Nocturne (The Dark Accord #1)

Prologue

The calm skies betrayed the chaos unravelling in the thick woods of Phaga. Some truths should never be known, some secrets should always be buried, and some sins shouldn’t ever be spoken. The city's dark underbelly has opened its door to her, forcing her to shed the rose-tinted glasses she loved wearing. Knowing the truth meant an imminent death. The death Ara vowed to escape from. She had promises to keep.

The escape after her kidnap did not bring the freedom she wished for. She felt even more caged and powerless, always looking behind her shoulder, scared out of her wits that she would be picked up from the streets where she lived.

Vir wouldn’t let her go. A lot of his life depended on discretion, and despite the fear that would keep her mouth shut, he wouldn’t be sure about it. If she heard right, he had plans for her. Plans that included suffering and pain that would make her beg for death.

The courage she usually lacked forced her to take drastic measures. She knew that she and her sister could never be safe in the city or even the country. He had his spies everywhere. He knew everything. It wouldn’t be too long before he decided to pounce, this time taking precautions to not let her escape. There was no going back.

She did not let her sister argue. Did not let her go searching to seek out the truth about Ara’s kidnappers. Ara only packed their bags and memorised the route of their escape as her plan started at any given time. When her sister didn’t budge, she let her see the fear and desperation in her eyes. Iyra didn’t push back, but instead helped with packing.

“Is this needed?” Iyra asked as they slid into the boat that exported spices to Crestford.

Ara’s eyes were fixed on the dark roof that rippled with tremors due to the fire. The embers grew up to kiss the sky, sending the whole city into an uproar.

She had shed who she was in that fire. The fire that meant much more and depicted so much more. She erased everything about her and her sister. Taken steps so that he wouldn’t ever find them again.

“This is the only way.” She declared, turning away.

She knew she was on bought time. There would be repercussions for what she had done. There would be hell to pay. There would be forces unknown to her that she had to run from.

She looked up at the sky, looking at the twinkling stars and wished for a miracle.