RhysRavera

Flash… wait for it… Rumble. Damn, forgot to count. Flash… Five… Rumble. Eight. My Ma always told me you could tell how far away a storm was by counting the seconds between the lightnin’ and the thunder. It was gonna be a rough night, but for now, the wind felt nice on my skin as it blew through my family’s farm. The animals were already runnin’ to hide in the barn, but I still had a few chores left to do. The Summer heat had been too much to bear during the day, and what did it matter the time I finished my chores so long as they were done. Besides, doing them at night meant I didn’t have to wo

That night went by really fast. I rode home with Mom in silence. She seemed mad, furious in fact, but I was too afraid to ask why. Sleep wasn't easy to come by, either. I was still awake at three a.m. Maybe it was the anxiety of starting over in a new school. Or maybe I was just hiding the actual reason because I was actually afraid to face it. I knew Analee wouldn't be happy with me. Regardless, I got through the night somehow and woke up just in time to get ready for school. "You might wanna wait a minute or two." Analee smiles at me, stepping out into the hallway in nothing but a towel. That would take some getting used to. I did as she s

Not even tsunamis can extinguish the fires of war. Though they've come close. I feel as though my days are numbered, counting on one hand and I'm not even able to tell my little girl goodbye. Rosaline has sent wave after wave of assassins. They've learned how to break through Stronghold's barrier and I'm now worried for my citizens. What if she targets them soon instead of me? I cannot let myself worry about that, we have plans in case the unspeakable happens. Kalliope is easing me into giving up hope. And it's beginning to work. Mizura is more than like protected by the highest guards. Dysmas has begun his training with Serafina. She's beco

The atmosphere was different this morning as I met Avalon by the east gate. Where we had to go today was dangerously close to the fallout line. An imaginary line we'd dedicated too close to the demons territory, and obviously decided never to go near or cross it. Though Avalon and I are more than capable of dealing with a few demons. After all, along with the others, we're the only survivors of our decimated city. "Pyre... perhaps we should bring Kennith? Just in case? We could use a bit of... fire power. No pun intended." She laughs. Kennith has a special ability as well. He can manipulate fire, which more or less guaranteed his survival in

I am from the forgotten times. From nights only reminisced on holidays. I am from the constantly moving. From memories painted only on windows. I am from the always leaving. From the hour-long goodbyes. I am from the yes ma’am, no ma’am. From the manners seemingly forgotten by others. I am from the promises of “this is the last time”. From the houses that were supposed to build character but only reshaped nightmares. I’m from stormy nights spent alone. From dreams broken by thunderclouds. I am from the old dirt road From the bitter kiss of cold nights From the warm embrace of the summer days. I’m from

"I've been following Nike Negorin for some time now. I used to be a spy for the king of Valer. I worked for Shade when Valer fell. Nike was adopted into the Negorin line," Raze began his story. "I know," I broke in before he continued. There was no need for covering something I already knew. I wasn't sure how much time was left before he gave up on waiting for me and went to Stalaria for Melinda. "So you know his story?" "Yes." "Do you know how he got the heart?" "No. But I assume you're going to tell me." "Correct." Light began breaking through more of the forest's dark floor. I saw this man's beautifully damaged face for the first tim

I knew I'd never forget those days as they unfolded while the sun slowly fell over the horizon. We sat together in every class, laughing at whatever jokes were told, no matter how distasteful they were. We didn't really have anyone but each other. I'd tell her of my worries of becoming someone man enough to replace my late father, and she'd tell me about her hardships. The trouble she had covering her bruises, or her constant fear of displeasing her mother. In the evening, we'd watch the sun fall over the river. Though as soon as those streetlights came on, we had to rush home to avoid the wrath of our parents. I often would stay up wonderin