Enter the Shadows: Book One of the RTS Series (First Full Draft)

Chapter Fifteen

Daniel

In the days since his meeting with his mother and Astra, Daniel slowly filled up a suitcase for what he assumed to be a long trip. His mother made clear to tell him to not pack anything with pradhan fabric in it, so that no Esoteric may recognize or sense them.

Over the last few days, Daniel kept thinking over and over whether or not this was the right thing to do. He hadn't agreed to the plan, but it felt that no matter what he said the decision was final. Daniel felt as if his life was being torn apart from the seams, and he did not want to pick sides.

Daniel had set his suitcase on the floor, the lid propped against the edge of his bed. It had been only partially filled with ordinary-seeming clothes, and a few other items of importance. He sat on the edge of his bed, staring down into the lid, thinking about his mother's and Astra's decisions.

This doesn't feel right somehow. He thought, over and over again. This isn't right. We can't leave this place. But then his mind trailed back to Ze'ev's body lying limp on the ground, the knife sticking out of his back. The image made Daniel want to throw up. Astra said I didn't kill him... but what if I did? What if that poison was slow acting, and I killed him? I could have the blood of another person on my hands and I wouldn't even know it.

He felt cold suddenly, and crossed his arms instinctively. I didn't even know his name until a few months ago. He has probably been serving our family for years, and I didn't even know his name. Hell, I didn't even know what he looked like. I knew nothing about him, and I killed him. He wanted to scream, he wanted to cry, but no tears ever came. And that scared him the most, the fact he couldn't even cry over this person he had killed.

Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door. One so loud it made Daniel jump. "Y-Yes?" He asked, standing up.

"Daniel, it's your father." Leo's voice came from outside. "I need to speak with you."

In a panic, Daniel kicked his suitcase under his bed, making sure it was concealed before walking to his door and unlocking it.

Not even a second later, Leo pushed the door open and walked into the room. After a moment, he looked back to Daniel. His grey eyes seemed colder than normal, and his posture was so ridgid he resembled a statue.

"Is something wrong?" Daniel asked hesitantly.

"I should be asking you the same question. You seem to be more reclusive than normal, more reserved."

Daniel felt his hands shake, his mind going to his mother and Astra. Oh god, does he know?

"I..." He tried to talk, but his throat suddenly felt dry.

Leo's expression softened a bit. Not much, but enough to show concern. "Are you thinking of the last trial?"

Ze'ev's body came back to Daniel's mind. "I-I guess so. I... I just can't seem to stop thinking about what happened." Daniel felt sick. "I killed someone I had no grudge against, or even knew his name until just a few months ago. The thought makes me ill, and I want to scream because of what I did." He looked up at his father, gritting his teeth. "Why?! Why did I need to kill him?! What did I do?!" He felt his eyes burning, but held back the desire to cry. He would not cry in front of his father. Or anyone in that matter.

Leo was silent while Daniel spoke of his worries. Then he straightened a bit. "Daniel, Ze'ev was not an innocent man."

"Wh..." Daniel looked at his father's face; cold and stern.

"Ze'ev was a traitor to this family, and his fellow Esoteric." Leo explained. "He had been apprehended by one of our followers after he was found wandering the streets. He was covered in his own blood, a scar on his forehead, and he was screaming for help."