The Girl of Shadows [COMPLETE]

Fourteen

["We'll burn so bright the sky will set on fire, and we'll fly forever young into the night sky that calls our names." -Stories on her lips]

Despite all the excitement, and possible adrenaline rush, I decided to stay calm as much as I could. Jumping off the walls from impatience was not worth all the energy burn out. I am one who could vouch for excessive levels of hyperactivity.

My curious eyes wandered from each end of the window against the armchair I was propped in. I was in fuzzy pajamas and socks, wrapped in an equally warm blanket. The window was covered in frost. I guess he'd visited already, because it was full of intricate patterns.

I'd watch the squirrels and birds live freely in their homes, envious to great lengths. I felt so hidden - perhaps secluded - from the world that we so unfortunately live in. I wanted to see it. To experience things. But I was stuck in here hiding from everyone because I'm a convicted felon, or so the news said.

Behind me stood Niko, dressed the same, observing my bored movements. I tried to ignore that I knew he was there for dramatic effect, but I gave in to the temptation and turned to face him. He was as always amused, smirking away the urge to burst into laughter. What about having a desire to be in the world was funny? I didn't get it, but Niko was unpredictable.

"Bored, daydreamer?" He asked, squatting. "Yeah. Just can't wait."

"Well you're gonna have to. So deal with it. That's life." I wanted to smack him silly, but that'd be a ruin to what we plan to do in the morning.

"I know. Impatience is cruel." I chuckled as I sank into the chair some more.

"Indeed it is." He sighed, closing his eyes then opened them again.

"Do you ever just... wonder... about people?" I asked, pausing to find the right words without fail.

"Sometimes. People are insufferable, nonetheless. The human race is doomed if you ask me." He seriously explained. His brow was furrowed, and I guessed he was frustrated.

"Why do you say that?" I questioned, chortling to relax his ever growing tension.

"I've seen some things, Hannah. And they're not pretty," He began, " Some I wish I could permanently erase, however, it doesn't work like that."

"Right." I acknowledged. He sighed once again.

"People are selfish. Only looking out for themselves. They're jealous and greedy. We, on the other hand, were raised right. Yet, we still have these attributes no matter how small."

"And the way they treat us... is why Cedric decided to seclude us."

I was dumbfounded. I had always fantasized how people would kindly greet others like in the books, but reality was altered. And absolutely imperfect.

"What.. do they.. Uh.. do?" I stammered, afraid to ask. He shook his head. If I were him, I'd dodge the question too. It was probably too brutal for me to hear. Then again, I was an adult. What's the worst that can happen?

"They beat us. Set our homes on fire. Cause scandals. Anything they can do to get us in trouble. Kids in school are bullied and mistreated. And the C's live in poverty like it's nobody's business." He snapped. His tone was angry. And he wanted justice. I could see it burn in his eyes like wildfire.

"No wonder this world is awful." I scoffed, turning to the window.

"More than awful. It's disgusting."

Our conversation lessened my want to find the talismans. I felt scared for my life, burned at the stake like a witch, hair cut short and screams echoing for miles. Reading that scene in the history books always ruined my mood - or even my day, depending on the time i read it - and thinking about being in that situation. It formed goosebumps on the surface of my arms, chilling me to the bone.