Bloody Knuckles

5

As a few days passed, the twins settled into a new normal life, days at school, Rian excelled in school, no surprise for Nicole, everything Rian heard he kept in his brain somewhere. A talent Nicole wish she had.

Nicole on the other hand struggled in school, in the new environment, she was street smart for sure, book smart is another story. As they sat in school a news reporter appeared on the TV.

"The royals would like to warn everyone that there is danger lurking around the realm. A unknown amount of people have made their way into our realm and started killing the poor"

As the news reporter's urgent message filled the classroom, a hushed silence descended over the students, their faces drawn with concern and uncertainty. Rian's brow furrowed in concentration as he absorbed the gravity of the situation, his mind racing with thoughts of how to protect his sister and those around him from the looming threat.

Beside him, Nicole's expression hardened with determination, her instincts honed by years of navigating the dangers of their previous world. While she may have struggled academically in this new environment, her street smarts and quick thinking were invaluable assets in times of crisis.

As the report continued, detailing the brutal attacks on the poor by unknown assailants, a sense of unease settled over the classroom like a thick fog. The students exchanged worried glances, their minds reeling with the implications of the news.

Rian's hand found Nicole's under the table, offering a silent reassurance of their unbreakable bond and shared determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead together. They may have been outsiders in this realm, but they were united in their resolve to protect themselves and those around them from the danger that lurked in the shadows.

As the school day came to an end, Rian and Nicole walked home together, their steps steady despite the weight of the news that hung heavy in the air. They knew that they couldn't afford to let fear paralyze them—not when the lives of so many innocent people hung in the balance.

With each passing moment, their determination to confront the threat head-on only grew stronger, fueled by the knowledge that in a world filled with darkness, they were beacons of light and hope for those who needed them most. And as they prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead, Rian and Nicole knew that together, they could overcome any obstacle that stood in their way, no matter how daunting it may seem.

As Nicole pushed open the door with her foot, she was greeted with the sight of her aunt frantically pacing, her brow furrowed in deep concern.

"Aunt Evelina," Nicole hissed boldly, her voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "What's got you so frantic?"

Evelina's pacing halted abruptly at Nicole's inquiry, her eyes meeting her niece's with a mixture of worry and resolve. "Nicole, Rian, you're home," she said, her voice tinged with urgency. "There's something you need to know."

Nicole's heart raced at the gravity in Evelina's tone, her instincts instantly on high alert. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Evelina took a deep breath, steeling herself before speaking. "The attacks on the poor," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I believe they're coming from our original realm.. shadowfall."

Rian's eyes widened in shock at Evelina's revelation, his mind racing with the implications of her words. "But why?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

Evelina shook her head, her expression grave. "I think they're trying to lure you back," she explained, her voice barely a whisper. "They know you're here, and they'll stop at nothing to bring you back to that world."

A chill ran down Nicole's spine at the thought of returning to the world they had fought so hard to escape. "We can't let that happen," she declared, her voice tinged with determination. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect ourselves and those we care about."

Rian nodded in agreement, his resolve unwavering as he met Evelina's gaze. "We won't let them win," he said, his voice firm with conviction. "We'll stand together, as a family, and face whatever comes our way."

After a while there was a knock at the door, Rian reluctantly opened the door to reveal a panic looking Zack.

"Can I come in?" He asked anxiously.

Rian nodded as he guided Zack into the house. "What is it?" He asked "what happened?"

"Lumina Haven is in grave danger, no one knows why the safe haven is in sudden danger" Zack explained "But we-I" Zack gasped softly "my best friend Jack.. his family was attacked last night" Zack gasped out his heart racing, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead, his breath ragged

As Zack poured out the troubling news, Rian's expression darkened with concern, his mind racing with the implications of the attack on Jack's family. "Are they okay?" he asked, his voice tinged with urgency.

Zack shook his head, his eyes filled with anguish. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice trembling with emotion. "They were taken to the hospital, but no one's heard anything since."

Nicole's heart clenched at the thought of Jack and his family facing such a terrifying ordeal, her instincts urging her to do whatever it took to help them. "We have to do something," she declared, her voice filled with determination. "We can't just sit here and do nothing while innocent people suffer."

Evelina nodded in agreement, her expression grave as she considered their options. "We need to find out who's behind these attacks and put a stop to them," she said, her voice steady despite the fear that gnawed at her heart. "No one else should have to suffer because of our presence here."

Rian's jaw clenched with determination as he met Zack's gaze, his resolve unwavering as he prepared to confront the dangers that lurked in their new home. "We'll help you find out who's responsible," he promised, his voice firm with conviction. "And we'll make sure they pay for what they've done."

Nicole looked at Zack for a second before walking to the kitchen grabbing a glass of water "drink" she ordered as she placed the water in front of Zack.

Evelina turned to Nicole with a raised eyebrow.

"The queen believes that it's down to people coming to this realm from shadow falls" Zack explained.

"You know a lot about what the queen thinks" Rian mused.

As Zack shrunk down scrunching up his shirt sleeve revealing the royalty symbol, }{ sat on his shoulder perfectly. The unique and empowering symbol glimmered in the bright room. One of a true royal in danger.

Nicole's eyes narrowed slightly as she observed Zack's reaction, a flicker of suspicion crossing her features at the mention of the queen's beliefs. She knew all too well the dangers that lurked in the shadows, and Zack's sudden appearance and intimate knowledge of the royal family raised red flags in her mind.

Evelina's raised eyebrow mirrored Nicole's skepticism, her gaze shifting between Zack and the symbol on his shoulder. The sight of the royal emblem sent a shiver down her spine, a silent reminder of the power and privilege that came with such a status.

"The queen, huh?" Nicole remarked, her tone laced with skepticism. "And what does she suggest we do about these attacks?"

Zack shifted uncomfortably under Nicole's scrutiny, his earlier confidence faltering in the face of her probing questions. "She believes that we need to increase security measures and root out any potential threats," he explained, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Rian's eyes narrowed as he considered Zack's words, his mind racing with suspicion. "And how do we know we can trust the queen's judgment?" he asked, his voice steady despite the doubt that lingered in his heart.

Zack's gaze fell to the floor, his expression troubled as he struggled to find an answer. "I...I don't know," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But we have to do something to protect Lumina Haven. Lives are at stake."

As the weight of Zack's words hung heavy in the air, Nicole, Rian, and Evelina exchanged a knowing glance, their shared skepticism tempered by a shared determination to uncover the truth behind the attacks on their new home. And as they prepared to confront the dangers that lurked in the shadows, they knew that they would need to rely on each other more than ever before to navigate the treacherous path that lay ahead.