Enigma (ON HOLD)

Chapter 3

My life was always sacred to my father, he would do anything for me, no matter the cost. But that was precisely the problem, he was willing to lose everything for me and I hate it.

Five days since I left Aqetall and five days of hell. When I got my acceptance letter for Woodside I was beyond excited, I thought I could have a fresh start where I could be myself, but I was wrong. Now that I am here, I feel drained, as if I'm running on autopilot just waiting to crash. Regardless of it all though I'm still here, in this school and in this extra study class. Spending 2 and a half hours doing math after all the students have finished for the day. Luckily, my teachers so sweet, she understands the difficulties I was facing and the toll it has taken on me.

When the clock struck 6.30 pm I packed up my books before thanking Miss Vistel and heading to the dorms. The sun was starting to set causing the air to chill slightly as I walked back to my dorm. After clambering up the stairs and fumbling in my bag to find my keys I finally open the door to my room.

"How was math?" Davina asks hanging upside down off her bed.

"Hell" I give her a small smile before getting changed into workout clothes and throwing my hair into a ponytail.

"Heading out back?"

"Yeah, I need some breathing space," I reply tying my laces and grabbing my jacket.

"Okay, the group are meeting up later if you want to come." She smiles sitting up and facing me.

"Where and when?"

"Jaspers room, 9 pm. We can introduce you to Hunter, the only member of our little group that you haven't met and coincidently Jaspers roommate." She beams.

"Okay, we will see. Depends on when I finish training" I smile heading out the door.

Walking through the alleyway I see the figure again, standing and watching from afar. Trying not to think too much of it I head to the assault course, well that was before I was interrupted.

"And she returns, how's the underworld princess tonight?" he grins leaning against the wall with a cigarette between his teeth.

"Malachi. You do know smoking is bad for you." I reply stopping but refusing to look back.

"Your one to talk." He smirks. I turn on my heels and decide to join him, giving up on my plans to work out. We sit in silence for what feels like hours, just enjoying each other's company drowned in smoke as the sun disappears behind the trees. My mind running a thousand miles an hour, just trying to figure everything out.

"We can't do this," I break the silence, his head snaps around in confusion. "We can't talk, be friends or whatever."

"Why not?" he asks with a knowing tone.

"Because it won't just hurt my dad, it will get us both killed, our parents don't fuck about, and your father wouldn't hesitate to put me down if he could. Mine would do the same to you. But I'm pretty sure you already know all this." I sigh in realisation.

"So we don't let them find out." He smiles, a genuine smile

"I am keeping so many secrets right now, every single one can get me killed-"

"So, one more can't hurt then." He cuts me off, putting out his cigarette as I do the same.

"it's not that easy, everything is so fucked up right now." He turns to face me. "Shit, sorry it's not your problem,"

"I don't mind" he was analysing my face, paying attention to every detail.

"I barely know you," I say quietly putting my jacket on. Grabbing another cigarette from the pocket in the process.

"We have time" he smirks, I put the cigarette between my lips grabbing my lighter.

"I don't think we do" I finish, going to light my cigarette but he's quicker, grabbing it out my mouth.

"We will if you stop chain-smoking." He chuckles and I can't help but smile.

"Fuck you," I joke grabbing it from him but instead of lighting it, I put it back in the packet.

"Please do." He smirks making me laugh once more.

"I have to go," I stand up. Glancing at the tree line expecting to see the figure but there wasn't just one anymore, there were two.

"Awh come on I was joking" he chuckles also standing.

"Do you see that?" I ignore his comment, my eyes glued to the figures.

"Yeah," he mumbles, suddenly serious. "That's creepy, who are they?"

"I don't know. It has been the same hooded figure since I arrived but now there is two. Taking photos and notes of my every movement." I explain, Malachi's jaw clench's making me suddenly aware of how much I have told him. "Never mind though, my problem and all. I'm already late so I will see you around. Bye Santoro." I tear my eyes away from the figures and begin to walk to Jaspers dorm. Barely hearing his reply.

"Bye, princess."

This world is strange, with so much division and hate. So much wrong with little right. In any other circumstance, I would be concerned about the figure but at the end of the day, I can fight, I can manipulate fire and I'm training. A couple of guys in black hoodies don't scare me anymore. My days are numbered and have been ever since my father's life became public knowledge.

Every enemy he has ever had is coming in hoards to kill his weakness. I'm the weakness, Malachi, Davin, Jasper, and everyone else just put my life and theirs more at risk. If I have a weakness, then I'm no longer the target. If they kill me, they kill my father.

The rumours are true, he is building an army but not to start another war, the opposite. He wants to avoid war, to protect me from everyone that wants to hurt him. But he's wrong if he believes I will hide behind an army, behind him, If they want to break the truce and start a war between bloods then I will be on the front line, turning them all to ash. This is my fight as well now and I'm not backing down.

My life was always sacred to my father, he would do anything for me, no matter the cost. But that was precisely the problem, he was willing to lose everything for me and I hate it, but at the end of the day, he was the only one willing to do anything to keep me safe and despite how much I hated it, I'm alive because of it.