Chapter 7 – An Attack From Dark-walkers

~ MELONIE ~ I gawked at him, and he gawked back, “Do you understand, Melonie?” He repeated with a serious face, and I calmly nodded in response. He has high cheekbones, a strong jawline and a small button nose. His piercing eyes sparkle with warmth and kindness, fringed with thick lashes that add to his allure. His hair is thick, dark and messy, with a subtle wave that adds texture and depth. He has broad shoulders, a toned physique and a tall athletic build that commands attention. He excludes confidence and self-assurance without being arrogant or entitled. He is charismatic and charming, with a magnetic presence that draws people in. Accomplice with an angelic and baby-looking face and soft, white skin that would make you want to tame him. I stared at his bottom lip that was calling for my attention and I quickly looked away, my cheeks turning red, “You are too close,” I muttered. He pushed me away, clearing his throat to ease the awkward atmosphere. “All I'm saying is, from now on, you listen to me.” Arwan declared. A smirk appeared on my face. “How old are you?” Curiosity got the best of me. “Thousands of years, I've lost count,” he retorted coldly. I stared at his face, which seemed to be getting younger, “So why is he this handsome?” I thought to myself, ogling at him. “You broke my lock,” I blurted out, changing the topic. He looked back at the door, “I can do whatever I want, you don't control me, I do! And playtime is over. For the last time, training starts tomorrow,” he announced and walked out. I looked at his disappearing figure, satisfied with myself, “At least he would be the one training me… life here can't be any better,” I reasoned out, scoffing shamelessly. I fell on the bed, ready to meet and explore the next hectic day. **🥀** As I slowly opened my eyes, the warm rays of sunlight peeked through the blinds, illuminating the room. I stretched my arms, feeling the softness of the bed, and let out a gentle yawn, another weird day. But as I sat up and looked around, I was met with screams and cries coming from outside the building I was in. “Is this normal?” I thought to myself doubtfully. I threw off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet dangling in the air. The stillness was palpable, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I called out, “Arlo? Clara? Arwan?" but my voice was swallowed by the emptiness. I got out of bed and began to wander through the house, my footsteps echoing off the walls. Each room was spotless, but devoid of any signs of life. No dirty dishes in the sink, there were scattered footsteps on the floor like a set of people running out in terror, and no faint scent of cooking wafting from the kitchen. The house was empty. I felt like a ghost drifting through the building. The silence was oppressive, weighing heavily on my chest. I longed for the chatter of conversation, the warmth of human presence. As I walked back to my bedroom, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My eyes looked hollow, my face pale. I felt lost and alone, like a small boat adrift in a vast, empty ocean. I took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling of desolation. I reminded myself that the emptiness was temporary, that soon the house would be filled with the sounds and smells of people, it was nothing serious, the screams and people crying outside were normal, and I just needed to get used to it. “Nothing is going on,” I comforted myself. Suddenly, I heard a noise, I ran out of my room to find the servant pacing around in fear. “What is it? Where is everyone?” I voice out, my curious eyes dancing all over her body. She exhaled sharply, “We are under attack from dark walkers, they are all fighting it. Dark walkers are our greatest fear in this realm, no one has been able to fight them off or kill them. And you, our only hope is not ready yet or willing to train,” she announced and my heart skipped a beat. “Is this place safe?” I asked, staring at the servant. “Yes, Mrs. Hunter is currently protecting this place with her powers. I don't know how long she can hold on. She seems desperate to protect you,” she responded fearfully, avoiding my gaze. On the spot, Arlo, Clara and Arwan returned. “If only you were willing to train, this wouldn't have happened,” Clara stated and walked passed me in disappointment. Arwan also followed without even glancing at me. I walked closer to Arlo, he was the only one still standing and willing to hear me out, “What happened?” I asked calmly. “We were under an attack from dark walkers,” he announced firmly, and I gave him a “Tell me more” face. “We were able to fight them off… for now. They will be back anytime soon, and we can't let them see you until you are ready. That would be us announcing you to the entire universe… That's bringing war into your life. Everyone would be alarmed. West, south, north, east - Everyone, including your father. The man who wants you dead!” Arlo announced. The word echoed in my head, but I quickly jingled it off. I would have to fight for every single breath I breathe. “Why is everyone mad at me?” I asked, looking him in the eye. He stared back at me for a while before reluctantly answering, “Mrs. Hunter, the leader of the realm, got injured while trying to protect you,” he stated and walked past me. I brushed my hair back with my fingers. I found Arwan walking out and I blocked his path, sending him a questioning gaze, “Are you going to ignore me too? I get that she's your mother, you don't want to see her get hurt,” I lamented. “The problem is not watching her get hurt, young lady. If Mrs. Hunter dies, we are as good as dead. Only Mrs. Hunter has the power to protect this realm. Her dying means we are exposed, more of those things would swarm in here, and we don't have a way to kill them yet. And you, on the other hand, the person she was trying to protect, have proven to be useless. You will get us all killed,” he declared with a serious face, walking past me. “But if I show my face, I will bring in more threats even if I defeat the dark walkers. Death is lurking around me; more creatures will come for me. Isn't that even worse? Fighting the dark walkers is alarming others of my existence,” I reasoned out. He paused, walking back to me, “Every single living thing out there already know of your existence when you turned eighteen, they just don't know where you are.” “If I fight the dark walkers, I am announcing where I am to them,” I voiced out in fear. Arwan's face turned sour. “Oops! I guess we are in trouble either way.” “Where are you going?” I demanded, studying his expression. A sad smile appeared on his face. “Mrs. Hunter is seriously injured. She was able to hide our realm for now… I'll only ask you for one thing: Pray she doesn't die, because that would be our biggest nightmare.”