AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“The hunter—the assassin.”
Ren ran across the arena, and I followed him. We ran through the door that led to the palace and to the throne room.
The advisors were all huddled together, their dark robes adding to the serious tone.
Darkness had descended, making everything seem hazy and not quite in focus. It grew heavier and heavier, curled like black fog in the corners of the room.
“My weapons!” Ren shouted, and servants appeared seconds later with armor, a shield, a sword, and a helmet.
He was ready for battle in no time.
“Give me something to fight with!” I cried out.
“No.” He spun around to face me as if he’d forgotten all about me. “Take her to her room.”
“What?” I asked. “No!”
Nylah ran into the throne room, her eyes wide, chestnut hair streaming behind her like a cape.
“The dark magic is everywhere,” she huffed breathlessly.
“I know. I’m taking care of it.”
“Be careful,” she said, and fear filled her eyes.
“I’ll be fine,” Ren assured her. He looked at the guards who’d circled me. “Take her away. Now.”
The guards pointed for me to move toward the warrior quarters, but I wouldn’t give in.
“No!” I shouted. “I’m fighting, too. Ren, let me fight.”
He only shook his head.
Zita was among the warriors who circled me.
“Zita, please,” I pleaded with her. “You know what I can do. You know we need all hands we can find for this.”
She shook her head, torn between me and the King. But her loyalty lay with the King. We were all loyal to him.
“I’m sorry, Ellie,” she said, and I believed she was.
When I still wouldn’t move, the guards did what they needed to do. Two of the males I trained with grabbed me by the arms. I would have been able to fight them off if they hadn’t used magic, but it pulsed through my body. I jerked involuntarily, like they’d electrocuted me, before I went limp. It took me less than a second to regain my strength and fight again.
I kicked and screamed, yelling at them to let me go. I threatened them with pain and anger, but they didn’t listen. They carried me to my quarters as if I was nothing more than a kitten with my claws out.
Nylah followed behind me with Zita at her side. They both looked apologetic.
“Please, Nylah, make them understand!” I begged when I realized fighting wouldn’t cut it.
“I agree with the King, Ellie,” Nylah said. She looked guilty for saying it, but that didn’t change her words.
“Are you kidding me right now? What did you train me for?” She had betrayed me! The realization made my stomach drop.
“I thought I had a friend in you!” I spat.
“Ellie…you can’t even fight against these guards who are taking you to your room.” I wanted to argue with her, but she was right. I was too upset to focus on blocking the power, too angry to think straight and fight.
The guards planted me on stiff legs in my room, and I glared at Nylah, who stood in the door, blocking my way. Zita stayed out of sight.
