Just One Sip

Prologue

"Anthony, my child. You'll be a hero. And the greatest of them all." the woman said, combing the young boy's golden hair fondly.

Anthony grinned sitting still on the wooden chair covered with silk. His posture was perfect, not a speck of dust on his stiff coat. A golden scabbard hung on the boy's belt, resting heavily on the wooden floor. The woman placed the comb on the table and placed a golden band on his head. She dusted her hands off and grabbed the boy's shoulder.

"Perfect." she muttered and smiled at him at the mirror.

"Mama, will-"

"Don't call me that. A hero doesn't talk to his family that way."

"But-"

The woman tightened her grip on his shoulder. Anthony winced

"...Will the master be here soon?" He asked again.

"Yes."

Anthony bit his bottom lip uncomfortably. Hopping off the chair, he stumbled as the sword bumped into his leg. His mother placed her hand on the small of his back and pushed him forward, toward the door. Once again she placed her hand on his shoulder. A sliver of light streamed out of the slightly opened door.

"Are you ready for the fight, sir?"

Anthony shook his head vigorously. Her grip tightened. Anthony winced and let out a deep breath. His lips quivering, he whispered, "Yes."

-           -           -

"Mary you're gonna have to tell her soon. My powers can hide what she is, but soon she'll notice that she's different from everyone else." Aunt Cassie was turning frantic. The moment people found out, she was better off dead.

"I know and I plan on telling her on her 16th birthday. If anything happens to me or Jack, I've written a letter for her that can explain everything," said Mary.

Aunt Cassie laughed sarcastically, "Oh my, a letter! That should definitely help our little girl." she scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "and what's this nonsense about something happening to you? Have a little faith."

"I know, but you know as well as I do that not a single Bolod has made it past their 30th birthday. One was found completely drained of blood. He was 7." whispered Mary.

"And how will keeping her ignorant help in anything? What are you going to do if those bastards comes along and take her? Besides, are you going to be responsible for the anger she will feel after 16 years of not knowing who she really was? Do you know how that feels?" Aunt Cassie said angrily slamming her fist on the table.

"Shhh. They might hear us." Mary whispered, swiping her hair out of her eyes. She sighed, "What else can we do? She's going to get caught if she knows too soon."

"Well, she's going to find out eventually!" Cassie whispered angrily gritting her teeth.

"But we can't rush the process or it'll make everything harder." Mary responded, clenching her fist till they turned white.

"Alright. I give up." Aunt Cassie said exasperated, throwing her hands up. "But remember, if something happens to her, it's all your fault."