Academy of Ashes

The Valg Brothers

Ok, so it's been a while. Like, a while. After publishing Academy of Ashes I wasn't sure if I was going to continue and I've had so much going on lately I just never felt the need. But logging in today and seeing all the lovely comments you guys left on my first two chapters was so nice!! I really appreciate all the people who took the time to read and comment, it meant so much! So here we go finally an update! I still don't know where I'm really going and it wont be updated very regularly I'm afraid ;(( but here we go, Chapter 3.....

As soon as Manon stepped out of the Academy Gates she could sense they were there. The hairs on her neck prickled her skin and the familiar uneasy feeling settled over her. "Go on ahead, I'll catch up" she called to Asterin ahead. Asterin tilted her golden head quizzically but said nothing before she carried on walking down the road.
After reaching into her bag and closing her hand around the reassuring lump inside she headed towards the street corner. The shadows danced around her as she ventured further down the alley over the rain slicked pavement and grimy buildings. Before long she felt cold breath on her neck and a hard point pushed into her back as her arm was pulled behind her back. "Manon" came a voice. "I've been waiting a long time for you"
"I was at school, you know how it is" Manon retorted her voice oozing calm and confidence.
"You can't hide in the Academy forever little rich girl"
More shadows closed in around her and Manon could see now it was the Valg brothers, the thuggish crime gang of the neighborhood, knives glinting in their bony hands. She smiled.
A sickening crack rang through the alley as Manon flung her ice blond head back and collided with the boys nose. Swearing, he let go of Manon. Already the other brothers were closing in but she already had her knife glinting in her hand, long nails closed around it.
Her blood red mouth grinned at the figures as the tried to push her against the wall. The first suffered a kick square in the chest knocking him across the alley. Manon snarled and launched herself at the remaining Valgs, biting, scratching and clawing at their faces. "You're insane" one cried backing away but Manon merely laughed.
"Stop"
She turned and her heart sunk, her body filled with dread. Squirming in Valg's arm was Elide, the sweet shy girl that followed Manon around at school. Her crippled leg was desperately scrabbling against the floor unable to find a grip.
"Let. Her. Go" Manon hissed. The Valg brother grinned a horrific, twisted grin before placing his knife against Elide's pale neck and replied "give us what you owe" ...