Radiance - The Alight Archives Book #1

38. Cornered

Elaine's heart raced as she considered her options. She could shout for help, but the likelihood of anyone hearing her was slim. The day was coming to an end, and the sky was already darkening, which meant that there weren't many people out and about. She hadn't noticed a single face as Custas had led them to this secluded alley, and she doubted anyone would willingly put themselves in harm's way to help a stranger in distress, especially if they weren't even equipped with a wand. 

The town of Lakestone was a quaint and peaceful place, nestled in the lap of nature. It was relatively small compared to the average city meant for the upper class, but it had its own charm. When she had originally visited Lakestone with Fearne—the very same day they became acquainted with Custas—she had observed a few military officers patrolling the neighborhood. 

Each of them was armed with a runerifle, and they looked sharp in their uniforms, although they were few and far between, and every squad only consisted of two or three officers. However, Elaine couldn't help but wish that she had at least one well-trained soldier as opposed to none.

As the three strangers approached, Elaine could hear Fearne's nervous squeak beside herself. They moved forward in perfect unison, almost as if they had practiced this encounter many times before. With her senses on high alert, Elaine shot a glance at the wand holstered on her waist. If these individuals were sorcerers, or rather, sorcerers with ill intent, she realized that she would need the power of magic to protect herself.

Elaine started as Kliff stepped forward, positioning himself between her and Fearne and the three intimidating figures. Despite the overwhelming sense of fear threatening to consume her, she couldn't help but admire Kliff's composure. There wasn't a trace of hesitation or anxiety on his face, only a determined frown and a set jaw that conveyed his unwavering resolve to keep them safe. "That's far enough!" he shouted. Elaine noticed his hand inching towards his wand holster, a subtle gesture that reinforced his readiness for a possible confrontation. 

Elaine was caught off guard, however, when the three of them actually listened to Kliff's demand. She had been apprehensive, wondering if these strangers were dangerous or not. But seeing them stop in place just a few meters away from her, she felt a sigh of relief escape her lips. It was a reassuring sign that these men were not psychos—or worse, mad mages—and that perhaps an understanding or a conversation could be initiated.

"That's good," Kliff nodded. "Now, how's about you explain yourselves? Who are you, and what do you want from us?"

"From you?" the one at the front muttered. "Please, we're not interested in any of you. We're only here for him."

Elaine didn't have to look where his finger pointed, and Custas cursed behind her. Kliff made a tiny peak over his shoulder. "Him?" Kliff asked, confused. "So, I'm assuming you've already met one another?"

"Unfortunately, that happens to be the case," Custas grunted.

"That bastard wronged us!" the leader spat with vitriol. "We've come to make him pay for what he's done!"

Elaine narrowed her eyes, peering intently at the three figures standing before her. It took a moment for her to uncover that they weren't the dangerous criminals or rogue sorcerers that her imagination had conjured up. As her vision adjusted to the dim light, she could see that the boys were roughly her own age, possibly a little older.

They were all wearing the familiar navy-blue Glyph Academy uniforms with gray pants and a red tie, as well as a blue-colored cape fixed on their shoulder. Elaine was momentarily taken aback—these boys were students, just like her and her friends. But she just couldn't place them; she had never seen them before in any of her classes or around the campus, and so her confusion only deepened.