Inside Umbra's Ruins ✓ [Umbra's Fate #2]

ᴛᴡᴏ: ʟᴏʀᴄᴀɴ

The day of Agatha's disappearance:

Crows, Lorcan kept seeing them everywhere. His grandmother used to say that they were a bad omen, if there's a crow then there's adversity. What happens when there's a flock? A tragedy? The mere thought terrified him, the town had barely survived the wrath of the demons, another blow could be fatal.

Squawks polluted the air, startling unsuspecting villagers. Some feathers flew toward the young man as he went about his task. His afternoon had been spent among the rubble of the gazebo that used to be one of the jewels of Liberty Park, he offered his service after Agatha expressed that she wanted to go to her first session with the therapist alone.

The accumulated fatigue in his body as a result of cleaning the debris began to slow down his movements. A glance at his surroundings confirmed that he wasn't the only one affected by fatigue. Most of the volunteers took a break, away from the rock piles, enjoying the refreshing shade provided by the nearest trees.

Lorcan added another brick piece to the pile. He felt a few drops of sweat accumulate on his forehead, he used his worn shirt to wipe himself. Summer was near, so the sunlight attacked without mercy. Out of nowhere cold spread through the back of his neck, making him jump. He turned around and found his younger brother laughing as he held a bottle of water.

The oldest of the siblings crossed his hands over his chest, waiting for the other to calm down. Lorcan's gaze expressed his lack of patience, while Miles's green eyes shone with mischief.

"Sorry," said the youngest between laughter. "It was so funny, the strong protector jumping like a small bunny. I brought you something to drink."

"Thanks," answered Lorcan after accepting the beverage and taking a big sip.

"You should take a break. I don't even know how you lasted that long, I got tired after the first half hour. Why did you bring me to this torture?"

"You were the one who said you wanted to come so don't blame me. How're you going to join the Protectors if you can handle half an hour moving some rocks?"

"It's not the same, I can use my power to fight. You know I helped dad to stop the demons when they tried to enter our house on the day of the eclipse. I have the skills to be a hero, not to pick up the trash."

"Do you know that you have to work hard in training? You're not going to overcome a demon with your power alone. They are bigger and stronger than us, I bet you look like a kid next to them." Lorcan gave a pat on his brother's shoulder.

"What do you mean you bet? I'll look exactly like you do next to a demon, we have the same type of body and height."

"No way! I have more muscle."

"Keep dreaming, dude," answered Miles, then he punched the oldest chest while a playful smile formed on his face. "Besides, soon you'll be in the grampa category. Let the young people take care of it."

Their eyes met. After so many years of living together, they were able to predict their sibling's next move without words appearing. Thanks to that Miles was able to escape before Lorcan triggered his revenge. He ran with his brother in close pursuit.

"God, sometimes I can't handle teenagers," the oldest complained.

"You're getting slower, gramps!"

The taunts ignited a new determination in Lorcan, it was time to get serious. His speed increased, his movements became precise; the air hit his face and messed up his hair, some strands came out of his bun. The persecution seemed to be about to finish, he extended his arm to grab his brother's shirt.