"I'm sorry." He whispered as a tear fell from his eyes. Frowning up at him, I tried to speak, but the air in my lungs left as the feeling of something sharp entered my stomach. Gasping in shock, I watched as Markus pulled his hand back taking the sharp object out of me.Staggering back, I looked down at my stomach. Blood oozed out of the wound, coating my once crisp-white shirt with red. Placing my hands over the wound, I looked up at Markus.Standing by his side was Anna, a victorious smirk on her face. "Well done, my love." She whispered.Turning his face to Anna, he bent down to kiss her."Fall back!"Present day:The pain was the first thing I could register. It felt like my insides were being pulled apart as bile travelled up to reach my throat. Gritting my teeth, I tried to focus on anything but the pain I was feeling. The last thing I could remember was the searing pain in my stomach, as the one person I truly loved stabbed me with his sword.Markus.Opening my eyes, I squinted
Throw Back:The sight of Anna at the tree line had William staring in shock. She didn't look to be hurt, and his frown only deepened as he watched a smirk form on her lips. General Mains had dashed over to her, shouting orders for someone to get the healers even though she seemed fine. It wasn't like he didn't care for his sister, he did but something seemed different about her.Gripping the sword strapped to his hip, William looked around the tree line. Something didn't seem right to him. Sliding his arm through Abagail's grip, he laced his fingers with hers. The air was deadly still, and no sounds could be heard apart from those of General Mains' voice. As he watched his beloved sister, a chill ran down his spine at her next action. Grabbing the small dagger on Mains' hip, she swiped it across his throat effectively cutting open his neck. Blood oozed out of the wound drenching his once crisp white uniform, red.Tightening his grip on his sword, William turned towards his men as the
"How long must I wait till she wakes?" A voice boomed.Frowning at the tone I tried to open my eyes, but my body wouldn't listen. The sound of rushing feet followed by hushed voices, entered the area adding to my frustration."My King, she has lost blood she must rest." Spoke the same girl from the morning. Taking a sharp breath, I heard the man hiss under his breath."Then patch her up and get her healed." Sighing, the lady moved closer to me. Placing her hand over my wound, I bit back the need to scream as a hot searing pain shot through my middle.Taking her hand off my stomach, I heard her sigh. "We have run out of the healing water from the cave, my King.""Then get more!" He boomed.Groaning from the loud voice, I pulled my head to the side. All I wanted to do was sleep, was that so hard to ask for? The voices seemed to be too loud for my ears to handle, as I tried desperately to shut out the sounds. At my sudden movement, someone gently grasped my chin."You're awake?" The voic
Once the wound was wrapped once more, I thought back to what William had said. Would Markus do this, and if so why? What was in it for him, and who wanted me dead? I had so many unanswered questions and I knew only one person would be able to answer all of them. As I gazed at the roof of the white tent, I wondered what he'd be doing and if he was healthy.Frowning at my thoughts, I closed my eyes. "Why am I worrying about someone who tried to kill me?" I whispered.I knew the answer to it though. I still cared about him. Even my own heart would beat faster at the mere thought of him, but yet now I didn't get excited when I thought of him. I used to spend all my time with him, but now the thought of being near him sent fear through my veins.Turning my head to the side, I gazed at William's sleeping form. He looked so tired. His once-styled hair was no more, and his skin now tanned as if he had spent too long in the sun. Under his eyes were dark circles and to anybody else they would f
Throwback:Running beside the lake just on the outskirts of our village, Markus my closest friend, ran toward the river before crouching low and throwing some of the water in my direction. Squealing from the cold water that hit my exposed skin, I stopped in my tracks to frown at him."That wasn't nice!" I yelled. Folding my arms over my chest I continued to pout.Smiling mischievously in my direction, I watched as he slowly bent down to cup some water in his hands. Slowly unfolding my arms, I backed away as he came closer to the water. "Markus Dwell, if you value your favourite sword I suggest you put that water down."Shaking his head, I watched as his smile reached his eyes. "Sweet Abagail, it seems you have a little bit of dirt on your face." Running towards me with a loud cheer, I quickly turned around heading in the direction of our village."Abagail, you won't get away from me!" Laughing, Markus jumped over a fallen tree.Smiling to myself I rounded a tree. Bending down I picked
Bursting through the tent, I took a deep breath of fresh air. I felt suffocated almost like someone had their hands around my throat. Letting out the air in my chest, I staggered my way through the crowd of people."Abagail, wait!" Shouted William from behind.I couldn't stop for him, if I stopped now I would break down. All the memories I had with Markus were flashing in my mind, almost suffocating me. I felt like I was being stabbed all over again, but this time it felt like it would kill me. Gritting my teeth I hissed as I felt a tear fall from my eyes. I could hear William shouting as he was catching up to me, and even in my weak state as I tried to run it was to no use."Stop!" He shouted. Gripping my arm, I was pulled into his chest."What?" I whispered. I was exhausted. All I wanted to do was go back to my tent and sleep.Frowning, William stepped closer. "You loved him?"Sighing, I felt my anger grow. "Is that really why you stopped me?" Turning to him, I frowned."Answer the
"I think we should talk about this, Abagail." Stated father.Rolling my eyes, I leaned back in my chair. The meeting had gone on after my little mishap, and the riders all agreed that moving the camp was important. Talios had gone on to explain we had stayed in this camp for about four months now, and if we wanted to stay undetected by Toban then we needed to move.Although I wasn't keen on the move, I knew to protect the people travelling with us we had to go. William wanted to send all the surviving people to another haven not too far from here, whilst the soldiers and riders made their way to the new camp. I agreed with him. Doing this, if we were caught no innocent lives would be taken.Leaning back in my chair, I gazed across the table at my father. He looked clean-shaven, his hair tied back. Letting out a breath I hadn't realised I was holding, I tilted my head as I gazed at him. "There's nothing to talk about with you. All has been said.""Not about your mother." He said.Frown
Unknown POV:"Is it done then?" Mumbled the King.Sitting in the throne room on his black metal throne carved like a dragon, King Toban gazed out at the hundreds of Rogues before him. All of them were down on one knee, their heads bowed in respect to their king.Standing in front of him was Anna. She wore a floor-length black dress, her blond hair pulled back behind her shoulders. Lowering her head in respect, she nodded. "Yes, My King."Smiling, Toban spoke, "Very good." Standing from his throne, he moved towards her.Her eyes darted around the room, anywhere but his face. Toban noticed this, causing his lips to twitch. Standing behind her, Toban ran his hand along her bare collarbones. Humming under his breath, he moved his head near her neck, his other hand fisting her hair. With a harsh tug, he pulled her head to the side.Groaning from the sudden action, Anna's breathing quickened. She would be lying if she said she wasn't afraid. The man before her held so much power, and with a
flashbackThe air was thick with heavy smoke. Buildings around the village had been torched by the Rogues, as Toban's men pulled all the women and children to the small clearing. Off to the side, men were being pulled towards the forest where they would soon be killed. Their screams could be heard from where Sarah was hiding, causing a chill to seep deep within her bones.Upon the first set of screams heard from the farming area, she had hidden in the back corner of her hut. From here she was sure she wouldn't be seen. As the sound of footsteps came closer to her, she prayed no one would see her. She wasn't about to let these people come in and take what they wanted.As carefully as she could without making any sound, Sarah reached down to grasp the knife strapped to her thigh. If they were going to take her, then she was going to give them one hell of a fight. There was no way she was going to just let them drag her out there without a few cuts from the sharp blade in her hand.Takin
Walking towards the room where Abagail was sleeping, William fixed the cuffs of his shirt. Tonight he wanted to take her back to the water where she was healed. He wanted to spend the night with her, and hopefully tell her how much he cared for her.In all his years he had never felt this way about someone. The way she would stand up to the other men or the way she easily made orders stirred something in him. He wanted to protect her but at the same time, he wanted to watch her rule like he knew she could. After all, she was born to rule.Even though her father may be Toban, William knew she was nothing like him. She was kind-hearted and caring to those around her. She wanted peace whereas Toban wanted darkness and for everyone to bow down to him. William would not let that happen. He would rather die than bow down to him.Taking a deep breath he cleared his throat. Standing at the white canvas of the curtain that separated him from Abagail, he felt his nerves prickle along his skin.
Screams echoed throughout the vast field. Women and children ran from the scene as men tried their best to stop the rogue's attack, to no avail. It was all in vain as the rogues were too strong. The women screamed as their children were ripped away, and their kids screamed for their parents to save them. No one would, for they knew going against their King would end them up dead.Sitting atop his horse, Toban smirked down at the village below him. Dragons in different shades of red and grey flew around breathing fire on the once happy village. This is what he wanted. He wanted the village to remember who their king was and who their king would always be. Once Toban had the Great Book, he would be able to live forever.The power the book would give him would be enough to have him living for many moons to come. Hearing the scream of his people, Toban turned to look at his general. "I want all of them brought back to the Palace at once."Bowing his head, the general nodded. "Yes, my King
"Well?"Bowing his head, he whispered. "She is coming."A satisfied smile graced Anna's lips as she turned to the man beside her. "Well done." As she gazed at the man her smile fell. "I want her to suffer, Markus."Bowing, Markus placed his hand across his chest. "Your wish is my command, my Queen."Turning her attention to the kingdom, her smile returned. Her eyes danced over the view in front of her, as her smile grew. "I want all of my people to see her fall. I want them to know that I am the only one with the power to keep the red moon around, and only I can take it away.""You are the strongest Queen they have, one that will see even Toban falling to his knees."A small chuckle escaped her lips. Turning away from the balcony, Anna made her way down towards the holding cells. "Toban was too blind to see what I had planned. Besides, he is old now and all he wants is his precious daughter."Falling into step by Anna's side, Markus nodded. "Are you going to let her go to him?"A laug
"You want to help me, but why?"Smirking, he sighed. "They want to keep you away from your dragon, and I know that's not a good idea."Gazing back at the water, I mulled over his words. How did he know keeping a rider from its dragon was a bad idea? If a rider was away from their dragon for too long, their connection would start to fade. Although the rider would be fine, their dragon's energy would slowly fade until they died. I needed Aurora back that was for sure but if I left, William would be furious. Did I want to disappoint him?With gritted teeth, I walked into the water. It was warm, unlike the cold winter air just outside the cave walls. Turning my head slightly, I watched Luca. He made no move towards me, instead he seemed to be watching my every step.Walking further into the water, I closed my eyes. It felt like the blood in my veins was alive as I stood there, and I enjoyed the warmth the water provided. The sound of splashing echoed around the cave, and as I opened my ey
After what had happened, King Arod had summoned the council for an emergency meeting. Something wasn't right and we could all feel it. The air seemed more thick and heavy than it had only a day ago. Now that Markus could reach me at any given time, I would be lying if I said I wasn't afraid.I still didn't understand why or how he was back. I know I had killed him, and every time I played the scene out in my head it ended the same way. Death. There was no explanation as to how he was alive.Sighing, I sunk further into the dark wooden chair. On either side of me was Luca and William. William had refused to leave my side since I entered the room, as for Luca he pushed an elderly Elf out of the seat before throwing a smirk my way.Sighing, I ran my fingers across the mark on my cheek. I was still confused as to how I was able to be hurt when my body was still left there. I had wished that it was all but another vision but with me being able to sustain injuries, it was anything but a vis
Pulling the string of my bow back, I released my finger. Watching the arrow sail through the air, I sighed when the arrow hit straight into the fake body. I was currently in the training room for the soldier elves.Going against what William wanted me to do, I decided I needed to train. It had been nearly a year since I could use my bow. Being injured meant others had to protect me but not anymore. I was going to show them that I was able to go straight to Toban and take back Aurora. If anyone tried to get in my way, I'd get rid of them too.Pulling another arrow from the quiver, I aligned it up at the body. Gritting my teeth, I closed my eyes. Energy surged through my body, the feeling almost welcoming to me. Opening my eyes, I zeroed in on the area I wanted to hit."bel-," I whispered as my finger let go of the arrow. Hitting the target with a loud whistle, I watched the stuffed body burst into pieces. As soon as the arrow hit the body, it instantly exploded. Gazing at the falling h
Night had fallen upon the land of Athena quicker today. People who remained around the villages locked themselves in knowing what was to come. Rumours had spread about the night quicker than anything they had seen.Mothers had sent their children into secret tunnels hidden around villages, with the males rushing around to put on armour and find weapons. Something bad was coming and they could feel it. The days of the riders had finally vanished and all had now lost hope. It had been over a year now since the attack on the kingdom, and no one had hope.As the moon began to rise in the night sky, loud growls and chanting seemed to come from the woods. Those creatures of the night the riders had been able to keep locked away in the forest, now had free reign as the red moon began to make its way higher into the sky.Walking towards the stone table, Anna gripped the knife tighter in her hand. Lying on the table with nothing on, Markus' pale blue form lay still. All life had ceased when Ab
Walking down the long corridor that led to the holding cell, the sound of growls emitted from under the large wooden door at the far end only caused the man to smile. Pulling his long red cape closer to his body, he nodded at the man at the door.Once the door opened, his smirk grew in size as he gazed at the dragon in front of him. Barring her teeth at the rogues who tried to get closer to her, Aurora snapped her large teeth in warning. Laughing, the man walked closer catching Aurora's attention. Growling towards him in warning, she lowered her body."Easy now, we don't want to wear her out too quickly." He said.Stepping closer, the light caught his face causing Aurora to growl threateningly at him.Step closer and I'll make sure my jaws clamp around your face.As if he could hear her, the man raised his hand. "Be kind dragon... I'm not afraid to hurt you, or your precious rider."Growling, Aurora lowered her body further in warning. The chains around her rattled at her movement, th