Written in the Sand: Book 1 of the "Written" duology

Hide

I've always wondered what was behind the creaky old door of the old abandoned house on Magnolia drive. The windows were boarded up, but not well. It looked as if whoever did it was in a great hurry. I had assumed the doors would be locked, so I never even tried to go in the spooky looking house.

Until tonight.

Tonight was the only night when I almost chickened out on a dare. And I never really chicken out of one. I looked back at my supposed friends at the time who had dared me to go in. They reminded me of tantalizing snakes, whispering that 'everything was gonna be okay' and 'not to worry'.

Damn was I ever a fool.

Passing the threshold, I gave a shiver. The ones where you know you aren't supposed to be there, or that you're doing something wrong. I ignored it as I went in deeper, going towards the once-grand staircase that lazily winds around. As I walked up the creaky steps, I looked around at the undisturbed dust and items.

Must have been here for centuries! I thought, probably being off with the timeline. I ascended the stairs slowly, looking up and down the hallway. I decided to go right, there was a single door there, looming, and seeming to guard secrets.

I opened the door, it gave a loud and unsettling groan, protesting against the use. Inside the room was furniture covered in aged off-white sheets, termite-eaten wood furniture, and an old, square box in the center, up against the wall between two boarded up windows.

Curios about the box, I walked over. The box was beautiful for how long it was there. It had delicate carvings that looked fierce, with it's once vibrant cherry wood. On top was a deep red leather bound book with a layer of dust on it. I picked it up and began to read the first section, the writing in small, rushed handwriting.

December 19

I tried to tell them. But it never seemed right at the time. I should've when I had the chance, and now they are all dead. What am I gonna do? Running isn't an option. No matter where I run, the ringing always finds me.

It is inevitable to say the least. This... Hide makes me do things when that happens. That dreadful ringing.

I skipped ahead in the book, where there was different handwriting, one seeming like it was written by a female.

April 9th

Spitfire has a way of wanting to do things her way. She is unpredictable that way. When I first accepted the call, I found out rather quickly that when my family was threatened, she didn't like it.

When it became apparent that, on top of my own maternal instincts, it fueled her fire. I enjoy it, actually. Today I tracked down a black magic user, one who didn't know what they were doing actually, and slain them.

That handwriting abruptly stopped. There were a few entries before this one with similar handwriting, but after that, nothing more of it. Swirling cursive caught my attention, making me read another entry.

July 3

Today is the day we execute our plan. Our plan might prove fatal, but it's what needs to be done to ensure future knights their safety. The magic users are getting more and more advanced, making all of us shift more frequently. It's not the best plan we have had, but it will have to do.

Later this evening we, the rest of the pack, will have to go and get in positions. So, Charlie, if you ever find this and I never returned, just know that I love you and I am doing this to protect you. Take care of our daughter, and make sure she never knows of this burden.

I sat there, tears springing to my eyes as I read that last part. But one question rose in my mind. What are they talking about?

I was so lost in thought I barely noticed the box thumping, like something wants to get set free. "What the hell?" I asked myself, leaning closer to take a look. My mind screamed at me to run, but my curiosity rooted me to the ground. I raised my voice, looking behind me. "I swear to God, Lydia. If this is another one of your stupid fucking pranks-"

All of a sudden, the lid of the box flew open, and all was silent.

I peered into the black abyss of the box, only to get thrown back by a force so strong and crushing, it hurt. Pain seared into me as I struggled to move. A smoky and sickly sweet scent flooded my nostrils as I thrashed. Oddly enough it reminded me of campfires and s'mores. My skin burned and crawled as I let out an ear splitting scream. I couldn't move.

Then, all at once, blackness enveloped me into its' welcoming embrace.

   ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ─── 

When I came to, I was cold. I coughed as I sat up, looking around. This wasn't where I was last time. I was outside, on the earth, bare fucking naked. I visibly freaked out as I sat there, trying to conceal myself and wildly looking around to see if I can find my clothes. A sudden noise drew my attention as I froze, in horror.

Fuck! I can't let anyone see me like this! I thought as I got up and backed away behind some bushes. I watched as someone walked on a trail, looking around. He was tall, well dressed, and had dirty blond hair. He seemed confused as he looked around. When I saw his face, I literally couldn't breath. He was beautiful. I say beautiful because he is; his face is kind of round, his jaw is soft yet sharp enough to cut paper, and his eyes are a blue-grey.

His eyes fixated where I had been before, seeing red liquid, and followed the trail to where I was. I mentally freaked out as he gradually grew closer to me.

Please don't find me, please don't find me, I chanted in my head as I cowered down in the bushes as he walked by. He hesitated near my hiding place, walking a slow circle.

"Hello? Anyone here?" He asked. "I promise I won't hurt you," He said, a little quieter. I didn't move. I couldn't out of fear. When his back was to me, I slowly scooted away, and, to my dismay, made a sound. Cliché as it is, a twig snapped under my palm. The man cocked his head subtly and turned around facing my direction.

Oh shit. I thought.

My heart was banging against my ribcage by now. Maybe if I don't move, he won't see me, I thought innocently. The man approached the bushes in front of me, peering over them with ease because of his height. My body shook. He'll think I'm crazy or on drugs. I thought. Or both.

I tried to cover my naked body with what little I could, but it was inevitable. He saw me, and without hesitation, he walked up and crouched. I gave a visible flinch, not knowing what he was gonna do or say.

"Are you all right?" He asked, concerned. "It's freezing out here! What happened?" The man began to shrug off his jacket, handing it to me. I was baffled. He didn't even mind that I was naked. In front of him nonetheless.

He might be gay then, I instantly thought. "T-thanks?" I said, more of a question than a statement. The man nodded, getting up and giving out his hand. I took it without a word, being helped up. We said nothing as we stood there, a foot or so apart, staring at each other.

"What happened?" The man repeated. I just shook my head, a little exasperated. "You're guess is as good as mine," I gave a weak laugh. The man stared at me. I realized how I must have looked to him. Crazy and naked out in the forest.

"Do you happen to know where I am?" I asked, trying to get this encounter over as soon as possible.

The man looked at me a moment longer before turning away his gray-blue gaze. "You're at Belgrave University," 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Playlist/Songs:

- Burning House by Cam

- Bad Dog by Neon Hitch

- Real World by Owl City

- Born For This by The Score