ALORA'S POV.
It took the strength of every muscle in me to stop myself from breaking through the crowd and going to defend that girl. I couldn't watch the execution, not anymore. I couldn't handle the cruelty that was being done to my own kind.
I turned away, hugging myself tightly and with tears trailing down my face. I wiped them subtly as I pushed myself through the sea of people until I got to a part that was quieter and less crowded.
I heard the slashing sound of the sword being brought down on the girl's head, and I bit my lip so hard that the metallic taste of blood hit my tongue.
"Mom, I'm so scared. Please help me." I mumbled, barely able to control the turmoil within me.
When I lifted my eyes, I saw a figure in the distance. It looked like a man, and his black cloak was flowing in the wind, making him appear ominous as he stood there. I couldn't see his hooded face, but I knew he was looking right at me.
The crowd's sudden excitement forced me to turn away from the man, but when I shifted my gaze back to where he was standing, he had vanished.
My eyes widened as they searched desperately for him, but he was gone just like those kids from school. Was he one of them? What did they want with me?
The cheers continued as swords slashed more heads. The pain was unbearable, hearing the soul wrenching screams of Innocent beings before they were mercilessly executed. Thankfully, it ended quickly, and the celebrations swung in.
I moved quickly, determined to get as far away from everyone as possible. While they celebrated, I was going to spend the whole day in a dark corner as usual, where no one would see me.
I had almost diverted into an alley when I caught a glimpse of a boy on the sidewalk. He was all alone, his bright, lively eyes gazing at the vibrant decorations and lit up ceremonial braziers. For some reason, my legs refused to move, and I could not take my eyes off the little boy.
My chest constricted, and I held it, but that did nothing to stop it. Instead, the pain spread to other parts of my body. It felt like my whole body was fighting against me.
Then, the brazier that stood directly above the boy flickered. It was an unusual flicker, one that generated sparks. The fire in the brazier brightened more than it should, emitting violent sparks.
It was about to explode!
"Oh no!" I stared at the boy, my heart racing. He was so far away, there was no way that I was going to reach him on time.
I couldn't let him get hurt, he was just a baby!
My legs finally moved, and I sprinted towards him, but I was too slow, because the brazier started to expand above him.
"No!" My heart sank in fear.
I did not reason, I did not think of anything else but saving that child, so I acted.
I stretched out my hand, and before I could suppress it, the heat from my chest passed through my palm in a long string of purple flames, blowing the brazier off course just in time. It exploded behind the child, and he let out a deafening scream.
"Are you okay?" I grabbed his shoulders as soon as I reached him, panting heavily. I checked him for injuries, but he was okay.
"You saved me." His eyes grew larger, filled with admiration, and my tense forehead melted away as a smile played across my lips.
"You have to be careful, it's not a very safe night. Where are your parents?" I finally lifted my eyes and that was when I saw the group of people that had already gathered around us.
My smile faded just as quickly as it formed, and my blood ran cold as the realization of what had just happened dawned on me.
"Did you all see that?" A voice whispered.
"We all did! What in the world was that thing that came out of her palm?" A different voice chipped in.
"Isn't she the girl from Cindermere?" Another one echoed.
"She is, I recognize her. I knew there was something off about her!"
"She's a magic wielder!"
A gasp tore from my lungs, and my lips quivered in horror. Tears stung the corners of my eyes instantly and I squeezed my dress like it was going to save my life.
"No.." I shook my head, a flimsy attempt at saving myself. "I… I am not."
"We all saw you! You used magic to save that boy! You're one of them!" They yelled, their eyes spewing venom.
I took a step back, shaking my head slowly. "No, no, please."
"She must be executed!"
Air left my lungs instantly. Those were the very words I had dreaded for years, the words that made me hide my magic!
I felt my word crashing down in front of me as I stared at their cold, merciless faces, each one ready to tear me to shreds simply because they believed I was evil. They closed in on me, and I kept stepping back, my heart slamming against my ribcage.
"The guards are coming!" One of the men in the crowd yelled out and that was my cue…. I had to try and save myself.
I took to my heels instantly, running as fast as I could without taking a second to look back. But I could hear their heavy footsteps right behind me, relentlessly chasing me.
Tears poured down my face as I ran. I became weaker and weaker, knowing that there was no way that I was going to outrun them. This was the end for me, I was so sure about it.
"Get her!" I heard the guards behind me, and I wept.
"Please don't hurt me..! Please! I won't hurt anyone!" I screamed helplessly as I continued to run. But they were gaining on me, and they were going to grab me at any moment.
I was forced to a sudden halt when a majestic, white horse screeched to a halt in front of me, the dust it raised making me cough violently. I looked up at the rider, my chest rising and falling in rapid breaths, and I was surprised to find out that he was wearing the same cloak as the man in the crowd earlier.
"Y.. you? Who are you?" I asked, my voice shaky.
He opened his hand to me, his face still hidden under the hood of the cloak. He smelt like smoke and sweat, and he was built like a warrior.
"Take my hand." His deep, gruffly voice came and I swallowed.