Destined to Kill: A Destined Novel (Destined Novels Book 1) Read Free

manage.
    Within minutes mum was back with a cup of water. My eyes burn, so I keep them closed as she helps me sit up and holds the cup to my mouth. The water does nothing to quench my thirst, but I drink every drop. Mum takes the cup from me when I finish and sets it aside.
    "You are so pale, honey." She places her hand on my forehead. "You do not feel feverish. In fact, your skin is cool to the touch. Does your stomach hurt?"
    I nod. "I do not feel well, mummy."
    "My poor girl. I will get your father in here to examine you. Maybe he will have something to make you feel better."
    She left to find papa, and I use every ounce of my strength to sit up. I hate being weak in front of papa. A Hunter must fight no matter if he or she feels sick or not. We are strong. I must be strong. But, I do not feel strong now.
    "He will be here soon, honey. Perhaps you should lay back down."
    "No. I want to sit up. Please?" I want to look at her and tell her I was fine, but lifting my head takes too much effort.
    "What seems to be the problem?" Papa was using his 'doctor' voice. Already I am feeling embarrassed.
    "Henry, she is pale and chilled. She says her stomach hurts," she explains. "Do you feel anything else, Anala?"
    "No, ma'am." I look up at her, and that is when everything changed for me.

 
    Mum let out a gasp and backed away from me as though I would bite her. At the same time, papa drew his sword, and while he did not exactly threaten me with it, he keeps it ready.
    "What!" I paw at my face, my neck. I cannot feel any wounds, so I do not understand what is going on.
    "Henry!"
    "I see, Eleanor. I see," father says quietly.
    "See what?" I exclaim. "What is going on!"
    "What happened today, Anala?" Papa asks. "Where did you go? What did you do?"
    This is not good at all.
    "Do not lie to me, Anala."
    "I...I patrolled the outskirts, papa."
    "I told you to stay away from there, Anala! What have you done!"
    "I am sorry, papa! But, I am a Hunter and you never let me go hunting with you! I needed to do something !"
    "Clearly you are not ready. I have told you time and time again never to be alone!"
    "I was not alone! Thomas was with me."
    Mum gasps again. "Thomas? Where is he? Is he hurt?"
    "Of course not," I answer. God, I am so confused. First they are scared of me, and now they ask if Thomas is hurt? Why can they not just tell me what is happening. "He should be at home."
    I turn towards papa, but I am careful not to get up or make any sudden movements. "Please tell me why you are scared of me."
    Mum begins to cry silently and it only makes me more confused and frightened.
    "Did you find a Cursed One, Anala?" Papa asks.
    For one moment, I think about lying, but I see in his eyes that he would know.
    "Yes," I answer, and see mum grip papa's arm.
    "What happened?"
    I tell him exactly what happened. Well, not exactly. I leave out the part where I thought the Cursed One had bitten me. How could I tell them - two of the most skilled Hunters - that their daughter may have let herself be bitten?
    "Thomas just left you there alone?"
    "I told him to go, papa. I can take care of myself."
    He sheaths his sword, and tentatively takes a step towards me.
    "Henry..."
    Papa nudges mum back and whispers to her that it is fine. He kneels in front of me and lifts my chin to look at me more intensely.
    "Did you tell me everything, Anala?"
    I hesitate, but I need to be able to trust him. Not only is he my father, he is my leader. If I cannot be honest with him, I have no business being a Hunter.
    "I don't know, papa." It is the truth. I really do not know what happened. I thought I was bitten, but there is no wound. I tell him as much.
    Slowly, he pushes my hair off of my neck and examines me.
    "Is this where it would have bitten you?"
    "Yes, sir."
    "I want you to stay here, is that understood? I want to speak to your mother and gather a few things from my lab." He rose to leave, turning back when he got to mum's side. "Stay here, Anala. Please."
    I do as he