| BOOK 1 OF STARSEEDS |
22nd April 2010 changed everything.
It changed the world.
Changed destines. Bought new destines. Not only for specific people - for everyone.
22nd April 2010 changed everything for us.
Aqua Lordaire knew everything about he...
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As soon as we stepped into the chamber, the mist instantaneously departed.
It seems we're in a meadow or a forest, or somewhere in-between a meadow and a forest. There was a house in the centre of a vast space of yellow-green grass, with chunks of severed trees enfolding it. The house was ancient, black and grey with grunge everywhere. The windows were damaged and cracked, some just mere fissures. The porch was veiled with dead, dried leaves that rustled around despondently.
"Where are we?" I asked.
Instead of answering, Jayden remained silent. His apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed with a glint of . . . trepidation? Yes. Trepidation. There was terror lurking in his brown eyes. Mixed with woe.
"Jayden?" I said quietly. "Are you OK?"
He nodded silently, not meeting my eyes.
"You're not."
"I'm fine," he said brusquely, his expression arctic. "Where are the damn monsters?"
Ignoring his bothering, impolite tone of voice, I scanned the surroundings. I couldn't distinguish anything demonic that could frighten me. There were only shadows of the trees and the bright dimness of the clouds above us.
Until I saw her.
She stood in front of the horde of wild trees. Her white dress fluttered around her like petals quivering from the cold. Her dark hair was a muddled mess, seeming as if she was electrocuted. Her feet were bare with scars, and there were small blotches of dried blood horrifying her beauty. The only bright, benevolent feature about her right now is her light-cerulean eyes.
"A-Aqua," she blubbered. "Help me." She collapsed to the floor, panting as if she was suddenly stabbed in the chest.
I broke into a run.
"No, Aqua, stop!"
Jayden materialised in front of me in a flash, grabbing my arms to stop me. "Stop."
"She's there," I murmured, the dramatic tears falling down my cheeks. "Mom is there. She's hurt. She's bleeding. Let me go."
"That's not her, Aqua. We're in an exam, remember? She's only an illusion." Jayden wiped the tears from my cheeks. "Focus, Aqua. Focus. We can't fail this exam, especially if you want to find your father."
My eyes flickered over his shoulder to where Mom is. She's on the floor, weeping, yelling in pain as bloody, sweaty tears skulked from the corners of her eyes. It seems so real. So true. I wanted to argue with Jayden, to shout at him that Mom is actually there. But Jayden drew out his sword, turned around, and hurled his sword directly at Mom. I screamed as the dagger plunged through Mom's chest.
My screams died as the features of my mother melted, melted and melted. They melted until they exposed the true appearance. A woman with messy hair. Her naked body is covered with mucky, glistening, smelly blood. There were burnt marks on her face, arms and legs.
