Empire of Shadows

Chapter 2: Haylee

In Lys, the capital of Fields of the Light, people were scurrying from left to right. It was late in the morning and the streets were already busy. Children, played with wooden swords, when the women washed and hung wet cloths.

Inns were crowded with new visitors and outside shops were full of merchants, trying to sell their daily goods. In the distant, where schools were located, were hearable shouts and commands of teachers, showing students the right way to use their powers. Air was scented with fresh fruits, blossom flowers and balmy greens. Sweet summer breeze blew just from the west and the sun was high enough to heat up the body.

Haylee and Harvey Light couldn't be any happier today. They were finally old enough to participate in annual beast hunt. Celebrated their 16th birthday, they were officially called "adults" from now on.

However, these two were always naughty and playful, breaking any rules possible. So, in fact, twins continued their foolish jokes and tricks, annoying older brother Desmond and getting punished by Lady Light, who couldn't stand rebellious and riotous disciples.

Clan's image of fairness, purity and honor was of great significance for her. She cared so much for their clan's reputation to the point where it often raised disquiet. Edlyn Light did not even hesitate to use physical force against disobedience, making no exceptions.

Even so her children still played pranks on people. And today their victim was Desmond. He was their favorite. Always too morose and too sullen, he fell for their tricks inevitably.

Desmond was sunbathing outside the tavern. His silvery blond hair was lightly blown by the summer wind, making it a a bit messy, his almond shaped brown eyes softly shone and his creamy skin sparkled with rays of sunshine. A homely girl approached him and poured intoxicating red wine, collected from southern harvest. Haylee and Harvey hid behind the corner, upholding small giggles. Everything was going as it was planned.

Desmond took a small sip, smiling to a serving girl. His smile quickly died, when he felt his tongue burning from the spicy hot taste. Blonde guy found himself opening and closing his mouth like a fish, which was thrown out of the water. The taste was so tangy, his face turned a vermeil tomato and a maiden exclaimed: "Somebody, please, bring some water to this Young Master!"

She started muttering apologies, claiming she didn't know the wine was too spicy. Then Harvey and Haylee made their appearance, offering a small bottle of water. Desmond desperately took it, not looking at his saviors.

After some sips, he cleared his vision, glancing at rescuers gloomily. "You bastards!" he spitted, rising his posture from the table.

"What, brother? We helped you and this is how you thanking us?" Harvey theatrically sighed and threw hands.

Desmond only tsked and rolled his eyes. "Don't pretend I know it was your tricks again."

"At least you tasted the real burning hot wine," winked Haylee and twins chuckled. "Miss, don't blame yourself. As you see our brother is fine and it was none of your fault," Haylee turned to the serving girl, who looked both shocked and relieved.

"Y-yes, I-I won't, thank you." She responded swiftly and then in an instant, fled, too scared to assume what they will do next.

"Humph, you spoiled my wine," unhappily noted Desmond, glancing over the table.

"But we brought good news instead," licked his lips Harvey and seated himself next to his brother.

"Good for you or good for me?" skeptically raised a brow older one.

"I believe it's good for our clan," acknowledged Haylee, taking a seat too.

"And what is it?" snorted Desmond.