Eidolon // H.S

Walking Toward The Unknown

“There’s no other option Robert” my knuckles hardened at my tightened grip of the decrepit wooden bannister as I remained crouched, hidden from sight. 

Mayor Lightwood stood in the hallway, an unruly mess of waves placed behind his ears. Bellowing at the top of his lungs the fake facade of sincere regret. 

“We must take the children” the withered fragile woman gasped; my mother. Though I didn’t pity her, she was naive to believe we could escape it. 

 “After everything I’ve done for them, for this cause, they want my children!” my father violently shook his head in protest. His glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, as he ripped his badge to the floor. ‘Dr Robert Holland’ the metallic name plaque collided with the hard ground.

“I’m sorry I really am. You know how it works, Thea and Joseph have been called, their names are written on the list” Mr Lightwood gradually retired back toward his armed guards, his face now placid. 

“Please don’t do this, I won’t let you” my father pleaded, his body hunched as a deathly cough escaped his lips sending him into a frenzy of chocking. He was weak, his wrinkled body bearing the effects of years of mistreatment. 

I rose gracefully, ignoring the unfolding fiasco downstairs - I could listen no more. A heavy weight sat at my chest, though not for myself for Joseph. We were both fated to live a darkened future, although I had no idea what that darkness would be. 

With light feet I strode towards the forefront of the house. Joseph’s voice chimed through the door, the innocent chuckles of a nine year old boy playing with his toys. I hesitated, my hand resting on the bronze door nob. With furrowed brows I contemplated how I would tell him. Would he already know, would he understand? 

I started forward, my breath sharp and body heavy.

“Thea look what I’ve made” Joseph sat slumped on the wooden floor, his thumbs twiddling with a piece of wood sculpted into the shape of a star. He smiled, lips hooking from one rosy cheek to the other. 

“That’s great my little star” I placed my shaking hand on his head, fingers combing through blonde strands. 

“I want you to have it” he thrust the object into my palm, before continuing. “Keep it and I’ll always be by your side” 

I dropped beside him, eyes prickling with an intense heat threatening to spill tears. 

“Do you know what’s going to happen?” he nodded his head, his green eyes fixated on the ground. There was no trace of fear present on his face, it made me wonder how someone so young could be so composed.

“Joe I need you to do something for me. Be brave okay, whatever happens to us I need you to promise me that?” my hands travelled to my blue hair in frustration, the lapis seeming to dull with my mood. 

“I promise. It’s okay Thea, we’ll be okay” his voice was timid, as his fingers traced my cheek. 

The room shook with the force of a knock. Joseph and I stood, my hand taking his own as we shared an exhaled final breath of freedom.

“Come in” I shouted and the wooden frame swung ajar. A pale man stood strong, black attire covering his body whilst his hand lingered at the gun. His broad shoulders verged forward ready to forcefully take us. 

“You both need to come with me” a deep melancholy voice uttered. 

Without resistance we walked towards the end of everything we had ever known.