"Shire City?" I whispered.
The last words that I heard from the man was 'Long live the King'. Sa pagkakatanda ko ang tawag sa kanila ay Ahedres Mafia. Ito yung ginawang plano nina Mama nung pekeng kinidnap si Cato. Those people who said those words were part of the organization and now, I'm digging more information of them.
No one knows na nandito ako sa Grounds Archive. The rule was no one is allowed to go inside, not even the August. Ang tanging makakapasok lang ay ang mga kataas-taasan. Everything in here were secrets that should stay unknown to everyone. I shouldn't be here, but I have to. Kailangan kong malaman kung saan ko makikita ang Ahedres Mafia. To save Nikolai.
I let everyone down. The last time I saw my mom was with Diem. Kanina nung tumakbo ako papalayo sa kanila. Simula nun hindi na ako nagpakita. I am ashamed. Wala akong mukhang maipapakita sa kanila. After what I did. After thinking hard, the only thing that I could redeem myself from them is to save Nikolai. Pero kahit hindi ko man maibalik yung unang reputasyon ko ay gagawin ko pa yun.
"Saan ko naman makikita 'to?" I asked myself.
Nakita ko na sa isang libro kung saan makikita ang Ahedres Mafia. Malalaman mo kung taga-Ahedres sila dahil sa suot nilang singsing na may simbolo ng King sa larong chess. I have the location, but it is new to me.
As I was about to give up, a folded paper was peeking from the shelves. Out of curiosity, I reached out for it and unfold it.
Nakaramdam ako ng galak at sabik nang makitang mapa pala ito. It was a map to where I can find the Shire City! I trailed my fingers on the map trying to find the city. Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig nang makita yung lokasyon ng Shire City. Apparently it wasn't all that new to me. It wasn't long since lumipat kami the moment everyone knew about the black letter that I received. Doon ko nakilala ang malupit na mundo.
Oh no. I can't believe I'm going back.
I heaved a deep sigh. If ever I'll cross paths with the people— person specifically— I shouldn't be affected. Tama. Hindi dapat ako magpaapekto. Being in this island was hell. What could be worst?
It's now or never.
I sneekily climb myself to my room's window para makapasok. I can't go in using the door. Alam kong kanina pa naghihintay sina mama sa pagbalik ko. Baka nasa sala lang sila habang hinihintay ako.
Dahan-dahan akong humakbang papalapit sa kabinet ko. Nilagay ko sa backpack ko ang mga gamit na kakailanganin ko. Damit, cash kahit baril. I don't need to bring my phone. Baka kasi ma-track ako nina Mama at alam kong ayaw nilang nasa panganib ako. They would do all they can to stop me.
Lumapit ako sa study table ko saka umupo sa silya. Kumuha ako ng maliit na papel at saka ballpen. The Grounds is weak without the August. Kaya kailangan ko ng substitute to take my place while I'm gone.
Anna,
Sorry if I have to do this. I need to save Nikolai. Pasensya na dahil hindi ko masabi sa'yo ng personal. Alam ko kasing pipigilan mo ako sa desisyon ko. I can't let anyone stop me.
Can you look after the Grounds for me? The reapers needed an August and I don't think they see me as one anymore. I believe you are the most qualified for it. You've been there. You are the best leader I've met.
Don't worry. I'll be okay.
-Via
P.S. Say sorry to Mama and Papa for me.
Nakabuntong-hininga kong inilapag yung ballpen sa mesa. No matter how much I wanted to tell her my plans, I can't. Siya yung pinakapinagkatiwalaan kong kaibigan. Sa kanya ko lang sinasabi ang lahat. Kaya parang nakaramdam ako ng lungkot dahil hindi ko masabi-sabi sa kanya yun. I feel awful.
BINABASA MO ANG
The Legacy (COMPLETED)
Novela JuvenilI thought I was the type of girl perfectly described as a beautiful garden on a hillside next to the sunset. The type where I bloom everyday with peace and elegance. But, boy am I wrong. The thought of me being fragile is so far from me being a bloo...
