The Kin

Chapter 1

I was hiding around the corner when I saw the axe head hit deep in the wooden post beside me. I was cornered with just one opening. Two walls of wood, and my strong brother in front of me. He dug out the axe and swung at me again, I ducked.

"Silly girl," he said. I bolted away and he threw another blow with the ax.

"Get back here!" he shouted as I bolted down the hall way. I kept running as fast as I could. I took twists and turns, but ended up at a dead end. I turned around to try to run out but my brother was already there, breathing hard with frustration.

"Never run from me again!" he hissed at me, and he walked forward. With every step he took, I took a step back until I couldn't go any farther. He kept coming.

He was only three feet away when he raised his axe; I saw something move behind him. I brought up my arms to help protect my head and closed my eyes.

THUMP!

I opened my eyes and lowered my arms a little. A handsome, young man was standing over him. He had his hands slightly closed; his knuckles showed thick and sharp. His face was flawless, pale, and very handsome. His eyes were an icy blue, both kind and warning.

My brother was knocked out cold, the axe set loosely in his outstretched hand.

Just then the man standing tilted his head to me. His back wasn't turned to me though, and his eyes gave me a don't-move look, with a hint of sorrow.....or maybe I imagined it?

He turned slowly towards me. I was breathing heavily and my face was pale with both horror and exhaustion. He took a step towards me, and I pressed hard against the wall that I was by.

He kept walking, "Go.....leave!" he said and turned so that his right side was directed at me. I slowly walked along the edge. When I was directly in front of him-I was about five feet away and pressed against the wall- I noticed that in his eyes he also showed loneliness.

"Go!" he said, pointing to the only exit from this dead end, he lurched forward a bit while he spoke. I charged out at full speed.

Just as I was going to round the corner he yelled, "Wait! Stop!" and I froze. Exactly one second later, I could feel his breath against my cheek and I could feel his face gently brush my hair.

"You owe me!" he whispered.

"W-what d-do I owe you?" I stammered.

"I want you to stay here...forever!" the man said. I didn't reply. "Meet me Saturday night in the grave yard at midnight.....don't be late!" he hissed, "Leave!"

I bolted away as I felt his hand brush my hair. I bolted down the halls and found my way out. I ran across the graveyard and towards the high Iron Gate. I pushed the gates open and ran down the street.

I burst in the door to my house, and my mother came rushing in to the hallway as I slumped to the ground.

"Where were you?!" my mother asked sharply. I got back up.

I shook my head, "John tried to kill me with an ax!" I gasped, trying to catch my breath. My mother shook her head sadly and I thought maybe she felt bad for my and she would tell my father. But, of course, no. All she said was "Such lies! Why must you tell such lies?!" and her teeth clenched. I panicked.

"I'm not lying!" I said, and she took a step towards me and grabbed my shoulders.

"Why? Why must you lie?" she hissed, she started shaking me about.

"Mummy?" a little girl's voice asked from atop the stairs. I wish Sealia wouldn't have to see such scenes as this.

"Sealia!" my mother snapped. Sealia jumped and winced. I had the suspicion that she'd been hit once or twice while I was gone today.

"Get back to your room NOW!!" my mother yelled. Sealia scrabbled to her room with tears of fear sliding down her beautiful face.

"Now you!" my mother turned back to me- and thankfully seemed to forget about Sealia- and she gave me another hard shake. Now I was truly frightened, and a tear fell down my face.

"Get up to your room!" she said, but she didn't let go but just dragged me up the steps and threw me-literally- into my bedroom. I heard the door slam and lock behind her. I picked myself up off the floor and rushed at the door, and tried to open it. Didn't work.