Fate of the Blessed

Amara

Soft snores filled the room as I stared at the ceiling above me. Thoughts swirled around in my head, making it impossible for sleep to come. I willed my brain to stop but it wasn’t listening, incoherent thoughts continued to buzz about like little flies. I sighed as I turned onto my side, consigning myself to the fact that I wouldn’t be getting any sleep soon. So many questions thudded against my consciousness. I wanted to be patient, but I wasn’t familiar with that virtue. I tossed onto my back, huffing as I did so.

Fine, brain, I didn’t want to sleep, anyway.

We had all followed each other in from outside, but the stony demeanour of the old crone staring daggers interrupted our jovial manner. I couldn’t figure her out. She was blowing hot and cold all the time. Connor didn’t press the matter, instead he elected to pull a cushion from the sofa, throw it to the floor and lay down. They had gone to sleep afterwards. An awkward cloud settled over the cabin, making it impossible for us to continue any festivities. I deserved answers, but I released now was not the time to press her.

Exhaustion washed over me, my eyes itchy and heavy with fatigue. I rubbed them to ease it. Why did it have to be me? What did I do to deserve this? I let out another hefty sigh. Who am I kidding? Fate didn’t care who you were or what you’d been through.

Life was simpler as a bike courier. At least I knew my routine, my place in the world.

My heart was heavy in my chest as I let the pity wash over me in waves. I didn’t deserve this, but would anybody else? I continued with my feelings of woe when I heard somebody calling my name. I sat up and looked about. Everyone was snoring, the sound like a comforting melody. I swung my legs over the side and placed my feet on the icy floor, shuddering as the icy grip crept up my legs. I sat stock still for a moment, straining my ears to listen.

“Amara” There it was again. I looked about, but nothing was moving. Connor was curled into a ball in the corner whilst Shanti was tangled in her blanket. Mágissa was in her rocking chair, with a tattered blanket covering her legs. The gentle snores echoed around the room, their chests rising and falling.

Is it coming from the outside?

The voice rang out again; I stood up; it was like an unseen force was tugging me towards it. I had to know where it was.

“Come to me Amara.”

The voice was melodic, haunting. A prickle of dread formed in the pit of my stomach. It had still piqued my interest. The fear vanished as curiosity overtook it. Tiptoeing through the sleeping bodies, I opened the door and strode out into the night.

Out on the porch, I shivered. Nothing stirred out here either. My name rang out again. I followed it. I descended the stairs and onto the grass. It mulched under my feet, sticky dew covered my feet and dirt ingrained itself in between my toes. I made my way to the treeline and disappeared into the alleyway.

Connor

I awoke with a start. A bead of sweat trickled down my forehead. Using the back of my hand, I wiped it away. Goosebumps settled across my skin like something bad was going to happen. I sat up, pulling my arms up into a stretch, my back protesting as I did so. Laying on the floor wasn’t the best idea. As I was massaging the aching in my lower side, I realised Amara wasn’t on the couch anymore. My fear levels rose. Where was she?

I looked about quietly, not wanting to wake anybody up. It was then I noticed the door slightly ajar. Rushing to it, I flung it open just in time to see Amara disappearing into the trees. That was strange. Where was she going? I called after her, but she was too far away to hear. Phobos and Deimos were still out there. We wouldn’t want little Miss Special to get into more trouble. I rolled my eyes and followed her.

Relax, Connor, she’s probably just going for some fresh air.

I opened the door as quietly as I could, but each creak echoed loudly, like I had amplified the sound 100 times. I paused, listening, satisfied I had woken nobody up before I entered the clearing.

I looked at the colour of the trees and plants; they shimmered like jewels in the sea, but the shades of green weren’t normal. Everything just seemed...off. I’d never seen such a bright shade of emerald. It was almost unnatural. I stepped into the grass; I hadn’t noticed the strange sensation it had between my toes, like the soft itchiness of tinsel.

None of this makes any sense.

I jogged to the trees which she’d just entered moments ago; the branches scratched along my arms as I picked up my pace through the opening. Finally, I broke through the brush and entered the dank alleyway. She was still nowhere to be seen. My head darted from side to side. Panic slowly started in the pit of my stomach. If I didn’t get her back the Magissa wouldn’t help me.

“Is she always a pain in the ass?”

“Amara, you idiot, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” I said to myself, swiping my sweat saturated hair from my brow. I creeped to the edge of the alleyway and peaked my head round into the deserted street. All I saw was the iridescent glow of the neon lighting in the windows and street lamps. I cursed to myself. I shook my head, a frown spreading across my face.

Taking one last look, I saw Amara sauntering up the street. I had no choice but to follow. She was really grating on my nerves. I ran my hands through my hair, shaking my head. With a huff, I followed her.

Seriously, what is with this girl?

What Connor hadn’t noticed in his rush to follow Amara is that Shanti had seen him leave. Deciding that she wanted to play, she rushed out after him.