The Warrior Princess

~•Chapter 3•~

Amberle's POV

I took a silent step down, staring toward the crowds of people celebrating the Chosen. Celebrating me.

My Uncle walked up next to me, a smile on his face. "Amberle, you made it."

I smiled in return, glancing around the room for Lauren or Everleigh. "I did. Have you seen-"

My Uncle answered, but I missed what he said. I stared at my Grandfather as he pet his dog, Mangs. "Grandfather still hasn't spoken to me."

Ander laughed. "Sometimes I feel like the only family member he likes is Mangs." He coughed suddenly. "Speaking of obedient dogs, how is your boyfriend?"

We both laughed as I gently smacked his arm. "Uncle Ander! Stop that!" I glanced over at Lauren as we made eye contact. "Lauren is very nice. He deserves someone who truly loves him...I'm just not sure that someone is me."

Ander stares at Lauren for a second longer before turning back to me. "Well, you had better let him know soon."

We continued talking about our pathetic love lives for a few minutes longer before he walked off to talk to one of the guests.

I felt a hand on my arm and turned, meeting the gaze of my...friend, Lauren. He smiled at me gently. "Would you like to dance?"

I felt my heart begin to race at the sweet gesture. "I just need food."

He looked a little disappointed, but he nodded. "I'll make you a plate."

As he walked off, I ran toward the room that I needed to visit most.

I shoved open the wooden doors and ran until I collapsed in front of the tree.

I heard sobbing to my right and glanced over, finding my cousin curled up next to the tree holding her head in what looked to be pain.

I crawled toward her and grabbed her arms. "Ev, what's going on? Talk to me?"

She sobbed and shook her head, "Leave me alone, Amberle!"

I ignored her pleas and sat down in front of her. Grabbing her hands in my own, I try to pry them away from her face. "Everleigh, please tell me what is going on."

She was shaking. Her face felt as if millions of tiny earthquakes were rolling under her skin at once. She was paler than usual and her eyes seemed to roll back in her head. "Find the boy. Save them. Find the boy."

Before I could ask what she meant, my dear, beautiful cousin fell limp in my arms. I felt myself begin to panic. "Everleigh? Hey, Everleigh! Wake up!" I felt my tears as I continued screaming, "Uncle Ander! Someone, help me, please!"

No one was coming. I screamed once more, sobbing over Everleigh's cold body. Leaning down, I listened for a heartbeat, for any sound that proved she was still alive.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

It was very faint, but it was there. Closing my eyes, I silently begged for a way to save her, my dearest cousin.

The Tree. The Tree.

I gasped as my eyes flew open, landing on the trunk of the beautiful Ellcrys.

The bark seemed to be glowing. A faint golden light was emanating from the tree.

The quiet chant was still echoing in my head, coaxing me toward the Ellcrys. I hesitated, remembering what had happened earlier. I didn't want to face that future again, but glancing down at Everleigh laying limp in my lap reminded me of what I needed to do.