Elements

Chapter 3/ Ash

I felt my sister's mind shut down and I screamed. NO, NO, NO, I thought.

I started running to find Kaiden and tell him what happened.

This cannot happen; I can't lose my sister, not now. I thought of what Mom would be like. I imagined her: she would be so broken. I won't see her like that.

I can't see her like that.

My mind raced as I ran into the throne room. Ryland was there.

"Where's Kaiden? I need to see him now."

"Chill out. Why do you need to see him so bad?" He asked.

My eyes filled with tears as I explained what had happened to Shade. His eyes widened in panic. The tears fell and I started sobbing. Ryland ran a hand through his hair and asked how long ago this had happen.

"Around ten minutes ago." I tried to say. I sank to the ground, thinking of what would happen if we didn't find my sister. The sobs came faster and faster, as I thought of one outcome.

What if she was killed?

                I started to bring myself under control, knowing that if I continued to panic, my sister might not be found. As soon as I stopped sobbing, I stood up. I composed myself and asked Ryland again where Kaiden was.

"He's in a meeting."

"Where?" He didn't say anything. "Ryland. Where is he?"

"He's in the lounge." I started walking towards the door leading to the lounge. Ryland was about to step in front of me but then he received my glare. I swung the door open and all conversation stopped.

"Ash." Kaiden stated. He looked good in his tight, leather... STOP.

I made myself looked stoic as I said, "It's Shade. I need to speak to you alone."

"I'm in a meeting. Can't it wait?"

I glared at him. "If you want her to die, then please take your sweet time. I don't mind." I spat at him. Then, he realized how bad the problem was.

"I apologize but I have matters to attend to. We can continue this another time perhaps?"

The men all murmured that the meeting could wait.

I walked out of the room with purpose in my steps. Kaiden followed me.

"Now. Ash, can you explain?" He stared at me with a calculating look, which looked sexy on his face.

I explained quickly and watched for a reaction. His face would have been priceless if the situation was funny.

He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He breathed deeply.

"We need to find her. Now."

"Really? I didn't know that. Thanks for informing me on that, you highness." I hissed.

He rolled his eyes and told me that even though she was my sister, I shouldn't freak out.

"Thank you for that advice." I said, trying to be nicer. I sighed.

"I'll get the guards together to do a search of the castle." He said, sensing my distress.

"She had said she was somewhere dark when the person put the rag over her mouth." I said.

He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. "Thanks." He turned and walked back to the meeting. Before he opened the door, he turned back towards me and said, "We'll find her. I promise you that we will, Ash. I know how special she is to you and how your powers only work when you two are together. She will be found. Besides, she was never good at hiding." He smiled one last time before walking in the room, letting the door close behind him, softly.

Ryland told me that he would look for Shade, while I slept for a while.

I walked into my room and flopped down on my bed. I let a couple tears fall.

Soon, I feel asleep dreaming of my sister.