Destiny Written

Chapter 12

Arden drank the warm cup of coffee. Dark, bitter, and enough to keep him awake. It was well past midnight now, but sleep wouldn't come. Jalen was asleep on the couch while Ten was on the floor, slouched against the wall, arms crossed, asleep, too.

He was on the first watch. They were safe in this small apartment, but nevertheless, one could never know if trouble was around the corner.

And trouble was.

The room was dark. Darker because the window was covered with heavy curtains. But then, there was a wail. The sound of a siren, fading in and out. In and out.

The chair softly sounded with a scrape as Arden stood up and went to the window. He peeked between. The entire city was lit in a bright, glaring light. The wailing continued.

And then something fell.

Then, again. And again. And again in consecutive beats.

This time, Jalen startled awake. "The bells," she hoarsely said. "Warning bells." She scrambled to a standing position. She joined Arden at the window, pushing the curtains open. "All the lights are on," she whispered. "Not good."

"Not good?" Arden repeated, watching Jalen go to Ten.

"Ten!" She pushed him awake. "Ten!"

His eyes snapped open. "What?"

"Listen!" she hissed.

His eyes widened and stood with her, too.

"What do they mean?" Arden insisted.

Jalen's face turned pale. "Breach."

"Breach?"

"Get Corvera," said Ten gravely. "They're going to lock down everything."

Arden rushed into the room. "Corvera." He shook her awake and she groggily awoke. He scooped her up. "We're in danger," he hastily explained.

Returning to the main room, Ten and Jalen both had their jackets and hoods on. Arden pulled his up, too.

"Has there been a breach before?" asked Arden.

"Never. This is Elicien. Impenetrable, indomitable," said Ten.

"So what happened? Who breached?" demanded Arden.

"I don't know! I-"

"Citizens of Elicien!" A voice echoed from outside.

They froze still. Arden knew that voice. Ba-bum, ba-bum, ba-bum.

"Who is that?" whispered Corvera from his arms.

"I understand that you've never been breached before. What a triumph." Her voice was lovely and charming. She was taught how to speak from a young age. With grace and poise. Words were just as deadly as knives. "You are a victory of your own selves. But today..." she paused, the effect concise, "is a different day."

Ten went to the window, sliding the curtain open. "Ignis," he breathed lowly.

"Ignis?" hissed Jalen, rushing to his side, peering out like he was. "Stars of Evran, there's four dragons perched on the wall."

"What are they looking at?" Corvera squirmed, curiosity peaking her little brain.

He remained as still as possible, letting Corvera slide out of his arms. She ran to the window, squeezing herself between Ten and Jalen.

Arden's feet were hammered to the floor. His heart galloped a million miles. How is this possible?

"I'm not here to destroy Elicien," the haunting voice continued. "Shocking, isn't it? I do not like easy victories. Victories are meant to be fought and won, earned through blood and scars. Today, I will not conquer Elicien. Today, I am looking for someone important. IN exchange for her, Elicien will continue to stand. Your officials believe in my word for they allowed me to stand here before you to make an announcement. In the space of an hour, my Deathslayers will be allowed to roam the village, searching for the girl."