A Tale Of Peculiars

CHAPTER SIX: WHEN DAY BREAKS

As if the weather knew what is about to happen, the sun didn't shine the next day. The skies are dark and gloomy. The heavy clouds poured the rain they carried down on the roofs, hard. Usually the pitter-patter of water droplets would make me feel calm but not today.

I opened my eyes and sat up feeling groggy. I stared out the window with my head resting against the side of the bed. I shifted my attention to a line of ants crawling on the floorboards.

Why am I on the floor again?

Oh right, something happened last night. I just can't remember all the major details. All I know is that as soon as Felice and Nicholas recovers we will be taken to the Capital for execution. I also know that someone or rather something wants us out. Out from where?

Execution?

I fixed my sitting position. I pressed my palm against my head and squeezed my eyes shut. I looked around the room. Its as disheveled as always. Old Midnight is nowhere to be found.

The door creaked open, its sound made me whip my head to see the twins peeking through the small gap.

"May we come in?" Katherine asked.

"Yes," I replied.

Katherine went in first, holding a tray. Christine right behind her. She set the tray on the floor beside me.

"You didn't eat anything last night and its already past noon. Christine and I thought it'd be good if we brought you food," she explained, sitting on the floor across me.

Christine plopped down on my bed. "Papa left last night, he was furious."

I looked down. The tray consists of a bowl of soup, two spring rolls and a mug of water. Its not much, but its enough to make my stomach growl. I reached for the soup and began to wolf it down. When I finished I apologized for eating like an animal in front of my sisters when I'm supposed to be a god role model for them.

A good role model.

I scoffed internally. They know you're in death row. They know you're not a good role model. Not just to them but to everyone else in the village.

Suddenly my eyes felt tired and drowsy. I shook my head and tried to focus.

"Are you alright, Isabel?" Christine asked. I froze. She never addressed me by my full name.

I shook the feeling off and nodded. She's my sister, surely she isn't planning anything bad against me. I sighed and shifted my attention to the window instead.

"You were talking to yourself last night. Katherine didn't hear because she went to sleep. I heard growling. And when I looked out the window it was super dark like the moon and the stars had completely disappeared. Then the light slowly came back. Then I heard a loud crash from your room. I wanted to investigate but I was too scared," Christine said. Her voice trembly. I was about to say something when she added, "I saw something else."

My blood ran cold. I let out shaky breaths.

Could it be?

No, its impossible.

But what if?

No, no. It can't be.

You have to make sure.

I swallowed the lump in my throat.
Katherine did not say anything. She just stared at me wide eyed.

"W-What did you see?" I reluctantly asked.

"It looked like a shadow."

I almost choked on air.

"What did you say?" I turned to look at my sister. "Christine, what did you say? A shadow?"