Black Cloak

It is another not-so-extraordinary day for a normal wolf like me, I was instructed by mom to buy some necessities in the market. I had to wear a scarf because of the marks left by Andrea’s nail. I could still feel her nails digging against my throat and her hands gripping in my arms. I could still feel the terror.

Ironically, I am ready to be drowned at the magical falls…but when I am at risk to be killed by my sister, all I could think of is to save myself. I guess I am not that ready to leave this world. Or maybe, I am afraid to face the death.

I am still wondering about the meaning of Andrea’s word, or if it really does have a meaning. I’m not sure if it is just fueled by her anger or she really meant it. But if she does mean it, I should be praying for my life.

“I should have taken your life, then!” She roared, the hatred is evident in every word that she said.

“H-huh?” That is the only word that I managed to say momentarily. My heart pounded loudly with the thought that my sister, my own blood, would actually take my life. Is the family supposed to be like this? It’s terrifying…

She smiled devilishly, “afraid, my dear sister?” Her voice is sinister, implying that she could actually take my life.

She caressed my face with her long nails, only to give me more terror than it was. I couldn’t explain her eyes; it is completely black with no emotions. It’s like it is absorbing my entirety, my being, my soul…

“Andrea…” I said, trying to stop her from anything that she’s planning. She, then, disappeared from my room. Because of her speed, I was not able to observe her going out of my room.

I couldn’t sleep for the rest of the night. I am just terrified that Andrea will be coming again. I haven’t seen her since then and I am back at my duties in our house.

I went to the market to look for the ingredients of my mom’s favorite dish, hoping that I will somehow lessen her stress. The market is busy and crowded as always, I could hear some gossip about me. Same old scenario for me.

Some are talking about the duel, in which I failed as a Vertina. I understand why mom is angry and furious. For a family of prestige, it is such a downfall and embarrassment. The duel is not yet over, there are still duels going on in the stadium. We, the wolves who have been defeated, will also still have a duel in the next few days. The purpose of this duel is to seek for the top archers, axes, daggers, and swordsmen. I will still be having a duel and I can still make up for my embarrassment and loss but how can I improve? Some of them are really great and I have no match for that.

I snapped on my thoughts when I fell out of balance. Soon after, I heard the laughter of some individual in front of me. I tripped on my toes because one of them extended his foot in front of my way. I did not bother to speak; I have experienced this many times before.

I was so busy with my thoughts that I did not notice that I was being played at.

“What a weakling…” I heard one of them say,

‘Don’t listen to them.’ Cordia calmly said.

‘I won’t, don’t worry.’ I answered.

I have been immune to these kinds of words. I am bullied by several people and I kind of see the patterns of their words. I mastered at keeping silence. I just don’t know what occurred with me during my duel, I got so triggered and affected by my opponent’s words.

Once I am at my feet, I decided to leave immediately to avoid other attention that might be drawn at me. When I finished cooking and serving lunch for my parents, I decided to go watch the duel at the stadium.

I wore a black cloak and went to the farthest area where I will not be noticed by anyone. The last thing that I want at this time is their attention. I want to remain unnoticeable to avoid any conflicts that may arise.

However, I was too far to watch the duel. I cannot observe the movements and attacks of the players in my position. With that, I decided to move a little closer to observe them. My face is also covered so I might not be seen as Vertina. I have caught some eyes but they did not bother to know me. They eventually turn their eyes in the match at the center of the stadium. I guess, I am not that important for their attention.

The fight is between the swordsman and archer. I think I have seen the archer in the feast of our family but I don’t know his name. It would be difficult to know the winner in this duel. Archers are best for a long range fight; they have sharp eyes that can shoot the prey from a long distance. On the other hand, swordsmen prefer a closed up combat to draw their swords toward their opponent. It is a battle of distance, the one who optimizes the distance well will be the winner.

At the end, the one from the family of archery won. He maintained the long distance between him and his opponent. From that, he aimed for the vital parts of his opponent’s body. The swordsman was not able to put up much fight because of the long distance between them. He was not able to draw his sword towards the archer. Even if he did, it was not enough to reach the archer.

If the swordsman was able to close the gap between them, he could easily draw his sword and the archer would not be able to shoot his arrows. Could have been his chance to win the duel.

“In the next duel, a fight between the members of the family of archery and dagger, Amelia Williams and Andrea Vertina!”

I gasped.