Ashton Flare

I watch as Arieon leads Leona and the others in the opposite direction to the Axel's chambers. According to the conversation I overheard in Azela's room, they are going to make it to the ballroom before moving to Axel's room. Perhaps he is trying to give me time.

He must be living in the King's chambers, which will be Arieon's soon if everything goes according to my plan. If we explain the situation to Axel, he is bound to understand. He is my little brother afterall.

I take a shortcut instead of following Leona and her crew, just like Azela once said. Down the library, through the mirror, where darkness will reap but trust me enough to take the leap.

The words soothe me even though they did not make sense the first time I heard them. I smile to myself as I sprint to the east library. Almost all the soldiers and servants are gathered at the west side of the castle as the Lone Shadow predicted. Those who stayed behind, unfortunately meet the sharp ends of my knife or the burning flames upon my fingers. They are not hurt enough to die, the lower families of Xonos can fix them up.

I have not killed anyone by myself, yet. And I do not intend to, yet. The library reminds me of Arieon, the golden edges of the books gleaming like Arieon's hair. I roll my eyes at myself as I remember the last time Arieon and I fought.

We were eight years old when I was furious at him for being given the golden color and not me. Azela and Axel were trying so hard to get us to talk that they ended up fighting themselves. Arieon magically had this delicious wanderer food called popcorn that we enjoyed as we laughed along, delishing watching them bicker.

There are no mirrors in the library. But Azela can not be wrong, can she? The Xonos ceremonial lake to the east of the castle is clearly visible from here. The water reflects off a window at the far end of the room, giving it the appearance of the mirror from a movie from the old times. It was really weird to watch a woman trying to kill her step-daughter because she was prettier than her but Axel and Arieon were too distracted at laughing at the little men.

"Ashton . . . ?" a voice I know very well comes from behind me. I almost run to hug him close and make sure he is alright. But Axel just stands there with his hands in surrender. I notice the gun I stole from the plane is still in my hands. I quickly turn on the safety and put it in it's holder at my belt as I notice fear in his eyes. He is afraid of you.

He is quick to shout for the guards as soon as the weapon tucked in my belt poses no threat. I take a long look at him before I turn back and run towards the window. He thinks you are the traitor. He does not trust you.

"Father would be real proud of you, kid." I spit. Then, I take the leap. I land on the sloped roof and I keep it running trying to reach the staircase leading down to the wardrobe at the King's chambers. I need to warn Arieon before he gets captured, or worse killed.

I do not stop sprinting untill I reach the wardrobe door. I do not realize it is too quite until I yank the door open. A group of Unscathed soldiers grin at me like they just caught the grand prize.

Arieon all but scoffs at me from the ground while the rest of them look at me surprised. Each of them are bound to the ground with thick metal wires or strong long vines. A panther and a hound controlled by the Dreacat soldiers, growl at them, their teeth as sharp as a knife.

"Sorry." I whisper as I am pulled down to my knees by heavy metal wires. The Metallicas controlling them seem to grow more intimidating as they get closer. We lost.