The Twilight Line

Chapter 5 The King and I

Chapter 5

“Laney, you must wake up!” Who is that? I don’t want to open my eyes, but I need to figure out who’s disturbing me. I’m in a small grey room. It looks like a prison cell. “How did I get here?”

“Wake up! You can’t be here!” That woman is yelling at me, but I don’t understand why. “Where is here?” She looks out a small window, “It’s the king’s prison. Just get out of here! If you stay any longer they will know…” A siren goes off, filling the room with flashing lights. “It’s too late! Dammit…”

She holds up her hands and I’m blinded, “I’m sorry…”

Hostetler Mansion April 21, 2786 9:23 p.m.

Laney’s eyes shoot open, but they aren’t her eyes. They glow purple. “Laney?” She shakes her head. “Emma? Is that you?” A weak smile confirms it. My hands shake, “But you’re supposed to be dead…” The shock of my dead wife in my daughter’s body has rendered me immobile. “How are you…”

“Laney is in trouble. They’ve detected her presence in my cell.” Her voice echoes in my head, “What do you mean?”

“They’re coming for her…” Laney’s body collapses into my

arms. She wakes up, “Dad… what happened?” I hold her close, “I’m not sure…”

She looks up at me and I take in a sharp breath, “Laney, you’re eye…” Her hands come up to her face, “What? What’s wrong?” I push her towards a mirror. She gasps, “My… my eye. It’s… purple.” Her left eye has changed to a deep violet. It matches that of her mother’s. “I can’t believe it… She was right.”

“What are you talking about dad? What’s happening to me?” There’s a lump in my throat, “We are out of time…” Just as I say it there is a loud bang and in a flurry of lights and shouting the house is filled with knights. “Stay down! Don’t move!”

I fight to get to my daughter as they pull her away. They drag her out kicking and screaming. “No! Not again!” When she’s out of sight I collapse. “Why? Why her?” Hot tears stream down my face. I’ve finally lost it all…

Potentia Academy Dorms April 22, 2786 9:54 a.m.

“Ugh… What happened?” I groan at the light piercing my head. Pulling the covers over my head I try to block it out. “It’s about time you woke up.” The male voice startles me. I jump out of bed and collapse as a sharp pain assaults my vision. A pair of strong arms catch me. “That will go away. They gave you a little too much sedative.” I cling to this stranger. He lifts me onto the bed and lays me back down.

“Who the hell are you?” I don’t even try to be polite. He is one of my kidnappers. I notice there’s something familiar about him. “Do I know you?” His long hair hides his face in shadows. “I don’t believe so. My name is Krys.” The name sounds familiar, but I can’t place it.

“Why am I here?” I glare at him. He chuckles, “Straight to the point. I like that.” He lights a cigarette. I snatch it and put it out, “What the hell is your problem?” He rolls his eyes, “Do you want to know why you’re here or not?” I force myself to speak calm, “That would be appreciated.” He gets so close to me I can feel his breathe on my cheek, “You, sweetheart, are here under the King’s orders. He wants me to keep a close eye on you.” I cringe away from him putting my hand against his chest. I can’t help but notice the toned muscles flexing beneath his black t-shirt.

“I guessed as much. What I want to know is why he would order you to kidnap me. I’m sure he has easier ways of getting me wherever this is.” I push against him, unsuccessful at expanding the space between us. “Can you back off?”

He smirks, “Getting to excited?” Fire ignites my veins and I slap him. Though there is a red handprint left behind it doesn’t phase him. In fact he laughs, “You have fire in you.” This time he looks me right in the eyes and I notice his bright green irises. If his attitude didn’t spoil his looks… “When cowards corner me as you have.”

Anger flashes across his face before he reins it in. Hit a button have we? He backs up with a stern face. “Thank you.” Silence fills the gap between us. I wait for him to say something. “Are you going to tell me why I’m here or not?” He glares at me. I must have hit a nerve to get this kind of silent treatment.

I crash back on the bed, “Whatever, I’ll figure it out.” A light rap on the door sends me flying up. When a petite red-head peeks in I’m confused. The last thing I expected was such a frail girl taking part in my abduction. “Can I help you?” My rough tone makes her cringe. I almost feel bad. “My lady, I am here to escort you to the Head-mistress.” She bows.

“Head-mistress? Is this a school?” My brain hurts from the long list of unanswered questions. “Yes, m’lady.” She refuses to meet my gaze. I stand shakily. This time Krys does not offer any help. Just before we close the door he calls out, “Laya, be sure she gets a proper change of clothes first.”

She dips down elegantly, “Yes sire.” That’s when it occurs to me. Krys? As in King Krystopher Knight? The blood drains from my face as Laya shuts the door. “Please tell me that wasn’t the King.” She looks down, “Wish I could m’lady. That was King Krystopher in the flesh.” I stumble, but Laya manages to catch me before I hit the ground. I look up in terror, “I slapped him… and called him a coward.”

The horror in her eyes is tangible, “M’lady! Did you really?” I nervously admit my crime, “I did… I had no idea…” She pulls me down the hall, “Why is he so young?” Her laugh echoes through the halls.