This DOES have Spoilers for the Royal Ranger!
I closed my eyes and listened to the breathing of my two other ward mates. Eliza's breathing was slow and steady. I listened intently and heard Allison's breathing. It was fast. Must be another nightmare. I hesitated whether or not to wake her up. I then silently shook my head. Allison stayed up really late last night, because Josh had made her cry. I felt my face heat up in anger as I remembered Josh's parting sally as I left the room with Allison.
Flashback
I paced around my room, wondering if I should go out or not. I hesitated as I felt the huge bruise that oh so lovely- like stood out on my face. My thoughts got interrupted as I heard a loud wailing sound from the other room. Allison. I raced out of the room, trying to mend my face together into a neutral expression. As I turned the corner, I gracefully smacked into a large back. "What the hell!" A boyish voice broke angrily through the intense atmosphere. Josh stared down at me, and his face broke into a ugly sneer. "Ha did you fall on the floor baby, maybe you should go yell for your mommy!" I tried to keep my face from glaring up at him, and settled for one of those cold faces I've seen on a couple people. "I would, but your big ugly dad scared her away, as he did for most people." His face twisted into an even uglier expression, and before I could react, his hand shot out and grabbed my throat. I tried to take my hand to rip me out of his grasp. I couldn't. My lungs started to burn, and I saw black dots in my vision. I heard screams of my ward mates. "Let her go Josh!" "Josh dude cut it out!" "Josh has gone insane!" I stopped struggling, and heard my father's voice in my head.
You dirty piece of work! I trained you to fight warriors, and your not even tough enough to kill a ward mate! You're a disgrace!
I woke from my head, and was surprised to not be able to see Josh. Then, I suddenly kicked out, and heard a loud gasp. I realized the gasp was me. I gulped in air, and slowly my vision restored. I turned my glare to Josh, and grabbed Allison's hand. I dragged her down the hall. As I was shutting our door, Josh's last parting words hit me in the face. "Listening to your dad again, you witch? Your dad was a dirty thief, and his blood is more in you than your moms! You'll be killed by those black magicians just like him!"
End of Flashback
My eyes opened and I glared at the faint painted ceiling. I glanced around the room, and my eyes landed on the door. I glanced once more, before making my way towards the dresser, which was sitting in the corner of the room.
I slipped on my dirty brown tunic. Even though it was dirty, I still had remembered saving up my money for months for it. It had a lot of patches on it, from falling everywhere. I quickly pulled on my worn boots, and grabbed my thin shabby sweater. My boots and sweater were both a ragged old gray color, but I treasured them. I quickly pulled my hair into a low ponytail, and grabbed my sling. I had watched the Princess sneak out for months when she thought nobody was watching. I had been practicing with it for around three years now, and once she even gave me a small lesson when she was visiting her parents. I quietly slipped out the door, and almost stumbled as I saw the lying figure of one of the smaller children. I caught myself and silently got through the door. As I got into the cold night, I breathed in the air. It was cold and clean.
I glanced around and grinned, as I did not see Murray anywhere. I had finally won. "Going somewhere," said a barely audible voice in my ear. I almost jumped, but composed myself at the last second. I glanced elegantly as the retired ranger, "I knew you were there all along," He smiled at me and mockingly patted my head. "I'm sure you did." I grinned at the old man, and narrowed my eyes. He seemed extremely nervous. I had a hunch that something was wrong.
He noticed my expression and his smile faded. "So, what's happening?," I questioned. He sighed and fidgeted with his cloak. My mouth almost fell open. Murray was NERVOUS. He's never nervous. "What," I said, getting worried now. He seemed to come to a choice and squared his shoulders. He hesitated and shrugged his shoulders. "I'll tell you later Aria." I shrugged my shoulders, and glanced around the castle grounds. I pursed my lips, and glanced at the Murray. "I think I'll go for a walk." He raised an eyebrow and stepped forward to me, "I'll com-" "No!" I glared at him, and almost saw him recoil a step. I realized my tone was sharper than I realized, "No," I said more gently. I stared him in the eyes, "You got some thinking to do Murray." His expression was so hurtful to me. His gaze was…Protective? I turned on my heel, and started to walk to the grass. "Your getting adopted." I stopped at Murray's tired voice. I balled my hands together. No this was not happening. This is all because of my father. I was only thirteen years old. I could not go to another old couple, and be their 'daughter,'. I turned and stared Murray in the eye. His face was like stone How could he keep that to himself. "How long have you known," I almost balked at my voice. It sounded cold and merderous even to me. It sounded like my father's. Murray glanced at me hesitantly. "How long," I repeated more sharply. He stared at me, and looked down. "2 months." I stared at him in shock. Two months he had known I was leaving my home. Two months he kept a secret that was going to change my life I stared at my friend. I stared at my father. The entire world was this way. Keeping secrets from me, and sharing information behind me back. I now hated this an with all my heart. I wanted to kill him, and make him die. I stared my friend, father, brother, and mentor in the eye. " I hate you." I stormed away, but not fast enough, for I saw his expression. Expressions that make me want to die. His expression. It was just like my fathers. It was just like his. I backed away and ran. But, I heard what he said. I heard him say it all. I felt the tears run down my cheeks. I felt the odd motion for I had never cried in all my life.
"You are just like your father."