The Demon Towers: Secrets and Lies

Prologue

March 2, 2012. Alicante, Idris.

Like most days in Idris, it was supposed to be sunny and bright, but today, the weather seemed to mirror Phoebe’s mood. The sky was dark and gray just like her eyes and Phoebe found the weather too appropriate right now especially after finding out their parents had just died and they’re going to that place where their blood has spilled, leaving their manor – and everything – behind.

     “Are you ready?” her older brother Xander asks her. His wheat-blond hair looks uncharacteristically messy that at first, she thought it was her other older brother Austin who spoke to her but seeing the concerned blue eyes, Phoebe instantly knew it was him. And as for the question, Phoebe knows there is only one answer. “Yes.”

The Consul looked at Phoebe and her siblings sadly. He was an old man with gray hair and dark eyes just like his brother – their grandfather. “This is for your own good,” he says and Phoebe wondered if this was his way of saying goodbye. Or he wants them out of the way right now so he could get back to doing whatever a Consul does. She’s sure it’s the latter.

Consul Aldous Nightshade opens the Portal and he gestured for them to step through.

No one moved.

     “Xanthos,” said the Consul and Phoebe glanced at her brother whose expression is neutral. Xander steps forward with his trunk and without looking back, he stepped through. Then, one by one her siblings went after him until Phoebe was the last one.

     “Go on, Phoebe.” The Consul said, not unkindly. Phoebe looks behind her and she sees the rolling green hills, plains, and cobble-stone roads leading to the main roads of Alicante. She thinks suddenly of her home and she bites hard on her lip to prevent her from crying. How she’s going to miss this place.

Phoebe takes a deep breath – her last breath in the wards of Alicante and stepped through, without looking back this time.