Arieon Flare

Walking into this room makes me want to jump out the window. Ashton, Axel and I have not been at this part of the castle since she was gone. It was the wrong coffin. My mind hisses again.

Leona and the rest ignore me thinking I am nervous and get to collecting the weapons hidden the room. As much as I am glad for the moments alone, my mind spirals to the night Azela died.

The memories are harsh and each word between us are unknown to everyone. I could not tell anyone that Azela was trying to kill Father. She was too obsessed with power that she stopped caring about anything else. Even Ashton does not know what happened that night. She can not know the monster Azela became right before she died.

Tackling Azela was the first mistake I made that night. She was the heir, much more agile and powerful than me. When I fell out the window, shouting for help was my second mistake. Azela hated our parents, but she could not stop loving her siblings.

I watched her stand at the corner of the window of her room fifteen feet above the ground. The hurricane she created with her own flames was the most powerful I had ever seen. Fire would not harm me, it is a part of me after all. The hurricane she created slowly bought me to safety into her room.

Not training hard enough was my third mistake. I could not do anything but watch as she fell from where she stood. She over exerted herself, and it took her life but it saved mine. My sister died for me and I am not able try to save our little brother.

I hear a dull thud outside the door. Ashton. . .

Each time my sister broke down remembering Azela, I was there for her. And each time I was guilt ridden and refused to come out my room, she was there for me. This time things have changed, Ashton is right outside but I can not talk to her. I like Leona but she does not know anything about me. Besides, if she did, I would be dead. Just like the Unscathed are said to have a bone deep crave for power, the Wanderers hone in on hating the Unscathed.

Lost in thought I do not notice that the others have stopped packing, instead they start changing into armor from below Azela's old bed. The servants must be betraying their loyalty to us here too. I flush as I take in Leona's figure. My eyes linger a second too long and the others start laughing at my embarrassed stage.

Leona does not say a word but from the corner of my eyes I see the corner of the mouth lift up into a smirk. Later, she slams a gun into my hands. "Where is that secret tunnel you were talking about?" she asks, altering her gloves to cover up the small tattoo at her wrist.

I stare at the gun, dazed for a moment. The last time I held such a thing, I killed Dixie, the hound Ashton and I found. It was an accident but her loss hurts anyway.

"I do not-" I start but Leona cuts me off.

"Keep it or face death. Most people prefer the first option by the way." I sigh as i tuck it in the back of my pant and decide to take the longest route to the King's chambers. I need time if I am going to figure out how I can get both Ashton and Axel out of here alive.

"The safest route is through the ballroom I suppose." I murmur as I walk out the door. I notice Ashton heading towards the other corner but I do nothing. I let her go, once again.

The last time I was in the ballroom, Lady Melody was declared my future wife. I had no say in it what so ever. Melody's father needed a powerful marriage for her daughter and my father needed their support. Ashton was actually happy about that, untill I said I did not want to marry Mel. Then the tables turned.

To be honest, I have grown to like the Wanderer life. They actually have a purpose other than putting on a show. No matter how bad their purpose is for us, it has a value and people love them, not fear.

Unlike that day, it's is decorated in golden and red, a sign that Axel is going to be crowned, and soon. I stride towards the thrones with Leona and the others behind me. Right behind the thrones, there is a small corridor that is not on any map.

Usually it is used in case of an attack for the royals to get to safety. No Wanderer would dare to think the crown Unscathed would go through the mud covered, almost collapsing death trap, that is exactly why we would.

After dragging out the inevitable by apologizing for forgetting the way a few times, we finally reach Axel's room. The plan is to stay hidden untill he arrives from lighting the flames again for mother and father. Then they strike, as quickly and quietly as possible.

I nod at Leona towards the door ahead of us. I could just alert Axel and tell him to run as he enters. Hopefully Ashton would be there and would help me defend him against Leona and the others. It is a long shot, but it's the only one I have.

Leona opens the door only to face the gleaming edges if a dagger headed straight towards her. Without a second thought I push her aside and deflect the metal with a small ball of fire. Leona's face goes blank while the rest of them look at me with surprise or anger or both. Can I get another arrow to the heart please?