Chapter 1: Arrows at Nightfall

IN SILENCE, I walked down the wide pavement, pressing my fingertips. There aren’t too many buses wandering today and I don't know why.

It's been an hour since I noticed something odd. Every gust of wind was heavy, and the surroundings were exceptionally quiet. Silence is so unusual for this place. Most of the time, this avenue is filled with busy vehicles but I can hardly find anything now. Not that it's a big deal but it's really weird. Seems like something strange is going on, or maybe I'm just too paranoid?

I repeatedly shook my head and took a deep breath. Why am I bothered, anyway? It's not like this is the first time. This street was once silent and eerie. That was before when no drunks were hanging out here.

I was taken aback when a loud ringtone rattled my ears. I took a deep breath to calm myself before answering the phone call.

"Hello?"

"Hey, idiot! Where are you?!"

I instantly pulled myself from my phone when a shrill scream greeted me from the other line. Unbelievable! She's already so close to her phone and yet she's still shouting. I frowned in annoyance.

Not as idiot as her, though. This bitch.

"Mommy isn't here and I'm hungry, so get home already!" she bossed out. 

I rolled my eyes. Spoiled brat.

"Cook for yourself, Alexis. Don't be such a burden," I replied. Annoyed, I inserted the phone back in the pocket of the jogging pants that I'm wearing.

She has always been like that. Just because she's the favorite of our good-for-nothing mother who does absolutely nothing but wanders around the village and leaves all the chores to her unlucky children. Everything Alexis wants must be followed. Everything she asks for will be given. And all the housework goes to me. 

Fun, isn't it?

I huffed before speeding my walk. It's getting dark and I still have a lot to do at home. Not to mention my spoiled and lazy sister. Most of the time, I do the housework in her stead because if not, I'd be eating nothing but air and tissues for a week. 

My phone rang again so I answered it hastily without looking at the caller.

"What? Didn't I tell you to cook there? Don't rely yourself on me, will you?!" I hissed. My forehead furrowed when a faint giggle responded from the other line.

"Chill, girl! It's me," said a woman.

I sighed when I recognized her voice. "Ashley? What's up?"

"Let's go clubbing tonight! Last week was hell, we deserve a break, don't we?" she replied.

I shook my head before answering. "The truth, Ashley, clubbing or boy hunting? I don't have time for that, Ash, I'm not done with my thesis yet."

"Wow! This is a phenomenon! Despaire Grevett, the top of the class, is procrastinating!" Her teasing laugh followed. If she's with me right now, I bet my life that she's hitting me again.

"Thanks for the support. Hang this up first, I'll call you later when I get home."

I heard a deep sigh from her. "All right. Update me, okay? Stay safe, girl!" It was followed by the sound of her kiss.

I nodded as if she can see me. I was about to put the phone back in my pocket when she spoke again.

"Be safe, okay?"

I chuckled. "Yup. Don't worry."

"Good, good! Just update me right away. Be careful on the road," she said, followed by a whisper. "I don't know but I'm nervous." 

She's at it again. Her never-ending paranoia.  

"Come on, Ash! My house is just meters away. Don't overthink, I can come home alive and kicking. Don't worry," I eased her down.

Although she can be mean sometimes, Ashley has always been an anxious and fragile woman. Whenever I'm alone, she's the first person who'll call and scold me because she thinks I'm a danger magnet. She's more like a sister to me. Not by blood but at heart.

My phone went silent, a sign that the call was over. I put it back in my pocket and hiked again. This time, I hastened. I don’t want to be here on this creepy night, especially now that I have no one with me.

Just a few minutes later, I stopped and looked up. Something's not right. I'm sure of it.

I hugged myself when the atmosphere got colder. A gust of wind caressed my body which sent shivers to my spine. I narrowed my eyes as I saw tiny objects plunging in my direction. They seemed like birds timidly flying.

Wait ... Is it --?

My eyes widened when I recognize what those are. Oh, shoot! A dozen of arrows are heading in my direction!

Without even thinking twice, I ran towards a small concrete shop not so far from the road. My sweat was dripping due to fear and confusion. And it happens that I'm undeniably lucky today, I tripped and fell over, almost kissing the dusty ground!

A series of peaks of seemingly sharp raindrops prevailed in the quiet boulevard. I held my head up. In front of me were dozens of arrows stuck erect on the ground. All were engraved with patterns and symbols swirling on it.

Unbelievable! How sturdy those arrows are that even the asphalt road split!

That was so close! If I hadn't run right away, I probably would have been a chopped human being now!

But the strange thing is, where did these arrows come from? Is it normal to shower people with arrows? Of course not! Fuck those bored people! Whoever they might be.

"Are you alright?"

"What the hell?!" I shrieked when a cold hand grasped my wrist. I stared wild-eyed at the man who dared to touch me. "Who are you?!" I quickly withdrew my arm.

His small narrow eyes widened and shook his head repeatedly. "No, no, no. Don't be scared. I ... I was just asking if you're okay ..."

"Don't be scared!? You touched me without my consent and I don't even know you!" I defended and blocked my two arms at the distance between us. "Don't even try to come closer. I'll sue you!"

He sneered and scuffed his nape. "Don't overreact, miss. I didn't do anything wrong."

I raised an eyebrow. "So, why did you touch me all of the sudden? It just happened that your hands moved on their own? Don't make me laugh!"

He stared at me as if he could read my mind. He took a deep breath before speaking. "I saw it, too."

"The what?" I asked as my eyebrows seemed to meet.

"The arrows. I saw it too," he said. I backed away as he stepped closer to me. "You can call me Kentri." He held out his hand upfront.

My gaze went to him then to his hand, then back to him again. I don't quite understand. How is it possible that he saw the arrows when I was all alone earlier? I know I was alone earlier! How did he suddenly appear out of nowhere?

I came back to reality when I heard a faint cough. I closed my slightly ajar mouth before accepting the hand of the man named Kentri. I immediately withdrew after shaking hands.

The corner of his thin lip rose and he gave me a sly smile. "And you are?"

I blinked several times and jerked my head. What is happening to me? I am no longer in the right frame of mind!

"I ... I am Despaire. Despaire Grevett," I introduced myself. He smiled back. Those who ask my name often insults me ​​because it was strange. But this man, he doesn't seem to care at all. Well, why would he?

I looked back at his face and stared into his eyes. In my whole life, this is my first time seeing perfectly shaded green eyes, except for those who wear contact lenses. His stout shoulders are broad and he wore a vacant but gentle expression. When the heavens rained down a dozen buckets of good looks, he seemed to have caught it all. He was blessed with charms.

"Do you want to come with me?"

My eyes widened at his question. I quickly jerked my head in disapproval and crossed my arm upfront.

"I'm not a slut! You cheap scumbag—!" I yelled and glared at him. What does he think of me? A woman with no dignity? Hell no! I may be poor but I keep my dignity and pride with me!

He burst out in laughter while clutching his stomach. Seconds later, he shook his head and looked at me.

"You think unbelievably, miss. I just thought I can walk with you to your house," he defended, making my eyes widen even more. How did he know I was going home?

I stepped closer to him and examined his face. In my eyes, he just looks normal but how on earth does he know where my house is?

"Are you a stalker?" I asked him without hesitation. 

He tilted his head and stared into my eyes. Our gazes met but I backed away when his eyes abruptly changed their color. It ... it glowed! 

This man ... There is something strange about him. 

Who exactly are you, Kentri?

I WOKE UP almost clutching my head as my temple twitched in pain. It seemed as though I was tortured asleep! My eyes could barely open, attempting to shot a look at my bedside clock but failed. It's like my head has banged on the wall countless times!

I shut my eyes tight and shook my head. What just happened? 

Oh yeah! Goddamn arrows rained down on me from heaven knows where and for hell knows why. And Kentri ... he was real, wasn't he? 

I got up from where I was lying and stood up, though in a haze. I groped for my wrist when it suddenly ached like a needle had pierced on it without a word. Just when did I start having body pains? For over a decade, life has been as normal as it was supposed to be, but I never had body pain or even fever. Not once! 

There surely is something off going on here.

Hoping to relieve the throbbing pain, I pressed my palm against it. An ear to ear smile formed on my lips as it eased down a bit. 

I took a deep breath before doing my morning routine. After about half an hour, I tiptoed downstairs from where my bedroom is. Only the beige-colored walls and curve oaken stairs could hear my lowly footsteps.

Carrying my phone and reviewer, I sneaked a chunk of butter bread from the fridge. I feel like I could eat a horse! My stomach is growling in hunger for I hadn't eaten dinner last night. All thanks to my impudent sister!

"What are you doing?! Did you just --?!"

Speaking of the bitch.

I grunted at Alexis' sudden intervene. Like how she used to do, her eyebrows went upright that they almost reached her forehead. I maintained a straight face and was about to turn away but an outcry broke out of my mouth when Alexis grasped and pulled a handful of my hair! This woman! 

"Don't you know how to respond when a person is talking to you?!"

I bit my lower lip when she tightened her grip. Though struggling, I groped backwards and tugged her loose hair out. She screamed at my gesture and let go me go. I hustled backed away and distanced myself.

Did she certainly think I'll let this slip? Even the cutest bear attacks when provoked.

She looked at me and was about to move in my direction when a roaring wind pounded the ajar window of the dining room. Another strike of wild breeze and the glass window clattered its broken fractions down the cold floor. Alexis' scream filled the place as a strong force thrust against us.

The pounding of the broken window went wilder and I could neither scream for help nor run to save my life. I moved backwards 'til the cold surface wall met my back. I don't know what to do! Even my body is not cooperating!

A tumultuous thud made me glance at Alexis, and I went wild-eyed when I realized it was from her. Her unconscious body lied on the floor and her hand were clutched on her right wrist like she's under the same thing I felt when I woke up! 

With heavy feet, I rushed towards her and moved my ears in between her parted lips and pointy nose. 

Thank God! She's breathing!

I cried out in fear when the broken window suddenly shut closed. The atmosphere went heavier, silent, and eerie. Instead of yelling for help, my body seemed to lock on the tiled floor. Fear became more and more prevalent inside me. I hid my hand behind my back and bent them to suppress the tremble.

Everything is so fucked up this day! First, the arrows. And now, this!? What an awful life!

I stiffened when a black smoke swirled just a meter away in front of me. Its oozing cold aura penetrated my skin and in a snap, I found myself lying over the frigid surface floor. 

The smoke vanished and revealed a fine man in his fifties. He started at me with a mockingly sympathetic look. 

"Who ... Who are you?" I asked under my breath.

Instead of an answer, the man sneered and waved his hand, muttering things I can't ascertain. A burning sensation crept through me like a blazing fire running in my veins. My body felt lighter and my eyes were egging to shut close, but I could not do anything but sigh in disappointment. 

The man marched towards me and ripped off a piece of cloth from his cloak. He wrapped it across my wrist and glanced at me. 

"Pity," smirking, he whispered. "Sleep well, Despaire Grevett."