The Twilight Children//The School for Good and Evil

34 ~ Ambush

. : Sebastian of Havfrue : .

Sebastian wrapped his fingers around the hilt of his sword, fixing steely blue eyes on Filip. The boy had only been here three days and had already thrown everything off balance. Sebastian had been so close to number one in the trial tryouts. He could have ensured that Tedros stayed far away and that Sophie and Agatha understood he was going to help them. Instead, this newcomer had decided to interfere.

Tedros was beaming, having been selected to enter the trial alongside Filip. There was a slightly stunned look on Filip's face, as though he himself couldn't believe he had chosen Tedros.

Sebastian scowled. He couldn't rely on Tedros to see the error of his ways and reconcile with Agatha. The best he could do in the trial was find Sophie and Agatha and help them to safety. His parents would likely shelter them.

Although the thought of being near his parents again made his heart tremor and the magic tuck deep inside. He hadn't seen them since he left for Neverland, and so much had changed since then. What would they say if they found out who he was? What had happened to him? Sebastian wanted their approval, but with this magic, he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to look them in the eyes again, let alone his people. A kingdom that hated magic wouldn't want a king that had magic. 

What he wouldn't give for a conversation with Melody right now.

"Okay, boys. To the gates of the Blue Forest."

A roar echoed around the chamber and Sebastian's hand trembled. They needed good and evil for balance. This was dangerous.

Slowly, he fell into line behind the rest of the trial contestants. He would have to be fast once he entered. He needed to find Laura, Agatha, and Sophie, he had to get them to safety. He didn't know what the boys, Aric, or Kendrick were up to, or if he was over worrying, but he wanted to get this trial over with. There couldn't be a war between the two schools, and definitely not between the entirety of the Fairytale world.

Sebastian dug his fingers into his belt, staring at the towering iron gates. The last time he had entered the Blue Forest for a trial, it had been from the opposite side. 

The boys around him clamoured excitedly, shouting at the sky about how the world would soon be returned to its rightful way. A few attempted to pat Sebastian on the shoulder, and he shrugged them off. He didn't want to betray them, but he had no choice. The balance required it.

Sebastian watched Filip enter the woods, followed closely by Tedros. He would be next.

He tilted his head back to look at the floating boards above. Sophie's name was lit up, along with Laura's. She was already in the woods.

He had no doubt she could defend herself, but they needed to get Sophie and Agatha away from the schools. Laura had to know of somewhere safe in the Endless Woods where they would get a small army together. 

Sebastian positioned himself in front of the gates. Only seconds now until the cannon went off. He ran his hands over his weaponry. His sword, embroidered with the crab of Havfrue rested in its hilt, a few small daggers were tucked in sleeves and his boot, and deep beneath his skin, the water magic thrummed, melting itself into his veins and chilling his skin. It was as if it knew what was coming.

A loud bang echoed behind him and the gates opened their maw. Sebastian ran his hand tightly over the hilt of his sword, before breaking into a jog and running into the Blue Forest.

The gates slammed behind him, plunging him into darkness. Long shadows of the Blue Forest stretched in front of him. Sebasitna had to move. He wasn't sure if Kendrick and Aric would come for him if he waited, but he wasn't going to take that chance.

Sebastian hesitated, unsure which way to head in the forest, searching for any clue. It was silent for a second until something tugged him forward. He didn't hesitate, the cannon ringing behind him. Kendrick would be entering now.

Sebastian began to run, dodging sapphire trees and bounding over streams. Something was calling, he had somewhere to be. 

He stumbled into a wide navy clearing, the moon shining above. He paused for a second, heaving for breath. The magic had settled, and his skin chilled. He didn't know where he was or why he needed to be here. He only knew that he had to get out of the main warpath. 

He stood again, scanning the clearing around him. A stream stretched in the far corner and the blue grass was doused in frost. Dark trees sprawled above him, blotting the night sky. If only he hadn't made the mistake of not looking up. 

He should've known the most dangerous people hide in trees.

As Sebastian scanned the clearing, a figure hit the group behind him, so silent that he only noticed once she had a knife to his throat and a blazing hand in front of him.

Sebastian's magic began to panic in time with his heartbeat. The smell of forest filled his lungs. 

"What are you doing?"