Earth and Sky

Prologue

Unknown

I carefully step into the bar, trying to escape notice. It doesn't work.

"Ah! There's my favorite murderer!" The drunken bartender shouts in glee. He wraps his arm around my shoulder and tries to lead my to the counter. I quickly shrug him off.

"Quentin! I told you, I'm an assassin. And also, I only kill the bad people in this world. Those who murder for pleasure, kidnap, and the like."

He chuckles, sending shivers up my spine.

"You won't be different from them for long my boy."

Arms grab me from behind and I am dragged into a back room. I don't bother shouting since I know that nobody will rescue me, but I do try to fight. I elbow one guy and knee another, but their grips don't falter. I am throw into the room and the door slams shut.

"Finally, I've been waiting for ages."

I turn around to face the owner of the eerie voice. A cloak covers all of the man's face except his creepy smile.

"Shadow?" I exclaim. "What do you want from me."

"Not now, take a seat Cyanide." He leans forwards.

Afraid to disobey him, I practically jump into the chair he mentioned. My spine is straight and my heart pumps fast.

"So Cyanide, I've heard that you've taken up the business for your family. Is that true?"

I head stiffly nod my head.

"Then, why don't I help you?"

I knew not to jump on his offer since it could be a trick.

"What is it?"

Shadow chuckles into his hand. "Oh just a little bet."

Shadow snaps his fingers and all of the people in the bar start to file in. I take a quick look around before returning my gaze to Shadow.

"The rules?"

"You say you are an assassin? Then murder someone of importance."

"Who." My question is short and sharp.

"The princess of the Earth kingdom, princess Araquiel."

My mouth grows dry and stale. "Why?"

Shadow sighs. "Will you ever end with the questions? I have my reasons."

"I have one final question then. What exactly is the bet?"

"One of us has to kill the princess. If you win, I'll give you one million jewels."

I try to keep myself from jumping up and taking the deal. "And if you win?"

"I'll kill your family, and you will become my slave."

I jump back in shock, knocking over the chair I was previously sitting on.

"Why would I take this deal then? The loss is more then the profit!"

"Because if you don't, I'll kill your family anyways."

Without a second thought I sticking my hand.

"Deal."