Page 1 of Light in Your Eyes
Chapter 1
Kellan
Age 9
My dad always told me that my destiny was to become a king. I used to wonder what he meant by that.
I used to think that I was an heir to his kingdom and that his kingdom was named Black Wings. As time went by, I began to understand that it was the organization he created with his friends.
Every person who belongs in Black Wings has a tattoo—black tattoo in the shape of a pair of wings. Dad said that I would have a Black Wings tattoo when I got older, and mine would differ from the others because I would be one of the kings, just like my older brother, Jaxon.
I don’t really understand what’s going on with my dad and his friends, and what they do. I just know that they usually come back home with blood on their shirts. Lots of blood.
And that they always carry their guns and knives.
It dawns on me that we’re not safe.
At least, not always.
Dad told me and Jaxon to be a fighter. That idea has been planted in our heads for quite a while.
Today, I’m going to watch Jaxon compete in one of the biggest karate championships. Jaxon is only thirteen, but his skill in martial arts is unquestionable. I want to become like him someday.
While waiting for my parents to get ready, I eat my breakfast at the dining table. My gaze is fixed on the news being aired on TV. It's a national headline.
There was a bank robbery, and the CCTV caught the bad guys shooting the employees.
I wince as the sound of gun shooting and people's screams echo. Even though it's coming from the TV, it feels real. I'm suddenly losing my appetite for breakfast.
"That sounds disgustingly cruel and barbaric," Inez, my sister who just turned seven this month, complains from across the table.
She’s sitting with her back facing the TV, just like usual, to avoid seeing horrible news she can't bear to witness. Unfortunately, it's always around this time in the morning that Dad's friend turns on the news.
The sound of footsteps catches my attention, and I find Mom walking down the stairs while speaking on the phone.
"We'll be there in no time, sweetheart." A smile touches her lips while she's listening to the voice from the other side of the line. I know who she's speaking to. It must be Jaxon. "Don't worry. All of us will be there to support you. Everyone is excited and can't wait to watch your first karate championship. Just listen to your instructor and take adeep breath. We'll be there shortly."
They talk a bit more before Mom hangs up. She sighs, and I can see the excitement on her face.
Jaxon left earlier for the karate championship with his instructor to get warmed up before the competition. Mom, Inez and I will go there to support him. I hope that Dad can make it too, but he's a very busy person.
I'm excited and nervous for Jaxon because this is his very first championship. He’s the best karate student in his martial arts school and expected to win a medal in this competition.
Mom kisses my cheek when she arrives at the dining table. Then she approaches Inez and does the same. Mom is glowing with happiness, but then her smile disappears as soon as she sees the TV.
"Fenrir," she snaps, glaring at the said man. "Again? I told you to not show such violence in front of my children. Please, can't you at least switch the channel to something else?"
Fenrir shifts his attention to Mom. "Sorry. I got carried away while following the case." He changes the channel, which is now showing the news about drug trafficking.
Mom sighs, and I can see that she's still irritated. I don't know why Mom seems to hate Fenrir. He’s actually a nice person. People would think that he looks intimidating on first impression—with his piercing dark eyes and a cut on his left cheek that makes him look like a gangster in movies—but he's actually fun to hang out with.
Sometimes, he plays games with me and Jaxon, letting us aim our water guns at his shooting target board.
He once showed me his real gun and let me touch it.
Fenrir and some other close friends of Dad's hang around here at our house often. They usually spend a night every other day. Our house has plenty of rooms, so there's always space for everyone.
Some people even call our house a mansion because we have more than twenty rooms. I've heard some of them also said that it's like some kind of 'base'.
