1 Prologue

"After him!" The guards shouted. I hastily ran, my legs weakening after each step. Blood was pouring down my arms and my vision clouded. The only thing I can focus on is the sea, just a few meters away now. Almost there, closing in ever so slightly. The guards fired a flaming arrow at me as I dived down into the water from the cliff's edge. My eyes closed. Why is this happening. Why did my own family betray me? Why... am I still alive?

A big splash surrounded me, taking me out of my senses. I drift further and further into the ocean as the voices of the guards softened into an inaudible murmur. Then, I lost consciousness.

*

My mother caressed me as I woke up from my sleep. "Mom? Where are we?" She smiled lovingly at me. "I can't help you that much, Zachariah. Your father is still confused at what's happening and your uncle is going on a rampage. For now, I cast a spell on you to keep you out of harm's way. Listen closely, I cannot communicate with you anymore after this. To keep the spell effective, you have to keep your memories away. Store them some place else, throw them away, just make sure you don't remember anything."

"Mother," I cried. "Why does no one believe me? H-he wants to kill father. Do they all think...?" She shook her head. "I'll help you any way I can. Zachariah, listen to me. I love you. The 4th region's the safest place you can go to right now." Tears welled up my eyes. Although I pretended to hate everyone in the castle, only a few people know that I actually care for them. So it hurt to think that... They probably don't feel the same way anymore.

"Mother, do you think I'll be loved again?" I asked honestly. I've never felt so childlike until this moment, where only one tiny thread held me back from the unknowing darkness. "Of course my dear. Sleep well. And forget about this. It's my last gift to you." I sobbed as my vision clouded and I couldn't make out the shape of my mother's face. I felt the last thread snap, and then-

Darkness.