The Path to Redemption

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓇𝓉𝓎-𝐹𝑜𝓊𝓇

↞･:*✵*:･↠

I could only stare as I watched the ice. I was prepared to watch Gale die, for how was he to counter a spear of ice moving so quickly? I should've known Colton wouldn't let Gale go that easily. I should've had him leave before I gave myself up. Maybe then there would've been a chance.

Only the ice never found its way to the royal's heart.

He was facing Colton in a matter of seconds, the ice stopped in midair by a piece of stone he had conjured from the ground. Gale had fought back. He wasn't going to back down, not without a fight. I allowed myself a breath of relief, though I knew the reaction was premature. The fight wasn't over yet. It had just begun.

Colton appeared shocked, seeing his ice had not hit its target, but his recovery was fast. Not even a second later he was sending more ice in Gale's direction, his arms moving so fast they seemed to blur. Gale blocked his attacks, his body grounded, stones reacting to his every movement. Both Colton and Gale had the upper hand in this match. Colton had a fountain full of water—which he could turn into ice-spears—and Gale, a street of cobblestone.

The two continued at each other, with Colton on the defense and Gale on the offense. The royal made no effort to pursue Colton, and I knew why. He was trying to wear him down, make him weak. But I knew better. Colton would not be so easily defeated.

I writhed and pulled against the restraints holding me back, but they remained firm. I tried to rid myself of Bran, sure that if I could just get beyond his grip, I'd be able to intervene. Perhaps I could even be useful. I had not a clue why my abilities weren't working, but I would get by without them. I had to.

I clenched my teeth, pushing against Bran's firm grip. I knew it would do no good, but I tried anyway. Anything to keep me from standing idly by while Gale fought for his life. His plan was a good one, for anyone other than Colton. The ice fueled him just as lightning fueled me. To feel the electricity in my veins and the wind in my face seemed to spike my adrenaline. If only I could use it.

By now, Colton had advanced, getting closer to Gale with each passing second. If it continued on like this, Gale would be trapped in the next few minutes. Then, he would really be dead. Sweat poured from the royal's forehead as he concentrated, working two slabs of stone at once. The ice continued to pound his barrier, the shattering ice echoing throughout the square.

Nobles and passers-bys stood and watched as their King molded the stone around him in an inhumane fashion. They had not known of Gale's ability until now. They probably assumed he'd been like this all along. They probably felt betrayed.

Letting out a huff, I bent my knees in preparing to jump before leaping from the ground. The action was shallow, not even close to the heights I could reach if I weren't bound and held by Bran. I hated being held against my will, incapacitated and unable to really cause harm to my captor, but this would do. Thrusting my legs out behind me, my feet made contact with bone, a cracking sound emitting from Bran. He yelled, letting go of me as he kneeled, his right leg now impaired.

I hit the ground on my side with a thud, my left arm stinging from the impact even if it was a short drop. I took no time to push myself up from the ground, though my arms were still stuck behind my back. I may not be able to use my ability, but I wouldn't be useless.

"Get back!" I shouted at the people who stared, their eyes wide. Some stood with their mouths agape. "Get back!" I repeated, motioning towards an alleyway with my head.

They began to listen, shuffling into the secluded area while their eyes remained on Gale, who was now kneeling, his face contorted and strained as he continued to block Colton's attacks. He was becoming exhausted. He wasn't used to using his ability for so long, and with such concentration. I narrowed my gaze at Colton, who didn't seem to notice I'd escaped. I had the element of surprise, and I would not waste it.