Cursed

Chapter 3 - Amelia

"Stop" Alexander called after Evangeline, the guards had caught up to them once again.

They had escaped from the palace only minutes earlier, and were now running through the lower town.

Alexander stumbled after Evangeline, his wound causing him to run at a slower pace.

Evangeline came to a halt in between two small houses, turning to look at Alexander with worry.

"I cannot follow you. Continue running along here and towards the gates. I'm sure you'll figure out a way to escape" Alexander instructed her.

Evangeline's heart was hamming in her chest as she started sprinting once again. She could see the gates up ahead as well as the guards standing by them. She finally understood what Alexander had meant by, I'm sure you'll figure out a way to escape.

Evangeline paused for a moment in the alleyway surveying the scene. She had to use her gift. Her body started to tingle, every fibre coming alive. It burned within her like a fire, a golden glow emitting from every pore. Then it was over.

She looked down, the dress she once was wearing had disappeared. Now she stood in a royal guard uniform, her face mirroring the guard she had passed not long ago.

Evangeline stepped towards them, the darkness of the night still concealing her every move. She moved closer, the flame of both their torches now illuminating her face.

"Darren?" One of the men questioned in confusion. Evangeline cleared her voice before speaking, "The King has ordered that all his men search the lower town for the girl, she was spotted there only seconds ago."

Her voice sounded deep and intimidating, even surprising herself a little.

The ability to shift forms, was a talent she had gained from her ancestors. It was both a gift and a curse, but it the wrong hands it could be detrimental.

"But the King ordered us to stay here and guard the exit. Apparently she's a sorcerer" The other man replied, causing Evangeline to let out a snort.

"Really? You wish to disobey the King's new order?"

They both shook their heads and started walking back the way she had came. "Are you coming?" One of them asked, nodding her head she spoke, "yes I will be right behind you."

As they continued on their way, Evangeline shifted back to her normal female form. It was alright to show her true form now that she was concealed by the darkness of night.

It was best to stay in her normal female form, as maintaing the same form for a long period of time would be harmful, both mentally and physically.

Evangeline's hand pressed against the cold iron bars, pushing the gate open. Her shoes thudded against the ground, her heart beat pounding in her ears. Run and don't look back, she told herself as the forest grew dense around her.

That's when she realised, she had nowhere to run.

---

Alexander stumbled through the corridors, trying to get back to his chambers unnoticed. It was a mission that seemed impossible to achieve, as each bend appeared to be guarded by two men.

He clutched his thigh tightly, desperate to stop the bleeding.

"Alexander?"

He swung around expecting the worst, but it was Amelia. The King's personal physician, a woman who had captured his heart at first sight.

"Amelia, I need your help" he mumbled, falling to the ground.

Amelia ran over, slinging Alexander's arm around her shoulders, while she wrapped an arm around his waist. Hoisting him up off the floor.