Chapter 13

The car raced along the road. My earbuds were poped in my ear and a song blared at full volume to calm the uneasy feeling in my stomach.

I tapped my foot repeatedly as I tried to stay calm.

Today is the identification day and my nerves have been all over the place.

I have taken the day off and I didn't even had to make a believable excuse, it is because I was sad from what happened yesterday.

That will suffice, no one needs to know that I skipped school to accompany Ash for identification because I had to con the officers and government into believing that my brother is normal, ordinary.

Shit.

I increased the volume to shift my train of thoughts, it is not the time to think about that.

I have been practicing all morning with the Helious, preventing my colors from appearing is another thing and to actually produce color without touching the water is something that requires concentration and practice.

Loads of practice because blue color is not for creation it is for defense and I can't just mold it into anything.

I shake my head mentally at my thoughts. I need to think positively. I have practiced the whole morning it is going to work. It has to.

Because I don't know what I will do if it doesn't.

I locked eyes with Kayden in the rare view mirror. We had planned everything the previous night, decided everything but we still haven't mentioned it to mom or dad. And I know they won't agree, I just know that.

One thing at a time Ariel one thing at a time.

Dad, Skye, and Mom are behind us in their car, following at an even pace.

Ash is in the passenger seat, just as nervous as the rest of us, he keeps on twisting his fingers on his lap and turns to look at me every few minutes, to make sure that I am still here.

I release a sigh and look out of the window.

Athesy is the capital of Azure. Located at the heart of our country it boasts beautiful architecture and institutions. Endless buildings behind rows of trees line both sides of the road. Their clear gleaming windows reflect the sunlight giving it a blue hue, the windows are not made up of Mithril, it is too costly to be used like that.

Minutes later the car slows down and the dreaded building looms into existence, dominating the scenery with the authority that resides in its compounds.

I take in a shuddering breath, letting my nerves surface for one last minute before squaring my shoulders in a confident stance.

Kayden parked the car near the entrance and we filled out.

I took Ash's hand in mine and squeeze it, ensuring him without words. The memories of this building are starkly clear, it was the most scared I had felt in my entire life when I had come for my identification, I had been glued to mom's side the whole time, too afraid to even breath loudly.

I look down at Ash, his shoulders relaxed, one hand holding mine, he doesn't look as scared as I had been.

That is because he is trusting me to handle everything.

Mom, dad, and Skye stepped out of their car and I scanned their faces. To an onlooker they may seem as relaxed, excited even by the smiles on their faces.

But I know better, I see Dad's balled fists, Skye's tense muscles and mom shuffling on her feet.

This can be a turning point for all of us, because if this goes down the ditch we won't be able to explain how Ash was able to wield color at school and the truth would come crashing down on us. Too sharp for us to survive.

I forced the thoughts away.

Together we entered the building, the security stands on both the sides of the entrance, taut as statues with their arms crossed, maybe they are offenders. I shudder at the thought.

We cross the reception of the monotone building and assemble into the waiting room. Everyone takes a seat but moms choose to stand.

I knot my fingers together in my lap and try to calm my breathing.

" Priece please follow me" A lady in a black pantsuit calls out to a little boy, a clipboard in her and a warm smile on her lips.

It is a huge day for families that get identified and registered, so hearing the happy sequels didn't come off as a surprise to me.

But they irritated me and I pulled a face at that. Mom started to pace the room, her strides jumpy.

" Lillian just take a seat" Dad called out after a few moments and pulled her in the seat adjacent to him.

Everyone is quiet and that makes the silence suffocating for me. I am used to filling the silence with talks but now I can't muster myself to pass a word through my lips. My tongue feels heavy in my mouth and I gulp, waiting for the lady to come for Ash.

Minutes tick by before she enters the room, a permanent smile on her face. " Ash, come on let's go" My mom jumps from her seat and takes hold of Ash's hand, I raise to my feet feeling the pressure on my shoulders as we silently follow her out of the room.

" I am sorry but all of you can't go with us" he replies in a monotone and I stop short.

" That is not a problem, Lillian and Ariel you both go with Ash we can wait here," Dad replied with a calm exterior and went back to his seat.

" No one can come except for Ash" she spoke and I felt as if the air just got sucked out of my lungs as her statement hung in the air.