Isis- Ephyra's Choice

Chapter Three

Thundering footsteps echoed close by and my body instinctively tensed as I prepared myself for flight, the fight or flight instinct warring against one another within me. So intent on fleeing, I had almost forgotten the existence of Adonis skulking behind me. Thus the reason why a hand that so suddenly grabbed mine startled me to such an extent that a shrill cry tore from my throat before I hastily shut my mouth. But it was too late.  Shouts sounded in response to my ill-timed scream, sounding dangerously close by. Turning around, I glared at him. I could feel my heart thudding, threatening to leap from my ribcage into my throat.

What should I do? My mind was whirling with desperation as horrible, vivid images of how my family would be punished for my actions flashed through my mind. I shuddered at the thought. Being caught out at night in Regis was bad enough, not to mention the fact I had used magic (after being explicitly prohibited by the Council) in the presence of a huge crowd to save a person involved in an illegal duel. I sighed. At this rate, my family’s name might never be cleared and my foolish actions had only served to implicate our already precarious situation further.

I frantically shook my head to clear the depressing thoughts. Now was not the time to beat up myself about it. There’ll be plenty of time later; especially if I was caught by whomever it was that is after me.

“Come on!” Adonis’s voice urged me as he tugged at my hand.

Making a split second decision (as the footsteps now sounded disturbingly near), I followed his lead as we broke into a sprint, tearing away from the alley and entering the deserted main street. Feeling extremely exposed, I pushed myself harder and ran even faster. My senses sharpened as adrenalin pumped through my veins and if not for the current situation, I might have enjoyed myself. Reaching out with my mind carefully, I probed the surrounding area and heaved a sigh as I found no active being near us. Hopefully, we had lost them. Pulling Adonis with me, I ducked into the forest, seeking protection in the thick foliage.

Picking my way gingerly in the darkness, avoiding jutting roots and precariously low branches, I led us further away from the busy city centre and the imminent threat.

An icy gust of wind stopped me in my tracks. Pausing, I reached out with my mind again but found nothing unusual, but a prickling sensation at the back of my neck set me at unease. Glancing about nervously, I increased my pace, intent on escaping as the sense of foreboding grew stronger.

All of a sudden, I heard Adonis jerk to an abrupt stop. My feet stopped too as I took in the sight of the dark hooded figure standing at the clearing before us. It seemed to be waiting for our arrival. Impossible, I should have sensed his when I linked… Carefully, I reached out with my mind again, and yet I could not detect his mental presence. It felt like he did not exist at all, blending perfectly with the surroundings! None of the Singularis I know of were able to conceal themselves to such an extent.  I simply could not believe someone would be able to have such a degree of control. The only person whom I had heard of who could do something like this was long dead and gone for hundred years. Slowly, its hands reached up and revealed his face. I let out an audible gasp.