Everyone was eating peacefully, but soon, the Arcana siblings’ house collapsed, leaving everyone injured. Witches had invaded the house, searching for the book that led us into this world.
The witches left, and I didn’t have the strength to stop them. Slowly, I stood up and shook Salem awake. “Salem, cry out! Wake them up!” I said, tears streaming down my face.
“I’m not dead yet, Den,” Salem said with a weak smile. He hugged me and kissed my forehead. “Wake the others.”
“Elias, wake up! Las, wake up!” I shouted. “What happened?” Elias asked, confused.
“There were witches, they took the book,” I explained. “Ki, wake up. Are you alright?” I called out, my voice filled with concern.
Rowan stirred, and I immediately embraced him. “I’m fine, Al,” he whispered.
“Is everyone alright?” I asked, surveying the room. They all nodded weakly.
“Lucan, Cassian, heal the others,” I instructed. They obeyed without question.
I then turned to Peter, calling out to him. “Peter! Kevin isn’t breathing!” I said, my voice trembling.
Peter shook his head, tears in his eyes. “No... Kevin, don’t leave me,” he whispered, broken.
“I’m so sorry, Pete,” I said, my heart aching for him.
“Everything will be alright, Peter,” Rowan said gently, pulling him into an embrace.
But despite the reassurance, none of us could believe what had just happened. Kevin was gone, and Peter’s grief weighed heavily on us all.
Salem raised his voice, casting a spell to clear the smoke and flames that had engulfed the house.
“Salem, I’m sorry we couldn’t save your home,” I said, holding him tightly.
“It’ll be alright, Salem,” I promised. “I swear.”
“We need to leave,” Elias declared urgently.
“Where will we go?” Dorian asked, worry in his voice.
“I know a place,” Elias responded.
We all mounted our horses and rode toward the house of Alara, our aunt. Alden knocked on the door, and when it opened, Alara’s eyes widened in shock, seeing our soot-covered faces.
“What happened to all of you? Come inside,” she urged.
“There were witches… they destroyed their home,” I explained, pointing toward the Arcana siblings.
“I see. Alright, go wash up. I’ll prepare something for you to eat,” she said.
One by one, we took turns bathing. When I finished, I approached Alara. “The clothes suit you,” she remarked with a smile.
“Thank you for the clothes,” I said, bowing my head in gratitude.
“They used to belong to your grandfather, Alden. Lucky I didn’t throw them away,” she chuckled softly. “Do they fit you all, boys?” she asked.
“Yes, they’re perfect,” the others responded.
“Can I help you with anything, Alara?” I offered.
“Sure, you can wash these vegetables for me. I’ll bake a large loaf of bread,” she said with a quiet laugh.
Later, when the food was ready, Alara called out to us. “Boys, dinner’s ready!”
After we finished eating, we discussed our plan to retrieve the book.
“Alden, did you see the witch’s face?” Lucan asked.
YOU ARE READING
the books of hidden worlds
Fantasy# 1 Ethereal Secrets Series Elias, Kian, Rowan, and Alden are ordinary siblings-or so they believe. One night, as they fall into a deep sleep, a forgotten book in their family's library opens a portal to another world. Without knowing it, they are...
