Chapter Thirteen
Andi
The woods are unnaturally quiet. No sounds of nocturnal animals scurrying about for food, nor any owls hooting to their friends or announcing our presence as predators.
Just silence.
The woods were the safest option, disappearing within the woodland nightlife, hiding amongst their scampering sounds, since we’re trying to avoid an untroubled departure. Misty’s clip-clopping feet over the road would have alerted anyone on patrol.
Unlucky for us, the animals have chosen tonight to sleep in.
I know these paths like the back of my hand, spending many a day scouring these woods with Elana and Wyatt. I could find my way in the darkest of nights, but tonight, the moon glows brightly in the sky, guiding us along.
Walking along the withered paths, we watch where we put our feet, avoiding making any noise. The chances of the guards patrolling the woods are slim but not zero. The less noise we make, the better chance we have of making it a good distance away.
Through the trees, the Samly farm comes into sight.
Janil Samly has been a family friend for years. After Dad died, he and his wife took it upon themselves to make sure we had enough to get by. With Mum busying herself with helping others, Mira Samly became a second mum to us. Telling herabout our day, about the boys we liked, or the gossip we had heard in town.
Often, they would bring us cured meat, milk, and eggs. As much as they could spare from their farm, even with six kids of their own. I would try to refuse, but Mira didn’t know the meaning of the word no. Once we got back on our feet, I left some coins as a thank you.
More folk I must leave behind. I just hope that by my leaving, they all stay safe.
A warm, gentle breeze surrounds us, sweeping over a strong pine aroma, triggering comforting memories. I let myself be swallowed whole by them, allowing time to pass by.
Having travelled most of the night, far enough away now, we can mount Misty, allowing our legs a reprieve from the miles we have put between us and Vendyl. With the gentle swaying on Misty’s back, my thoughts drift to Mum, Elana, and Wyatt.
Leaving them behind breaks my heart. I doubt I will be back to Vendyl, not while I’m being hunted. Maybe never. Part of me aches to return, to go back to the loving arms of my family. But I know this only puts them in more danger, and I can’t allow that.
I’ll miss Elana’s wedding, and little nieces and nephews running around. Wyatt will keep her grounded while unknowingly teaching her kids all the annoying habits that will drive El mad.
Elana used to follow Wyatt around like a little puppy, the two quickly becoming inseparable. He was her idol, and she was his baby. He soothed her when she was hurt, sang her to sleep when she refused naps, and taught her to climb trees—much to Mum’s dismay.
When she became a teenager, he would chase away any boy who dared look at her. So protective, always in his nature to want to protect those he loves. I’m glad they’ll have each other.
The moon reflects on the lake at the edge of Samly farm, bringing back memories of Wyatt’s first time swimming. A smile grows on my face, seeing his boyish grin clear in my mind.
Dad would take Elana and me to the lake while Wyatt huddled behind us, unsure of what to do. It wasn’t long before Dad figured out that he couldn’t swim, making it his life’s mission to teach him. Before we knew it, Wyatt was in the lake flapping about like he was born to it.
Every day that week, to cool off from the summer heat, we would spend hours swimming, and every day Wyatt became better, until he was diving in the water like a duck. I wonder what would go through Dad’s head when he saw my mark, or the necklace he made me wear.
I can’t fault them. Would I have done any differently if I were in their shoes?
How agonising it must have been for them.Choosing to keep all this from me, deciding to keep me in the dark.Safe but still unawares. I don’t resent them for it, not even a little. Especially after seeing the devastating effects of my magic.
The guilt of wanting to know about my real family deepens with each passing minute. Wishing I had more than a few portraits or news clippings. I wish I had gotten to meet them, to know them.But I won’t ever get the chance. They were killed for their power. Who would do something like that? The mimicry must have been power hungry and jealous, watching my family use this magic, he so coveted.
He took my life away as much as he did theirs.
What would it have been like growing up in a castle, roaming the halls, running around the keep? Magic is not something to fear but to be embraced instead.
“What’s Eilia like?” I ask Myles.
“Eilia, it’s… breathtaking. Buildings are made from bright white stones, with balconies that overlook the ocean and theharbour, allowing them to watch ships come to trade from all over the continent.” He pauses for a second. “The castle, though, where your family lived, is the best part of the city. Standing grand and tall, above all else. Its gleaming white stones glitter in the sunlight. Enormous windows fill each room, and the view is amazing. We should go see it.” I feel his body tense as he says it.
I laugh at the ridiculous thought. “Sure, we’ll do that.”
My mind paints a picture of the shining city that was once my family’s. The image of my mother and grandparents greeting locals from the balcony of the castle and the crowd cheering, makes my heart warm.