Does this prologue reel you in?

-April 2nd, 1994

鈥淵ou have to protect her!鈥?The petite woman shrieked, her once-beautiful face streaked with hot, salty tears. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what James would have wanted.鈥?Her frail voice cracked on the word James and a cascade of new tears began to flow freely. Her belly was swollen with pregnancy, like a balloon filled to bursting. It seemed to engulf her entirely; weighing her slight body down like a heavy burden.

The man across from her gazed expressionlessly into the distance, though his brown eyes did soften as she mentioned his deceased companion. Beside him stood his wife, a cooing baby wrapped securely in her arms. Many moments passed, and the dimly lit room remained silent. At last, the man spoke, his strong voice shattering the stillness.

鈥淚f the child remains in your custody until she is fit to take her place at the throne, my family will protect her from the unseen dangers that lurk near such a being. I myself would be happy to-鈥?br>
With a sharp wave of her hand, she cut him off, her clouded blue eyes now clear. 鈥淭he boy鈥?How old is he?鈥?She demanded, pointing a harsh finger at the tightly swaddled infant.

With a bit of hesitance, the mother spoke up. 鈥淗e turned one not 5 months ago,鈥?she responded shakily, intuitively pulling her child closer.

The other woman鈥檚 eyes filled with madness once more, and she let out a slightly crazed laugh. 鈥淧erfect鈥?He can protect her at all times. They will attend school together; become the very best of friends. It will be his duty.鈥?br>
Before either parent could object, the manic woman turned and strode out the door, her loose dress billowing out behind her. A delighted laugh echoed through the halls as she departed from the couple鈥檚 house, followed by a loud slam as the door closed.

The towering man brought his wife into a tender embrace, their child resting comfortably between them. She leaned her head to his chest and looked up at him with questioning eyes.

He sighed. 鈥淵es, Angeline, I plan to keep my deal with his woman. I鈥檓 a man of my word, and I know how happy she and James were. His death has left her ravaged, and it would be a simple mission to help the one person that my best friend loved with all his heart.鈥?br>
His own love only paused for a split second, then nodded whole-heartedly. 鈥淚 hoped you would agree. I know how lost I would be without you.鈥?

The couple remained locked in a tender embrace, surrounded by the secure feeling of their own love and family.



***



鈥淭he girl has a guardian, a protector鈥?No matter.鈥?The cloaked girl mused as she dispelled the mist that replayed the said same scene which had taken place mere moments before. Her young face was covered in scars; some new, some fading and old. The red marks looked even harsher against her stark white skin, adding to her already terrifying appearance. With a sigh, she pulled her cloak closer, masking her nightmarish face as she turned to the boy across from her.

鈥淎rtemis鈥?Have you rounded up any troops? Time is of the essence, and we need an army. One that鈥檚 loyal, one that鈥檚 strong鈥︹€?She cut off her reflections abruptly, giving her companion a chance to answer.

鈥淚 find it insulting that you doubt me.鈥?He replied, smirking devilishly. 鈥淚鈥檝e already enlisted 20 teenagers, who all seem eager to help our cause.鈥?

The girl smiled openly, though it was hard to perceive the twisting of her small mouth as a sign of happiness. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e done well, Artemis.鈥?br>
A smile came easily to his lips, and he swelled slightly with pride at the older teen鈥檚 comment. 鈥淭hank you, Inferna.鈥?He leaned back in his chair, completely at ease. His face was young and handsome, if not a bit quirky. He couldn鈥檛 have been much older than 16, yet he still presented himself with an air of wisdom and warmth. His eyes were one of his most eccentric features; one was a rich chocolate brown, the other, an enticing cornflower blue. A few freckles were dotted across the bridge of his tanned nose, and his sandy blond hair was tousled and messy. Though they were seated, it was easy to see that he was much taller than his partner, as well as more muscular.

鈥淚 knew I made a good choice with you, Artemis.鈥?She said, watching carefully for his reaction.

His expression darkened slightly, and his jaw clenched. 鈥淎nything is better than working on a farm with your depressed hick of a father.鈥?The moment of anger passed, and he smiled once more. 鈥淏esides, I like traveling around and meeting new people.鈥?br>
The girl nodded contently, sliding a glass full of wine across the table. 鈥淭he girl, the princess鈥? She may pose a threat to us at some point, but now is not the time to worry about that. Now is the time to celebrate!鈥?She declared, pouring herself a glass of the dark red liquid. The two toasted happily, promptly downing their drinks with vigour.It reels me in, I'm hungry for more, and I can't WAIT until you add more to this book. I am.. wow. I'm speechless.. could you let me (and the world!) know when you add more to this please? Thanks for this... made my day!



IT'S AMAZING!No offense, but no.|||You know, I'm not really a big fan of books. In fact, I barely read at all... but I do have to say that this is one of a few books I will actually read through to the end. Are you getting it published?



PLEASE answer my book question!

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;鈥?/a>



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