Thanks guys for the wonderful ride on the first story. I had a lot of fun writing it, especially with all the support from the readers, so even if I don't always get back to you know that I really do appreciate your feedback!
If you haven't read the first story, it's called Forbidden Love and the link is in my profile. I suggest you read that story first if you haven't.
If you have read it, then I hope you enjoy the sequel.
Five hours, 8 minutes, and ten seconds.
Alec repeated this over and over in his head as he headed down the path.
It was night, but the trees here loomed overhead with large thick leaves that blocked the stars and moon. He carried a torch in hand, the flames the only light in the darkness.
He didn't have much farther to go.
It had been a long day. But it was almost over. Soon, his name would be honored. Soon, he could be restored.
Five hours, 8 minutes, ten seconds.
Come on, Alec thought. Take the bait.
He reached the area, and a small shiver ran down his spine. He had been here once as a little boy, clutching the hand of his Uncle. He may be older, but that didn't make it any less creepy.
The area would seem insignificant. A patch of trees in the middle of the woods that had been cleared out for lumber perhaps. Or maybe an abandoned camp ground. Or just a random hang out for the locals.
All would be wrong of course.
This patch was not random. The entire space was clear, with rocks interlocking with holes dug in the ground at each corner, where flaming torches stood. Beside each torch stood a hooded figure, their hands clasped as they waited. Seven members, seven spots. A perfect heptagon.
Alec took a deep breath. No going back now. And drew his own hood.
He stepped into the center, marked by red soil in the dot. A smaller shape. Perfect, just like its larger counterpart.
There was a deep silence. Alec knew they were all conversing, the Council's minds free to each other. They could all communicate this way, but Alec was kept out. One day, he thought hopefully, glad that his mind was closed from them.
Despite his horror and paranoia of the spot, Alec couldn't help but be a little awed. He had never believed this moment would come. After the shame of his family, he had never thought the Council would call on him. But they had, and now his chance for redemption was gleaming in the near distance, so close. One more night. And his dreams would be reality.
Five O'clock Am.
Alec sat outside of the hall, palms sweating and heart pounding. He had not calmed down since his first moment of entering the building, and he doubted he would ever be calm until this was all over. He was here. In the Council building. He could not blow his chance.
They moved so quietly that he was startled because of the creaking of the door, not because of the sudden appearance of…them.
Six cloaked figures had entered silently, pulling the door open on their own, with seemingly no effort. They did not acknowledge him, but Alec knew enough to enter the room without any indication. He swallowed, stood, and walked straight into the moment that would change his life.
He couldn't remember the door closing. Or the Council entering. All he remembered was being seated in front of them, waiting for them to speak.
"We have a mission for you of the upmost importance."
"It is vital that you never speak of this again."
"Your honor can be restored."
"Five. Eight. Ten."
"And remember, no one can see you."
Information whirled in his head.
"Now remember, this whole day will have happened. But to the rest of the world, these events will have taken place within a span of 20 seconds."
More information. More details. More 'remember this, don't do that, don't let us down.'
If this is what it took to restore honor, Alec knew he'd never have another opportunity. So at the end, when the council rose, and the wands were raised, and the blue light slithered around him, waiting, Alec did what he had to.
"I accept."
"The the meeting begin."
The Leader's words shocked Alec, as he was forcibly yanked from his reverie. If the Council realized he had been caught daydreaming, they didn't show it. The only indication of any emotion was the high tension in the air.
"I trust everything went smoothly?"
"Yes," Alec said. Quick answers. There was no need to elaborate. The Council was all-knowing anyways.
"Very well then." The Leader moved, taking one step forward to Alec. At the same time, he produced a long, black wand from his robes. Alec was about approach him, when the red soil twisted, rooting his feet into the ground.
The Council began chanting, heads down, hands clasped. Only the Leader was different. His arm was still outstretched, the wand hanging in the air.
The night seemed to move, the chanting growing. Not necessarily louder, but more effective all the same. It became more of a rumbling, and soon it consumed all of Alec's being. All he could see was the darkness, all he could hear was the words in the dark.
And then it ended, and the wand was quickly tossed at his feet. It was clear he had not yet earned the right to be treated like an actual human being.
The Council disappeared, the only indication to the being there was the smoke from the now empty torches, the wand, and the Leader's last words hanging in the air.
"You know what to do."