Regret

I flew as far as my wings would allow me to go, past a number of playgrounds and schools. I was getting fatigued, but I had no idea how big the purple colony was. It seemed like the colony would never end until I eventually reached the little hills, where I was told that "just beyond them are the walls of the red colony." In my head, Riya's voice was clear. I decided to start walking after experiencing a strong wave of remorse.

The hills were massive, and it would take another hour or two to just pass them, so I wasn't sure why I wanted to hike. Considering that I knew what I had done was bad, I suppose I was trying to punish myself. I had abandoned the few faes who had chosen to be my companions and aid in my search for Eleanor.

Although I'm sure they also required my assistance, it wasn't just me. I had the impression that, in my head, an angel was pleading with me to turn around, while the devil was urging me to press on. I wasn't sure which voice to pay attention to.

When I finally returned to my wits, I discovered that I was surrounded by tents, some of which contained infant fae while others included grownups who were all dressed in ripped-up clothing and some of whom were even without shoes.

Their state only increased my guilt and rage because my father had raised me to believe that he was a wonderful king who loved every fae in Zagoroth.

Although I needed to hurry to Elenor, I wanted to assist them. I could hear the voices in my head urging me to turn around if only Zed and Riya were present because they would know what the best course of action was.

The guilt continued cutting into me with each stride, and I finally snapped and flew back because I couldn't stand it any longer.

I needed my friends….

I flew past the hill and saw some children running toward me while I was flying. I waved to them and they returned the wave while laughing. I smiled, but on the inside, I was in agony just thinking about the unfortunate children and all of the other fae who were there living in the tents, and a sudden feeling of hatred for my father overcame me.

I now loathed him.

One thing was certain: if I ever came back, I would succeed my father as ruler and be everything he could never be. I vowed to myself that I would give these faes a home, assist other faes, and abandon the project.

"You'd be a fantastic king," I could hear Riyas' voice speaking to me telekinetically in my thoughts. Soon after Zed's voice enters, "I assume he'd stay up to his word."

"Guys, I'm sorry. I am, truly." I hoped they could hear me, but I received no response. I knew it would take some practice because I was still getting used to all the powers, and Riya was the best fae I could think of to guide me.

because if they could read my thoughts they must be nearby.

Because if they could read my thoughts they must be nearby. I started looking through the schools and playgrounds until I found Maya sitting on one of the swings, at which point I instantly flew down.

Ben tacked me to the ground just as I was going to plant my feet, hurting one of my wings. I let out a painful scream as I knew my wing was no longer eligible to fly with.

"You have some nerve returning here." Ben grabs my collar and starts throwing punches without giving me a chance to counterattack. I felt the blows hit after hit, then I felt some liquid drip down my cheeks and nose.

"Back off ben!" I hear Zed's voice fade as my vision blurred into nothing.....