U L L Y

Chapter 6: Break Your Leg, or However it Goes

Sometimes, I don't think I feel my heartbeat. I used to panic, searching for it, but it wasn't always there. That often happened in my nightmares. It was weird. And tonight it's back. I sit in a suffocating, grey fog that devours my existence. I searched for the beat in my chest. Void. Nothing there. Reach in deep into my chest, and nothing will be there either.

I'm not panicking. I think I'm too tired to do so. Is this a sign I'm fully heartless? Or have the sins across my soul etched too deep? And if so, this must've been my price.

It's a cold, empty price.

I don't like it.

I woke with a stir, like a shaking glass of liquor. There was no sun. And with no clock, I had no clue what time it was. But the moon was low. So maybe it's close to morning. I stumbled out of my bed and grabbed my matches, lighting the candle next to me. I lifted it and approached the door.

"Good morning.." Shade yawned, stepping out. Like cold water splashing in my face, I woke up. I jumped back, almost dropping the candle. "Don't sneak up so unannounced..!"

Shade furrowed his brows before a deep laugh slipped out. "How does one announce a sneak-up?" He chuckled, tightening his belt. I guess he's been up for a while. I rolled my eyes at the sarcastic comment.

"What's the time, Falcon..?" I asked, gathering my hair in my hands. He glanced down at his watch. "5:40. Only 40 minutes after me. Good internal clock." He chuckled, starting down my dark stairs. I closed my eyes, pressing my back into the wall.

I'm so ready for this, yet at the same time, I'm not... I tugged at the bandages on my hand, glancing down at the one on my knee. I should probably shower and bandage all these before we leave.

I'll try to show up in a new town the best I can. And maybe Quinn will be there. I leaned up, stretching out my arms as my shirt rose past my underwear.

"Is it alright if I make tea?" Shade called from below. I tugged my shirt back down. "Yeah, I'll be ready in a few minutes!"

-

I scrubbed my skin until it was soft as kitten fur, then rubbed lotion in. I let my hair dry as I put on some makeup, bandaged my wounds, and got dressed. I put on a black turtleneck, dark blue jeans, and my winter boots. It was unintentional, but I matched with Shade. Similar taste, I suppose...

I bundled myself in a fluffy black coat and finalized my attire with warm black and white gloves. I still had Quinn's necklace on. I don't think I'm going to remove it. I'll just give it back.

I started down the stairs with my bag swung over my shoulder. "Oh— you're prepared for the winter storms." Shade commented, finishing the cup of tea. "Of course, it's coming from the North. They were having 7 feet of snow I read." I glanced out the window. It wasn't snowing much here yet. But I dread it when it comes. Hopefully, it's not going toward Valorsory...

"My my... Are you ready?" He asked, tucking his scarf around his neck. He had his trench coat on with his bag in his hand. Despite my reluctance, I nodded. Why am I scared..? "I'll wash this up before." He stepped past me, leaving me alone in my thoughts.

I wonder if the people will be kind. I hope I get accepted... I took a deep breath, grabbing my house keys. Another pair of keys jingled behind me. I glanced behind me.

"My car isn't parked too far, come on." He gestured for me to follow. The words made my legs stiffen. I don't want to do it... Not one bit.

I lowered my head, tightening my grip on the strap, and forced myself out of the door. The cold air was much worse with the absence of the sun. I haven't gone out before sunrise in a long time. I shivered, lowering my head.