Autumn's Fire

Autumn's Fire: Chapter 19

!!Gore Warning!!!TW Suicide!!

I was hesitant as I quietly picked from the knives in the kitchen, but hesitant in a way where I morally knew that this was wrong. I didn't feel any panic or guilt, and I certainly didn't feel bad. But there was a general sense of knowing that I wasn't supposed to do it, and for a moment I thought about what my parents would think. I knew they would miss me, but would they hate me for it? Would they regret having me as a daughter? I didn't know the answer, but no matter the answer, it wouldn't stop me. I had a mission, and I was going to see it through.

Once I had picked out my favorite cooking knife, a decently sized knife that was big enough to do damage but small enough for me to wield effectively, I decided it would be best for me to write a note. So, I carefully lit a candle using a simple spell, and went over to the book Mum left on the counter specifically for notes. I didn't know what to write at first, for how could I explain or apologize for something unforgivable? I stared at the page blankly until finally, I managed to put pen to paper. In the end, all the note said was that I loved my parents and that I was sorry for what I had to do. I couldn't imagine that this would give them much relief after the fact, but at least it would provide some.

As I finished the note, I realized that I wanted to take my amber stone with me. So, I quietly snuck down the hall to my bedroom, and creaked open the door as silently as I could. Inside, it was dark, but it was clear that in my bed, Mum was sleeping soundly. She occasionally did this when she was particularly worried about me coming home and would sleep in my bed so she would know I got home safely. I cursed to myself inwardly and did my best to quietly make my way through the dark to the bed side table where I typically hung my satchel. I managed to make it across the room and reached a hand out to grab my satchel, when I heard Mum stir. I froze in place, praying she wouldn't open her eyes.

Unfortunately, she opened her eyes and blinked at me slowly before rubbing her eyes sleepily. "Autumn, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice making it clear that she was still half asleep.

I remained frozen for a moment before an idea occurred to me, and I whispered back to her. "I'm spending the night at Thali's, but I forgot my satchel."

"Oh, okay. That's good, love. Have a nice time." She yawned and then turned back over, immediately beginning her gentle snoring once again.

I sighed silently and snatched the satchel from the table. Then, I snuck out of the room and closed the door behind me gently before sneaking out of the house altogether.

Once I was outside, I commanded my stone to fly out of my satchel and follow me while alight. Though the village roads where lit from the lamps run by the Ellylldan, some sections of the road went several hundred feet without light sometimes. So, I figured it better to use my stone in order to prevent me tripping before I even got started. With my little light floating next to me and my chosen knife tucked safely away in my satchel, I began walking the long journey towards Orfaer. Since I had no panic or negative feelings at all, the walk was actually quite relaxing, and as I arrived at the forest, I took my time on the walk to take in the beauty of the glowing forest around me.

The trip took just over two hours, and as I arrived in Chriol's village, it was just before sunrise. The dark of the sky still prevailed, but the chirping of birds and the calls of other forest animals began to fill the air, warning the world of the rising sun. I took a deep breath, enjoying one last moment before hell touched upon the earth. I then made my way up the ramp, across the sea of rope bridges, and to Chriol's front door. Inside, there was darkness and silence, no movement whatsoever, and I reached out to quietly open the door.

It quickly became evident that the door was locked, and I cursed quietly as attempting to open it had jiggled the doorknob enough to make sound to wake up those within. I heard the ruffling of covers followed by a set of hurried footsteps, and my eyes darted around as I struggled to think of what to do. Just then, an idea occurred to me, and I rapidly drew the runes in the air. As the door began to open, my amber stone shot forward into the door, and caused a soundless explosion that turned the door to ash and threw the person on the other side backwards onto the floor. A wicked smile curled my face into an awful expression, and I stepped into the room to see Chriol on the floor as ire began to spread around the room.