We Do What We Want

A Kill and Turn of Events

11/2/1469

Alex hurried through the village, where gremlins chattered, ogres lumbered, and fairies flitted in the early morning light. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a golden hue on the rooftops. She leaped from one building to the next, her heart racing as she thought of her father's growing impatience. Each rooftop felt familiar under her feet, but she couldn't shake the sense of urgency. The longer she lingered, the more trouble she'd face. The village was alive with the sounds of morning—a cacophony of laughter, chatter, and the occasional squabble. She darted past unknowing eyes, her mind focused on getting home before her father's anger turned into something more than just words.

With a final burst of speed, Alex propelled herself into the air, landing gracefully on her own roof. She hadn't thought of how her lungs burned for oxygen; the adrenaline was still coursing through her veins. Home was just a few steps away, but she knew the atmosphere inside was charged with tension.

She slipped into her parents' building, the familiar scent of polished wood and faint herbs unable to calm her racing heart. The grand doors loomed ahead, guarded by two watchful sentinels. As she approached, they recognized her and opened the doors with a respectful nod.

She saw her father pacing behind the polished desk. He stopped once he saw her. "Where have you been?" he demanded, his voice a mix of faint concern and noticeable irritation. His brow furrowed deeply as he faced her, disappointment etched across his features. "When you are commanded somewhere, you are to be expected."

"Father, I explained to you—Ethan, the prince, forced me—" Alex started, but he cut her off, his frustration bubbling over.

"But what put you in that position in the first place? How was the prince able to spot you?" Oliver's voice rose, but before she could muster a reply, he waved his hand dismissively.

"Enough. For your punishment, you will not rest until you finish one last task. I was going to wait for the sun to rise, but your disobedience leaves me no choice."

Alex lowered her head, her expression a mask of unreadable emotions. "Understood," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Beside Oliver, her mother watched with a deep concern etched on her face. She longed to intervene, to offer solace, but she knew that Oliver had to take a firm stance. This was a lesson Alex needed to learn, even if it pained her mother to witness.

The room was thick with tension, and the silence hung heavily between them. Her mother's heart ached for her daughter, wishing she could bridge the gap between father and daughter, but she understood the importance of discipline in their world. She remained quietly supportive, a silent pillar in the storm.

"Alex," her mother finally spoke, her voice gentle, "just remember that we love you. We only want what is best for you."

Oliver placed a stack of papers decisively on the desk, the sound echoing in the stillness. "I want this mission completed in two hours. Be home by then, or the punishment will be worse—training for twenty hours straight."

Alex stepped forward, her resolve hardening. She snatched the papers from the desk, feeling the weight of her father's authority behind them. "Understood," she said, her voice firm despite the turmoil inside her.

Without another word, she turned on her heel and strode out of the room, adrenaline fueling her steps. As she crossed the threshold, she could feel her mother's concerned gaze lingering on her, but there was no time for hesitation.

——————

The cool air outside wrapped around her, refreshing and invigorating. She took a deep breath, pushing aside the frustration and focusing on the task ahead.