Zurian Chronicles: A Daughter's Call

By Syed T. Mohiuddin

Upon learning that their parents may be alive, Rayhan, Ayden, and Ciri embark on a journey to discover the truth. They find themselves in an unfamiliar world called Zuria, which is fraught with supernatural creatures and mysteries dating back millions of years.

A conflict within the Wardens, a group of superpowered beings sworn to protect Zuria and its inhabitants, has left the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, the siblings uncover family secrets that place Rayhan at the center of the conflict. He has inherited a power that neither his mind nor his body was prepared for.

Can the siblings stop the Wardens that have turned their backs on the people of Zuria? Can Rayhan control the beast within, or will he become a bigger threat to his family than the monsters hunting them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887937298

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Zurian Chronicles

A Daughter's Call

Syed T. Mohiuddin

Copyright © 2023 Syed T. Mohiuddin

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88793-717-5 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88793-729-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Epilogue

About the Author

Prologue

Rayhan, wake up! a distant voice echoed in my head.

Wha—? I mumbled groggily.

Dude, we need to get out of here, or we're both screwed!

Who…who are you?

Wake up, now!

My eyes shot open, and I found myself in a poorly lit room. I cast my gaze around, but the blurred vision didn't help. Blinking only seemed to make things worse. As I went to rub my eyes, my arm immediately met resistance, and the sound of rattling chains echoed around me. I glanced down and noticed heavy manacles around my wrists and ankles. They were connected to large three-foot metallic chains jutting out of the moldy stone wall behind me. Their links were an inch thick and about the size of a human hand.

Ugh, I groaned in pain as I tugged weakly at the chains. My body felt heavy, and my head throbbed as though a hole was being drilled inside my brain.

That's when the smell hit me. The musty air filled my nostrils with the stench of sweat, blood, mold, rust, ammonia, feces, and who knew what else.

I coughed and retched empty air until my throat was sore. I tried shifting my focus to anything other than the nauseating smell, like where I was, or how I got here, but my memory was too hazy. I closed my eyes and racked my brain for something. Anything.

After what felt like an eternity and more coughing fits, a memory of a teenage girl with deep gray eyes flashed through my mind. She was looking down at me with a bright smile as she asked, Whatcha doin'?

Before I could respond, the memory faded, and everything went dark.

Who is she? I wondered as I dug through my mind. She seemed so familiar.

Don't let go, okay? A little girl's voice echoed as another memory filled my mind. I was holding the back of a bicycle seat as the little girl nervously hopped on. She was wearing a bright red helmet, with her elbows and knees fully padded. She placed her hands on the handlebars, then turned to me with distrust in her deep gray eyes. Don't let me fall, Ray!

The memory faded into darkness again.

Argh! I growled in frustration and pulled against the chains in vain.

What's wrong, Ray? she asked, sitting across me at a dining table. She was a teenager again. Her eyebrows were scrunched together, and her eyes were filled with concern. You don't like the chicken? she pressed.

I glanced down at my plate and found my hands covered in red. I looked up in shock and found the two of us standing outside a large building. The girl's shirt was drenched in blood, and her eyes were filled with terror as I pulled my bloody claws out of her stomach. Just as her lifeless body collapsed to the ground, the memories came rushing back.

Oh God…it's Ciri.

I began struggling for air as though I'd been punched in the chest. Tears streamed down my face as reality started to sink in.

I…I killed my sister.

Chapter 1

Rayhan

Oh, come on! I cried out in frustration and slowed to a stop as the light turned red. It was the sixth one in a row. I was so late for my brother and sister's high school graduation. It was tempting to speed past the traffic lights, but being a law-abiding citizen, I did no such thing.

The hundred-fifty-dollar speeding ticket last week had nothing to do with it.

At least, the roads were clear. A gentle summer breeze softly caressed my hair as warm sunlight prickled my skin. Thin clouds lazily drifted across the late-afternoon sky as if they had no care in the world.

Must be nice, I thought as I turned to the red light and stared impatiently. Come on! Come on!

It finally turned green. Just as I prepared to take off, my phone buzzed on the mount before me. It displayed an image of my friend, Deon Dee Jones, posing with a can of beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He preferred to text. The call meant it was an emergency, so I quickly pulled my motorcycle off the road and answered.

Hey, Dee, what's up?

Rayhan, where the hell are you? he asked, excitement dripping with every word. That was never good.

On my way, I answered. These stupid traffic lights—

You need to get here now!

Did they already start the ceremony?

Dude, he said, chuckling, "it ended ten minutes ago!"

Ah, shit! Is Ciri upset? She's gonna be so pissed!

He snorted. Probably, but that's the least of your problems right now.

Uh-oh, what happened?

Ayden's about to fight in the parking lot behind the school.

Damn it, not again! I groaned. I'll be there soon.

I quickly checked for oncoming vehicles, then accelerated to nearly double the speed limit as I pulled back onto the road. The powerful engine of my Harley-Davidson roared like a raging lion as I zoomed past the remaining traffic lights. Hopefully, Dunkin' Donuts had a special summer sale or something because I didn't have time to deal with the cops. A few short minutes later, the main building of the high school came into view. Thankfully, there were zero cops in sight. Maybe there was a sale after all. I turned onto a side street that led me directly to the parking lot Dee mentioned and was greeted by a scene that instantly filled me with dread.

A lone figure of Ayden stood facing a group of six tough-looking guys. Dozens of teenagers surrounded them in a horseshoe formation with their phones ready, waiting eagerly for the action to begin. Dee was nearby, casually leaning against the door of his jeep with his signature can of beer in hand. He was broad shouldered and a few inches taller than my six feet, one inch. His short black hair was neatly trimmed, and his dark skin glistened from a thin layer of sweat. Until three years ago, he had been the perfect specimen of fitness and masculine physique. Then we finished high school, he gave up his football scholarship to stay home and take care of his sick dad, and Dunkin' Donuts opened in town. Now he looked like a giant, cuddly teddy bear wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt. He nodded a greeting as I parked the motorcycle and headed toward him.

What's going on? I asked.

Nothing yet, he said, taking a sip of his beer.

I glanced at my watch. Are you seriously drinking already?

Hey—he shrugged—I'm here for a show, bro.

I shook my head at him, then looked around. Where's Ciri?

Before he could answer, a deep, booming voice drew my attention.

Ooh, check it out, guys…the big bad Rayhan Wolfe is here to save his little brother from getting the ass-kicking of his life!

I turned toward the speaker and saw John Bisping smirking at me. He was a pale-skinned towering giant, with Ayden's five feet, nine inches barely even reaching his shoulders. I recalled him being an annoying, loudmouthed freshman during my final year of high school. He didn't seem to have changed much over the last three years.

You were so scared that you went crying for help, eh, pup? Bisping sneered at Ayden, then smugly turned to his friends as they cackled like hyenas.

Dee snorted. He knew, as well as I did, that Ayden was more than capable of handling the situation on his own. I was simply there to prevent him from crossing the line. He'd already sent four other teenagers to the hospital last year. Granted, those bullies had fully deserved it, but their lovely parents disagreed. If it hadn't been for Dee's father doing his lawyer sweet-talking, Ayden would've been expelled from school. Since he had turned eighteen last month, he was no longer considered a minor, which meant keeping him out of trouble had become a full-time job.

Bisping and his friends continued their taunts, but Ayden's face remained expressionless. His gaze, however, was that of a predator eyeing its prey before the kill—calm, calculating, and ready to strike.

Come on, Ayden! Dee shouted, then tapped his belly. I'm hungry. Kick Bigfoot's ass already so we can all go home.

Bisping turned to scowl at Dee as the crowd erupted with laughter. He opened his mouth to retort, but Ayden snapped a finger to pull back his attention. Bisping shot him an annoyed look, then parted his lips into a confident smirk as he took a generic fighting stance. It was evident from his poor posture that he had never had close-quarter combat training, which likely meant that he relied on brute strength alone to win brawls.

Ayden, on the other hand, had been training in martial arts for over a decade. I had yet to see anyone with faster reflexes. Even after hundreds of sparring sessions over the years, I often struggled to match his speed and was frequently caught off guard. An untrained opponent like Bisping stood absolutely no chance.

The gathered crowd watched in hushed anticipation as the two figures stared at each other for an entire minute, neither making the first move. Bisping still had the smile on his face, although his gaze was cautious and glued to Ayden, watching for the slightest of movements. I was surprised Ayden hadn't made a move. He preferred being the aggressor and often forced his opponents to be on the defensive from the start.

Uh-oh, I muttered under my breath as realization dawned on me. Ayden was serious about hurting Bisping. An angry Ayden was a patient and ruthless assassin.

Just as I stepped forward to intervene, Bisping grunted like an impatient bull and charged at Ayden. He swung his massive fist in a wide arc toward Ayden's head. His height and reach gave him a clear advantage, and his confident smirk indicated that he was aware of that fact. But the fool had played right into my brother's trap.

Ayden stepped lightly to the side and dodged the wild haymaker with ease causing Bisping to lose his balance. He then closed in and connected a solid knee to the side of the brute's rib cage. Bisping let out a painful groan as he clutched his sides and staggered back. A series of expressions ran across his face as he recovered from the blow: disbelief, humiliation, and anger. Eyes blazed with hatred as he ignored his aching side and roared like an enraged bear, then launched himself wildly at Ayden, oblivious to the lightning-fast roundhouse kick flying straight for his temple.

Smack!

Ayden's foot connected with the exposed temple with such force that Bisping's eyes rolled backward, and he was instantly knocked out. His limp body twisted around and continued being carried forward by the momentum of his charge until the back of his head hit the asphalt with a loud thud.

"Ooh!" The crowd cringed in unison.

Dozens of jaws dropped simultaneously as they stared at the fallen giant in utter disbelief. It was as though they couldn't decide what was more impressive—Ayden's victory or the mere seconds it had taken him to achieve it.

Ayden ignored the gawking eyes fixated on him as he casually brushed off his clothes and walked past me to a group of girls standing nearby.

I turned to Dee and nodded toward Bisping. Can you please check on him?

Sure. He shrugged.

I glanced at Ayden over my shoulder and noticed Ciri standing among the girls. As I headed for the group, Dee shouted behind me. Ayden…incoming!

Ayden turned toward the voice, then let out an exaggerated groan when he saw me. He hurriedly whispered something to the girls around him, who giggled and scurried away. The rest of the teenagers had also begun to disperse, discussing the fight among one another with excited whispers and occasionally casting an awed glance in Ayden's direction.

Hey! Ciri greeted me with a bright smile as I arrived. I'm so glad you made it!

She wore a white patterned T-shirt with blue jeans and stood a few inches shorter than Ayden. She had a slender build, with smooth olive skin and long silky black hair pulled into a neat ponytail. Her eyes were puffy, and her deep gray irises were surrounded by a shade of red as if she had been crying recently.

What's wrong? I asked.

She shook her head, smiling. Oh, you know, just a little emotional…graduation and stuff.

Before I could ask her to elaborate, I noticed movement at the corner of my eye. Ayden had lowered himself to Ciri's height and sneaked sideways to take cover behind her.

Ayden, I called.

He peeked over her shoulder. Hmm?

What're you doing?

Nothin'.

Care to explain what happened back there?

Is ‘not really' an acceptable answer?

Not really, I answered.

He sighed and straightened up, then ran his fingers through loose, shoulder-length dark hair, revealing a pair of brown eyes with a mischievous light within them. His skin was the same shade of olive as mine and Ciri's. He wore long gray sweatpants with a green shirt that stuck to his skin from the heat and showed off his lean physique.

Okay, here's the thing— He began, but Ciri jumped in.

Can we please go somewhere to eat? she pleaded. I'm starving!

I narrowed my eyes at the two of them. I knew that Ayden would not have picked a fight without good reason. Based on how strange they were acting; I had a suspicion that Ciri was involved. However, I decided not to pursue the matter for the time being. It was their graduation day, after all. I would save the lecturing and the head-smacking for later.

All right. I turned to Ciri. Let's go to that Indian restaurant you like so much.

Yay! she cheered. Did I ever tell you you're my favorite brother?

Hey, what the hell? Ayden shouted. I'm right here—ow!

Ciri elbowed him in the gut and whispered, Shut up! I'm trying to save your ass here.

Okay, brother, we'll meet you there! Ayden immediately turned and began rushing away.

Wait, I called.

He swore under his breath and came to a stop.

Turn around, I ordered.

He turned and blinked innocently. Yes?

I specifically asked you to drive the car today instead of the bike…did you?

I most certainly did, he answered without hesitation.

Good, I'll walk you guys to the car then.

Uh…why? He shook his head nervously. That's totally not necessary.

I raised a questioning eyebrow at Ciri. She shook her head in response, then quickly covered her mouth as she struggled to keep a straight face.

Ayden! I glared at him. How many times do I have to say this? You need more experience on your motorcycle before riding with passengers, especially Ciri!

He didn't respond and seemed to grow a sudden interest in his shoes.

I sighed. Did you two wear a helmet, at least?

Yes! he replied instantly.

I turned to Ciri. Grab your helmet. You're going with me.

Her hand was pressed tightly against her mouth as she nodded, then began making her way toward the motorcycle with Ayden.

Ayden nudged her with his elbow and said, Thanks for the backup, traitor!

Says the guy who hid behind his little sister for protection! Ciri shot back.

I was checking to make sure no one was sneaking up behind you.

Oh, really? She giggled. Then why were your knees shaking?

He shuddered. It's pretty chilly out here tonight.

Ciri laughed. It's the middle of summer, you idiot!

Exactly! Ayden said victoriously, and they continued their bickering as they walked out of earshot.

Everything all right? Dee asked, approaching from behind.

Yeah. I nodded. How's Bisping?

Awake but dazed. He shrugged. Maybe a minor concussion, but his friends are taking him home.

Any idea what all this was about?

Nope. He shook his head. Heard about the fight, so I came to check it out and called you.

Then happily started chugging down your beer. I grinned.

He chuckled. As I said, I was here for a show.

Hope you were entertained.

Hell, yeah! He burped. I swear, Ayden gets faster every time I see him. Such a showoff.

Yeah, and a big pain in my ass too. I sighed. I'm just glad it didn't escalate. Anyway, how's your dad doing?

Not much better than the last time you saw him.

Still doesn't want to see a doctor?

Nah, man. He gritted his teeth in frustration. I don't get it! It's the same stupid crap as always—‘None of these people can help me, son.' I don't know what that means. He locked himself in his bedroom the other day. He won't even let me come near him or tell me what's going on so I can at least try to look something up online.

Wow, I said, and I thought my parents were stubborn.

He sighed. Tell me about it.

Hey, Dee! Ciri called as she returned with a bright-red helmet tucked under her arm.

My lady—Dee turned to her and bowed with a flourish—you look as lovely as ever!

Thanks. She giggled. Wanna join us for dinner?

Can't, sorry. He shook his head. I've gotta take care of a couple things tonight.

No worries, she said, waving his apology aside. We're still on for tomorrow though, right?

Oh yeah, that trip to your old house by the river, he replied. Are you sure you all want me tagging along? Isn't it a family trip?

Ciri smiled. That's why you're invited.

Aww…how do I say no to that? He grinned. I'll be there.

Awesome!

We said our goodbyes, then Ciri and I headed for my motorcycle.

Where's Ayden? I asked.

He left for the restaurant, she said, then paused as I rolled my eyes and let out an annoyed grunt. Don't be mad, okay? she said softly. You know how he gets when he's excited.

That's not an excuse for acting stupid, Ciri!

What'd you think was gonna happen when you bought him a freaking motorcycle as an early graduation present?

And I'd been regretting it since. I'd originally restored the Harley-Davidson Sportster for a customer at work, who had later changed his mind. I ended up purchasing it from my boss at a good discount. Ayden had grown so fond of it over the last few weeks that he refused to drive a car.

Yeah, you're right. I should've known. I sighed, then looked her directly in the eyes. "You will not ride with him again until I say so. Is that clear?"

She rolled her eyes and said, "Sure…Dad."

Oh, shut up and get on the bike.

By the way, she said as she jumped on the seat behind me, I didn't see you during the ceremony.

Yeah, sorry. I didn't make it in time. Couldn't leave work early enough. I know you're probably upset, and I'm sorry. I promise, I'll make it up to you.

It's okay. I'm not upset. But… she said thoughtfully, I'll let you off the hook if you don't ask any questions about the fight.

Seriously? I said, chuckling. Now I'm definitely gonna ask!

I'm serious.

Not gonna hap— I glanced back and saw her glaring at me intimidatingly with one eyebrow raised, a skill she had picked up from our mother, or the Rock. Either way, it was enough to make me nod in agreement…for now.

Good. She smiled sweetly.

Oh, she was definitely upset.

Chapter 2

Rayhan

I'm so stuffed! Ciri cried as we pulled into our apartment building's parking lot. Dinner was awesome!

Good. I smiled. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I parked next to Ayden's motorcycle. He left the restaurant early, claiming a bathroom emergency after the surprisingly extra spicy meal he'd received.

The text I sent to a friend, who was a chef at the restaurant, had nothing to do with it.

Ciri got off the bike and said, By the way, I know what I want for my graduation present.

Finally! Let's hear it, I said, and immediately regretted it as I saw her grinning from ear to ear.

You and I are going shopping at the mall! she said excitedly.

I groaned. Please tell me you're joking!

She simply laughed at the horrified expression on my face and shook her head.

Previous experiences had taught me that the combination of ladies and shopping at the mall only resulted in a long and miserable day for me.

Come on, Ciri, I pleaded, don't make me do this!

She cleared her throat and deepened her voice. Anything you want, sis…just name it.

I never said that!

You're such a liar! You totally did!

Okay, I did. But I thought you'd just order whatever you want online, or like go shopping with your friends or something. How about you just take my credit card to buy something nice and expensive for yourself?

Oh, that last part's a given! She giggled. But I want you to tag along this time.

Why?

So I can hear you whine and complain like the good ol' days!

That's just cruel…

Come on, you've been working like crazy. She rolled her eyes. We barely hang out now. Take a break and relax, or you'll get burned out!

Spending an entire day surrounded by loud kids, shouting parents, annoying teenagers, and slow-moving old people doesn't sound very relaxing to me.

She giggled. Don't worry. I'll be with you the whole time!

Did I forget to mention annoying teenagers?

She gasped. You said I'm more mature than most adults.

Usually, yes…but right now, you're acting like a sixteen-year-old brat.

Whatever! I have to act my age sometimes. She stuck her tongue out and giggled cheerfully as we headed for our apartment. Stop crying about it. You're not getting off the hook on this one.

Fine. I conceded with a heavy sigh. I'm off next weekend. I guess we can go then.

Yay! She clapped excitedly.

Shut up! I glared at her. I'm going to bed.

*****

I found myself chasing a squirrel across our backyard in the body of a two-year-old, then watched helplessly as it eventually scurried onto a tree. I crossed my arms in frustration and stared at it with a puffed-up round face.

Aww…don't pout, sweetie. A woman giggled behind me.

I turned around with tearful eyes and saw the beautiful young figure of my mom. She was in her late twenties, smiling widely and watching me with her love-filled deep gray eyes. Her dark-black hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, and her deep olive skin glowed under the warm, cloudless, afternoon sky.

Squiwwel! I pointed with my tiny chubby finger.

She laughed and pulled me into her arms. Did it run up the tree?

I nodded.

Do you want to catch it?

I nodded again.

She bumped our foreheads together, then kissed each of my cheeks. I childishly laughed with glee as she picked me up and placed me on her shoulders.

Can you reach it now? she asked.

No.

Let's jump and catch it together then.

Okay!

One…two…three…jump!

*****

Mom was on our living room couch, tightly clutching Ciri on one side and Ayden on the other. I sat by the window, staring at the occasional dim flashes of light emanating from the forest. A wolf's howl pierced the eerie silence of the dark, cloudy night.

Ciri flinched.

I'm here, sweetie. Mom kissed her on the head and held her tight as she hummed a soothing lullaby.

Another long-drawn-out howl echoed in the distance. For an instant, Mom's calm expression faltered, revealing a glimpse of the fear hiding behind the calm mask. She closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side as if trying to concentrate.

There was another howl.

She opened her eyes and turned to me. Rayhan, come with me. She carried Ciri in one arm and grabbed Ayden's small hand with the other, then led us upstairs into the master bedroom.

Mom, what's going on? I asked as she set Ciri down.

I'm going after your father, she answered, then rushed into the walk-in closet.

Ciri quietly walked over to me and wrapped her tiny hand around two of my fingers. I gave her a reassuring smile as Mom came out and swung a quiver of arrows across her shoulders.

Where's Dad? I asked Mom as she adjusted the quiver's straps.

Not far, but he needs help.

I'll go with you then.

No, I need you to stay here with Ayden and Ciri. She strung her powerful gray-white feathered recurve bow, then reached for a metal box under the bed. She retrieved a pair of sharp daggers and sheathed them onto her belt, then said, Besides, you're not ready for—

A bright flash lit up the night sky in the distance.

That's not possible! She gasped and rushed to the window. It's too soon!

What's that? I asked as Ciri tightened her grip on my fingers.

Sweetie, listen to me! She grabbed me tightly by the shoulders and held my gaze. After I leave, take them into the basement and lock the door! Do not come out unless you hear me or your dad! You understand?

What? Why? I stared at her, both confused and scared out of my mind.

I wish I had time to explain, baby. She bumped her forehead against mine and kissed my cheeks, then did the same with Ayden and Ciri before pulling us all into a tight hug. I love you, guys, so much!

Mom, this is crazy! I shouted. What's going on?

She turned to me with tears streaming down her cheeks. I want you to promise me that you won't follow me.

I gritted my teeth and shook my head. It's my fault Dad's out there!

No, none of this is your fault, son, she said firmly. Now promise me!

I didn't reply.

Rayhan…please?

I hesitated.

She tilted her head at Ayden and Ciri. They need you.

I promised.

Take care of each other until I come back, she whispered, then kissed us all on the forehead, and gave a crying Ciri one last hug. Be brave, my little ones.

*****

I woke up to Ciri looking down at me with a bright smile on her face. We were in a small clearing in the forest near our parents' house. The surrounding trees provided ample shade from the sun while the air was filled with a refreshing aroma of flowing water from a nearby stream. It was beautiful and secluded—the perfect place to get away and think. It had been my go-to spot ever since I discovered it as a kid.

Whatcha doin'? she asked, her deep gray eyes gleaming with mischief.

Go away. I closed my eyes.

She shook my shoulders. I'm bored!

Don't care, I grunted.

A second later, I heard a light pop. A gentle gust of air wafted across the clearing, filling my nose with a mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked brownies.

I got something for y—aah! Ciri let out a high-pitched scream and scrambled backward as I suddenly leaped for the open container in her hands. I began devouring its contents and moaned satisfactorily as the warm chocolatey cakes melted in my mouth with every bite. Ah, theesh aw shoo goo!

I looked up after a minute to see her smiling warmly at me, reminding me once more of her startling resemblance to our mother with each passing day. She had styled her hair into Mom's signature single braid and donned her old clothes. Most remarkable of all were the deep gray eyes staring at me with the same doting love and concern.

What? I asked.

It's nice to see you let go of that iron control you always have on yourself.

Don't start that again, Ciri, I groaned. I'm fine.

Girl fine or guy fine? she asked, smiling.

Uh, what?

When a girl says she's fine, it actually means she wants you to ask her for more details.

I raised an eyebrow. Hmm, so what about when a guy says it?

It means, he's fine, she answered simply.

I stared at her for a long second. From what angle do I look like a girl to you?

You don't. She giggled. I just thought—

That I might secretly want to share all the juicy details about everything that's in my head?

Exactly!

Yeah, not happening.

You suck! She pouted.

I rolled my eyes. What are Timon and Pumbaa up to?

You gave them new names? She laughed.

I grinned. I was running out of Oompa-Loompa jokes.

They're playing video games.

Weren't they planning on going for a hike today?

Yeah, but Ayden changed his mind and said he wants to celebrate his freedom by killing strangers online.

They're missing out. I shrugged. It's a beautiful day.

Agreed. She laid down on the soft grass with a relaxed sigh, then closed her eyes.

I finished the rest of the brownies and followed her example, enjoying the fresh summer breeze. It reminded me of the days when we lived here with our parents. Pleasant memories flashed through my mind—the smell of Mom's oven-baked cookies, family picnics by the riverbank, intense hiking adventures through difficult terrain across the country, long camping trips during harsh weather conditions. According to Mom and Dad, it had all been part of our training to prepare us for the challenges ahead. They never spoke about their past. Never even mentioned any other friends or family. We didn't even know the names of our grandparents. Whenever we had pressed them on it, we'd simply been told that they would tell us everything when the time came.

They never got that chance.

Exactly eight years had passed since that night, but the memory of it was still fresh in my mind. Not a single day had gone by when I hadn't run the events of that night over and over in my mind. After years of tirelessly searching every inch of the forest and scouring the internet for any news, rumors, or sightings of Mom and Dad, I'd lost hope of ever seeing them again. It was as though they had simply disappeared from the face of the Earth. I'd never reported it to the authorities for fear of being separated from Ayden and Ciri. The three of us would've been placed under foster care, but Dee's father had taken us in until I was old enough to rent us an apartment in the city. We couldn't bring ourselves to live in the house we grew up in. There were simply too many memories. If I hadn't been so stubborn and selfish, our parents would still be alive.

It wasn't your fault, Ciri said softly, pulling me out of my thoughts.

What? I opened my eyes.

She was sitting up and staring at me with a worried expression on her face. You're thinking about that night again, aren't you?

How do you always know what's going through my head?

I know you too well. She shrugged. Plus, you're easy to read. Now back to the point…

Just drop it, Ciri.

You can't just avoid talking about this forever!

I shook my head angrily. I don't wanna do this again!

Ray, you have to let it out, or you'll go crazy, she said softly. You need to stop taking the weight of the world on your shoulders. You don't have to worry about me or Ayden anymore. I have a full ride, and Ayden got a scholarship. Whatever's left, financial aid will cover it. I think it's time you started thinking about yourself. Didn't you talk about wanting to go back to school? And how long has it been since you went out on a date? Like a year?

Okay, that's enough. I snapped. Just leave me alone, I said, closing my eyes and laying back down.

Whatever! She let out a resigned sigh. You guys always do this.

I opened my eyes and saw her gazing sadly at the clouds.

And it's always this time of year too. She continued with moistened eyes. Ayden throws himself into his video games or his friends or gets into stupid fights. And you…you drown yourself in work and push everyone away. You're barely even home, and when you are, you just go off to a whole different planet. I know you guys have your own ways of dealing with it, but…I miss Mom and Dad too.

The pain was evident in her eyes. With a pang of guilt, I realized that she was right. I'd been so absorbed in my own world that I'd never once paused to consider her feelings. Despite everything, Ciri had always remained cheerful and upbeat. She was always there to comfort me when I was in a dark mood, which was often.

Ciri… I began.

I hate seeing you like this! she said angrily and wiped the tears away, then turned to me. I know you're both terrible at sharing your emotions, feelings, and stuff, but you have to try! I can at least get Ayden to open up sometimes. You just push me away whenever I try to talk. It's not healthy to keep things bottled up inside. I just want my brother back.

You're right, I'm sorry. I conceded. What do you wanna talk about?

She narrowed her eyes at me suspiciously. Are you being serious?

One hundred percent. I nodded. Ask me anything.

Start with what's bothering you.

I smiled. I thought you knew me better than anyone.

"Yeah, but I'm not a telepath. I can't read your thoughts. Now spill. I want details."

Fine. I sighed. Do you know why I'm so protective and stuck up about everything, like Ayden always says?

You feel the weight of responsibility of having to work over eighty hours a week and raising two annoying teenagers by yourself.

Well, yes…but no. I chuckled. And you guys are not—no, I take that back. Ayden's a pain in my ass. You're a godsend. I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without you.

Aww, that's sweet. She smiled warmly. Keep going.

I don't know how much you remember since you were like seven, or eight, but Dad and I were constantly fighting. Thinking back though, it was always my fault. He was just trying to show me things, and I just didn't want to listen. I was so sick of his endless lessons and training. God, do I miss them now.

Me too. Ciri nodded somberly. I don't remember like everything, just some of the major moments and some training we did with Mom and Dad. I remember you getting into trouble a lot.

Yeah. I sighed heavily. I was too reckless and impulsive and usually ended up getting hurt because of it. The night that Mom and Dad disappeared, I had another argument with Dad and ran away into the woods. By the time I came back, he was out looking for me. That's when everything happened.

You couldn't have known, Ray, she said softly. Stop blaming yourself for something that was completely out of your hands.

I don't know if I can ever stop because I don't know what happened. I shrugged. There are so many things about that night that bother me.

Like what?

Do you remember the promise I made to Mom right before she left?

Yeah, you promised not to go after her.

Well, I broke it as soon as you and Ayden fell asleep that night.

Her eyes shot up in surprise for a moment, then curiosity took over as she asked, What happened?

I searched the forest for hours and didn't find a single sign of either of them. When I got to this clearing that we're in right now, I found Mom's bo—

Before I could continue, the hair on the back of my neck rose, and cold shivers ran down my spine as I felt a menacing presence. My senses flared, warning me of danger.

We had been trained to follow our instincts, and my instincts told me one thing: run.

What's wrong? Ciri asked, concerned.

I stood up and gave her a hand. We need to get out of here.

What's going on?

I gave our surroundings a quick scan. There seemed to be no obvious threat in sight as I grabbed Ciri's hand and rushed toward the trees. Just as we entered the trail that led back to the house, an unearthly, blood-chilling roar shook the entire forest.

"Oh