Fade

Chapter Four

As we strolled along the corridor, I couldn't help but furrow my brows at the sight of the colossal wooden door adorned with intricate carvings, which led to the grand library. I breathed in the air that was thick with the scent of aged parchment.

Zion began to walk past it, and I hurried my steps to keep up. "Zion, where-" I began to inquire, but before I could finish my sentence, he abruptly spun around, his sharp gaze penetrating my very core. His stern expression silenced any further words that may have escaped my lips. It took me mere moments to realize that the opportunity to escape had presented itself in this exact moment. Despite our initial plan to flee under the cover of darkness, the current circumstances couldn't have been more perfect, especially with the king and queen preoccupied.

The castle radiated an aura of regal opulence, its walls adorned with magnificent tapestries depicting ancient battles and heroic tales. Crystal chandeliers hung from the lofty ceilings, casting a warm, golden glow upon the marbled floors beneath our feet.

Summoning courage, Zion's authoritative voice boomed through the labyrinthine hallway, echoing off the ornate walls. "Out! Queen's orders," he declared, prompting the few individuals who happened to be nearby to scurry towards the exit door situated at the rear of the castle. Each person hastened past us with a hushed reverence, their faces reflecting a mixture of curiosity and trepidation in response to Zion's command.

As we joined the stream of fleeing figures, I couldn't help but say my silent goodbye to my home, the well-groomed gardens, adorned with vibrant blooms and meticulously trimmed hedges, bordered our path to freedom. Towering turrets overlooked the tranquil moat that encircled the castle, shimmering under the soft glow of the sun.

Finally, we would get the freedom we all deserved. The very thought of getting caught sent chills down my spine. If we were caught, we could all be killed; I shuddered at the idea of being holed up in a dungeon for the rest of my shortened life. It was not uncommon for Alyanthians to live for thousands of years, but that was before the war and the sacrifices made by our ancestors.

Hedrick wouldn't kill me, although he wouldn't waste his time with Coda or Zion. He needed me and my power. He used the embers in my room to siphon my own power so he could take it from the embers. It made him strong, stronger than any other Alyanthian I had come across.

A gust of cool breeze swept through as I inhaled the fresh air. I glanced back at the imposing structure of the castle, its towering spires reaching towards the heavens, and felt a mixture of exhilaration and uncertainty swirl within me.

Zion took a quick survey of our surroundings before leading us beyond the threshold. The castle's back courtyard unfolded before us like a hidden sanctuary. Cobblestone paths wove through perfectly manicured lawns, adorned with blooming flowers and delicate statues of the Sun and Moon goddess. As we passed the statues, I gave a silent prayer, hoping they would help us make our escape. The sound of a distant waterfall tickled my ears, adding a soothing melody and something else to focus on. With each step we took, the walls of the castle seemed to shrink in the distance

We quickened our pace, navigating the hidden pathways of the castle's outskirts, careful to avoid drawing attention.

In the distance, I caught a glimpse of a winding path that led into the heart of the enchanted woods. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, dancing among the shadows cast by ancient trees. It was an invitation, an open door to a world untamed and untethered.

With a shared sense of exhilaration, we stepped onto the path, leaving the castle's realm of constraints far behind us.

"What about the Reverie?" I asked in a rush as we reached the forest. My mother had always warned me since I was a child about the results of the First War, the event that birthed the Reverie. There were many supernatural beings on Earth, but the most worrisome was the Reverie, similar to what Earthens call vampires. They drink any human's life essence, and whoever became their victim became a Reverie themselves. All they needed to do was smile to prove their true identity, a shar-like menace of teeth.