The shadows moved with an unnatural silence, their movements fluid and almost ethereal. Mira's group fought bravely, their swords clashing with the shadows' darkness. However, their valiant efforts seemed to be getting them nowhere.The shadows were relentless, pressing the attack with a ferocity that left Mira's group gasping for breath. Luca stumbled back, his sword arm trembling with fatigue. Nathan's face was set in a grim mask, his eyes flashing with determination.Lira fought with a fierce cry, her sword slicing through the shadows with deadly precision. But even she was beginning to tire, her movements slowing as the shadows closed in.Mira fought on, her sword flashing in the fading light. She was a whirlwind of motion, her blade slicing through the shadows with deadly accuracy. Yet despite her skill, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were fighting a losing battle.As the fight raged on, Mira's group began to take damage. Luca's arm was bruised and battered, Nathan's si
I felt her green eyes pierce into me, like she was trying to look deep into my soul. “How do you intend to do that?” She finally asked.“You’re the ones who'd be sleeping. We can fight them off.” I said.“You mean try,” Luca mumbled.It was then I turned to my crew. They weren't smiling, and for a minute, my heart skipped.“Mira, can we talk for a bit?” Lira said.I swallowed, before nodding. She held my hand and pulled me away without another word. Luca and Nathan followed, and soon we were standing in a circle, whisper-yelling at each other.“What are you doing?” Lira questioned.So stupid of me to have thought they were on the same page as I was. I should have asked.“Look, I'm sorry. I should have asked you guys for your opinion first, but this is really the only other choice we have.” I said, my voice low as well.Luca snarled lowly. “Oh no, it isn't. This isn't what we came here for.”I clicked my tongue. “Do you seriously want to just walk away and let them die?”“Mira, we coul
NARRATOR'S POVAlexa stood in front of the shattered mirror which she had refused to get rid of for no just reason. She was unusually calm, her dark eyes were lifeless but not empty.A loud knock sounded on the door, opening only when she responded.“Luna,” the voice revealed a man dressed in an armor the color of blood. His head was bowed, his hands gripping his sword stiffly.“The room is ready.” He finished.Alexa nodded without sparing him a glance. He turned and walked away, his movements monotonic.Her eyes were fixed on the orb. It was cracked here and there, yet the small pieces which remained still held an image of her prey.Mira, and that girl! And those boys who were sticking to her like glue. They would all meet their end. Tonight!With outstretched arms, she touched the mirror. Her eyes snapped shut, the concentration on her face intense.Her breathing increased, and all of a sudden, it stopped. She pulled back, her eyes opening in a painstakingly slow motion.A wicked sm
Luca's palm was cold. That was the only reminder I had to breathe. My chest was tight and every inhale was rough, letting it out was even worse.It almost felt like before — a vision and then a panic attack — that's exactly what happened, and now, the same thing.Luca's grip around my arm tightened. “Mira, did you see something?"I was still bent over the book. It was closed now, and my legs were trembling slightly.I managed to nod. "Yes! But we have to leave first.”Nathan's figure appeared a little distance away, staring at me with concern in his eyes.“We’ll do as you say,” Luca said. “First let's get your chest cleared. Take a deep breath with me.”I shook my head. I don't know why but I did, and then Luca's hand was squeezing mine reassuringly. “Hey! Look at me!" He demanded.When I didn't respond, he held my chin with his free hand and made me look at him. Our eyes met and a whimper escaped my lips. Who would have thought trying to breathe hurts so bad!“It hurts,” I whispered,
The world was a hazy blur when my eyes opened. It felt like I was floating, and it took over a minute to register that I was standing.How…I looked around, another shock dawning on me when I realized that I was at our camp. It was night, the sky was devoid of both moon and stars. Even the fire was burnt out, leaving only a trail of smoke where it had been. The night was cold as well, with an eerie silence.I took in a deep breath, shuddering from the cold. I looked around again, squinting so I'd see through the darkness. I saw Lira asleep on her sheets, her small frame curled up and covered with another piece of clothing.Nathan was asleep too. His body was stiff, and there was tension visible on his face even while asleep. Luca was half awake, half asleep, constantly stirring and his eyes barely even closed.I took a minute to stare at him. It was then I realized that this was how he always slept, like he was always ready to sprang up on danger instead of it happening the other way
My heart dropped into a pool of misery mysteriously created by myself. And damn! This pool was so so deep.I didn't hesitate to push Luca off me, as if that would change the fact that we had just kissed.“Nathan…” my voice fell out in a hushed whisper.Nathan shook his head, right before he turned and began to walk away. It was like what happened about an hour ago was repeating itself. Only that this time, Nathan had every reason to be mad at me.“Nathan," I called again, much louder this time.Luca didn't hold me back when I began trotting after Nathan, but I swear I heard him laugh softly. I would have stopped to throw a dagger at him with my stare, but the person in front of me was much more important.“Nathan, please wait!" I begged, my voice shaky.He stopped, then shot me the scariest glare I'd ever seen. I almost tripped over my own feet as I came to an abrupt halt.“Do Not Follow Me, Mira." He commanded, his voice low and filled with intense authority.My heart stilled. As if