The Lost Heir

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

“Alden”

 I woke up again to the weird voice calling out to me. It sounded more like an echo but it felt very familiar. It has been waking me up every morning, bringing the same comfort I'd feel whenever I'd wake up. It didn't matter much though, it was the same every morning. Waking up all tired, sweaty, my heart beating erratically and the pounding in my head unbearable. My memories were foggy as well.. It was as if my brain didn't want me to remember the obvious nightmare I had the night before. And I honestly didn't want to either. I figured that whatever it was, it wasn't worth it. Keeping only happy memories was the one thought I try to live with.

 Sighing heavily, I forced myself out of bed and got ready for school. It felt good to be walking the way to school again after the real short break we'd had. The light cold breeze fanning my face and the sound of animals and trees felt refreshing this early in the morning. A sense of calmness would overtake my body and mind whenever I'd walk through these trees. Regardless of what the others would say, living in the middle of a forest, life was very peaceful.

 I arrived at school just a few minutes before the ceremony started. It was my graduation and I couldn't wait to finally be done with school. I did not want to ever set foot in that place ever again, nor did I want to see any of my classmates. You see, aside from being a loner I was also among those who'd have the best grades. It was quite obvious why neither the students nor the parents would like me. According to them only those who had the financial and emotional support of their family could be successful- and I had neither. They were a little too orthodox if you'd ask me, but then again we lived in a pretty much underdeveloped and unvisited village.

 It was a prosperous one. The crops would grow well and there’d be enough for everyone. The animals were also in good health. The only times there would be any kind of progress would be when those residents who’d left the village would come back with new things they’ve learned. The villagers were still as close minded as ever.

 The day, however, would have been better if not for that awfully eerie feeling at the back of my head. I could feel the stare of whoever it was. It was there, but whenever I'd wander my eyes around the room I'd find none. The students, although they weren't paying attention but talking to themselves in hushed voices, had their eyes fixed on the podium, just like the teachers, waiting for the headmaster to be done with his very long speech. I decided to let it go and just get on with the day. I just wanted to feel happy that I, finally, showed everyone that I was not worthless as they'd always say. That I, too, could be among the top. Although I did miss the spot for the valedictorian, I was far too happy to care.

 A happy smile was on my face when I hurried home. I really didn't want to stay there, watching every other kid with their parents and family take pictures with flowers in their hands. I didn't want to feel awkward standing there like a fool. And, trust me it's one of the worst feelings ever- I've felt it countless times. No one would have stayed if they were in my place either.

 It felt even more creepy at home though. I was being watched again. “But who'd come here? I'm overthinking again,” I sputtered to myself. But it was true. No one would walk through these trees. They were all scared of what they'd find. Me living in the middle of it for some reason- that I'd probably never know- somehow made the forest look more scary. But I still couldn't shake off the feeling- it was sending chills down my back. The atmosphere was too heavy. I tried to focus if I could sense anyone outside but the only thing I heard were the chirping of the bird and rustling of the trees, probably due to the wind and other animals- it was nothing out of the ordinary. 

 I hurriedly changed my clothes and went towards the church. I didn't want to dwell too much on the negative energy that had been stuck to me for a while. “I've taken the day off my part time job for a reason,” I reminded myself. “Let's go and retrieve my belongings,” I said aloud to try and cheer myself up and made a dash towards my destination.