Prologue
The sea breeze
I counted to three, thinking that if it was a nightmare I’d wake up sweaty in my chamber robes. The chandelier light was burning silently while red covered our ancient cobalt tapestry. Guards were fighting off the rebellion while servants ran to hide. A rug caught fire when I finally decided to move. My veins bursting with adrenaline warmed me more than the heat of the fire rapidly approaching. Screams still echoed, and I locked eyes with her. She was trapped under fallen rubble, desperately trying to escape the flames engulfing the wood on top of her. I moved with no hesitation and in a second we were both running out of my family's castle. Escaping in the chaos was easier, but my soul ached to go back and see home my father was fairing. I heard trumpet signaling and I understood that the throne had been taken. My mind wandered to my sister, hoping she made it out before the Monster came.
“Vi, come on.. We need to hurry! The boats are already sailing, we don’t have much time..” Caitlyn's strained voice snapped me from morose thoughts and I ran faster. As soon as we arrived at shore the fact that all boats were full didn’t register . I grabbed a bald, big man from the neck and threw him away, prompting Caitlyn to take his place. I pushed the boat filled with people filled with despair and jumped in as soon as we reached the line delimiting the shore and the sea.
The light breeze didn’t match the mood. A storm was brewing on land while at see, the water flowed gently and peacefully. The cold salty air kept hitting my face, and some people were praying silently. Closing my eyes I imagined that I was simply travelling. Deep down I knew the pain was too big to ignore. I wanted to talk with the blue haired girl holding me share our pains, my doubts. She also left her parents, Count and Countess Kirraman, back in their manor. I copied the people around me and prayed for her parents safety.
I tried to say something..
“Caitlyn…” She looked at me with tears in her eyes.
But sensing the pain I stopped at her name.
Leaving was hard, but at least we made it out. I looked at her assessing her wounds and started ripping my shirt to cover her wounds. After a moment silence, people around us started talking, mumbling about what they were going to do. The road was long and uncertain. My eyes fell on a blond boy, trying his best to avoid my stare.
I recognize Ezreal, a knight in training, he looked at me ashamed, he probably deserted. Hesitantly he asked, “ Did you see Powder?” I couldn’t find her, and Ek was too injured to go after her.” My eyes dropped to the boy next to the blond. His eyes were dull, and he had a large cut in his right leg. His dark skin was filled with bruises from all sizes and he was looking at me shaking. My sister…. She didn’t make it out. I finally understood what happened and tried to hump off the boat, but Caitlyn kept me in her arms. My heartbeat was thundering in my chest and tears started rolling down my cheeks. No.. No no it couldn’t be possible.
“ Calm down.. I’m sure she made it in another boat. She’s stronger than you give her credit for.” I was grounded, the soft sound calming my mind. My hands were still shaking. I felt like a coward, running away while my kingdom was getting invaded. I could only hope that He didn’t catch her.
He’d pay the price as soon as I am ready.
He’d PAY the price as soon as I am strong.
He won’t see this coming.