The Light of Roria

Chapter Nine

Ripping open the door, I raced to my car, tears profusely rushing down my face, Starting the car I peeled out of the driveway, just as Elijah rushed forward.

"Addisyn!" He shouted, chasing after my car. I could feel my body flinch; struggling to resist the desire to pull over and take him with me, but I couldn't risk my mother's life. I would face this alone.

Blasting through the stop sign, I screamed as another car attempted to avoid me, its horn blaring. The car missed me by half an inch, my heart pounding in my chest. Every inch of me shook with fear making it difficult to concentrate on the road.

As I raced down every street, taking turns dangerously fast, what was only a ten minute drive felt like hours. I feared that with each passing second, their lives were coming closer to an end.

When I finally reached their street, I came to a screeching stop in front of their home, the outside was peaceful, showing no signs of disturbance.

I raced for the front door before falling to my knees, my fear catching up with me once again with a sob. I shook my head, pounding my fist against the pathway."Get up, Addisyn. Come on!" I cried out, forcing myself to stand. For a moment, my hand froze midair, frightened at what I might discover upon opening the door, before forcing my unwilling body to comply.

"Mom, Dad! Where are—"

Coming to halt, I saw them lying across the living-room floor. Gashes and wounds covered their bodies, my eyes falling on the dark elf that stood before them, smiling at his handiwork. "I see you've come alone. Wise decision." He told me.

Focused on my parents, I hadn't even realized that I was on the floor crawling toward them until the creature's sword was inches from my face.

"I can heal them of their wounds and make them forget all they have seen. But for a price."

"Name it," I said without question, knowing some of their wounds were likely fatal and time was running out.

"Your life for theirs. A fair trade."

"Done," I said, my eyes glued on my mother and father. Their bodies were still, but shallow breathing informed me they were alive. I didn't have to second guess my choice

The creature raised his sword above his head as I slowly closed my eyes. My mother's voice was faint; my mind was miles away, but what I did hear sounded like the softest "no." Before that moment, I had never considered my own death, but I hoped it would come swiftly.

Not even a second passed before a bellowing cry filled the room, Elijah appearing suddenly before us, wildly swinging his sword and impaling the elf who'd endeavored to take my life. The creature vanished, leaving nothing but an eery mist.

Elijah turned to me, quickly falling to his knees. "Addisyn, are you hurt?"

Appearing directly behind Elijah was another creature. I tried to shout in warning, but I was too late. The elf picked him up, and Elijah flew across the room and into a far wall.

"No!" I cried out, drawing the creature's attention on me. Backing away slowly, I positioned myself like a shield between the creature and my parents.

From the other room, Elijah's screams crackled through the air like thunder, followed by a rushing wind that stirred the curtains and shifted the picture frames as it passed; carrying his sword through the air until it pierced its target. Elijah was soon at my side. Inspecting my father first, he placed his ear close to my father's face. "He's alive, just unconscious. The wound to his leg is severe, and I fear that if the blood is not stopped, he could lose his life."