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Please keep in mind that this isn't the full chapter. I wanted to be nice and give you a sneak peak of the sequel to "A Songblood's Secret". The next book will be called "A Songblood's Night". Hope you all enjoy this one as much as the first one.
P.S. I will slowly be working on the Prequel as well, but I haven't been able to think of a title for it yet. I plan to finish the "A Songblood's Night" before actually posting anything on the Prequel.
Chapter 1~ Nightmare
It had to be done. There was no getting around it. I sighed as I pulled out the dagger from under my cloak. I had given him chance after chance and he still hadn't pulled through. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath before looking at the sleeping form in front of me. At least the drugs would keep him from feeling any pain.
"I'm sorry. But this is something that's been a long time coming." I heard myself whisper, unsheathing the blade. The figure in front of me turned, revealing Hanabusa's peaceful face.
I shot up out of the bed, breathing hard. The sun was almost through the sky, casting the room in a pale golden glow through the window. Looking around, I breathed a sigh of relief that it had only been a dream. Or had it…?
"Ariao? Everything alright in there?" I closed my eyes when I heard Sorin's voice from the other side of the door. Between him and my healer, Rhyl, the two would swap guard duties around the clock.
"I'm fine, Rhyl." I called, leaning against the wall near the bathroom. These nightmares had become so much more frequent the closer to winter break we got. "Is Hanabusa alright?" I could almost sense his confusion at the question.
"I just checked on him a few minutes ago. He's fast asleep." Rhyl replied slowly. I heard a soft thud and knew he had sunk back onto the floor, back against the wall.
"That's good." I sighed, closing my eyes again.
Although it was hard for me to believe, two weeks had gone by since my brother, Nire, had been killed by none other than Hanabusa. I suppose that, in a sense, was where all the nightmares kept coming from. I was afraid that some of my brother's followers would figure it out and come after us again, this time targeting Hanabusa Aido.
Taking out my notebook, I went over to the desk and opened it to the back page. Dipping the quill in the ink, I drew some lines down on the page and started to work on the song for my brother's memory.
"He tried to kill you to gain your powers. How is it right to honor him with a song?" Hanabusa asked when I brought it up.
"He was still my brother. And before this…when I was younger, he was my protector. That's the part of him I want to honor." I replied. Hanabusa fell silent for a moment and I looked up at him. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and held me close for a moment.
"I understand. In your place, I'd probably do the same thing." His lips met mine for a brief moment before he looked out at the sunset. "Just don't let the others know. Lord Kaname wouldn't be too happy to find you doing this."
"Thank you." I breathed, leaning against him. I knew he was right, but I wasn't going to let that stop me.
Unfortunately, it was easier said than done. Ever since the battle two weeks ago, Kaname had kept me close to his side, claiming that it was because he wanted to know if anything was threatening to happen. I had my suspicions however and old habits die hard. I suspected he wanted to keep an eye on me in case I either turned out like my brother or somehow managed to connect with my dead father, Rido.
Of course, it could also be because Hanabusa and I are only ones that Sorin and Rhyl listen to and he doesn't want trouble from them. I thought, for Hanabusa was always next to me wherever I was when we walked to class. Suddenly not feeling like putting notes on a page, I set the quill back and stood, grabbing my ocarina. Although it was early, I decided to head to the rooftop. As I pushed open the door, I saw Sorin come down the hallway with Hanabusa a pace behind him.
"Is everything alright?" I asked, meeting Hanabusa's serious expression.
"I just need to talk to you real quick." Hanabusa said, though I could tell it was forced.