The Disappearing Fields

chapter 32

+Kazimieras+

Without waiting for them to comprehend what I said, I rush out the little bakery and run for the hill.

I don't have wind essence, but at this exact moment, I would love to have their speed. I can't just shift in the middle of town.

I glance sideways and notice all the people wearing black coats with a golden rose sigma. They stand in small groups. Some inside nearby shops others walking along the street and some standing by cars. All if then are Hunters. They must be waiting for the sign to follow the others.

"Fuck they have an entire army." Kaden's the first to catch up. No surprise there, considering what he is. "Taj and Val and Vic will catch up. We need to go help you Destined."

I nod "Head eastward towards the mountain. You should sense highly concentrated traces of light and wind essence. That's Haven. Follow it and you'll find her."

He nods and a smirk appears on his face. Then he disappears into thin air.

I'm still in awe of what the creatures inhabiting the outskirts inside the barrier can do. They all have unique abilities.

Shaking my head, I hurry towards the hill on the outskirts of the center. There I can phase and get to her faster. I never should have left her alone this morning. I just hope she had enough rest to use some of her essence to protect her and Nikohlas.

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+Haven+

I don't know how I ended up in this situation. Hiding under the floor in Tabby's room with Elliot and Niko. I don't even know where Alex and Ziek went. It all happened so fast.

Standing up, I make my way to the door. Who would that be? Everyone who lives here has a key. Except Kaz, he has tendencies of coming through the window or he'll take mine when he leaves. And considering how mine is missing I can assume that's not him.

Before I could cross the threshold to the living room, Zeik grabs my arm and shakes his head. He mouths one word and a chill runs up my back along with panic.

Hunters.

I look at Niko and put my finger to my lips. Instantly he stops his mumbling and watches me. As if I have a solution to the problem. I don't. I'm just as freaked out as he looks.

Zeik takes command, proving that there's a reason he's the next in charge in his pack. He takes a look at me before speaking in an commanding tone. "Haven, breathe. Take Niko upstairs and hid somewhere. Alex you and I will lure them away. Elliot. You keep these two safe. Under no circumstances do you come out unless me or Alex tells you too. Got it?"

Without waiting for our response, both of them make a beeline for the back door.

Elliot grabs Niko and heads towards Tabby's room. "Come on."

"Zeik said upstairs."

"He also said your safety is in my hands so trust me. Let's go."

I frown but head inside Tabby's room. It's the only room in the house that I don't spend any time in. I barely even know what's in here. Since Tabby left months ago, her room felt empty and deserted. I don't even let Niko play in here.

"Your adoptive mother she's a witch."

"Huh?"

"That's why this room feels like that. Deserted. It's a spell she casted to keep intruders out when you're hiding in here."

"She didn't mention anything about that."

"Of course she didn't. Then she'd also have to mention you being what you are. It's easier to let you find out on your own." Elliot explains and pulls up a section of wood. Reveling a small room that we could all fit in uncomfortably.

"Havy? Badmen take me?" Niko hold up his arms wanting to be picked up.

Scooping him up, I say" Of course not. Noone's taking you anywhere without me." I smile to hoping to help him feel a bit less worried. It works as a smile spread across his face.

"Togever?"

"Yep together forever." He relaxes in my arms and we climb into the room underneath with Elliot.

That was almost ten minutes ago. I'm worried. Are Alex and Zeik alright? How many Hunters were out there? How many more are coming? Why didn't Tabby tell me anything if she knew everything? Why am I always the one that's being kept in the dark?

My negative emotions easy cloud this dark cramped space. Elliot's goofy grin is missing and Niko looks ready to burst into tears. Where's Kaz? Is he alright?

Just the thought of him being hurt has my heart sinking and throbbing in pain. With me trapped down here, there would be no way for me to help him. Closing my eyes, I try to take deep breaths. I try to calm my nerves but they're jumping at every sound. And then I realize why I'm so nervous and where the sounds are coming from. 

"Elliot, I forgot Melon. He's upstairs alone. What if ur gets hurt?"

His green eye meet mine with amusement. "I can't believe you don't know yet. Melon isn't your average pet. He's a familiar. He stores Tabby's magic when she's not here. He's meant to guard you. He'll be fine."

"I don't care what he is. How can he protect us if he's upstairs? He was in my room whose to say he's still there?"

Elliot saw how destroyed my room was. Melon could  easily leap out the window. And what little I do know about magic I know that the further from the source it gets the weaker it becomes. So if Melon gets too faraway, he would be just a regular dog.

He nods. "Valid point. I'll go get him."

"No I will." He frowns but before he can argue about it, I explain. "I run faster than you. I'm quieter than you and he listens to me. Let me go. You protect Niko."

"You're really good at coming up with bad ideas. Go. You have three minutes before I  come after you."

I nod and push open the floorboard. After I climb out, I place it back gently and rush out of Tabby's room. I run up the stairs taking them two at a time. I open the door to my room and freeze.

Sitting on my windowsill is a guy I've never seen before. Bright blonde hair and deep blue eyes. He's petting Melon on the head.

I should run right? But intuition tells me he's not a hunter. But just in case, I grab the closet thing around me, which it a long thick piece of splinted wood. Closet thing to my bat I got.

"Who are you?" At my voice, melon runs to me.

"You must be Haven. You're just as Kaz described." He says with a kind smile. "I'm not your enemy. My names Kaden. Kaz is fine, he's on his way. I'm here to help for the time being."