From somewhere, Cameron had gotten two horses, one for me and Bree as well as one for Cameron. Niko ran on all fours, faster than all of us combined. Just ahead, a bridge connecting the sides of an enormous river. Looking down as we passed, I couldn't help but think where Marc was.

"Have any of you guys heard about or seen Marc?" Everyone looked at me nervously, all except for Niko.

Cameron was the first to answer. "He's on a quest."

My heart dropped. I actually expected to meet him. Thoughts lingered around my mind plaguing my brain with all sorts of terrible things. Then, as if out of thin air, rustling was heard.

"Stop."

Niko was frozen on the spot, forcing us to also stop. A loud howl followed, greeted by a chorus of howls, including Niko's. Out of nowhere, a large wolfish figure materialized, looming over Niko. It's dark red eyes glared down at him, making Niko look more like a chihuahua than a wolf. Out of nowhere, something stretched it's mouth apart, revealing two menacing rows of sharp teeth. Was he going to attack? Then, Niko grinned.

He was only smiling.

I let out a sigh of relief as the two communicated, omitting strange dog- like noises here and there. Then, other figures emerged from the thick forestry, surrounding us in shadows. Then, Niko turned to face us.

"Guys, this is my dad, and the rest of the family."

The giant figure took a step forwards, alerting the two horses. Noticing he was still a wolf, the figure transformed back into a human. I gasped at how similar they looked. Niko and his father were like twins, just different by age and size. They both shared equally black hair and sharp blue and green eyes. Even as a human, he was huge. More like a mountain compared to me, considering I wasn't average size when it came to height. Clearing his throat, the man began speaking. He kind of sounded like Niko, yet just a bit more gruff.

"First, let me introduce myself. My name is Luke Hearthwell. I came here with my family to tell you about the kingdom. It is soon going to be attacked, so I, leader of the NightWing would like to volunteer in helping as an alliance. Do you accept?"

I looked at everyone else as they nodded. They all looked at me expectantly. I nodded as well.

****

"Opeįt gră zeiś."

The gates to the kingdom opened on Niko's command. As soon as the four of us came in, all activity stopped. Babies stopped crying, dogs stopped barking, people stopped talking. Even the birds had stopped chirping. I could just make out the figure of someone running towards Niko.

"Niiiiikooooo!" It was Myra.

Wrapping her hands around him, she grimaced when her eyes caught mine. Niko simply gave her a fake smile and tried hard to pry her off. Ugh. Something from the pit of my stomach wanted to explode.... and tear up Myra of course. Was it jealousy? My stomach suddenly mimicked the sound of a dying whale. I slightly blushed as Bree began to laugh hysterically. Guess it's time to eat...

"Glęitz baru atsuke." The headmaster suddenly appeared in front of all of us. Glady, I had mastered the language after spending weeks of training with Marc. What he said was, "Good to see you all safe."

"Sïncre" We all replied.

Dismounting the horse, I walked with the help of Bree and Cameron to the dining hall. Niko and Myra went to put the horses back in the stables. Grabbing a pastelito, I chowed down as Bree helped herself to a large salad.

"What are those red things?" I asked, peering into her salad.

"They're called víntras." She replied, eating a spoonful of some other greens.

"What?! That word isn't in my vocabulary."

Bree chuckled and rolled her eyes at me.

"I'm just kidding. They're chopped up beets."

"Yeah right, and I'm eating an Ątrűzī" I said, voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Um, Jennifer?"

"Yeah?"

"You know that Ątrűzī is actually a word, right?"

I shook my head as Bree giggled.

"What does it mean?"

"It's best you don't know." A voice said.

My head whipped around so quickly that it's a miracle my neck didn't snap. It was just Niko, failing his attempt of losing Myra. It was evident he didn't like her, but why are they still together? I intended on figuring it out.

"Hey Niko, mind if I talk to you privately?" I put extra emphasis on the last word.

Myra snorted in a very un-ladylike way.

"Anything you can tell Niko you can tell the both of us." She said, snaking her arm up his neck.

"We wouldn't want to keep secrets from each other would we?" She suddenly inched forward, placing a kiss on his lips. Sure she had to tippy toe, but still, something nagged me.

They look so perfect for each other. Only thing is that he doesn't like her. Who could he like then? What if he-

A sudden crash interrupted my train of thoughts.

"The fields!" Someone yelled, motioning towards the left side of the kingdom.

Trying to get up, I almost forgot about my broken ankle. Bree, Niko, and Cameron looked at me worryingly.

"It's fine guys. I can manage." I said, trying to get up. I failed miserably.

"I'm not letting that happen again." Niko said.

In just a matter of seconds, he picked me up bridal style, like he did many chapt- weeks ago.

The look on Myra's face was priceless. Running to the dorm rooms, he finally let go of me, placing me on top of the bed.

"Stay here." He said, running back out of the room.

Sighing, I crawl under the covers and pull out my phone.

Scrolling through the contact numbers, I get bored. There wasn't much I could do. Millions of people were probably hurt or in danger. If only I were out there...

Stop. He told you to stay in the room.

Sighing again, I look out the window. I gasped at the sight. So much fire. It engulfed half the kingdom, fitting along with all the screaming. Then, something came dangerously close to my window.

"Hello love." A voice said.

I slowly back away from the window.

That's when it burst through the window. I immediately noticed the silver eyes and pitch black hair of the one and only, William Paradia. Grinning, he stood up, somehow unscathed after breaking through a window.

"Miss me?"

Anger suddenly boiled inside of me.

"Not. At. All." I said through gritted teeth.

This only made him smile more.

"You sure love?"

I scowled at him. Backing away, I looked for something useful.

"Don't worry. I won't hurt you."

I could tell he was lying. I did some research on my phone beforehand. He turned out to be some sort of criminal known for mind control with those silver eyes of his.

"Your magic doesn't work on me." I said, trying to sound confident.

"Oh really?" He suddenly lurched forwards, pinning me to the wall. Eyes closed, he repeated what seemed to be a chant. The words lured me to him. Then, he opened them. Nothing happened. Seconds later, he was on the ground clutching his face. He was muttering a few very "colorful" words. Just as he finished his tantrum, someone burst through the door.

"Jennifer!" The voice was familiar.

"M- Marc?" I smelled lavender.

The figure smiled.

"Bingo."

Hey guys! Did you like that? It was much longer than my usual chapters. Hope you enjoyed! Don't forget to vote!

Where do you think Marc went?

What do you think Ątrűzī means?

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