Random Short Stories

The Shadow Lady

It was quiet, yet loud. I couldn't concentrate. My mind was full of memories and fear. However, I had to do this. I couldn't back out now. I pulled my hood up and pulled up my mask, leaving only my eyes. There he was, just standing there as if he was a statue. I readied my bow, aiming right at his head. I took a deep breath and another memory entered my mind.

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"Your mission, is to kill the prince. His royal bloodline stops at him. We can't let it go on."

I looked up from the table, "And... if I refuse?"

My boss stared me in the eye, "then your family will die."

I stood, that was enough motivation for me. I gathered my things and left, heading to the castle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I shook myself away from my thoughts. No, I couldn't fail. It's his life or my family's and I'm determined to keep my family. Pulling the arrow back further, I prepared to shoot. Tonight would be his last night and then I could be the ruler. I could help my family, I would be free.

Or... would I?

Another memory came to me.

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"What do you want to do with your life?" He asked me.

I looked into his dark eyes, I wasn't quite sure what he was asking but yet I knew my answer.

"I want to let people live, not hurt them."

He chuckled, his laugh was deep and somehow comforting. He gave me a soft smile.

"You already do that, you know?"

I shook my head, if only he knew. A moment of silence passed between us.

"You're keeping me alive. You're the only reason I'm here and willing to take my place as king."

I felt a stabbing pain in my heart, but my face stayed emotionless. I didn't know how to respond. If only he knew...
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Could I really do this? He's the only one who's ever shown me any kindness. He's spared my life countless times. Each time I deserved to die, he refused. The realization hit me. The prince cared for me, I would even say he loved me.

But, I didn't love him, so why is this so hard to do? Just let go and it'll be over with. Let go and I can be free. Let go...

I trembled, the fear and doubt taking over me. I retracted the arrow and dropped to the ground. Releasing my weapon, I hugged myself, the pain of everything hitting me. No matter what I chose, I would never be happy. Even if I became the ruler and saved my family, the regret of him would be there. If I didn't, then my family would be gone. I would have the blood of them on my hands.

So, what was the right choice?

I grabbed my bow and arrow, drawing my aim again, silently watching him as he gazed at the night sky. I remember him telling stories of how there was more out there. He had revealed his love of the stars to me as if it was some deep dark secret that was never to be shared. I closed my eyes, I couldn't let any more memories distract me. Releasing my grip, the silence was broken, but only for a second. It was done.

I felt as if a weight had been lifted from me. I stood there a moment longer. Looking at the place where he once stood. A few stray tears fell down my face before I turned, my cloak moving with me. It billowed behind me as a light breeze came through.

As I walked away, the moon seemed to darken as if it was mourning.

I was just glad that he was now among the stars.

For The Shadow Lady had attacked once again.