The Disaster Born's

Chapter One- Alysia

"Alysia, how many times must I remind you? You'll sleep when you're dead!" The voice of my bound leader reverberates up the stairs.

"I've already died, and yet here I am," I shoot back defiantly.

"You have five minutes, and then I'm coming up there with a whip!"

Absolutely not...

"Fine!" I concede, surrendering to his demands.

I roll out of the small bed assigned to me, stretching my arms to shake off the remnants of sleep. My days are filled with nothing but work, work, and more work.

But let me introduce myself properly. My name is Alysia, and I am an Earthborn. I can only imagine the questions swirling in your mind, so allow me to clarify

The world is no longer as we once knew it. It began with the violent earthquakes that shook the very ground beneath our feet. Then the Tsunamis happened, surging forth, swallowing coastlines whole, then came the fires, raging with hunger that seemed insatiable burning anything in its way and finally the storms— ferocious and unrelenting.

I had only ever encountered my own kind. My death came at the hands of devastating earthquakes, which bestowed upon me the power of the earth. Throughout my life, I've only met others like me, never any of the other bounds.

I've heard tales of the other bounds: the fire-bound, the water-bound, the star-bound, and the air-bound. Each bound is determined by the manner of one's death. The water-born's dwell in the depths of the Celestial Sea, the fire-born's thrive in the solstice sands, the star-born exist in the shadows of the Twilight Hallows, while my kind finds our home among the Frost-pine forests.

We lived in small camps, and our abilities varied based on our individual skills; not all Earth born's possessed the same talents. Some focused on cultivating produce and flowers, while others had the gift of crystal manipulation, allowing them to control and generate crystals for mental and physical healing. When harnessed correctly, these crystals could enhance feelings, emotions, and energies.

Others specialised in seismic control, using the power of earthquakes to create shockwaves and barriers that protected us from the other bounds and the Dusk Wraiths.

As for me, my power is magnetism—often considered the most mundane of abilities. I can manipulate magnetic fields, influencing anything made of metal and casting protective shields using the magnetic pull of the earth. However, this isn't particularly useful in our peaceful existence, where everyone adheres to the rules set by the overlord:

You must not leave your bound. You are forbidden from communicating with other bounds. Anyone caught outside their bounds will be executed as an example.

I must admit the rules did make me curious, why were they so protective of the bounds. What were they hiding if they were hiding anything?

I'm sure you're wondering... Do I remember my death or any details? No... I don't the death came with amnesia.

"Alysia!" The shout beckons from the window.

"I'M COMING!" I retort, angrily.

I slipped on my shoes with little enthusiasm and step out of the cottage. The flippity flop sound of my shoes sliding on and off. The Earth born's stood in a line, and I joined them, barely raising my hand in apology. Once in line, I crouch down to tie my shoelaces. Next to me was Ezra, my best friend, who specialised in produce and often snuck late-night snacks through the window.

Ezra had brunette hair, a tanned complexion, straight teeth, and a muscular build. His dark brown eyes always warmed my insides. He flashed a cheeky smile as he watched me struggle with my laces.