Ash and Bones

Chapter 1

Conscription Day is finally here. The day I've waited for, for a few months now. Not because I'm excited about it, but because, well what else do I have to look forward to, there's nothing left for me in my foster home now. Liam and I got separated a week after Xaden left, and well my time in and out of foster homes, was never something that I wanted to relive.

The day that could lead to my first of many things, or it could be my last everything. Which is a terrifying thought, but I can't help it, while it's ingrained in my mind, as I walk towards the entrance, that leads up to what could either be my death, or the only way I am able to truly live. The weather isn't the best, but at least it's not raining at the moment.

Basgiath War College, isn't known for being nice, to well, anyone. I feel a mix of excitement as well as pure fear, at the thought of seeing my brother again. I know this is the last thing that he wants for me, but I can't help it. Is it what I want? Not exactly. But is it what I'm going to do? I don't have a choice. All the children of the leaders are conscripted as punishment for our parents crimes. Is it fair? Not at all, but who's going to listen to the opinion of a Riorson? I know it can't be easy for my brother. I hate that I haven't been able to be with him this past year. Pulling me out of my thoughts, I am finally able to see the line of potential students that are slowly but surely moving to the parapet, to hopefully see the future at the college. Seeing everyone saying goodbye to their families, makes me sick. I feel a rush of jealousy flow through my veins. It hurts, me and Xaden, we don't get that. I was there when He left last year, but I don't have anyone here, and it fucking sucks.

I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I turn around to see a girl, a little bit shorter than me. She looks determined, and I wish to be as strong as she looks at this moment.

"Can I help you?" I ask her.

"No, you just looked like you were going crazy, so I thought I'd try and distract you a little bit." She said.

"Your not wrong." I mutter. "Names Ember." I say as I extend my hand towards her.

"Imogen. Where's your rucksack?" She asks me. With a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

"I didn't have anything worth much to bring with me." I said.

Keeping in mind that I am not here to make friends. I don't tell her about the knives I have on my legs, and my hip. I am unbelievably good at fighting, there's even been times I beat Xaden before he left, which shocked everyone around. My brother is everything I strive to be, in every aspect, that a female could be. I hope to be as mentally and physically strong as him.

"Fair. Me too, I barely have anything. Looks like it's almost our turn." She says, as she nods her head in front of us.

Oh shit.

I hadn't realized we were moving this quick. I don't even bother looking up, to know that my brother is up there helping. Doing his job. I would be lying if I said a little part of me wasn't the least bit terrified, of how he'll react when he sees me. We both knew this day was coming, we just didn't know it would be this soon.

I look up toward the people that are around, that are second years now, and there he is, none other than my beloved brother. It's like he can sense that I'm standing in line, because the second I catch the sight of him, his head snaps up, and his eyes catch mine. I can tell the flash of anger that goes through his eyes, but I know it's not aimed towards me. He says something to the guy beside him, the guy nods his head, and Xaden walks my way.

"Hey, Imogen, I'll be back, I gotta go talk to someone, if I'm not back just keep moving okay?"

"wait-"