A Night Of Ruin:
As the sun dipped lower into the horizon, Liana quickened her pace along the narrow dirt path that led to their modest home. Her heart was heavy with the weight of the day, and though she longed for the familiar warmth of home, she dreaded the questions she knew awaited her.
The house came into view, its warm glow spilling through the wooden shutters. Liana's steps faltered as she heard the unmistakable sound of raised voices inside.
"She's been gone for hours!" her mother's voice, sharp with worry, cut through the evening air.
"She couldn't have gone far," Dorian replied, though his tone lacked conviction.
"She shouldn't have gone anywhere!" her mother snapped back. "What if someone saw her? What if-"
Liana pushed the door open, her sudden entrance silencing the room. Her mother, a woman with a kind face now twisted with fear and anger, stood near the fireplace. Dorian and Lucian sat at the small dining table, both looking up with wide eyes as she stepped inside.
"Liana!" her mother exclaimed, rushing toward her. "Where have you been?"
"I..." Liana hesitated, her gaze shifting between her mother and her brothers.
"You left without a word!" her mother continued, gripping her shoulders tightly. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for you to just disappear like that? If your father finds out-"
"I went to see him," Liana blurted, cutting her off.
Her mother froze, her grip loosening. "You... went to the castle?"
Liana nodded, her voice quieter now. "I missed him. I wanted to see him. That's all."
Her mother stepped back, her expression shifting from worry to anger. "Do you think this is some kind of game, Liana? Do you know what you've done? You've risked everything we've worked to protect! Everything your father has sacrificed to keep you safe!"
"I'm sorry," Liana said, lowering her head.
"Sorry isn't enough!" her mother snapped, pacing the room. "You don't understand how dangerous this world is for someone like you. You never have. And now, you've put all of us in danger because of your childish whims!"
At this, Liana's composure broke. "Childish whims?" she cried, her voice trembling. "You think I wanted to go because I'm selfish? Do you have any idea how hard it is to live like this? To watch Dorian and Lucian go outside, have friends, live their lives, while I'm stuck here like a prisoner?"
"Liana-"
"No!" she interrupted, tears streaming down her face. "I've done everything you've asked. I've stayed hidden. I've obeyed your rules. But I'm tired, Mother. I'm tired of being scared all the time. I'm tired of worrying about you and Father and my brothers while you won't even tell me why!"
Her mother stood silent, her hands trembling at her sides.
"Why are you so afraid of me being seen? What are you hiding?" Liana demanded, her voice breaking.
Her mother turned away, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of the world rested on them. "You wouldn't understand," she whispered, more to herself than to Liana.
"Then make me understand!" Liana shouted, her voice raw with frustration and hurt. But when no answer came, she shook her head, her heart breaking under the strain of it all. "Fine. Keep your secrets. Just don't expect me to keep pretending that this is normal."
With that, she turned and ran to her room, slamming the door behind her.
The silence that followed was deafening. Her mother sank into a chair, her face buried in her hands. Regret and guilt tore at her heart as tears slipped through her fingers. She wished she could tell Liana the truth, but there was too much at stake-too much to risk.
In the hallway, Dorian and Lucian exchanged glances. Without a word, they rose from their seats and followed their sister to her room, their expressions heavy with concern.
---
In the castle library, Master Ralston worked quickly, his hands trembling as he stuffed the last of his belongings into a worn satchel. The room, usually his sanctuary of peace and knowledge, now felt suffocating. Shadows danced across the stone walls, cast by the flickering flames of the lanterns, as if the library itself shared his unease.
His gaze darted to the heavy oak door every few moments, paranoia clawing at him. He knew he had little time before the prince made good on his threat. With a deep breath, he turned to the third row of shelves, his hands moving with purpose yet trembling as he reached the ancient history section.
Between the towering books, bound in cracked leather and faded parchment, lay a hidden mechanism. His fingers found the small latch hidden behind the spines of two massive tomes on Tharindor's early monarchs. With a faint click, a narrow compartment revealed itself, concealed seamlessly within the wooden framework of the shelf.
Ralston hesitated, his eyes scanning the room one last time. The silence was deafening, broken only by the distant murmur of the castle halls. Assured that no one was watching, he reached into the compartment and withdrew a single parchment, rolled tightly and secured with a thin golden rope.
The parchment was aged, its edges slightly frayed, but the golden rope shimmered faintly in the dim light. Ralston held it for a moment, his expression grave. This was no ordinary document-it was something precious, dangerous even, and its presence here in the castle could spell disaster if discovered.
He uncurled his fingers, pressing the parchment against his palm before crouching and slipping it into a hollowed compartment in the heel of his shoe. It fit snugly, hidden from view, and he pressed the sole back into place.
Ralston straightened, his breath shallow and rapid. He knew this was the riskiest move he had ever made, but leaving it behind was not an option. If the prince found it, everything he had fought to protect would be exposed.
Grabbing his satchel, he extinguished the lanterns one by one, plunging the library into darkness. The weight of his actions settled over him as he pushed the door open, stepping into the empty corridor.
His steps were quick but measured as he navigated the winding halls of the castle. The air felt heavy, oppressive, as though the walls themselves were watching him. He tightened his grip on the satchel and kept his head low, avoiding eye contact with the few guards he passed.
As he neared the castle gates, the distant echo of footsteps made him freeze. He pressed himself into the shadows, his heart pounding as two knights strode past, their armor clinking softly with each step. They were speaking in low tones, their words indistinct, but the sound alone was enough to set his nerves on edge.
Once the knights were out of sight, Ralston exhaled shakily and slipped through the gates, disappearing into the city streets. His every step felt like a race against time, the parchment hidden in his shoe weighing heavier with each passing moment.
He had to get home-had to warn his family before it was too late.
---
Back in the quiet of Liana's room, the sound of footsteps echoed outside her door. She had just finished wiping away her tears when she heard a knock followed by Lucian's voice.
"Liana? Open the door," Lucian called gently, though there was an edge of concern in his tone.
Dorian's voice followed, softer but just as reassuring. "Liana, you're not alone. You can tell us what's bothering you. We've seen you troubled these past days. You know you can tell us anything."
Liana sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the door. Her heart ached, torn between the love she had for her brothers and the fear that still gripped her. She knew they only wanted to help, but she wasn't sure if she could share the terrifying dreams and the weight of what she feared. Her father had warned her, and the fear in his eyes had been too real for her to ignore.
Despite the weight in her chest, Liana finally rose and opened the door, allowing her brothers to step in. They settled quietly around her, and for a moment, there was only the soft sound of breathing filling the room.
Dorian, ever the lighthearted one, was the first to speak. "Well, your face looks like a ripe red tomato right now. It's making me feel like cooking a red stew!"
Liana couldn't help but smile despite herself, and a laugh bubbled up from her throat. It was brief, but it was enough to lift the weight in the room. Lucian joined in, his voice low and teasing, and the three of them shared a rare moment of joy.
But as the laughter died down, the tension returned. Liana looked at her brothers, her heart heavy once more. She sighed, wiping the last of her tears away.
"I'm sorry for snapping earlier," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. "But... there's something that's been bothering me. I can't explain it all right now, but please trust me. I'll tell you when the time is right. For now, I need you to promise me something."
Her brothers both turned to her, the room quiet as they waited for her to continue.
"I need you to protect Mother and Father. More than anything, we need to stick together and keep them safe. Can you do that?"
Lucian looked at her for a long moment, concern written all over his face, but before he could respond, they heard the sound of footsteps outside-the unmistakable sound of their father returning home.
"Father's back," Dorian said, his voice tense.
Liana quickly stood, the urgency of the moment pushing her into action. She rushed toward the living room, her brothers following close behind. As they reached the doorway, they saw their mother and father standing across from each other. Their mother seemed to be trying to communicate something to their father silently, a look of concern in her eyes, but before Liana could make sense of it, their father turned to her.
"Come here, my dear," Ralston called gently, his voice soothing but filled with a gravity that made Liana's chest tighten.
She moved toward him, her heart racing as she took his hand. As she did, she felt a strange urgency in his grip, a tightness that set her on edge. His face was grave, and his eyes flicked quickly to her brothers, behind her.
"Trust me, Liana," Ralston said, his voice trembling with urgency. "Pack your things. Quickly."
Liana, confused and nervous, searched his face for an explanation. "Father, what's wrong? What's happening?"
Ralston's eyes softened for a moment, but there was a coldness in his expression that sent a shiver down her spine. "I'll tell you everything later, but we have to leave this city tonight. The prince saw you today, and you're not safe here anymore. I've already arranged for a carriage-there's a hidden door at the back of the house. We'll leave through there."
Liana's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "The prince-he knows?"
Ralston nodded solemnly. "Yes. Now, go. We don't have much time."
At that moment, their mother gasped loudly, her face pale with fear. She immediately began to pack hurriedly, pushing clothes and belongings into a bag, her hands trembling. "Hurry, please. We need to leave before it's too late."
Liana, her heart pounding, rushed to gather her things as well. The reality of the situation hit her in a wave. They were fleeing, and the danger they were facing was more terrifying than anything she had imagined.
Just as they finished packing, they heard the sound of a knock on the door. A sharp knock-loud, firm. Liana's heart skipped a beat, and her father whispered urgently.
"Go to the back door. Quickly. Take your things, and run. I'll be right behind you."
Liana, Dorian, and Lucian rushed toward the back of the house. They could hear the muffled voices of guards in the distance, but they didn't dare turn back. Their mother was already in the carriage, motioning for them to hurry. As they climbed inside, Liana was the last one to get in, but just as she reached the opening, her father was suddenly pulled back by guards who appeared from the shadows.
"Father!" Liana cried, panic rising in her chest.
Before she could react, the guards seized her too, their hands cold and firm as they dragged her away from the carriage. Dorian and Lucian leapt from the carriage, ready to fight, but their mother held them back.
"No!" she cried, pulling them both into the seat. I can't lose you both too. You have to stay safe!" She ducked into the seat, urging the horses forward with frantic force. "Hide, both of you! Don't let them see you."
Dorian and Lucian, hearts racing, exchanged a look of horror, but their mother's voice left them no choice. They hid under the blankets in the back of the carriage as it jolted forward, leaving the house and the city behind them.
Behind them, Liana struggled against the guards, but they overpowered her, dragging her away from her father, who fought to break free. Her last glimpse of him was a tortured expression on his face, his body being taken from her.
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Note for my lovely readers
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