The voice slithered, sending chills down my spine. Only this time the voice didn’t sound the same. It sounded, dark. I mean, it always sounded gruelling but not, not like this. I looked around me to see if there was something hiding in the shadows, but the voice drifted off.
“Nate should be here soon. If he isn’t, I’ll have the first laugh when he shows up with half an arm.”
I glared at him, “What’s with you two?”
“What are you suggesting?” He narrowed his eyes.
“Nothing, just you hate him, and then you like him,” I said. It’s true. It’s not that I minded him throwing around a few helpless insults, but it was so weird how he would switch moods towards Nate constantly. Kaylin, why are you even thinking about this right now? This should be the least of your concerns.
He threw his left hand up and chuckled, “Like him? He’s an arrogant bastard with selfish needs.”
“Something tells me you knew him before he came around,” I added suspiciously. I didn’t actually think that, but sparking up my brother was always fun.
“Something tells me you like him,” he walked away and winked at me. That ended our conversation quickly. Not to mention it was really uncalled for, and got my mother’s attention. Having feelings for Nate never crossed my mind, did it? I mean, what even are feelings? Sure, he
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was attractive and reckless, but should I even be thinking about him in that way? He’s just an asset to finding a way out of here. A teammate, if you will. I tossed the thought away just like I do with everything. I am Kaylin Desirea, I don’t have feelings, end of story.
A gust of wind hit my face which redirected my attention to a rustling coming from a bush nearby. My whole family drew out there clan daggers, high alerted most definitely. Nate emerged from the darkness dressed in black boots, black pants and a black shirt. His blonde hair was a mess as he ran his fingers through it. He had his eyes blocked from my family, then turned his head to me. He shot me a small smile. Ah, it was just Nate. Nothing to worry about.
Even through the spaces between his fingers, I could see the shine of sea blue in his pupils. All the gazes of my family turned to face the ground except my mother who put up a shield to talk to him.
“Mrs. Desirea? I didn’t expect to see you all here,” Nate said in surprise as he put up a shield of his own.
“Lyle, I prefer it,” my mother began. “I thought things over, and your offer convinced me. Nate, this doesn’t mean we’re going, all right? Take us to your clan and we’ll see how it goes from there.”
I could tell my mother was seriously considering leaving for good. She was confident and unafraid of what was to come. She just wanted to see what we were up against, and what could potentially harm us. But that was rational; something I needed to learn from her and most certainly did not inherit.
“Well, thank you Lyle. After you,” Nate shifted his body to the direction we were all to take. He dropped his
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shield and looked to the ground, waiting for everyone to step in front of him. My mother and sisters walked on ahead, while Devon followed. He stopped and placed his knife on Nate’s chest, looking forward. “Remember what I said about my sister.”
Devon glanced back at me and continued forward. I trailed behind them and stopped once I reached Nate. I couldn’t get this urge away, to, I don’t know, be around him I guess. It seemed familiar and unfamiliar all at the same time. I wasn’t certain, but I knew having him around would distract me for sure.
“You must really like me to have convinced your mom.” He smiled, walking with me.
“You wish,” I joked back. This banter, this weird feeling that was fluttering in the air did not go unnoticed. It was annoying.
“I do,” his tone softened. He moved ahead of our entire family and led the way. He turned back to look at me once more and I felt my cheeks heat up. It wasn’t much longer that I realized it wasn’t just my cheeks that were hot, but my arm.
Good...
The voice’s words almost made the burn inside my skin more intense. This was nothing like I have ever felt. It was stronger, more paralyzing. I instantly fell to my knees, wailing in pain. I looked to my arm and only saw fire. My entire arm was engulfed in flames. After seconds, I couldn’t see anything, feel anything. I was numb everywhere. A blast of electricity hit me as I lost consciousness, and everything went black.
***
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I was awoken by droplets of liquid dripping down my face. As my vision came to, I saw my father. It was him, looking down over me, aiming a crystal substance at my skin.
“Dad,” I whispered, reaching out for him.
“Kaylin,” my mother’s voice sucked me out of the trance. “It’s not your father. It’s Liz Coperton, Nate’s mother.”
I quickly backed up against the walls, and grabbed onto a hanging vine. She was an Enchanted; that explains why I saw my father. I put up a shield for a brief moment to make sure it wasn’t really my father. Liz Coperton was really a sight to see, nothing like I could have ever expected. In general it was weird to be around anyone who wasn’t a part of my family, but this was astonishing. She looked extremely young for being a mother, almost younger than I looked. Her long blonde hair and tan skin complimented her high cheekbones. I couldn’t help but look away, until I felt myself growing weak from using my shield. I dropped it and looked to the ground, panting. I hate how weak I feel.
“Don’t be afraid,” she spoke. She had a slight accent in her voice which surprised me. It was a light, sweet tone. “I won’t hurt you, I promise. Look at your arm.”
I released the vine and looked at my arm. My tattoo was glowing bright blue, and felt cold. But there was no pain, not a single burn mark. “What did you do?” I asked in amazement.
“It wasn’t easy,” she trailed off for a few moments then spoke again. “I tried many spells, but none worked. So, I temporarily carved your tattoo with ice. Most of your
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powers aren’t in effect for the time being, you can only do minimal fire spells as long as there is ice in your veins. The heat from your arm sent your body in shock waves. If it starts to burn again you won’t feel it, at least until the spell wears off. The ice is blocking the heat radiation currently, since your tattoo is flashing.”
I looked down once more and saw the crystal blue liquid moving around in the letters.
“When will it wear off?” My mother asked, staring at my arm.
“I’d give it 24 hours at max. Hopefully we will find the escape by then and fix your daughter.”
I was confused. I guess my mother agreed to find the escape when I was out. I thought it would be hard, but I’m glad it wasn’t, and I’m most certainly glad I didn’t have to do any more talking. Besides, the Coperton clan seemed very calm and relaxed, one of the first things I noticed about Nate.
Nate. Where was he?
I blocked my eyes as I scanned around the sector. I spotted him kneeling down in the corner beside another boy with blonde hair, a shade darker than his. They were tracing their fingers through the soil, carving what looked like random marks. Nate mentioned he had a brother, but I couldn’t think of his name. That was probably the guy I saw sleeping that one night we went to find Nate. The more people the better, I suppose. It’ll lift our strengths just in case we encounter something dangerous.
“You need some rest dear, some actual rest. There are some blankets over there,” Liz pointed to a basket near Nate and his brother. “We set up a small cavern for privacy.” I glanced over to the corner where thick vines
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were hanging, a long cloth tied to both ends, covering the inside. “If you need anything else just ask. You’re free to join us later.”
“Thank you for everything, Mrs. Coperton,” I glanced in her direction once, and kept my head down.
“Liz,” I could feel the warmth in her voice. This surprised me. The legends made all Enchanted seem so horrible, deadly creatures almo
st. But none that I have seen, met, associated with, were anything like these stories.
Close...
I couldn’t get away from this, no matter what. I wanted to hope that the closer I got, I wouldn’t hear from the voice again. What do you even want? I’m doing what you want. I’m trying my best.
I walked over to Nate and stopped behind him, curious as to what he was doing. I looked down at what he and his brother were drawing; it appeared to be a set of lines conjoined by one glowing, blue circle.
“Are you all right?” Nate stood up and grabbed my arm, examining it.
“Yeah, your mom did a pretty good job.” I felt that same flush in my cheeks as I gently pulled my arm back.
He nodded in concern and his brother stood up. “This is Marrow, my brother.”
This was different, unusual, yet, my heart raced. I didn’t expect this to happen, but somehow in some way, it did. He was staring straight at me, sucking in his breath. I saw my father, but I didn’t look away. I just wanted to see him, just see him. It burned inside me. Although, I guess I had to get use to that. I glanced down and put up a shield, as he did.
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“Pleasure,” he walked towards me and grabbed my hand, placing his lips to my skin. He released my fingers before I could react, “The pleasure is yours as well.”
Nate’s brother looked almost identical to Nate, minus a few key features. Marrow’s eyes were royal blue, cobalt almost in comparison to Nate’s crystal eyes. His hair was a shade darker, with a broader frame. But did I hear him correctly? Excuse me? Who even are you?
“Is it?” I asked in disgust, moving away. Who does he think he is?
“Quite,” his lips parted into a smile. “If you need any help feeling at home, you just let me know.”
At this point, I didn’t even want to look at him. I dropped my shield but just as it fell, I caught a glimpse of him the second it went down.
It was him. It was impossible. I waved my hands in front of me to make sure there was no shield. I dropped my arms to my side and stared in awe. A shield holds clarity of a true being so you see an Enchanted yes, but it is not anything like seeing someone without a shield. But this, was, visionary. How was this possible? I seen Nate, but not his mother. And now, I see, his brother? He had deep blue eyes, darker than Nate’s like I saw with the shield. His tan skin blended perfectly with his sharp features. But just like that, this perfect image blurred into my father again. I glanced down and swallowed hard, unable to speak about my emotions. Did I really just see Marrow?
“I think I can manage, but thanks.” I stuttered. I looked over to Nate who was eyeing his brother, giving him an off look.
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“What are you drawing?” I asked pushing all my thoughts behind me, like usual. Nate didn’t respond for a few seconds, and then came to.
He looked irritated, but I didn’t want to overstep anyone’s comfort zone, especially him. This isn’t my place to ask what’s wrong. Keep telling yourself that Kaylin, put up a wall to anyone who cares about you, sure.
“The map of The Labyrinth. It’ll take a bit more time, but you’ll be up to see the whole thing soon enough.”
I smiled at him and turned around, walking over the cavern Liz made for me. Looking back once more, I stepped inside and closed the curtain. The space was bigger than I thought; a pile of wool blankets to one side, a pot of water and crushed wheat in the corner, and a lantern. I unfolded two grey blankets and placed one underneath me, and one above me. The night was still dark and I couldn’t be awake in my thoughts any longer. I’ve come this far, I needed a break. I heard voices and mumbles, but couldn’t see anything. I closed my eyes, turned over and fell asleep to the flicker of the lantern.
The darkness still filled the sky as my eyes cleared from the spotty black blur. I heard the voice of Devon, my mother, Liz and another male figure I couldn’t quite point out. Leaning on my arm, I pushed myself up and stepped out of the blankets. How long have I been asleep for? It didn’t seem that long, considering the sky was still raven. I pulled the cloth aside, and straightened my shirt. Devon was the first I spotted. He was sitting alone in the corner, drawing sparks into the earth. “Devon,” I called.
“Hey, feeling better?”
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I nodded at him with a yawn, trying hard to not touch my arm. The blue was still very vibrant underneath my skin which freaked me out; the thought of barely having power wasn’t a good feeling either.
“Good,” he responded.
I sat down beside him and leaned my head against The Labyrinth walls. “What are you doing?”
“Knitting.”
I rolled my eyes after giggling. It felt good to really laugh at something that wasn’t my mental instability.
“I’m practicing old spells that dad taught me. The one I’m drawing now cracks earth with fire.”
“That’s dangerous you know?”
He chuckled, “Why do you think I’m doing it?”
I sealed my mouth together as he stretched out his legs. “Why aren’t you with them?” I asked looking at our family and Nate’s in the center of the sector.
“They’re boring me,” he replied, flatly.
He gathered himself and stood up. I followed shortly behind but the mood quickly changed. “What’s been going on?”
“They’ve just been explaining the paths and routes for the past two hours. And obviously mom is convincing them to find the safest way.”
I shook my head, and closed my eyes. Devon nudged me, “Better head over there. But if you sit with Nate, you’re provoking me to use that spell.”
I laughed and hit his arm, moving towards my sisters. They were sitting around a glowing blue light with the rest of the family. I peered over Mable’s shoulder and saw dozens of glowing crystal line segments around a radiant blue circle. The circle was big in circumference, and
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the inside was filled with more swerving lines leading to a diamond in the middle.
“This is where The Enchantress lives,” began Lore, Nate’s father. He traced the outline of the diamond and the map completely changed into squared blocks and rows of spiralled lines. “At the top is where she gets her power, at least that’s the theory anyways. That’s why she never leaves the town. The truth of it all, her power isn’t even with her. She keeps it hidden somewhere inside this protected area.”
“How do you know all this?” My mother asked confused, her eyes focused on the map.
“It’s not that hard to examine, Lyle,” he replied facing downwards.
I peered over at my mother whose eyebrows were scrunched. I could tell she was trying to figure everything out, but it was hard to read. All the lines seemed to do was move and glow, diminishing rapidly then shining up again. I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Devon.
“How long are we going to be looking at this map? Can we just get a move on?” He said, irritated.
“Devon.” My mother snapped.
“No Lyle, your son is right. The faster we get on our feet, the faster we can find the escape. We need to rest first.” Liz turned to me and put up a shield, “If it’s no bother Kaylin, do you think you can head back to your sector and gather valuables? Just so we don’t need to make stops tomorrow.”
I looked over at my mom who was nodding at me. Nate’s eyes were focused on me, but as I turned to the figure beside him, I caught a glimpse of the dark, blue-eyed Marrow staring. It was really him again, not my
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father. Just when I thought I was keeping sane. I turned away quickly and made my way out of the sector, shaking out the unwanted thoughts in my head.
“Nate,” Liz called. “Could you accompany Kaylin?”
Nate got up quickly and moved towards me, “Of course.”
I watched as Marrow grabbed his arm in one swift movement before Nate could reach me.
“Kaylin should start familiarizing herself with other people, right mom? Plus Nate’s young, he needs the rest.” I c
ould sense Marrow grinning and looked to Nate as he scowled in confusion.
“You’re right Marrow. Go with her,” Liz said in approval. What? Now it was Marrow who made his way to my side, extending his arm in hopes I would take it.
I looked back to Nate who was lost for words. “Mom, Kaylin and I can see each other. It’s safer.” He countered before Marrow could touch me.
“Oh Nate, your brother won’t hurt her.”
“Ladies first.” Marrow’s tone was deep as he kept his arm extended. I moved in front of him, ignoring his attempt to hold me and began walking. I felt the hairs of his skin brush mine as he kept my pace. We were out of the sector in seconds and in the darkness of the forest. Everything was the same, besides the fact I was walking next to an Enchanted I knew nothing about but somehow saw. The awkward silence was not working for me. Maybe Marrow was right; I should start to get to know other Enchanted.
“So you won’t hurt me right?” I began conversation.
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“Not unless you want me to.” He chuckled. Now if anything, Marrow was the ignorant bastard, not Nate. He had such an egotistical personality that he seemed to love. No one else does. Although in the back of my mind I couldn’t help but wonder, what did he see me as?
“Why did you want to come with me? You could have let your brother-,”
He cut me off. “And miss all the fun?” His tone was sarcastic.
“What fun?” I questioned.
“Getting to know you. Besides, it was true what I said to my mom. You and Nate already met. Might want to get to know someone else since we’re going to be spending a lot of time together.” This was the first time I heard him speak somewhat seriously since our encounter. Somewhat.
“You don’t even know me.” I said as bluntly as I possibly could. I just wanted to shut down any type of connection I could have with anyone. I was determined to keep my family safe, no distractions.
“I want to,” he whispered closer to me.
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