Shadow Taking Over

Prologue

A girl nearing her 17th birthday by the next minute patiently sat in the wash of the moon from the cracked window. Her perfectly blue eyes reflected in its luminescence. She rested on her knees, her bare legs tucked underneath her. Steadily, her heart thumped against the cage. Flowing hair, curled at the edges protruded her ears to frame her face at the front and dripped down the length of her back. People had always marveled at how her hair closely resembled water, but to the touch it was silk and dry. Girls swooned at the sea foam dresses she dawned each day, how elegant her steps seemed to be. They told her she had likeliness to an angel of the sea. She lifted her pink lips into a small smile. Their kindness was her world.

Midnight struck on the clock that dangled from the attic ceiling. She gasped and felt the swell of excitement in her heart. Her curls bounced as she stood from the wood floor. Unable to contain herself, she strode from her spot towards the trap door exit. With a tug of a rope, the door lifted and locked in place to allow her descent. She skipped the last three rings of the ladder with a short leap. She scurried down the hallway leading to Alice's bedroom. Before she could reach the door, it swung open to reveal her sister sporting training gear, equipped with a chain scythe, and a firm, rock expression. Alice lightened her face with a small smile briefly, but it too soon resorted to a bland one.

Monotone, she said, "Eve, what are you doing up at this hour? Father will be very displeased if he sees you."

"Sorry.. the excitement got to me," Eve replied, struck by the power emanating from her older sibling.

Alice sighed through her nostrils. She belted the chain scythe and took Eve's shoulder delicately. Her intense gaze outmatched the softness in Eve's eyes. The previous joy that laced her iris dissipated. Alice felt bad for this, but it could not be helped. Eve had to learn her place to ensure her own safety in this home. If her father, Lance, came along and saw his youngest daughter awake, there would be a painful consequence the following morning. If his patience had been thinned to a breaking point, he would not wait for the sun to rise.

"Thank the Creator he's outside waiting for me," Alice muttered as she lead Eve by her shoulder down the hallway.

"Can I ask you something?" Eve inquired.

"Make it fast to ensure I'm not late."

"When we first arrived here, you said that you would figure out a plan of escape by the time I reached 18. Well.. I'm a bit impatient."

Alice slowed to a near stand still as she took in what her sister suggested of her. They rounded the end of the corridor where the ladder to the attic awaited them. She gently pushed Eve toward the ladder, urging her up the first few rings.

"Eve, we are never leaving father's side," Alice drew out her words to make it completely clear.

"Alice.."

"Goodnight, Ever."

The trap door snapped shut.