BOOK 1 | Start the War

Prologue

Start the War

Prologue

10 years ago, in a country named Italy, two children are playing together. At dahil nasa gitna ng kagubatan matatagpuan ang mansyon na tinitirahan, they're playing along with the tall trees, cold wind breeze, and singing birds.

"Can we change the game?" a girl named Cheska asked. "I'm tired of running!"

Tumigil ang kaniyang kalaro na si Kenneth at napaisip ng pwedeng laro without the need of running. His eyes went to Cheska ng makaisip. "How about hide and seek? It's perfect! We're in the woods."

That sounds like a good idea. Her eyes sparkled as she nods her head in response. She volunteered as the one who will look for him since she doesn't like the idea of hiding. 

Sobrang galing niya roon kaya sa huli, she has to show herself or hide in the most obvious place only for the game to end.

When she reached twenty, pumasok na siya ng kagubatan at sandaling tumigil. She remained silent while her eyes are looking for Kenneth.

Unfortunately, she got nothing. She didn't see any shadow movements. The trees are so much tall and some parts of the forest are dark. Hindi naman telescope ang kaniyang mga mata at wala ring night vision setting. 

Now, she closed her eyes and let her ears be her ally. She dismissed everyone including the world. She dismissed the sound of the wind and the birds chirping.

"Ah!"

She immediately opened her eyes as soon as she heard Kenneth slightly stepped into the dry leaves. She's now wearing her usual champion smile while walking. 

Effortlessly, she stopped behind the tree where he is hiding. Then she whistled.

It made him shuddered. He went to the deepest part of the forest, really far where no one won't be able to see it from the mansion. 

But as usual, that technique of his didn't work for Cheska. She still found him right away—without even bothering to shout and ask where he is.

"I can't believe you still got me..."

She smiled with a slight smirk, proud of herself. "Of course! I am Cheska Zeign Vinci Blood—"

"Cheska!!!"

She snorted, someone from the mansion interrupted her. Kahit malayo, they can still hear it properly. Just who is this loud lady? She can make all the birds fly and leave their homes dahil sa kaniyang boses.

"Oh...that's auntie Victoria, right?" Kenneth asked, looking in the direction where the voice came. "I think it's already your training time."

"Well, yes," she crossed her arms. "I'm going to train despite being tired. Thanks to you."

He chuckled and raised his both hands. "You're blaming me now? You can refuse me anytime."

"Tch," she turned her back and started to walk away. "You know I can't do that. You're my best friend."

Kenneth only smiled at it. Cheska might be cold or spoiled but he knows, as her best friend and her childhood friend, she has a sweet heart. 

They parted ways when they're finally at the mansion. Cheska has her own thing and so is he.

"Are you ready?" Victoria asked in the middle of their walk.

Cheska didn't answer it, still crossing her arms. She's not actually ready, that's what she wanted to reply but of course, even if she does that, she will eventually have to attend her daily training.