Chapter 13: Memory 2 / 8
[ Present Time. 5 Minutes after Richard's warning ]
Dune paced the streets of Fein, his thoughts swirling like a storm. Richard's warning echoed in his mind.
What should I do? Leave Fein? Run away? He knows I can't just leave. He must know that. But if that's what he meant... how could I possibly escape? They'd never let me go.
He clenched his fists, his heart heavy with indecision. Maybe... maybe Daniel. My brother might understand. He could speak to Lord Cadogan. He's the only one, other than Derchi, with enough authority to make something like that happen.
Dune shook his head, his chest tightening. He didn't know what to do. The uncertainty gnawed at him as he walked back to his home on the edge of the city.
The path was quiet, lined with cracked cobblestones and a fading sense of safety. Beyond his home stretched a long, open field that led to the forest surrounding Fein.
Beyond that loomed the towering 100-meter wall, an unyielding fortress that shielded the city. Outside the wall was the invisible barrier, the ultimate defense that encased all of Fein.
When he reached his house, dread prickled his skin. The door was ajar.
Something's wrong.
Dune rushed inside, his pulse quickening. The small, familiar space felt suffocating. Standing in the middle of the room was his younger brother, Ned, blood dripping from his split lip and bruised nose.
"Ned! What happened?" Dune asked, his voice sharp with worry.