Angel Of Shadows

This is the first book I've decided to write publicly. Please let me know before you edit but feel free to make recommendations. Constructive criticism always welcome, just please, be polite about it! Happy reading!

Chapter 1- Misconceptions
The sharp clicking of Acyn's boots on the marble seemed to announce his arrival before he could. All 14 heads turned to look. He took his seat near the head of the table. After a few seconds of suffocating silence, the discussion picked up again.

"Now that the Prince has graced us with his presence," The King's disapproving glance slid toward his son as he continued, "We may begin."

Acyn couldn't help the embarrassed flush creeping up his cheeks. It disappeared

"The Eclanan forces press nearer by the hour, your majesty. They're estimated to reach Ashana by tomorrow morning."

The King steepled his fingers, meeting the eyes of everyone around the table. His expression was grim. "Our military forces are concentrated here in Ashana. Unfortunately, as the capital of Brenia, so is our subjects. Thousands will die if we don't evacuate. I'm issuing the orders now. Jacobs?"

A man near the end of the table stood. "I'm ready, your majesty."

"Perfect. Go now."

He bowed and briskly strode out. The heavy, ornate doors seemed to slam behind him.

Acyn's knuckles were white on the arms of his chair. ''They're coming to kill us all by tomorrow morning. They want me dead. ''

If he was scared, his father's voice betrayed no emotion. "Council dismissed. Prince Acyn, please stay." The remaining 12 left to fulfill their orders. The King motioned for the guards to step out as well. That worried Acyn even more.

"Father?"

The regal man lifted his chin. "Acyn. I'm not going to sugar coat this. I might die. You might die. We know this. We'll leave tomorrow at dawn."

"Why tomorrow? Why not now with everyone else?"

"They're after us specifically. We'll be drawing them here and get a slight headstart. Gather what you need immediately. Excused.

Biting his tongue, Acyn nodded and turned to leave. Right before the doors closed, his father called, "And say goodbye to our beautiful home."

He was practically running down the halls, a sick emptiness settling in his stomach. The luscious trees, the rolling hills, bright blue sky.....the idea of that all going down in flames along with the castle, his only home, terrified him. It was hard to believe two thousand men and women were marching towards them at the very second, intent on spilling his blood.

It was difficult to open his door due to his shaking hands but he finally managed. It swung shut behind him, making him jump. Acyn gazed over his room, drinking in every detail. The way the Sun's fading rays stretched over the wooden floor. The way the candle's flames cast shadows dancing on his ceiling. The familiar smell of old books. Old books. He turned his attention to the large bookcase with his impressive collection. Acyn knew he couldn't take all of them. He hated to think they'd all just be kindling for a fire. He wrapped his freckled arms around himself. "The price of failure. The price of losing a war." He whispered hoarsely. He packed- well, tried to pack until the Sun sunk well below the skyline. Despite the longing to take all his things with him, he had reduced his favorite possessions to a satchel. Now, he was laying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Long ago, his mother and father had painted this very ceiling that he was looking at. Misty blues, hazy purples, gleaming silvers, shining golds... all swirling together. He fell asleep night after night, dreaming he was flying through the constellations. When his mother had died from a disease when he was 12, the magic of the beautiful artwork had ceased to lull him asleep. Now seemed to be an exception. Acyn wanted to stay awake tonight. His body seemed to have other plans. Just like long ago, the constellations sent him into a restful sleep, though it was pleasantly dreamless. ☽☾☽☾☽☾☽☾ Acyn woke to the screaming of alarms. He threw the blankets back and stumbled around in the darkness, pulling on his boots, clothes, and grabbing his satchel. He darted out the door, not registering he'd most likely never return. The Prince skidded to a stop at one of the grand windows. He couldn't believe his eyes. Flames were everywhere. The beautiful capital was burning. Dark figures were darting here and there, only silhouettes against the glowing wildfire. Bodies were already littered on the castle's front steps. He numbly wondered if he knew-had known any of them. Acyn would've been glued to that spot forever if someone hadn't jerked his arm. For a horrifying second, he thought it was an Eclanan soldier, taking him away to kill him but he saw a flash of pale blue. ''Brenian colors. ''He thought thankfully. The person was hooded and masked. When they spoke, their voice was unrecognizable and muffled. "Come with me. I'm getting you out of here." "But-" "King's orders, let's move!" The Prince glanced back one last time at the flames devouring his homeland. ''My home is dying. Eclana has won the day. They'll take our land. ''Acyn narrowed his eyes. ''I swear I won't let them get me. I swear I'll be the one to avenge my home. ''His lips curled into a silent snarl as he followed the figure. I'll kill the Eclanan King myself.