Manifest // GxG

one

I was never the one to run away from something. I always stayed, stuck it out to the end. I was taught to always finish what you had started.

But as I stared down at my village consumed in flames, I knew the best decision for us was to run away.

I felt like a coward earlier that day when I came to the realization. I was running around my small house, packing everything that we needed. 

My brother was standing behind me, with a confused look. "I thought we don't run." He said.

I could feel the disapproving look he was giving me. After all, we were taught not to run away. We had always honored it until now.

"We can't stay, Alaric." I hastily spoke, packing his clothes into a bag.

"Why." He demanded, sticking his blond covered head up in the air.

I shook my head and stood up. I chose to ignore his question and pick up the large blanket on his bed. I could only bring a number of things, so we would have to share.

"Ananke." He stood in the door way, blocking me from leaving.

I could feel my blood boil. But I didn't let it get the best of me. After all, he's just a kid. He doesn't understand.

"If we stay, then we will die. I can't let that happen." I avoided eye contact with him. I felt ashamed, but there was nothing I could do that would end nicely.

I guess my answer was enough for him, because he moved and let me through.

He stopped talking as I packed the rest of our essentials.

Then the screaming started. I knew they were here when the sound of hoves hitting the ground came to be and light shone through the windows.

I threw down what I had in my hands and took Alaric's hand in my own.

Saying nothing, I quickly ran out the back door and to my horse.

"Get on." I told him as I untied the reigns.

He stood there, frozen in place.

"Get on!" I harshly whispered. He then got on and offered his hand to me when  the reigns came undone.

I jumped on and immediately took off into the woods. In that moment, I was sure whatever in the woods wasn't as bad as the soldiers marching through our village.