Chapter 27: Prison.
The metal clanging reached my ears as I walked, its source being the plate armor I was donning.
Despite the layers of clothes I wore under it, the gentle breeze blowing inside the tunnel still gave me the chills. But that was fine. As much as I yearn for the warmth of my home, duty called and I chose to answer.
I reached the entrance soon enough then climbed the stairs leading outside. I arrived at a narrow plain flanked by two massive walls. Looking up, I saw the dark sky and the stars littering it.
Unfortunately, the moon didn't grace us with her presence tonight.
Looking ahead, I saw my comrades lined up in front of the altar. It seems I was the last to arrive, but that mattered little with the ceremony having yet to start. I took my place among them and waited. A while later, the High Priest arrived to give his usual speech.
I find myself ignoring everything he said, my mind wandering somewhere else. The sun would be rising soon and we would have to depart. Who knows if I will ever return to this place?
The faces of my parents flashed before me, their eyes brimmed with pride as they saw me off.
I wanted to tell them but couldn't bring myself to. That would be too selfish. Too shameful. Their only daughter couldn't possibly be afraid to walk under the sun. I have to fight. I have to...
Huh?
Those two... those two aren't my parents...
Their only daughter?