Broken

Audra

The week passed slowly, each day that passed felt agonizing. What was Luna planning? Could Luna actually get me out of here? I didn't want to seem hopeful, but I couldn't help the small feeling growing in my chest. Finally, it was Wednesday, I sat outside by the Koi Pond. Sylvin watched me with intrigue as I swirled the water around. It danced in spheres and waves twirling around the garden. "You have great control Audra, why don't we try it on a larger scale?" He suggested placing himself beside me. I tried, I pulled forth my magic, calling it to my fingertips. It surged beneath my skin rushing out in spiraling tendrils. They twisted around the pond floating just above the surface. A small smile pulled at my lips. Though, as soon as I did, I slipped. My concentration broke and the once tight coils of water came crashing down onto the Koi. Water spilled out onto the bank, the fish darting away from the commotion, "Hey, that was a really good try." He chuckled. "Maybe later we will try holding onto the little stuff for a longer time. Then, when you have that under control, we will move to larger scale wielding." He said gently offering me a hand. I hesitated but eventually took it and he effortlessly pulled me to my feet. I brushed myself off and we walked back through the garden, the smell of tulips, and orange blossoms tickled my nose. The sent was sweet. Comforting. We reached the dining hall. I sat down and he ran and grabbed us both a plate of food. He returned setting the plate in front of me. I waited for him to pour the powder, but he didn't. Did he forget? I didn't care. I dug in, finally tasting food that wasn't tainted by drugs. We finished in silence, and he took me up to Acheron's room. After I was settled, he left me to myself. I took a quick shower and changed into a sweatshirt and leggings. I yawned and crawled into the bed letting sleep overtake me. 

Hundreds of years ago . . . .

Acheron sat by the lake, the same one that stole his little sister's magic. His voice was horse as he called out into the night. "Why her? Why Mallory?" He asks his voice breaking and getting lost in the darkness. I had never seen so many emotions on his face. Fear, pain, longing. He stood up violently throwing flames at the water. "I hate you! Nixthul." He screamed, crying before he fell to his knees sobbing. Sylvin ran to him helping his brother to his feet. They both walked off towards a house. My vision blurs and I see a slightly older Acheron. He's yelling at someone. "There has to be a way to save her?" His voice cracked as he choked on a sob. Save her? Was he trying to save Mallory? "I'm sorry. There isn't anything we can do. The magic required to save her would have to be extremely powerful. No one will have that ability." A doctor tried explaining. Acheron wasn't listening, or I he was he chose not to acknowledge him. "I will find a way." He said angrily clenching his fist in front of him.

Present . . . .

I was ripped from the vision, Acheron's chilling voice ringing out through my ears. Breaking the haze of my sleep. "That's enough sleeping. It is time to train." I sit up lazily. I felt like I had gotten no sleep at all. I throw my legs over the side of the bed and push myself to stand up. I trudge outside where I was once again thrown around, beaten and burned. I still wasn't good enough. Acheron made sure to tell me that always. We returned to the room and I flop onto the bed wearily. He lays himself beside me. Opening his tablet scrolling through a spreadsheet. "Go and shower, you smell." He said, barely looking up from what he was reading. What crawled up his ass? I scoff and stomp over to the bathroom slamming the door shut behind me.

Acheron's Pov

The door slams shut behind her as she enters the bathroom, I roll my eyes, damn teenagers. Of all people to possess such a unique and powerful gift. It had to be some teenage girl. I read my plans again going over the details when my eyes fell over the part Sylvin was in charge of. Barely anything was done. I scowled, and breathed out, no..., I reasoned. He has been helping me train Audra, though I hate to admit she was responding to his teachings well. I guess I will send someone to check on the prince in his stead, maybe Darious. I text him opening him a gate to the Royal Residence. Good. That is finally taken care of. It was like a weight off my shoulders. I stood up stripping off my clothes and putting on a pair of black joggers. I brush out my hair, its length reaching the dip in my back, just before my butt. I braid it tightly draping it over my shoulder, the one Malik had ripped into. I stared at myself in the vanity's mirror. I traced my fingers lightly over the scar, feeling the slight rise in my skin. Audra had used her magic to heal it. I wonder, why she had done that? 

Audra's Pov

Thursday dragged on slower than yesterday did. Acheron seemed off. He wasn't as focused on my training as he normally was. His mind seemed lost in thought. He was just humming along, watching silently. I curled my water around the rock lifting it up with ease. I smiled to myself. I was finally doing it. After months of practice, after falling in the lake, I could finally see progress back to where I was before. I floated the rock around, and Acheron watched uninterested. He looked at his phone the screen lighting up with a text. His eyes burned with rage, and he started to grind his teeth together. He turned and walked away without a word. I furrowed my eyebrows. Despite my sudden lack of concentration, the rock I held floating, stayed steady, my magic holding it in place. I dropped it and hurried to catch up to Acheron, but he had disappeared into one of his gates. I huffed staring out at the lake, the midday sun reflecting off of its surface. The gentle breeze shook the trees making leaves fall off and float down to the lush grass. This spot was beautifully serene. I took in a deep breath feeling the suns warmth on my skin. The moment didn't last long, I heard Sylvin calling for me. I rushed over meeting him by the gate to the garden. "Acheron is not having a good day, so you get to spend the rest of it with me." He said cheerily. I roll my eyes playfully, "Yeah, he seemed like a grouch during our training. Even when I perfectly picked up a rock and held it." I huff, crossing my arms over my chest. "That's very good Audra, mind doing it again?" He asked sounding amused. He walked around the garden and found a medium sized rock by the koi pond. He struted back over wiggling the rock at me seting it down 10 feet away from where I stood. I focused and thrust my hands forward feeling my magic surge beneath my skin and coursing through my veins. It flew out in controlled tendrils wrapping around the rock, lifting it steadily into the air. Sylvin smiles as he watches me. I will the rock around the pond before setting it back down gently by the edge of the water. Sylvin claps slowly, "That was great!" What do you say we head in for dinner?" He asks, pointing to the door. "Isn't it a bit early for dinner?" I ask confused. He stops moving hesitating. "You've had a big day, maybe you should go to sleep sooner." He says finally. I stare up at him my mind racing. No, he couldn't. Could he? I study his face, he looked at me nervously and nodded his head towards the door. I shake the thought. Once we were in the the dining hall he grabbed us both a plate and set my food in front of me. He started picking at his plate, making slight conversation. No drugs again? I shrug, I am not going to question a good thing. We eat and chat playfully, the interaction seemed almost normal. Once we were done he took me back to Acheron's room, leaving me by myself. I sighed and changed into an oversized shirt and a pair of lose shorts. I crawl under the covers feeling tired all of a sudden. Did he drug it? He had to. I close my eyes letting sleep overtake me.

I woke many hours later. I glanced at the clock on the bedside table. 12:26 A.M. My stomach started to twist. My nerves finally started eating away at me as doubt crept in. What happens if Acheron finds out? What if he doesn't? We get away and live our lives happily. I decide to not dwell on it. I stand up, pushing away my thoughts, instead eyeing the man sleeping next to me. My eyes softened as I watched him. His chest rising and falling in peaceful slumber. His face was relaxed. I wasn't used to seeing him like this. I walked over to the balcony door quietly sliding it open. The cool stone floor chilled my foot as I stepped out onto the platform, the breeze from the night billowed through the door shaking the curtains gently. The moons glow was bright, illuminating the forest in front of me. I place my hands on the rail, the cold metal shocking my senses, as I leaned over admiring the scenery. I pull myself away from the rail, remembering my fall. I sit down on the couch slipping my legs underneath me as I stared out into the quiet darkness. I closed my eyes revealing in it. After a while I poke my head inside the room and glance at the clock, 1:43 A.M. I sigh, the knots in my stomach returning. It was time. I change quietly into a lose long sleeve shirt and sweat pants. I grab my sneakers slipping them on then I quietly sneak out the door. My heart sinks, Sylvin stood at Acheron's door, keeping guard. His brown eyes pierced mine as he watches me exit Acheron's room. "Can't sleep huh?" He whispers. Something flickering in his eyes. I nod my head slowly. "Just a quick walk, ok?" He says hurriedly. I nod again and scurry away. My heart thumped loud in my ears the blood rushing to my head. I breathed heavily the anxiety still had not gone away. I arrive at the lab; My heart fluttered as I saw Luna was waiting for me. She outstretched her arms to me welcoming me into a hug. She was warm, inviting. Her kindness eased my nerves a little. "It's ok" she murmured, stroking my hair. "We are almost free." She pulls back, her sweet smell of honey and lavender lingered in my nose. She handed me a bag with clothes, food, and water. We were actually doing it. We were going to escape. Luna led me out of the lab through the tunnels. Our footsteps echoed off the walls. The silence was deafening. We were both on edge as we broke through the tree line. Our feet crunched the earth as we walked. Our footprints were shallow in the muddy earth. A few hours later we came across the same road I had followed during my first escape. I gulped. Isn't this to obvious. "It's ok." Luna said sensing my fear. "Malik will meet us out here. I texted him. Here." She brought the camera up pointing it at us. She smiled widely, and I gave a soft nervous smile as the flash clicked lighting up our faces for the picture. "I sent it to him. I'm sure he'll be glad to see you." She smiles softly. Suddenly the screen lights up, Malik's picture displayed across the screen. He's calling us. Luna swipes up answering it. "What are you two doing? Taking silly pictures? Let me talk to Audra." He says impatiently. His deep voice rang out. It was something I had missed. Luna smirked, passing me the phone. "Hey" I breathed out, not believing I was able to talk to him. "Hi" he answered sounding just as nervous. "We're coming, Audra. Just please hold on. Your parents and Kai, Ajax and Isla are here. We are all coming to get you." He says, his voice breaking. I hear a chorus of reassuring voices and suddenly I heard my mom's voice. "It will be ok Audra. You will home soon." She whispered. Tears start rolling down my face. "Mama?" I asked. "I'm right here baby." She says back softly. Tears cloud my vision as Luna rips the phone from my hands. "Ok, that's enough. We're wasting the battery. We will see you guys in a few days." She says hanging up. She pats my shoulder. "We are so close." She says determination lacing her words. The cool air suddenly became thick and hot. I hear the faint swirl and pop of magic, the familiar sound of Acheron's gates. To confirm my fear his deep voice cutt through our warmth, ripping it away. "So close to what?" He snaps, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. My heart jumps in my throat. I turn to see Acheron, Sylvin, and a tall, muscular, blonde guy. Luna shoves me behind her, her fingers dancing with electricity. Acheron clicks his tongue as he steps closer to us. "I expected more from you Luna, and trying to fight back now? It's just sad and pitiful." Sylvin wore an unreadable expression as he and the other guy stalked closer to us. Luna's hands lit up as she shot Acheron with lighting. He barely flinched as her magic strikes at his flesh. He let out a laugh, the noise echoing out into the still night air. "Is that all you've got?" He taunts. She looked at me, her expression full of fear and determination. "GO AUDRA! GO LIVE" She screams. I stumble backwards as Acheron launches a flame towards her. It grazes her shoulder, and she lets out a pained gasp. "Please, Audra, go live your life." She pleads. I nod hesitantly and start to run. "Darious, get her." Acheron snaps. Within moments I was pinned. My arms were held tightly behind my back as I struggled desperately to break free. Fire and Lighting filled the night sky as Acheron battled Luna. He could have easily overtaken her. He was just playing. Like a lion playing with its food before devouring it. It was painful to watch, tears were streaming down my face as I thrashed around. "That's enough." He said stepping back. They were both breathing heavily. "Luna. I order you to die. You betrayed my trust and that is unforgivable." He sneers. He looks towards Sylvin, and he steps forward, a large dagger made of ice formed in his hand. He coiled his arm back launching it toward Luna. It struck her leg, pinning her to the ground. She let out a shriek of pain as a smile grew on Acheron's lips. Another spike, hurled towards her pinning her arm. Again, and again. Blood trickled down her arms and legs as she gasped for air. I wailed more than she did. I cried and tried to tear myself away. Sylvin walked up to Luna, each step agonizingly long. 

Sylvin's Pov

I inhaled a shaky breath. Blood pooled at my feet. Luna's blood. The dark red substance hot and sticky. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks as I threw my ice into her. With each one a piece of me broke. This had been my friend for decades. I couldn't go against Acheron; I had to prove my loyalty. I felt the cool water from the ice as it driped down my arm, I raised it up higher, aiming for her heart. I look at her tears welling in my eyes. "I'm sorry, Luna." I choke out, just loud enough for her to hear. She coughs out blood turning to face me. Her expression, though pained, softened. "I know. It's okay." She whispered. A tear falling down her face and landing on the floor beneath her, mingling with the boold. No fear, only acceptance. "Enough, Sylvin. This is taking to long." Acheron stalked closer fire flickering in his palm.

Audra's Pov

No. He threw the fire at her, the flames licking up her body. She thrashed against the ice that was now melting, as the flames engulfed her. Acheron turned slightly so I could see his face, he smirked reveling in her agony. I cried, screaming, finally breaking free from the man that held me. In a fit of rage, I throw my hands up shooting water at the flames. It was wild and uncontrolled. Steam mixed with smoke, hissing, as it trailed upwards. It dowsed her body putting out the flames. "Please stop!" I scream; my vision blurred by my tears as I crash to my knees. Acheron laughs as Luna sat shaking on the floor, her body to weak to move. He walks to me, painfully slow. His eyes gleaming from the fire he ignited in his palm. He kneels beside me, grabbing my hands and flaring the fire. I try to grab at my magic, to heal, but he was to fast the fire ate at my skin. He pulled away. Smiling down at me. I screech in pain my hands now red and leathery. I cried looking at them. I couldn't use my magic. I tried, I tried calling it. As soon as the magic hit my hands they burst into pain all over again. He had burned my hands to the point I was powerless. He looked at me a sinister smile spread on his lips. "Oh Audra, you're just delaying the inevitable." He was right. I couldn't stop this. I was to weak. I'm just making her suffer for longer than she has to. I glace at her. She was coughing violently blood spewing from her lips. He stands abruptly, not sparing me another glance. He throws flame after flame at her, laughing maniacally. The sick bastard was enjoying this. Relishing in Luna's death. The smell of burning flesh and clothes hit my nose. The acrid scent swirling around the night air. I felt sick. I could no longer do anything. Just sit and watch the scene unfold. I cried violently, my sobs rang out being drowned out by the roar of the flames, the man was holding my arm so I couldn't take off. I lay on the floor crying as I tried to turn my head away. I didn't want to watch. I didn't want to see her die. To watch as her body would go limp, her life cut short. The man grabbed my hair forcing my head up to witness the scene. Thick black smoke billowed into the air. The flames grew brighter, hotter, penetrating the air around us. I coughed violently; Acherons laughs ringing out through the trees. She stopped moving, and over the dying flames, I could hear her faint voice, "Mommy's coming Aria." She whispered just as the final flame stole her life. Acheron smirked, "Clean this, and let's go." He said slightly amused. I cried out in agony the man releasing me. I scramble over to her. The flames now gone completely. I chocked on my own throat as I stared at her. Her body lay still, unmoving. It was blacked to a char, unrecognizable. Her once sweet scent of honey and lavender was gone, replaced by the deathly smell of burt flesh and blood. I lay myself on top of her wailing out in pain, my screams getting lost in the still air. Her body sinks underneath me. Sylvin grabs my arm forcefully ripping me off her. "Let's go."