I could never understand mortals, even when I myself was one. Their complex emotions and erratic behaviors puzzled me, terrified me, and entranced me. I could only ever look at them with love and affection because to me, they knew nothing. They didn't know the worlds of boundless horrors that would await them outside their homes. However, that feeling didn't come to me for a very long time, and when it did come... it was over. Far. Too. Soon.
My youth was spent either in the towers of my home focused on my studies, learning the multitude of weapons from my brothers and sisters, or even relaxing in the vast gardens, caring for the animals that came our way. I was naive then, believing that no matter what happened, I was untouchable, that I wouldn't be forced to go to war, or marry into another family. I believed that my life would remain as it was, perfect.
They shattered that life.
They came into our family and demanded that we give up one of our own to be trained. For what though, remained a mystery. Refusing to tell us, and giving us an ultimatum, the eradication of the entire bloodline or that one person, they then vanished. My mother was panicking, she had never thought that she would have to give up one of her children. I had come down the stairs as quietly as I could to see what the commotion was, which is the only reason I knew of those people's existence. Everyone was shouting, screaming about how valuable they were. My sister, Irina, who was well versed in poisons glared at Somar who demanded that she go. That her knowledge could easily be imparted unto another. Rayne, the eldest, scolded Somar for acting so rashly. He claimed "Irina's knowledge isn't just about reading a few books, it requires experience and centuries of practice to even reach a quarter of what she's accomplished. Do you truly think we can give away such talent?" Somar nodded reluctantly, but his eyes flashed angrily. "Then who will go!? We've all spent so long cultivating our abilities! I can't go, you know that don't you?" Rayne just patted the third youngest's back in reassurance. I cowered behind the door, unlike my siblings I was unable to proudly boast about any of my skills. Which could only mean one thing.
As I expected, one by one my brothers and sisters stepped forward urging our parents to choose someone else as they were deemed indispensable. Finally Noria spoke up, her light voice that had been sobbing mere moments ago, was now bright and thoughtful. "What about Denir? Hm? Isn't he the youngest? So not a lot of time has been placed in his studies and I'll admit that he's slow to pick up on a lot of subjects." Everyone's eyes lit up. My very soul trembled when I saw the looks on their faces.
My mother started to nod, enthusiastically demanding that I be the one to go, her support solidified everyone's stances on the idea. "Not one of us has spent too much time with him, and I can always bear you another brother if you so wish, so why not!" My heart broke and I ran. I could hear furniture scraping against the floor when they jumped up at the sound of my running. I could hear the cries of alarm grow farther away as I sprinted to my room. I didn't hesitate to tear open the door and slam it shut, quickly sliding the lock into place. My mind was racing with what I was going to do. I'm not ashamed to admit but at the time I was panicking. I didn't want to be sold off, nor given away because I was deemed useless, the thought terrified me. So I grabbed the small stash of money that I kept for emergencies and flung open the window. I took off the light jacket I was wearing to reveal my wings.
My mother had requested that I keep them a secret, a way to surprise anyone who dare try to harm me, but everyone in the family found out when they caught me practicing so it was then a family secret. God I had been so stupid. I stretched them as far as I could, the stiffness of the muscles unnerved me. I didn't think that not flying for so long would leave my wings in such a terrible condition. I stepped out onto the ledge of the window though. If I waited any longer then I feared someone might try to open my door.
YOU ARE READING
The beautiful Lie and The ugly Truth
FantasyHe who has used multiple titles, he who has slain many powerful beings. and he who has lost all hope. That describes very little of him. He has his role and he knows how to play it out, but the desire of death haunts him constantly. His soul grows w...
