On The Run

Part 9 ~ Pieces

A sound clattered to my left, the candle stick having fallen from the wall and the fire diminished. I looked about me, still lost as to what the time was. However I knew I had been here long enough and achieved all I needed to. I set about tidying away the books splayed out across the floor, careful to leave the one I needed well out of the way so I didn't accidentally pack it.

As I finished placing the last box in the pile all but one candle had extinguished, the wax having slowly burnt to the core, it seemed as though my time here was up. I replaced the chair in its original position before moving to pick up my new found possessions and exiting through the only door. It closed softly, the light from inside being replaced with that from the small window that dimly illuminate the passageway.

My hands fell to the wall, its rough edge my guide as I proceeded to make my way back to the library through the diminishing gloom. It was easier this time, having already done it once, and my previous fear was only a small flicker in the pit of my stomach. The passageway soon opened up and I arrived back in the library, the white pillar returning to how it had always looked as I started to move away back into the heart of the library. Its warmth instantly warmed my chilled skin and I proceeded with care, heading for the large oak doors.

My route back to my room would be trickier, with time being a mystery I had no idea where the sisters patrol might now be and with that whether anyone else would now have likely to awoke. With the darkness no longer at my aid for concealment either I was all but heading out into the open. So as I crept out from behind the door, I all but sprinted through the hallway my figure that of a fleeting deer, the package hidden in the base of my jumper.

Miraculously I made it back to my room with not one single disturbance, my gaze fixing instantly on my clock as I assessed the current time. It was no where close to how late I had presumed, I still had a good half hour till breakfast. I breathed a sigh of relief, folding myself on top of the bed covers as I carefully place my new prizes out before me.

My fingers ran smoothly over the spherical objects surface, but as I went to open it I found it stuck, much like my locket had been. I mumbled curses under my breath, 'what was with all the secrets!' However I knew better than to try again with the whole 'hit it with a hammer' routine and so simply tucked it into the pocket of my jeans, turning my attention to the crimson book. I only hoped this would not be so stubborn in telling me its secrets.

The cover opened easily, the spine worn with use as the pages easily moved at the slightest of movements. However I didn't even have time to open the contents before another letter pressed inside the cover dropped out into my lap. I sighed knowing already how this would pan out. I replaced the book on my bed and carefully unfolded the letter, the same thin silk-like fabric having been used.

As my gaze graced the words on the page, I instantly recognised the handwriting, however this one seemed more scrawled, written in haste...

"I fear I have left you in the dark to long, you must leave and must leave now. I was foolish to think you could live inconspicuously in this world, my only regret being that I left you there to face it alone. Those who conceal themselves in darkness must be avoided. Head for the east, for the safety of the lone hill, I can only hope from there you will know what to do" the words appearing on the page as I read them, but no more than a scrawl towards the end.

Panic started to rise in my chest, this letter must have been written long ago yet it seemed to be describing my current situation now. I couldn't help but feel the need to follow its advice and evidently grabbed the small rucksack beneath my bed, scrupulously choosing the items in which I packed, there was many things I wish I could take, but not all were necessary for my departure especially in such a short space of time.

Maybe I should have thought this through a bit more, but before I had time to question it the fire alarm sounded. I lifted my head in a confused panic, usually the sisters told us if a drill were going to take place, and having not heard a word only one conclusion could be made, the fire was real. I grabbed the half packed bag and ran to the door, screaming sounding from the hallway as I wrenched open its flimsy frame. I saw Holly stood in the middle of the corridor, her scream dimming as she fled towards me, a huge fire heading our way. I couldn't believe how quickly it was spreading, no ordinary fire could consume at such speed. I called her to me, her panicked gaze filled with tears as I ushered her in and slammed the door behind us.

I ran for the window, flinging it open as wide as it would go, luckily the drop - if you could even call it that - being no more than half a metre. Fear momentarily consumed my thoughts, but logic and the sudden urge of responsibility over Holly's wellbeing pulled me clear of my despair. I lowered her carefully to the ground and told her to run to the fire point we would always gather at and that I would quickly follow.

Some part of me felt the urge to head back to he fire, its presence almost drawing me in, the way it moved so surreal and captivating. However reason overrode such a ludicrous thought and I was quick to chuck my backpack out the window before quickly following suit.

I was heading towards the fire point when two guys in black trench coats rounded the corner, their silhouette shimmering as all shadows seemed to draw towards them. A gasp released from my lips as pure terror closed around me, a familiar sense of dread taking my breath as a memory flickered to the forefront of my mind. The words from the book rang in my ears and I turned tail and fled, heading for the trees. 'This could not be happening!'

As I ran, each footfall pounding heavily in front of me, ash from my only known home fell around me in the breeze, and I knew I had left it to late and consequently put the lives of everyone I had ever cared for at risk.

The trees quickly consumed my shadow and I risked a glance behind hoping beyond all reasonable doubt that the men had not caught sight of me. As my gaze returned to the way I was heading I had all but a few seconds to stop myself colliding with the nearest tree. However it quickly came to my attention that this was anything but a tree as my gaze fell on a pair of dazzling grey eyes.

"The names Dwayne, I've been waiting a long time to meet you Rosaline"