The ashes we left behind

Chapter 1

As I open the door, the silence of the room hits me hard. Indeed, Hailey, my older sister, isn't used to be that calm. She has the habits to put the volume of the TV up to the point that even the other side of the city could hear it. Moreover, everything is dark which is really strange.

"Hailey!" I call while closing the door behind me.

Nobody answers. Maybe she is outside trying to play the hero with her group of friends. Actually, it's more than a simple friend squad. They really help the city. So I shouldn't be criticizing them. Anyway, Hailey promised that she would be here to watch the second season of our favorite show together. And when my sister makes a promise, she applies it: one of the many qualities she has got.

I put my bag on the nearest table before walking to the light switch. Except that the moment I'm about to put my hand on it, I feel someone's arm around my waist before their hand gets to my mouth. I try to scream for help and protest until I hear a voice whispering in my ear, "Shut your trap, dumbass."

It's my sister's voice which reassures me. I stop from panicking and let her lead me to my bedroom. She still doesn't turn the lights on.

When she finally closes the door, she says, "Kenzie, are you ok?"

"What is happening? Why are we hiding here in the dark? Why- "

"Did someone attack you when you were coming?" Hailey cuts me.

"Yes... I mean no. Of course not. Who would attack Hailey Miller's sister?"

"Oh...stop playing silly and answer to my questions! Did someone follow you?"

"No, why? Give me explanation- "

A loud noise interrupts me. Someone has just opened the door in a violent way. Hailey swears and I retain a surprised cry. I don't have the time to move when my sister grabs my arm and takes me to the drawer.

"Hide there", she orders me in the voice she uses when she talks to her gang.

She doesn't wait for me to say something. Instead, she pushes me inside the small drawer.

"Miller!" we hear a male's voice shout. "Miller... Stop hiding like a coward... Come' on! I'm not going to hurt you. Are you scared?"

"Kenzie, listen to me", Hailey murmurs as she takes off her favorite necklace from which hangs one single key. I have never had the occasion to ask her about it. "Go to Connor and the others and stay with them. But don't show the necklace to anyone. One day, you're going to need the key. Nobody should know about it. And if anyone tries to attack you, use what I've taught you. Always keep your head up and never ever trust anyone... Oh and tell them that he is back. Tell them that- "

She doesn't have the time to finish. In fact, the man is trying ti open my bedroom's door.

"Hailey," I mumble. "What is happening?" My voice is breaking and tears are starting to come.

"I'll be alright. Just be careful, ok?"

"No, no! Let me help you."

"You're already helping me by doing exactly what you have to or else we would both get hurt by him. You're my only chance to save me and the city. So shut up and become a shadow."

"Hailey... Please don't."

Because of the darkness, I can't see her face's traits but I know that she's giving me a small smile the kind of smile that says, "I'm sorry".

I try my best not to take her in my arms. I know I should believe her. The girl is always right. She knows what she's doing. It doesn't change my feelings. My whole body is shaking. I'm scared and not for me because nothing is going to happen to me. I'm afraid for what could happen to Hailey.

I take a deep breath while watching the drawer's door getting closed and it's certainly the last time I see my sister.