Shadowed in Secrets

Chapter 9

Cahya's POV

Thrust. Clack!

Why couldn't Sasha see the truth?
Block. Clack!

What could a 15 year old girl do to stop a powerful organization?

Jab. Clack!

How could I avoid meeting the same fate as her family?

The burning pain in my arms distracts from the overwhelming and impossible questions swarming my mind like a mob of angry bees.

"Ahem. Are you trying to destroy that tree?" I whirl around, pointing my wooden sword at a the owner of the smooth voice that disrupted my rhythm. A boy with wind swept black hair leans on a tree behind me, his pale blue eyes staring at me playfully. I try to snap back at him angrily, but all that comes out is a pathetic squeak.

"Tongue-tied? Yeah, I get that a lot." The corners of his lips twitch up into a smirk. I glare back, mustering a retort, although a horrible one at that.

"What are you doing here?"

"Other than helping preserve the innocent life of a beautiful tree from your unexplainable wrath?" Sarcasm drips from every frustrating word. I had taken my sword straight from the storage room, heading outside to cool down. Instead I hadn't managed even a few steps before practicing my skills on a sturdy tree.

"No... What are you doing on Lord Terron's property?" I snap back at him. "And how come I didn't hear you sneak up on me?"

"Well, I'm on a crucial mission. I'm delivering a message to Lord Terwon from the Neverseen."

"Lord Terron, not Terwon. A bit of advice: If you plan on lying, get your story straight." I glare, daring him to contradict me.

"And you're an expert at lying, I assume", He says, attempting to dodge the question. But it strikes too close to home. My old guilt about lying to Sasha bubbles up. I feel my face pale, and I throw my words at him like knives, "Are you done here? Delivering a message? Because I have more important things to do. And you can be sure that I'll be letting Lord Terron know about your trespassing on his property. I'd strongly recommend staying far, far away."

"Woah, woah. Relax. I'll leave. But don't worry, you're not seeing the last of my irresistible charms." He winked sending tiny shivers up my spine. I told myself it was because I was angry that he had the audacity to stay a minute longer. "By the way", he leaned in, and my breath hitched. "Call me Soren."

He turned, striding away. I stood there speechless as he left, watching until he was blocked from my view by a clump of trees. 

...........................................................................................................................................................

I've heard rumours of a land that stretches far beyond our so called "pure" city. It was destroyed and defaced by reckless human actions, and the air is now coated in an impenetrable layer of thick smoke and fog. I look outside the my glass window, drowning in the light blue colour of the sky, one that I'll miss when I escape to the Forbidden Cities. The colour that will forever remind me of Soren's irritating eyes, burned like a brand into my memory. I let out a frustrated huff. Why did all of my thoughts seem to circle back to him?

I finish packing my food, clothes and supplies within my gray, fabric bag and debate whether to leave a note for Sasha and Lord Terron. I didn't want them to find out about my lies from the Neverseen. But what could I write to justify myself? Hi, Lord Terron and Sasha. Thanks so much for your help these past three years, but I have to leave because I actually have a dangerous disability? I couldn't face the thought of either option. I had to leave soon anyway if I wanted to escape before the morning. I shoved my turmoil of emotions away, and slipped my backpack onto my shoulder, balancing myself against its heavy weight.

The corridors of my home feel hollow as I trek through them for the last time. I feel a sharp pang and let out a humourless laugh. How ironic- I finally recognize this place as home the day I'm about to leave. I glance around as I arrive at the exit to my escape, half expecting Lord Terron to walk out of the shadows, demanding to know where I'm going.

Soon I'm out on the paved walkways, my bag jostling against my shoulders as I walk. I pass the cafe where Sasha and I got sick on mallowmelt a few years before, and the sword shop we bought each other special gifts from. A few giggling girls walk past, their hair dyed with bright elixir colours. I can almost hear the echo of footsteps behind me, the slight tap of shoes on stony ground. But when I turn, I see nobody, and tell myself I'm just being paranoid. No one knows where I'm going or what I'm doing.

I turn into a green park, planning to cut through the lush, grassy fields so that I can reach the edge of our city, the forest. From there, I plan to travel deeper into the rows of wild trees and plants until I reach another community. Suddenly, I feel a whisper of wind tickle my arm, and a gentle brush, one that sent a tremor of heat racing through my arm. I whip my head around searching for the source, my hands out in a defensive position. Although I didn't bring a weapon, my hands would me just as effective.

Behind me, his hands tucked into his pockets, with a smug grin on his face stands Soren. I glare at him, my cheeks filling with heat as I realize my arms are still raised in the air. I slowly drop them, stalking towards Soren.

"What... are... you... doing." I grind out, frustration making my fists tighten and my shoulders clench.

"I could ask the same of you." His eyes squint with suspicion, his gaze boring into me as though he can read my secrets. He spots the bag on my shoulder and my travelling clothes, and glances between me and the looming forest ahead. I see as he connects the dots, his creased eyebrows changing into a look of surprised realization. "Cahya... I..." 

What does he say??? Find out soon.....