The Fire Prince

~Chapter Five~

Bright rays of light peeked through the blinds and enveloped my room. With great care, I gradually began to heave my body from the bed; the small movements left me gasping for breath.

The purple bruise on my head must have swollen overnight, for it was now half the size of a golf ball, but it didn't hurt any less. I should probably go and get it checked at the doctors, but if Mark's still here then that would be next to impossible. He would do everything in his power to keep my mother and me from the sending him back where he belongs. Plus, my actions would only endanger mother.

I quickly got dressed, making sure to wear long sleeves that would conceal the cigarette burns on my arms. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that a small note had been slipped under my door. I went over, stooped low and gingerly held it between my trembling hands. Relief washed over me as I realised it was in my mother's handwriting. She was alive.

My dearest, Aurora. Words fail to express how proud I am that you're my daughter. You are such brave girl. Your father would be so happy to see the person you have become.

I'm sorry that you had to put up with that monster last night. I had thought that we had been rid of him forever, but that's not how it is anymore. He's relentless and he will never stop; that's why I've packed some money and clothes in your school bag. I want you to run away after school. Whatever you do don't come home.

I'm going to stay here so that he'll never be able to hurt or find you; please don't argue with me. My heart aches that I can't be there to see and hold onto you just once more, but I fear it would only incur his wrath, and I don't want him to cause you anymore pain. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.

I love you very much, and remember to always stay strong.

Mother X

Tears started to well in my eyes as my breathing became ragged once more. Reminding myself that I had to be strong, I sniffed twice before tucking the note securely into my trouser pocket.

I then crept noiselessly down the corridor, in contrast to the loud male snores that emanated from my mother's room. With great restraint, I bit back a string of colourful curses and proceeded to the kitchen. This time I didn't have any breakfast; I had lost my appetite.

My bag had been left in the same place as it had been when Mark assaulted me. It lay lazily beside one of the fallen chair legs – evidence that last night had not been a dream, no matter how desperately I wanted to believe it was.

Flashes of pain shot through me as I struggled over to my bag, being careful not to tear any ligaments. Then, with great difficulty, I managed to haul the now extra, heavy rucksack onto my bruised shoulder, before walking stiffly out the door. I cast a glance back at the tiny cottage and vowed that I would get my mother out somehow.

The walk to school had been one of the most painful journeys I had had in a long time. Cold air clung to my already damaged cheekbones whilst the snow reached my mid-thigh. At this rate, I was going to turn up to school halfway through lesson two as an ice popsicle.

I doubt many students would be in; they always used the weather as an excuse to bunk, but I'd rather take my chances there than at home. Gritting my teeth I continued on and, I never thought I would do this, but I sighed happily at seeing huge iron gates in the distance.

As predicted, I arrived late into school and was about to be reprimanded about school protocols by the Deputy Head. Principal Calvin would have been the one to rebuke me but he was currently engaged on the phone, trying to get cover teachers to come in and teach lessons.

A yawn nearly escaped me, as the Deputy Head, Mrs Monroe, rambled on endlessly about the vital consequences of missing education. I nodded every now and then to keep up the pretence I was listening, when really, my attention was drawn to the medium sized grandfather clock that laid placidly against the yellow painted wall. It had a traditional quality about it, much like its owner. Scanning the area, I noticed that the Deputy Head's office wasn't as big as the principal's but it was still fairly spacious.