Foxglove

Chapter VIII - Avalaline

9 Years Ago

Flames encapsulated the village, trapping the innocent inhabitants inside their homes, their screams echoing through the night. Amid the chaos, a figure emerges from the shadows, melding with the darkness as if it were their natural habitat. The figure moves swiftly and silently, navigating through the flames with an otherworldly grace. Their eyes, piercing and cold, scan the burning village with a sense of purpose.

To Kill.

Screams fill the air as the merciless invaders pillage, plunder, and massacre, their thirst for blood insatiable. Amidst the chaos, a sudden gust of wind stirs, carrying with it the scent of blood and smoke as the village burns to ashes. Within this discord of chaos, a small family of three hides in the musty cellar beneath their home, praying for salvation from the ravages of the invaders that have plagued their land. A small girl, tears streaming down her face. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Her parents were her only hope in this chaotic and terrifying moment. A sudden pounding at the entrance to the cellar interrupts the family's desperate prayers, sending a shiver of fear cascading down their spines.

They. Are. Here.

The Mother and Father hide the ten-year-old girl inside a dusty barrel, their loving gazes full of sorrow and determination. They whisper promises of protection and find comfort in knowing that their sacrifice may ensure her survival. With a heavy heart, the parents ready themselves to face the imminent danger, their minds focused on buying time for their beloved daughter. The door to the cellar bursts open, and a group of heavily armed soldiers flood in, their armour shining in the dim light. A soldier raises his blade and brings it down upon the terrified parents, silencing their cries and extinguishing their hopes in an instant. A surge of rage and grief engulfs the young girl as she witnesses her parents' gruesome fate, her small hands clenching into fists. The soldiers revel in their victory, their laughter echoing in the cellar as they leave behind the lifeless bodies of the girl's parents unaware of the girl's presence.

As the soldiers exit the cellar, their voices fading into the distance, the girl slowly emerges from her hiding place. She makes her way towards her fallen parents, their lifeless bodies a heartbreaking sight. She reaches out to touch their cold faces, her tears mixing with the blood that stains their still forms. As she cries her heart out clutching the bodies of the parents a cloaked figure approaches her and places their hands on her shoulder offering a comforting touch. 

 "It's going to be alright," the cloaked figure whispers, their voice soft and soothing, as if carrying a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that surrounds them. The young girl looks up, her eyes filled with sorrow

 "No, it's not my parents are g..g..gone" she sobs through tears "I'm all alone" The cloaked figure pulls the girl into a gentle embrace, holding her tightly as if trying to absorb her pain. 

"Don't worry, little girl," The cloaked figure mummers 

"I'll protect you." 

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I am in love with this chapter, it's so sad but sweet at the same time. I love it. For anyone wondering, I'm not sure if I made it obvious but the girl is Avavaline and the cloaked figure is Shadow btw Shadow is 19 at the time and Avavaline is 10, I love Shadow he's my favourite character so far (except for Avalaline obv) 

Tell me your favourite character and what you think of the chapter

as usual, thank you for taking the time to read this 

~Dontmindeme

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