Coalesce: The Escape
Chapter 30

The room is surprisingly big, easily fitting many more than our group. We uneasily make a half circle around the room, Anneliese by the racks of deadly, intricately made weapons. Bows, swords, maces, axes, all manner of weapons, even two-handed weapons. No two weapons are alike in shape, build, or decoration. Each is unique, and I like that about a weapon. It has its own personality, just like each of us.

“The order in which you will choose is according to your age. The youngest will go last, the oldest first. Figure out where you are placed.” She folds her arms across her chest and watches us, we hesitate. A raised, expectant eyebrow sets us on our way. It takes us awhile to figure this out, but we finally arrange ourselves in order from oldest to youngest. I’m near the middle, not a bad place to be, I suppose. The oldest girl, Samarah, is tall, blonde-haired, blue eyed, and cruel looking. There is a smirk on her lips, triumphant, as though she’s won some race for being the oldest of our group. She’s about a year older than I. The youngest is a stern-looking girl with dark red curls, jade green eyes, and only 12 years old. Her name is Whitney.

“Now that you’ve wasted enough time with such a simple task… Choose your weapon.” Anneliese instructs Samarah, who huffs softly at her name not being said.

“My name is-”

“I do not care about your name. I said choose your weapon. Remember, this is your primary weapon. You cannot change once you’ve picked. So choose wisely,” She hisses, her eyes narrowing. With a defiant glare, she steps up to the rack of shining silver swords. Typical. I feel most of them will choose swords. She runs her hand along the hilts until her fingers curl around one and she draws it from the rack. It is a very finely made sword, I have to admit. Anneliese waves her to the back and she saunters happily away, to stand behind Whitney.

It seems to be forever before I finally step up to make my choice. It is not a hard choice, and will be to my advantage in many areas. I walk to the bows and assess them silently before I grab one made of ebony and silver. A sturdy weapon, with intricate elven runes carved into the black material, and inlaid with silver. A smile touches my lips, and I fall back into my place at the back, the next girl goes up. She chooses a mace, as have many of the other girls. Only one other so far has chosen a bow. The only one I consider a true threat. A Ranger has to know how to get around quietly, unseen. I intend to do that, in every way. The best way to get out of a battle is to never be seen by the enemy.

Once all have chosen their weapons, she releases us, saying something about our lack of conviction. I walk back to my room, a dull buzz in my head.

Opening the door I walk in, feeling a strange pulse as I step through the doorway. Ignoring it, I lay my bow down on my bed. It’s not until I look back at the door that I notice Kylon standing by the door, watching me.

“What are you doing?” I cross my arms, raising an eyebrow at him. He shrugs, tilting his head. There’s something strange in the movement, almost predatory.

“Standing here, what else would I be doing?” The way he says it makes my skin crawl, like something isn’t right. His voice is harsh, jaw tense.

“Something useful would be nice. For once…” I narrow my eyes at him, assessing him. I know how he would usually respond, but what is he going to do now? His shoulders are tense, his eyes focused, almost angry. It’s not like him to be this way. It worries me.

“I think you’re the one who needs to be useful. You are the worst thing that has happened to me. I left everything for you, my home, my friends. All because of you. And how do you treat me? You leave me here to do nothing all day while you do what? You learn who you really are? What you are supposed to be capable of. Well your highness I think it’s time you learn where you truly belong,” He growls, stepping toward me, I look at him, my fear intensifying. Something is definitely wrong here. He always wanted to leave, always wanted to adventure, just as I have wanted.

“Kylon... Listen to yourself, you wanted me to do this. I told you you didn’t have to stay a long time ago. You chose to stay with me… where is this coming from? What has gotten into you?” My voice shakes and I back towards the window, grabbing the hilt of my knife hidden by the bed. I hope I don’t have to do anything to hurt him.

“I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to be anywhere near you. You’re nothing but a spoiled royal. I thought you were different, but now I see, you are just as selfish as the rest. I was wrong to let you live. Now I’m going to have to do what I should have done long ago,” He lunges at me with a low growl, I dodge to the side, fear turning to anger. I slash at his arm as he turns to face me again. Even his voice sounds wrong. Is this even Kylon at all?

“I thought I could trust you! Of all people I never thought you would be the one to betray me!” I shout, he lunges again, his fist connecting with my shoulder. I grit my teeth and jump back before he can land another blow. I can see him scanning the room for a weapon and I throw the dagger at him. His howl of rage as it hits its mark in his chest sends me staggering back. The buzz I felt earlier is more of a screaming pain now. I gasp, falling to my knees holding my head.

“No…. No… What have I done..” I sob, hot tears welling up in my eyes.

“Why have you done this….” I hear Kylons faint, weak voice across the room, but it sounds warped, distant.

“Kylon…” I start to move toward him, his form blurry through my tears, the word unclear through the incessant buzzing. I shakily reach a hand towards him, heart racing. I reach a hand out towards him, but feel nothing. My hand falls onto the cold floor, a searing pain exploding in my head. I scream, not hearing the door opening behind me. Kylon’s form fades in front of me and I fall forward, letting my head hit the floor as I clutch at my head.

I can faintly hear voices around me as I start to black out. I can only make out the blood pounding in my ears as I lose consciousness.

“Finally you’re awake…” I hear a relieved voice next to my head as I slowly force my eyes open. My whole body aches and feels like lead. I move my eyes to look and see Kylon sitting there, a soft smile on his lips.

“What… what happened?” I ask, squeezing my eyes shut against the pain. I hear a soft sigh from him.

“Well, I came back to the room and you were on the ground screaming. I tried talking to you, but you didn’t respond. You passed out pretty quick… The healers looked over you, said you were about to turn into a vampire,” He rubs his face as I look at him, swallowing hard.

“Well?” My voice cracks a bit. I slowly try to push myself up, but he gently holds me down, shaking his head a bit.

“They gave you something, I don’t remember what they called it, but they said that would get rid of it. I guess it’s a fairly common thing around here?” He shrugs, leaning back in his chair.

“What about classes?” I glance over at him as he tilts his head back with a yawn.

“They start tomorrow, don’t worry you haven’t missed anything yet. I’m just glad you’re alright…” His voice softens and he leans down, lightly kissing my forehead then standing up. “I’ll go grab you something to eat, you need it.”

When he returns I eat and then fall asleep, Kylon sleeping in the chair beside me, not wanting to leave my side, even if his bed is just across the room. Part of me is grateful, knowing he’s so close. I sleep more easily than I have in months. I no longer feel like death or permanently exhausted. That’s a great relief.

In the morning I start what will be the longest year in my life.