CHAPTER 15

It's graduation day. The students are coming out to the stage individually to get our certificate. And, guess what? I'm valedictorian! My speech brought tears to the eyes of many. My mom was sitting there all proud. I think I saw her turn to the side to tell the other parent 'that's my daughter."

High School is finally over and that means all the students will have a full taste of freedom in college soon. But not for me. I still have to save the world.

🍁 🍁 🍁

Immediately after graduation and the after party, we were on our way to the camp. I and the others who graduated, Ryan included. Lena was driving I and Audrey while the others took different vehicles. We were talking about the castle when we swerved into the camp and parked.I and Audrey stepped out, went to the trunk and started bringing our bags down.

I'm sure you're all wondering, what is the castle? Or perhaps, where? The castle is for the advanced warriors that is connected to a portal. This portal opens to only the most exclusive warriors with permission to go through.

"Come on. I'll lead you to the buildings you're all going to stay in. The portal opens tomorrow morning so you need to get some rest cause, after today, I doubt you will be getting any." Lena yelled to us.

She then led us to the back of the camp into the forest. After walking for 30 minutes with our luggage behind us levitating in the air, we finally spotted 4 large wooden bungalows that could house all fifty of us.

"Wait, we're staying together? Boys and girls in this place." One of us asked.

"Yes. I'm sure we are all adults who don't need to be told what is right or wrong. Or is there a problem with you all staying together?"

"No ma'am." We echoed

"Good. Now, group yourselves and share the place amongst you."

We gathered in 15's and chose our places. I and Audrey got a room with two other girls in one of the cabins. We retired to our rooms and rested.

But, as they were all sleeping, I couldn't. I tossed and turned but sleep wasn't coming. I stood up to get some water.

I entered the kitchen and found Ryan leaning against the counter and looking at the ceiling, talking to himself like a lunatic. He groaned softly and then turned around, like he was about to leave.

"Oh." He murmured as soon as he saw me.

"Uhn-uh. What are you doing?"

"I should be asking you the same thing."

"Ok, I came to get a glass of water. Now, why are you here and why were you talking to yourself?"

"That's two questions."

"And..."

"I was here because I couldn't sleep and talking to myself because I can't still sleep."

"Sorry, pal," I patted his back twice "But you are not the only one who can't sleep."

I went to the fridge and pulled out a bottled water. I took a sip once I settled on a stool.

"Do you know why you can't sleep?" He asked me

"I'm feeling uneasy."

"Nervous about tomorrow?"

"No, like something is happening or going to happen. Something bad."

"Have you ever gotten feelings like that before?"

"Yeah, sometimes they are just false alarms, other times, they are real. What about you? You know why you are awake?"

"I'll rather not say." he chuckled humorlessly.

"What?! Cone on, I told you mine."

"You wanted to tell me."

"Wow, and I thought we were bonding here. You know what, it's fine. I won't force you."

I gulped the rest of my water, placed the cup in the sink and started walking out of the kitchen.

"Don't be like that."

"Like what?" I stopped at the doorway of the kitchen and crossed my arm.

"Like that. You're making me feel guilty."

"Well, you should be."

"It's not that important so drop it, ok."

"Yeah, sure. It's none of my business anyway. It's not like we are friends. Your problems are yours."

I turned around and made my way back to the room, careful not to make a sound that will wake the rest up in my anger.

I silently stomped to my bed and fell on my bed.

"He thinks I'm a poke nose. I'll show him. You know what, it's my fault. I should have minded my own business. Next time, I ignore him. Telling me that..."

"What are you mumbling to yourself?" Audrey yawned and sat up on her bed.

"Sorry. Couldn't sleep. Didn't think I'll wake anybody up."

"Well, keep it down, it's louder than you think. And you might want to get some sleep, it's almost morning."

"Yeah, sure. Sorry about that."

I still couldn't sleep. I thought maybe if I had a walk, I'll feel sleepy. So, I walked out of the cabin, careful to stay hidden and within the shadows so as not to be seen by Lena who might be patrolling.

But as I stood there, someone in a cloak came out of cabin 2. I stood still, careful not to alert the person that someone was outside too.

I saw the person enter into the forest and started following. I made sure to stay far away but close enough to still be able to see the cloak. The moonlight made it easy to see around so I won't step on a twig.

We walked for 10 minutes before I saw a clearing. I kept myself hidden behind a tree.

The person pulled down the hood and it was actually Steven. How I know? Steve has a birthmark shaped like a star at the back of his neck and he crops his hair so low that you can see it.

And suddenly black smokes appear in front of him forming a portal and out of it, another man in a similar cloak with his hood on.

"Father."

"Son, any news about the chosen one?" His voice was booming.

"She is getting stronger. I'm starting to have doubts."

"Doubts?"

"She almost killed me during our fight. She is too skillful with the sword."

"Does she know about you?"

"No."

"Then what are you trying to say?"

"Capturing and executing her will be hard."

I gasped lowly so I won't be heard.

"Very well. I will tell master about my plan B. You've done well my boy." He placed his hands on Steve's shoulder and patted it.

The mystery man walked back into the portal and the smokes disappeared.

Steve pulled his hood back on and headed to the cabin. By now, I knew the way back so I didn't look for him to find the way out. I hid behind a tree until he entered his cabin and waited for a minute before sneaking my way into mine.

As I laid in bed, I thought of what to use this information for but without proof it was useless. So I stayed wide awake in my thoughts till morning came.

🍁 🍁 🍁

It was finally morning and I think it is safe to say that I didn't sleep a wink last night. As we all filed out to meet Lena outside, I caught sight of Ryan who looked just as tired as me. I don't wonder what that is about.

"You know you do."

"Shut up, Fofo."

Lena led us back to the campsite and turned around to address us.

"Do we all know how to ride horses?"

Chapter 15 guys. I hope you enjoyed it. Let's wait for the next one. Please, I want to know you, my readers. So comment on my book writing your name and what country you are reading from and let's start a friendship here. Also, please vote on my book and support me on the WSA competition.

Thank you all for the 3k plus reads. I really do appreciate it. Until next time.

Stay safe.