:

My world crumbled, I wasn't scared, I was horrified.

I wasn't ready, but I was forced to be.

It's just one way to die, die or die either way.

Thick sweat escaped my forehead and my heart was heavy with worry.

“Everyone inside! lock the doors, lock the windows,” Arwan's voice echoed.

I gawked at him as he calmly took responsibility, “I'm coming with you,” I declared.

He stared back at me, “What can you possibly do to help? Stay here, go into your room and lock the door and windows. It's safer that way.”

“You broke the lock,” I stated in remembrance.

He paused for a while as if trying to verify what I said, “Then go into mine.”

Arwan left the building I was, into the main building to save others, I couldn't explain it, but strangely, there was this force pulling me to him.

“Arwan,” I murmured in fear.

I trailed behind him, and for a reason, I could barely leave him to get hurt, even if there was barely anything I could do.

“Everyone, vacate this building and move into Melonie's building, it's not safe here,” Arwan announced.

I could hear whispers and concerns, “Why? What's going on? Melonie's building? Didn't they keep her there because she was dangerous?”

My eyes scanned their faces, “Don't worry I can't even hurt a fly right now.”

Arwan came forward, breathing heavily, “Melonie what are you doing here? I told you to stay back and lock yourself in.”

“Okay stop scolding, I don't know how I got here also, I guess I'm magnetized to you,” I responded truthfully.

It took a while for him to digest it, and then he blurted out, “Quickly, direct them all to your building, it's safer there with the walls and gate.”

“I don't think I can do that; they are all scared of me more than the dark walkers after their lives,” I lamented, discouraged.

Without looking back at me, he growled, “Assist me or get lost.”

Soon, everyone gathered in my building and he stood in front to give an announcement.

“My mother, well known as Mrs. Hunter is dead,” Arwan announced.

Whispers, murmurs and fear arose from the crowd, “Doesn't that mean we are all in trouble?”

Arwan gazed at the man talking, “You are right; indeed we are in trouble. The one who protects our walls and realm is dead.”

“So what happens to us? Are we going to die too?”

“Maybe! We all will probably die soon. We have a threat that we have never been able to eliminate and even now, we have no way of fighting back, so count your stars and pray to heaven, that you survive three days without you being a full-course meal to dark walkers,” Arwan stated coldly.

More voices erupted from the crowd, “What is he talking about now?”

“I am the oldest in this realm, and from now on… I will be leading you all; if you listen to me, I'll try to keep you safe - if you go the wrong path, then you are on your own; whoever wants to leave can leave now, if there's one thing we need - it's space,” Everywhere became silent, no one dared to speak against it or make another suggestion. “The walls might be strong enough to protect us for a while, there is food and water that can last for three days. Gather your strength and be ready to fight,” he stated, walking out of the crowd.

I hauled behind him, “Are you alright?”

“My mother just died, I've never been better,” he responded sarcastically.

I stared at his emotionless face, “You can actually cry it out you know.”

“It's been ages since I last cried,” he stated softly, “And why would I do that? It won't bring her back.”

I bit my lower lip, “Well, I just wanted to check up on you before I leave for my room.”

“You are staying in my room tonight,” Arwan stated, pulling me in forcefully, “It's safer here because I broke your lock.”

I hesitated for a while, “Yes, but… won't you be uncomfortable?”

“Safety first. If you aren't important, my mother wouldn't have died protecting you,” he retorted.

My face turned bitter, “That's why you shouldn't, Everyone protecting me ended up dying in the process. They are like the sacrifice for every breath I take. I don't want that to happen to you too.”

His shoulders dropped, but he didn't push the conversation, “Take the bed, I'll use the floor.”

“Hell no! If you want me to remain here, then we are both using the bed,” I pointed out calmly.

We both lay on each side of the bed, welcoming us to the most awkward night ever.

**🥀**

I was jolted awake by the sound of loud bangs and screams piercing through the night air. My heart racing, I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the haze of sleep. But as I listened more closely, I realized that the commotion was coming from within the building.

I looked around in search of Arwan, he wasn't in the room, “Fuck! That dragon left me to sleep in such a terrifying moment.”

I threw off the covers and jumped out of bed, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. I stumbled through the darkness; my hands outstretched in front of me like a blind person. As I reached the door, I flung it open and rushed into the hallway.

The screams and bangs were louder now, and I could tell that they were coming from outside the building. How on earth do those things get past the gate? I took the stairs two at a time, my heart pounding in my chest. As I reached the bottom, I saw that the living room was in chaos.

Furniture was overturned, and objects were scattered all over the floor. Lycanthropic dragons of the realm were running around, screaming and shouting. I saw Arwan, Arlo and Clara, trying to restrain the little ones, who were crying and kicking their legs.

I rushed over to them, trying to make sense of what was happening. "What's going on?" I shouted over the din. "What's wrong?"

Clara turned to me; her face white with fear. "It's...it's at the front door," she stammered. “They… are trying to get in!"

I felt a chill run down my spine as I turned to look at the front door. It was shaking and rattling, dark walkers were trying to force their way in. I knew then that I had to act fast to protect the realm, but no matter how hard I tried, I remained useless.