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A C C E P T E D

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Why couldn't he just leave me alone? Irina increased the length of her strides, attempting to build some distance between Lucas and herself. However, her efforts were futile because being the tall and lengthy person he was, the boy was able to keep up with her rushed pace without even trying. He didn't break a single bead of sweat while doing so unlike Irina who was beginning to pant. Twenty minutes had flown by and how far she had left until she reached her destination remained a trivia. She would just have to keep walking until she encountered the sign which would welcome her to the city she had been born and raised in. As for the people who inhabited the land within the capital's boundaries, Irina was aware that their reactions would be the opposite.

"You must be in quite a hurry. If you don't mind answering, what business do you have in Collier?" His question paralyzed the girl from head to toe as she stood frozen in her tracks. Her breathing became heavier and she swallowed down the saliva pooling in her mouth. She didn't know what to say and began to pick at her nails. It was silent with the exception of both of their breathing being audible. Irina then closed her eyes and listened as Lucas's footsteps approached her from behind. He was coming closer and closer and finally, she was able to hear his heart beating clearly in her ears.

The rhythm originating from beneath his chest cavity, like a beautiful melody, drummed through her body and filled her mind in a matter of seconds. The gap between them nearly diminished. Could she be honest with him? A boy who was nothing more than a mere stranger to her? He might have been kind and charming but after everything that happened, Irina felt like she couldn't trust anyone. She shouldn't because there was no one she could believe in besides those bonded to her through blood.

"Hey, are you okay?" Lucas extended his hand out to touch her and just as he was about to make contact, he stopped himself short. His heart was buzzing like a million bees were swarming inside and he slowly retracted his arm. The slender fingers belonging to his right hand brushed over the place the organ was stationed while his eyes landed on the dirt road he was standing on. What was going on with him? He had never experienced such a feeling before and, if he was to be frank, it startled him a great deal.

"You should stop," exited her lips and Irina felt this sharp pain jabbing her right in the heart. The sensation was shocking and her eyes rounded slightly with the recollection of words repeating themselves in her mind. She was starting to regret her actions and she hated it because she didn't understand why she was reacting in such a manner. There was no reason for her to experience this sort of guilt when she had done nothing worthy of condemnation or conviction. So why did she feel like the world's biggest jerk for uttering three simple words which didn't seem the least bit harsh or malice? The tone she used was indifferent as well so why? Why was it that she was undergoing such an unsettling predicament when she did nothing wrong?

"Excuse me?" Lucas replied, befuddled. He lifted his chin only to meet Irina's back. She was wrapped in her torn dress. Her hair cascaded down her back, resting just above her hips. The sky hanging over their heads darkened another shade and a string of thunders crackled and boomed through the open fields. The noise caused Irina to clasp her hands over her ears and her head throbbed violently. Her teeth were gritted as she flinched and shivered. She was more sensitive to things than she had been in the past and that alone was another mystery among dozens of others.

Never had Irina been this sensitive to blaring reverberations but now, even the sound of breathing seemed to be more deafening and ear-splitting than it really was. It was as though there were amplifiers attached to everything. The army of thunders vanished and Irina was able to relax as she opened her eyes. She spotted black spots everywhere, hindering her view, and lightly shook her head, endeavoring to get rid of them. All of a sudden, she felt incredibly nauseous and dizzy. At that moment, her knees weakened and were on the brink of giving up on her. She clutched onto the side of her head, venturing to steady herself but before she could regain her composure, she began to sway and toppled over to the side.

Her body collided with the dusty pathway treaded over by hundreds, if not thousands, and it began to ache uncontrollably with the abrupt impact. What's happening to me? She felt like she was on fire as she stared with half-hooded eyes at the extensive road laid out ahead of her. How was she supposed to continue on toward her home, toward her family, when she was in such a frail and incapacitated condition? How did this even happen? She was feeling perfectly fine when she and Lucas started their journey. So why? Why was her body choosing to betray her, especially at a crucial time like this?

A tear rolled down Irina's face before Lucas dropped to his knees, grasped onto her shoulder and turned her his way. "Oh my goodness, are you all right? See, I knew we shouldn't have left. You look so pale." Concern and perturbation were evident in his face as he helped her sit up. His arm coiled around her shoulders as he brought her back to her feet.

"I'm f-fine," she struggled to ensure, trying to push him away but he didn't budge. If anything, it seemed like his hold on her just tightened.

"No, no you aren't," he argued sternly as he scanned their surroundings. Up ahead, he spotted a little gazebo. "Let's take a small break." He took a step but Irina refused to follow his orders. Instead, with all of the strength she could scrounge together, she detached herself from his arms and stumbled back.

"I don't want to," she rebelled, moving her head side to side to emphasize her decision. "I can't afford to waste time."

"Don't be foolish," Lucas snapped when he saw her ready to collapse yet again. Just as she was about to hit the ground a second time, he swiftly lunged toward her and successfully caught her in his embrace. "Why are you so stubborn?" He frowned.

"I'm not stubborn," Irina defended gently.

"Do you not see yourself right now, Miss?" Lucas led them to the bench and forced her to take a seat.

"I told you I do not need a break," she murmured as she tried to climb back to her feet. However, Lucas was able to stop her easily with a simple tug at her wrist. Her butt was instantly reconnected with the bench but she continued to retaliate. Again, Irina tried to stand. Lucas was seriously losing tolerance for her resistant and indelible behavior. She may look like a lady and speak like a lady but right now her actions were not that of a lady's.

"Will you quit with the tenacity?" He dragged her into his chest and quickly snaked his arms around her body to keep her in place. Lucas couldn't fathom why he did something so rash but to him, it seemed to be the only thing he could do since it was obvious she had no intention of yielding. To his surprise and delight, Irina no longer protested. "If you're not feeling well, don't force yourself to keep going as though everything is fine when it isn't. You could seriously hurt yourself living life in that kind of manner, don't you think?"

Hesitantly, he stroked her hair but stiffened when he heard muffled crying. Carefully, he separated Irina from his chest and his eyes widened when he discovered tears streaming down her cheeks nonstop. Fear consumed him since he thought he might have been the cause for the unwanted situation. Hearing her sobs strengthen, he didn't know what was going on as his heart plummeted into his stomach "No! You're wrong!" she hissed as she used the back of her hand to wipe away the freed tears. "Everything is fine. No one is going to get hurt. No one can get hurt."

Deep down, however, Irina knew that what Lucas had said was true. Just because she wanted everything to be okay, didn't mean that she would have her way. For that reason alone, she hated him. Because now, now she had to accept the fact that everything wasn't all right and it was never going to be all right ever again. She hated the truth, for the reality she was currently entrapped in was nothing more than a horrendous nightmare. One she would never have the chance to escape from.

She tried to ignore it, but how could she do that now, especially when he had spoken those words to her? Why couldn't he have just kept his mouth shut instead of trying to encourage her with words of support? Did he really think she was going to find peace within his advice? That they would relieve her of the burdensome pain gnawing at her from the inside out, practically devouring her alive like some flesh-eating parasite?

Irina didn't need his unwanted reminder about how foolish her actions were but since he had already done so, she had no other choice but to resent him for it. Hate him for killing off the last shred of hope she had of being happily reunited with her family ever again. She glared at Lucas whose eyes were filled with nothing but bewilderment and stagnation. Through them, she could also see the reflection of her own eyes which had changed into its golden auburn state. Her strength was suddenly rebooted and Irina wanted to choke the life out of him.

Her hands were itching to clutch themselves around his throat but then something spoke to her. It was her heart. And her heart was telling her that she couldn't harm the boy in front of her. Not now, not ever. For if she did, she would never be able to live with herself. Why? Because she would be killing off a part of herself and the ordeal baffled Irina more than anyone could even imagine.

* * *

Nearly every citizen residing within the boundaries of Elysium's capital city had gathered in front of the palace a few minutes before the sun was set to sink and rest, marking the entrance of nightfall. The people and creatures present were all conversing amongst themselves. Some were driven by nothing but scorn and hate as they spoke while others seemed to be more on the melancholic and doleful side.

Soon, the gates of the royal palace pried apart and out sauntered Lord Vanderbilt who had a stoic expression painted over his face. He was then followed by the other four noblemen and, at their arrival, the crowd fell silent. A platform was set up, almost like a stage, and at one end there were five elaborately decorative seats all positioned behind an elongated desk made of mahogany.

The two humans along with the vampire, elf and werewolf all took their seats and positioned in the center was none other than Lord Mayfield, whose first name was Edwin. He was a human. Then, to his left, there sat Henry Vanderbilt, another human. Next to him was Aspen Fortuso, an elf. On the other side, to Edwin's right, was where Jameson Williams, a vampire, was stationed and beside him was Thomas Hwi, a werewolf. They emanated the aura of high power and nobility; there was no doubt about that. After, everyone made a fist with their right hands, placed it over their hearts and bowed in perfect harmony, a display of respect.

"Citizens of Elysium." Henry rose from his seat and stood tall as he projected his voice as loud as he could. "I am heavily saddened and burdened by this treacherous news but it has been confirmed that Ashton Kavalier, the former ruler of this kingdom, has been found guilty of all the heinous crimes he has been accused of." Gasps of horror and fright erupted while the citizens started muttering to each other. "Silence!" Henry bellowed as he slammed a palm onto the wooden surface.

Immediately, the crowd hushed at his command. "As I was saying, Ashton Kavalier has been convicted of his crimes and tonight, he and his family will be executed before all of us standing here. Bring out the prisoners." Right on cue, the guards prodded Ashton, his wife and three children out with spares directed at them. The chains, which hung around their wrists and ankles, clanked as they climbed onto the platform. They were dressed in white clothing and were forced to kneel before the people who betrayed them. The people who they thought they could trust.

Edwin tried to hide his devilish smirk as he got up and spoke. "As you can see, we are missing the youngest princess. Her name is Irina Kavalier and posters of her have been placed all throughout the kingdom. If anyone sees her, you have permission to kill her on the spot and, if you do, you will be handsomely rewarded because she is now a traitor to us."

"What they speak is blasphemy!" Ashton roared as he stared at his people with desperate and pleading eyes. "My family and I would never betray this kingdom but since our fates have been decided for us, there is nothing we can do but try to convince you of the truth before we are no longer part of this world."

"Shut your mouth, you dirty mongrel!" Henry snapped. "Do not believe a word he says, my fellow citizens. This animal has already been convicted and what he spews now are nothing but lies. It's the last trick he is trying to pull over all of us. The evidence against you, Ashton Kavalier, is more than enough to prove what kind of a mutt you are and trust me, no one here will side with you. Look before you, Ashton, no one even dares to speak on your behalf because they all know you are guilty."

"The only one guilty of anything here would be you, Henry Vanderbilt," Anise countered sharply. "You think you've won but oh no, dear fool, you are gravely mistaken. Because as long as our daughter survives, you will fall." Her eyes scanned each noblemen with distaste lodged in her face. "You will all fall."

"Do you see this, my people?" Edwin shouted out angrily. "Even until the end these traitors still threaten us. This is why we must kill them before more damage can be done. You have heard it with your own ears. You have seen it with your own eyes! The royal family must be extinguished if we want to keep our kingdom safe and so we must do what is required of us."

"You are all nothing but cowards," Ashton declared with a bittersweet smile. "One day the truth will be revealed and what will you do then? You will tremble with fear as you are condemned for your wrongdoings. And trust me, my dear noblemen, that day will come because in the end, good always triumphs evil. It is a known fact."

"I agree," Henry voiced out. "And that is exactly what is happening now. We are the good and you are the evil we must get rid of. Now cease your stalling and prepare to meet your doom. Executioners!" Five gruff and buff looking men marched onto the platform, all carrying large machetes of their own. Each one of them stood behind a descendant of the royal family and the crowd couldn't help but shudder.

"Lyra," Michael whimpered, his entire body quaking. "I'm scared."

"It's okay to be scared, Michael," Lyra answered as she smiled at her youngest brother. She could see the tears in his eyes and some of the citizens could feel their hearts clenching because, although their king was convicted, his children were still so young. They didn't deserve to die but they knew there was nothing they could do but turn away.

"What about Irina?" Isaiah questioned his father and sister telepathically "What will happen to her?"

"Your sister will learn to be strong. She will return one day and reclaim the throne," his father answered back. "She must or else our kingdom will fall."

"Yes, now why don't we close our eyes and think of a happy place, kids?" their mother suggested and knowing very well this was the end for them, they all closed their eyes and allowed the joyous memories to flood their minds.

This was it. They had accepted their fates.

"Proceed!" Henry shouted and just as the collars were removed, a familiar scent caught Ashton's attention. As fast as lightning, his eyes snapped open as he searched the sea of bodies. Then he saw her all the way at the back hidden beneath a cloak. Her eyes were rounded in petrification as she locked gazes with him.

What was she doing here? She couldn't see this! She shouldn't! "Iri—" Before her name could escape his lips, the sharp blade of the machete sliced through his neck and severed his head from his body. His head had fallen to the floor and, like a chain reaction, the heads of his wife, his eldest daughter and two sons followed behind.

Screams and shrieks came from everywhere as the decapitated bodies all toppled over and everyone shuffled away. The people located at the front were splattered with blood and traumatized. Just as Irina was about to scream with the rest of them and run to the platform, a hand cupped her mouth and dragged her away.

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Author's Thoughts: Hello, hello. It's been a while, hasn't it? I'm so sorry for my lack of updates. I've just been relaxing a bit and taking a break before school starts. I hope you all don't mind! I'm so grateful there are many of you reading this story, voting and commenting. You guys are amazing <3 Also, thank you for the 1K followers :D

But poor Irina... My heart aches so much. As you can see, Edwin is not Lucas's father, Henry is. However, his father still played a huge role in the killing of the Kavaliers. How do you feel about this? And what do you think happened to our fallen princess?