Prologue
The Mage slams his pen down in fustration. “Anita,” he calls, “come here this instant!” A young girl comes running into the room, obviously frightened.
“Yes master?” Anita manages. The old mage gets up and slowly makes his way over to her.
“Did you happen to do anything last night, Anita?” The Mage questions while casually fidgeting with the things around him. Anita eyes widen.
“Not really Father. I went into the garden and picked up some apples, but nothing other.” she lies. The Mage approaches her, and Anita notes how tall he is. Probably one of the reasons why he seems much more frightening than he actually is. The Mage raises his hand and a stinging pain comes to her cheek.
“I told you to never go into the village Anita! I have these rules for reasons!” The Mage yells. “She could’ve sensed you.” he sighs.
“I’m sorry Father. But it’s hard being cooped up in here all day, with the same books I’ve read a million times.” she complains. He sits down and sighs. “I am sorry Father, I really am. Could you at least get me some new books?” The Mage smiles sympathetically and kisses her forehead.
“Tomorrow the market is open, I will go there and get you some new books. But I still stand firm on not letting you out of the house.” He states. She pouts.
“Alright, it’s better than nothing. Thank you very much Father.” She kisses his cheek and bids him goodnight.
Anita wakes up to the sound of pounding on her door. It bangs open and Father - the Mage - comes running in. “Get up! We need move, now.” He’s running around opening dressers and throwing anything he can find on the floor. “Why? Why Anita? Why did you go out, you idiot child!?” Those words stab Anita’s chest. “I’m sorry.” she whispers. She immediately starts packing. Downstairs they hear a door swing open. Father looks up in panick. He curses under his breath and grabs Anita’s arm. “Leave everything, there’s no time!” He breaks open her window and mutters an air spell. Foggy stairs form and he runs down them, dragging Anita with him. “Oh Dane.” a female voice sings. “Cover your ears Anita.” Father gets down on his knees and looks her straight into her eyes. “I need you to run, Anita. I need you to run and not look back.” Father pleads. “Dane, where are you darling?” The female voice is closer now. “I love you.” He whispers. “I love you too,” Anita chokes, “come back for me, please.” He nods. He pulls a necklace with a watch hanging from it out of thin air. “Until I see you again, little cloud.” he puts the necklace in Anita’s hands. “Until then, sunshine.” Anita responds. He kisses her forehead and stands back up. “Now run,” he commands, “run!” Reluctantly, she turns around and runs. She hears a pained shriek from behind her, but even then she does not turn around.
