Hemlock Hunters

07 - Chasing fire

Kristen's POV

We appeared by bank of the lake where Erana, Craig and Gus were standing facing the lake. All three of them were dressed in black and none of the Hemlock Hunters were armed but Erana was holding a triangular shaped golden plate which was covered with countless number of candles. As soon as Oliver noticed us, he whirled his hand in the air and the candles on the golden plate lit up in fire. Gus was staring at everyone in amazement, his eyes recording every single detail of the moment. I was surprised to see him like this. I expected him to cry and scream at the loss of his sister but he looked as heartless as I am.

Craig lifted his hand up and stretched it in the direction of the boat in which the coffins were placed, his eyes turned gold and the boat began to float toward the other end of the river and Erana started to chant the prayers, clock wisely rotating the golden plates with lighted candles.

Tears flowed steadily, silently down my face. I wanted to see my mother’s face one more time before the funeral but I couldn’t control the guilt in me. Even though Craig always keep saying it was Izden who killed my mother, I always keep seeing how I killed her to save Craig. I felt numb and empty.

“The prayers summon the souls of the tomb,” Craig whispered to me.

I didn’t answer. My eyes were fixed on Gus who began to cry as expected. He leaned on to a tree and wept. I wanted to go to him and console him but my inside said that I’m the reason for his sorrow so I just stared at my best friend, crying as if he has lost his whole world.

Craig continued, “If she stops the prayers, the souls will get annoyed and attack us.”

“Has it happened before?” I asked, avoiding his eyes.

He nodded. “Years ago when we were attacked by some crazy vampires.”

My lips trembled; I bit them and stared at the wooden boat, carrying my mother.

“We had to summon Angels of heaven to send the souls back inside the tomb,” he said.

I heard footsteps behind me. I looked back, there was a crow perched on a branch of an oak tree and it shrieked when it caught my eyes.

“What is it?” Craig asked, trying to catch my gaze.

“Crows,” I answered, not taking my eyes off the dark black crow.

“What?” He asked in shock and then there was a woman behind Craig. She had fire red hair and raven black eyes. She held a golden dagger in her hand.

The dagger met Craig’s flesh, soft and pudgy, and made a satisfying squish as the tip of the blade sank deep enough to make Craig scream. In the next second I was shoved aside by Oliver and he ran straight at the woman, colliding with her and then the three of them disappeared into the air.

“Kris!” Gus screamed, running toward me. “Are you alright?”
I nodded and stood up from the ground.

I turned to look at the oak tree where the crow was perched but now it was gone.

“Stay here with Erana,” I said and looked at her. She hasn’t stopped the prayer for a moment. She knows the danger it can cause. “I have to go and help them.”

“No,” Gus protested, trying hold me by my hand.

“Gus, I can’t let her hurt Craig,” I said ran toward the forest, holding the long black dress up.

“Kris, come back!” I heard Gus shouting behind me but I ran into the forest of darkness.

As I reached the darkness of the forest, I turned to take a one last glimpse of my mother. She was been carried to holiness in the blessed.