1. Addi

ONE

Itug at the edges of my oversized hood, making sure to shield myself from view as best as I can. It's noisier today. More hectic. Which is understandable, but it doesn't make weaving through the cobbled streets any easier.

I'm used to sweeping through the shadows, hiding from the sun's glow; not because it can hurt me like it can others, but because my objective is to remain hidden. Always. Well, it was. Things are most definitely about to change.

My feet ache already and I mentally berate myself for not breaking in my new boots before today, but there's been so much to prepare for and little time to consider something so minuscule.

Dragging my hand over the stone wall to my left, I keep myself pressed as close to it as possible as another hoard of people charge by me. The buzz in the air is electric, infecting everyone, and I can't deny the thrill of excitement that burns up my spine with anticipation.

It's been a long time coming, and although I may be twenty years old—twenty-one in two weeks' time—it officially feels as though my life is finally beginning.

The City of Harrows.

It's drawn me in, and with every step I take, I feel another dose of determination and righteousness consume me. I take a deep breath, trying to quell the nerves that threaten to rise along with it, just as someone barges into me, slamming my shoulder against the wall.

I bite back a grunt, fighting the urge to find out who knocked me into the wall as I straighten my hood and continue down the narrow pathway. When it widens into the open square, I slow, pausing by the fruit stall that always makes me smile. I don't know what it is about the smell of oranges, but it offers me a sense of comfort that I can't seem to get anywhere else.

Plastering my back against the wall behind the stall, I pause for a moment to take in the bustling square. The clock tower stands tall and proud at the other end of the space, the large golden bell shimmering in the mid-morning sun. The water in the fountain spouts up in the air, making the small children gasp and giggle as they watch with a sense of wonder you don't get to retain as an adult.

I don't let myself embrace their joy for too long, looking at the rest of the people scuttling through the square with purpose. Everyone has a purpose today; to take part or observe. Either way, there's a level of exhilaration I've never felt in the air before.

"Do you think all of this will be worth it?"

I peer at the fruit stall owner as he speaks with the person beside him. They shrug in response, folding a variety of fabrics along their stand. "Is anything really worth it? We're lost to whatever The Council decides at this point."

"We'll see many losses, I'm sure. But we're already facing too many of them as it is, don't you think?"

My fingers flex at my sides as I listen, enraptured.

Losses.

That's all the Floodborn Kingdom has experienced for as long as I can remember. Longer, if history stands correct. I shake my head, pressing my eyelids closed as tightly as possible and working to get my breathing under control.

Anger and rage don't solve any situation, my love. Be controlled, considerate, and level-headed.

My father's words play in my mind as I count down from ten. He's always the voice of reason, especially mine, but that doesn't stop my emotions wanting to get the better of me.

A horn blares in the distance, pulling me from my thoughts, and I glare at the source of the sound. Amidst the traditional stalls, pretty fountain, and clock tower, revs a sports car. Not just any sports car, a flashy red one, worth more money than I can consider, with music blaring.

It didn't used to be like this.

Once upon a time, history says that the Floodborn Kingdom was home to the fae. Filled with wonder and a simple life. It has since been tainted by everyone else who chooses to walk the kingdom. The City of Harrows is the focal point, drawing everyone in, with the castle still perched heart-achingly high upon the hilltop in the distance. Uninhabited and darkening with every passing day.

Now, people of all kinds walk these streets; a fact I believe makes it a better place. Except for the damn vampires and their excessive lifestyle. They drive me insane whether they try to or not, and no matter what I do, no matter how hard I try to remain level-headed, considerate, and controlled, it means nothing when they're around.

People part ways for the sports car to get through. Nobody is really grumbling, despite the clear inconvenience it causes. My eyes narrow as I watch it slip under the arch and speed off, heading in the same direction as everyone else.

The sea of people regathers once it's gone, and it blows my mind how seamless everything becomes once again. I try to focus on a few people, attempting to guess what they are and where they come from, but it's not easy in this kind of setting.

A fact I'm certain will change once I reach my destination.

Status is going to mean everything, and I know I'll be in the minority. I'm prepared for that. I'm more than expecting it. I just need to remember my breathing exercises to keep a handle on my emotions.

"I think it will either be a vampire or a wolf that ascends the throne," the fruit stall owner states, making me purse my lips in distaste.

He can think whatever the hell he pleases, but that doesn't mean it's going to be the truth. Pushing off the wall, my hands ball into fists as I trudge behind the remaining stalls, the spike of determination back in my steps as the bell chimes from across the square.

Dammit. I'm definitely late.