I fought against his hold, trying my best as my arm trembled at the resistance. Yet, he held my fist in place.
I finally stared directly into his eyes— my anger coming to a halt as his emotions hit me all at once.
Regret - Sadness- Anger- Shame -Envy
I opened my mouth to speak, but I couldn't, feeling my tears roll down my cheeks as I stared into his.
"You think I'm happy? Or...that I'm not affected by this? When my sister was born I was allowed to hold her first. I watched her little eyes open, witnessed her first words, helped her walk for the first time...watched her use her demon and angel spirit for the first time. Whenever she sleepwalked, I followed her from afar, to make sure she didn't do anything dangerous. When she couldn't reach the milk, I got it down for her, making sure her sippy cup was ready so she wouldn't have to wait. I watched as she had her first crush, on a boy who I soon realized would be stronger than me one day. A boy who would give everything to make my sister smile, to watch her laugh...who jumped off the fourth floor to ensure my sister’s safety while I stood there frozen in place cause I was scared," he admitted, his eyes becoming glossy with tears.
"I woke up to the wails of maids and guards. I hear my mother cry every night and between every break before she has to put on a mask and present herself as a leader and not as a mother whose child was taken from her. My father has to keep a tough front, walking the halls and going on a mission he knew wouldn't be victorious. And now I listen to him cry every time he enters his study. I go to the medical center every day and watch my brother stare aimlessly at the wall...and when he's not staring, he's screaming and crying for his sister. My entire family is broken...yet I have to be strong, or there’s no one to play with your sister...or to make sure Mom and Dad remember to eat...or ensure Kade gets his meds on time or gets to watch his Earthala shows. If I break down...we all lose....and I can't afford to accept my sister being dead." His voice trembled, tears rolling down his cheeks.
"I. Get. It. Ryder. But you know what I'm not doing? Running away. You failed her? So did I...we all fucking failed her! But...if there's even a one percent chance that she's alive out there, she wouldn't want us wasting our time crying over spilled milk. Do you want to be her knight? Do you want to prove to me that you're destined to be hers? Stop running and find my sister. Cause I'm in no position to do it myself...and I miss her."
My hand dropped to my side, tears rolling down my cheeks. I let him sit up, his eyes blinking over and over again as he tried to stop the tears that escaped them. Out of everyone, he'd been hurting the most, and yet, we'd all been ignoring him, thinking he was okay.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, outstretching my arms and giving him a hug.
He sniffed, his sadness growing strong as he began to cry on my shoulder.
I heard footsteps, Arthur and Father appearing in the doorway and Anya holding Father's hand. Arthur sighed, walking over to us.
He didn't say a word, kneeling down and rubbing Xavier’s back as he cried. I eventually let go, letting Arthur pull his son into his arms, consoling him as best he could before lifting him up, taking him down the hall and out of sight.
I stood there, waiting for my dad to punish me. I hadn't been acting like a leader. I was acting like a coward, just like Xavier said. I heard Anya talking to someone, the voice sounding like Catherine— explaining that Xavier and I got into a fight.
I remained in place, waiting for my dad to finally lose his patience with me. He deserved to be mad. I'd been hiding instead of telling him what was going on— the feelings that had been plaguing me every waking moment and that had been one of the many reasons why I hid, thankful that Stryker took over to give the illusion I was just mourning.
I heard footsteps approach me, bracing myself for some type of pain, but nothing came. I opened my eyes looking up to my father who had a sad smile on his face. He knelt down on his knee to reach my height, his hand ruffling my hair like he always did to console or bother me.
"Hey, son. I've missed you. You ready to talk?"
I felt the fresh set of tears flow down my cheeks as I sobbed.
"I'm sorry. The feelings...they won't stop...and I miss Rosalina...and I want to be strong. I want to help find Rosalina, Father. Please? I'll train every day. I'll stop ignoring the pull or the others...I need to find them. I need to help them. We need to find our Princess. Can you help me?" I begged.
He nodded, embracing me and letting me cry in his arms.
"I will train you every day if I have to. We’ll figure out what these feelings are about and I'll help you find where you have to go to meet these others. When you're deemed ready, you can help with the investigation in finding Rosalina. Now, no more tears."
I nodded, hugging him with all my might.
I felt something slide into my hand; Anya stood next to me.
"I'll help too. So, don't cry, Ryder," she whispered.
I nodded. My mother, reached us and pulled us into a hug.
I'd stop being a coward and fight. I was done hiding. I'd find Rosalina and bring her home. But first, I needed to find the others...whoever they were. I would help them. I'd become a leader and we'd form a team to save our Princess.
Just wait a bit longer, Rosalina. We'll find you. In stars, we trust.
TWO WEEKS LATER
"Father, I'll be okay from here on," I announced.
We stood at the entrance of Heila Library for Knights and Summoners. My mind told me I needed to be here; the others who were connected to me were also approaching this location.
"Alright. I'll be here if you need me," Father reassured me. I nodded, taking a few steps before I stilled.
"Father?"
"Yes, son?"
"Thank you for everything you've done so far," I whispered.
"Your very welcome, Ryder," Father replied.
Since my confrontation with Xavier, my father was helping me non-stop to figure out the feelings, which we had confirmed was my gift.
I now had the ability to sense anyone's feelings. I had to learn how to close them off — being taught to create a barrier around my mind to block every living thing’s emotions from assaulting my senses.
With my confession, I explained everything that I'd been experiencing: the reasoning why I hid within Stryker to avoid the constant waves of emotions, why I'd broke down, and why I’d accidentally set the castle on fire— unlocking my power to use dark flames.
Dark flames were exactly how you’d imagine them to be— a flame in the color of black or sometimes purple; to underestimate their power would cost you your life if you weren't knowledgeable of their deadliness.
The host who ignited the flames was nothing but a lighter. Once they were released, without any control or solid reasoning for summoning them, they would reign wild and could kill the host and anyone around it.
Mother had gotten to me in time, stopping the flames before they could hurt me, but we did do a heap of damage to the castle. I thought we'd get kicked out due to my loss of control, but King Arthur had paid no mind, stating the castle needed remodeling and we wouldn't be punished or charged for the damages.
Either way, thanks to the King and Queen, I'd been given their top summoners and teachers to help me control my gift and now I wasn't plagued with sensing everyone’s feelings. Karen had given me a bracelet to wear, something that would help to mute it out if I struggled to keep the barrier around my mind. I glanced at the black bracelet with purple beads, the magic infused in each bead would light up if in use. It was currently off and would stay that way for at least a few hours.
I'd gotten stronger in the two weeks since I decided to work toward becoming a leader and find the remaining knights. As much as I wanted to leave and locate them, something deep within me.
Now that it was in order, I could feel the others stronger than ever, and they each had arrived in Heila. It was my turn to stand my ground and help them.
I made my way up the cement stairs, entering the library. I passed
through the clearance— the librarian immediately rising and bowing at my presence.
Most of the residents of Heila knew of the royal children, my image was in the section of the history books that centered on the royal children of Minato.
I made my way through the three-story building, remaining on the first floor and reaching the very back. I noticed the security guard, his blue eyes looked me up and down before stepping aside, allowing me entrance.
I took a deep breath, ignoring the fear that lingered in me as my heart raced with both nerves and anticipation. I clenched my right fist, knowing it would tremble if I let it be.
"You can do this. I'm here if you need me," Stryker acknowledged, a wave of calm flowing through me.
I nodded, walking straight past the guard and into the stony passage. I didn't question anything— my body already beginning to move toward our objective, whatever that was. Before long I entered a large room— a pillar in the center.
I looked around— six other pillars surrounded the large pink pillar. The main pillar had multiple vines wrapped around it, hiding the multiple engraved lines and designs beneath. I walked forward, taking a closer look at what looked to be drawings of multiple roses.
I looked at the others, each of which was a different color.
As my eyes glanced at each one, I realized they matched the colors in my mind. Even the green pillar morphed into pink, just like how they altered in my mind.
My eyes stopped at the purple pillar, my body moving on its own accord. I stood before it in seconds, glancing up in an effort to see what was at the top. What is this place?
"Hello?"
I jumped at the tiny voice, my eyes shifted to my left. A boy with ash blonde hair appeared from behind the gold pillar— his gold eyes locked onto mine.
He looked to be the same height as me, his blonde hair super long, to the point it surpassed his shoulders. Even though his hair was long, it miraculously stayed in place, not even a strand poked out in disarray.
He wore large round glasses, the black frames matched his black dress shirt which was tucked into his mustard yellow shorts. I could sense his aura— the magic around him reminded me of Kade, hinting he had an angel spirit.
"Hi," I greeted, both of us taking a moment to analyze the other.
"You’re purple," he announced. I blinked, looking at my skin.
"I'm not purple." I defended. I knew my dress shirt was purple, but that and my bracelet were the only purple items I wore unless my eye color counted.
"No. I mean you’re the one we're connected to," he argued, fixing his glasses that began to slide off his nose. He reached my side, taking a glance at the pillars.
"I wouldn't expect something like this to be hidden in the library," he commented.
"I don't think it's in the library, but branches out. It took a while to reach here, meaning it must be further out back? I've only been to the library once, but it was for books, not exploring," I explained.
He nodded. "This is my first time here," he admitted.
I looked at him, his gold eyes returning to meet my gaze. "Ryder Carter," I introduced.
"Daniel...Moore," he introduced, looking shocked.
Wait.
"You’re...the son of King Moore? Of ArchAilennia?" I asked, accepting his handshake.
"And you're the son of King Carter of Minato," he confirmed.
I nodded.
"I guess we’re having a royal party."
We both jumped at the new voice, turning our heads to the orange pillar. A boy with ginger hair walked into view, his tall frame was the first noticeable difference we both seemed to observe, Daniel glancing up as he fixed his glasses.
The ginger male must have been two or three inches taller than us, his amber eyes looking at the both of us. He wore a white dress shirt and orange shorts. He looked like his background was of Asian descent, compared to me and Daniel who looked more Caucasian.
"Kai Akiyama. Son of King Akiyama of Phentailia. I overheard you guys earlier, so no need to re-introduce yourselves," he announced, bowing his head in greeting.
"He's interesting," Stryker announced.
I mentally nodded, feeling the power flowing off him in waves— the room already feeling a little warmer.
"I'm not of royal descent. Does that mean I can't join the party?"
We turned to the dark blue pillar— a boy with bright sapphire eyes and caramel hair questioned. His hair was longer than Daniel's, surpassing his shoulders despite being up in a ponytail. He had a bulkier appearance than us, making me wonder if he was a bear shifter. They always looked stronger and gave the impression they worked out five-plus hours a day.
"Marcus," he greeted.
"What's your last name?" Kai asked.
"Don't got one. I'm an orphan," he announced.
We all frowned, exchanging sad expressions.
"Sorry," Daniel apologized.
He shrugged.
"It is what it is. No point in pitying me," he mumbled, his eyes lingering on the green pillar that shifted to pink.
"What you staring at?" I asked.
"Mr. Green has been sitting behind the pillar for a while now. I think he's afraid," Marcus pointed out.
We all stared back at the pillar. I leaned my head over to the side, noticing a hint of blonde hair peeking out from behind the structure.
"You think he's scared of us?" Daniel asked.
"Looks like it. He can hear us," Kai pointed out.
I was ready to move and try and talk to him, but Marcus beat me to it, reaching the pillar.
He frowned before I watched him kneel down. "Hey. We don't want to hurt you or anything. We're just as confused as you. You don't need to cry," he whispered.
I could see the kindness in those sapphire eyes as he gave a small smile.
He reached out, looking like he was rubbing the boy's head. "You can stay behind me if you want? I'll beat them up if they try and hurt you," Marcus reassured him.
I exchanged glances with the others, knowing somewhere deep inside he meant it.
Marcus stood up, presenting his hand. Another hand went in his, and Marcus tugged the boy out from the dark.
He had short blonde hair, cut shorter than the rest of ours. My eyes immediately noticed the scars on his arms and legs— all of us exchanged glances. I could feel their anger as well as my own for this shifter. We all knew those weren't by accident.
He wore a green shirt that was stained with dirt and black shorts with multiple holes. Even his slippers looked tattered as if he'd journeyed from afar to reach here.
"What's your name?" I asked.
He lifted his head to glance at us— emerald green eyes that held an immense amount of fear that made us shiver.
Kai lifted his hands. "We aren't going to hurt you. We're good," he stressed.
Daniel nodded, raising his hands in peace. "See? Nothing here that can hurt you."
I followed suit, raising my hands. "We won't hurt you. We've all been brought here for a reason. Did you also feel the pull?" I asked. Maybe if he knew we had some type of similarity he wouldn't look so afraid.
He nodded, shuffling to hide behind Marcus. He gave a small smile.
"They won't hurt you," he whispered.
The boy peeked out from behind Marcus' large figure.
"Eli-as," he whispered. Even his voice was tiny and quivered.
We all frowned.
Daniel pulled his glasses off, placing them in his front pocket of his shirt. "He's not well," he announced.
I looked to see his eyes flickering to gold, glowing lightly before they dimmed. He turned his attention me.
"He needs medical attention and food. It's as if he's been traveling for days."
We turned back to stare at him. Because of his height, he looked to be the youngest of all of us, but I doubt that was true.
"Wait...Elias? As in Elias Kingsley of Miolana?" Kai asked, glancing back at the boy.
He nodded slowly.
"Shit," Kai cursed.
"What?" Daniel and I said together.
"I don't know for sure. I overheard my parents talking when we were traveling here. Rumor was that weird things had been happening in Miolana and that the King was involved. Dark fairies have been disappearing throughout the realm to the point where...there aren't any left. My Dad said that King Arthur was scheduled to investigate the matter after King Kingsley stated his son had run away and he had no intentions of looking for him. But…then the Princess..." he trailed off, looking away.
We could already put two and two together— King Arthur had been unable to go investigate the matter due to the reality that Rosalina was kidnapped.
I turned my attention to Elias. "Did you run away?" I asked.
He nodded.
I took a step forward, keeping my hands up. He stayed in place, eyeing me closely. I took small steps until I was standing in front of Marcus, who looked to be the same height as Kai.
"The scars...on your arms and legs. Are those from coming here?" I asked.
He shook his head in denial.
"Is that from your father?" Marcus asked.
Elias looked up at him. I noticed how his hand tightened around Marcus'.
"You won't get in trouble for saying so. We just need to know," Marcus continued.
Elias looked around at all of us, taking another second to stare at me before he nodded. "Yes," he whispered.
We all took deep breaths, trying to hold off our anger for fear of scaring him.
"Okay. I think that’s all of us...right?" Daniel asked.
I shook my head, shifting so I faced all of them.
"There's supposed to be one more. But...something’s happened. He was red like that pillar," I began, lifting my arm to point to the red pillar between Marcus' and Kai's pillars.
Ryder Page 7
