17 years ago...
The stormy night ravaged the abandoned warehouse, rain pounding against crumbling walls. Wind shrieked through the cavernous space, threatening to shatter the rusty catwalk beneath the 12-year-old Eryx's feet.
Aria Lirien's grip on his hand tightened, her fingers intertwining with his. "Stay close, Eryx," she said above the din, her voice laced with urgency.
Eryx's heart pounded, driven by fear and determination. He had begged to join her on this case, to prove himself.
Suddenly, the alarm blared, shattering the tense calm. Vex's men closed in, footsteps echoing like a deadly stampede. Aria's jaw set, her eyes blazing with resolve.
With a fierce cry, she yanked Eryx forward. "Run!" she yelled, dragging him through the darkness.
They sprinted across the catwalk, the storm raging around them. Aria's long strides devoured the distance, Eryx struggling to keep pace.
But in the chaos, Aria stumbled, her foot slipping off the catwalk. Eryx's heart sank as he watched her fall, her body crashing onto the concrete floor below. He rushed to her side, trembling hands cradling her head.
"Mom...!" he begged, voice cracking.
Aria's gaze locked onto his, filled with pain and resolve. Her lips moved, whispering words lost in the storm. A faint smile crossed her lips before her eyes glazed over.
Eryx's world shattered. He held her close, feeling her life slip away.
Then, silence.
The storm raged on, its wails echoing Eryx's anguish. Vex's men vanished into the night, leaving him alone with his mom's lifeless body.
As darkness closed in, Eryx felt his world crumble.
A figure emerged from the shadows, footsteps heavy with grief. His dad knelt beside him, face etched with anguish.
"Eryx, we...," he began, voice cracking. "We'll keep this secret, son. You won't have to face what happened here."
YOU ARE READING
Beyond The Lie
RomanceI laughed and joked with the group, feeling carefree for the first time all evening. But then, I saw Eryx's dark gaze on me, his eyes narrowing as he strode towards me. "Excuse us," he said curtly, his hand wrapping around my elbow like a vice. He p...
