Embark on a thrilling journey with Dria as she grapples with newfound magical abilities, family secrets, and a destiny she never asked for. In "Her Kind," the line between myth and reality blurs as Dria navigates a world filled with danger, teenage...
Dria walked around the fire before sitting in the chair next to his, "Train me. The same way you and Jared are training the twins, train me. I need to be able to fight back, to fight for them—
"But that's different, they have powers and—
Dria huffs, crossing her arms, "But you don't have powers, Jared doesn't have powers but you guys are always training. I see you guys going to the meadow every day, I don't want to be dead weight."
He met her eyes and Dria for a moment faltered under his gaze before remembering that she needed this. For a w he seems to search for something in her eyes before he sighs, "Fine but you—
His words were interrupted as she jumped into his arms, pulling him in. The sudden embrace caught him off guard, and for a moment, Pierce hesitated before tentatively wrapping his arms around her. Dria's gratitude radiated through the hug, a silent acknowledgement of the trust she was placing in him.
Just as he was about to say something, the low humming of a vehicle driving up the hill could be heard. Pierce's eyes hardened while Dria stepped back from him, allowing him to lead the way to the front of the house. At the front, they met up with Jared, whose eyes squinted into the shadows, searching for this uninvited vehicle. "Dria, get inside," Jared's voice, rough and stern, stated as his body was rigid, and Dria all but nodded before walking up the stairs and disappearing into the house. She entered the living room, pulling aside the curtain to see who was coming up.
She knew that the boys were nervous; Jared's hand was basically sitting on the gun that she didn't see seconds ago latched to his waist. Jared took out what looked like a pistol from his jacket before giving it to Pierce, who tucked it behind him. "Who's that?" Dria's breath hitched in fright before settling her racing heart as she watched Katrina rush to her side to also peek through the curtain. "I don't know," Dria's voice was low, and an uneasy anticipation settled over the room.
As the vehicle approached, its headlights cutting through the darkness, a palpable tension gripped the air. The familiar silhouette of a face took form, eliciting a subtle softening of Jared's stern expression. Stepping out of the car, Jeremiah's dark coat swayed in the night breeze, and though his arrival was anticipated, a sense of urgency clung to his presence. The room remained uneasy, and Dria found herself clutching the curtain, her gaze locked on Jeremiah's purposeful stride. His unexpected visit hinted at unsettling news, overshadowing the tranquillity they had sought in their mountain refuge.
The boys exchanged words, rushing to the back seat to assist Jeremiah. Hastening outside, Katrina led the way with Dria in tow. They reached the porch just as the car door closed, and the men carefully carried a familiar-looking man toward the house.
"Is that... Nathaniel?" The utterance of her father's name from Katrina left Dria in shock as they ushered him inside.
They placed him on the couch and Jeremiah turned to Katrina, "Get an empty plate, charcoal, and matches for me, Katrina." Katrina gave a subtle nod, her eyes leaving Nathaniel's still body for a moment before looking at her husband. Quickly giving him a peck on the lips, she rushed to the kitchen. Dria stood by her father's feet, her hands shaking as she reached out to get the muddy shoes off his feet. Jeremiah's stern expression gave away little, and the room held its collective breath, waiting for the revelation that had brought Nathaniel here.
Jeremiah's eyes held a heavy weight as he recounted the events that had led to Nathaniel's current state. "We got a tip that there was a warehouse where they were keeping a group of kids who had just shifted. When we heard it, we were on our way here, and that was the plan. Nathaniel wanted to stick with the plan, but these were children who did nothing wrong. I convinced him that it would only be a detour, but I was wrong; there were no kids. Instead, fully grown Nulpine were working with the hunters."
The flickering light of the fireplace cast shadows on Jeremiah's troubled face as he continued. "We went in thinking we'd be saving innocent children, but it was a trap. The hunters were ready for us. Nathaniel took the brunt of the attack, trying to shield me. I never saw it coming, and by the time we realized, they had reinforcements, and we were outnumbered. We fought our way out, but not without paying a price. Nathaniel got hurt, bad."
He sighed, shoulders sagging with the weight of the responsibility. "I should've known better, should've seen the signs—
"You should have; this is so like you—" Pierce held Dria by the arm, "Wait, Dria, he needs to explain—" "No, he doesn't need to explain anything. This is what he does every time, never properly thinks things through. He's impulsive, jumps into situations; my dad warned him, he always warns you but you never listen. Look at my dad." "Dria, that's enough!" Katrina spoke, "Let him explain, who gave you this tip?"
Dria held her words as she waited for Jeremiah to speak, "Alec, he's been helping me with finding the kids. When we got there, he was already dead, a bullet to his head," "Did you and Alec ever speak about us, where we were?" Jared asked, his voice filled with urgency. Jeremiah shook his head, "No, I never said anything to him about where you were or who you were. I only discussed finding kids with him."
"That doesn't refute that he might have told them something that you are unsure of. I'd rather be cautious," Jared said. "You're saying we should leave?" Pierce asked Jared. "Better to be sure than dead," Jared replied. "We can't leave when my father's like this," Dria said with concern laced in her voice. Jared took a deep breath then looked to Jeremiah, "What is the charcoal for?"
Jeremiah looked at Nathanial, his expression heavy with concern. "The charcoal acts as a conduit for his Pyra abilities. It helps him draw energy from the environment, accelerating the healing process. Nathanial's connection with fire allows him to utilize its energy for regeneration."
Katrina nodded, understanding the importance of this ritual. She placed a gentle hand on Nathanial's forehead, a silent reassurance. Jeremiah continued, "He'll need to rest and absorb the energy. The fire in the charcoal will help him rejuvenate, repairing the damage sustained during the ambush."
As the room settled into a tense silence, Jared's question pierced the air. "And how long until he can at least walk again?"
Jeremiah hesitated, his eyes fixed on Nathanial. "Two days tops, by then he should be walking..." The uncertainty in his voice lingered, leaving an unspoken understanding that the healing process held variables beyond their control.
Jared's jaw tightened, his decision firm. "Then we leave in two days." Without waiting for further discussion, he left the living room, heading upstairs to rest.
─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Hey there! Did you see Nathanial's unexpected return coming? And what about Jeremiah – any thoughts on his surprise appearance? Let me know what you think! 🔥✨
