《Falling Grace》


 Prologue

    Tears streamed from her eyes, a torrential cascade forming a pool of salty water on the ground. Her skin tingled with fear, not the fear of her own power, but the dread of what she might unleash. The potential for destruction weighed heavily on her, although there was little light left in this world to destroy.


    Darkness had long tainted this realm, and there seemed to be no hope of dispelling its malevolent hunger for mankind.


    "Come on, Bea. A little more won''t hurt. Unleash your powers," whispered voices at the back of her mind, voices raw from a hunger for destruction.


    "Bea...Bea...Bea," they chanted, urging her on.


    These voices sought to overpower her, to seize control and satisfy their dark desires. Bea felt herself slipping, the burning tingles in her hands serving as a constant reminder that she teetered on the edge of sanity.


    Every step she took felt like a burden on her shoulders, making the walk even more arduous. The streets were dark, desolate, and cold, devoid of life. The air was heavy with the stench of burnt flesh and death.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    She didn''t dare look back at the lifeless corpses she inadvertently trod upon; they were already devoid of souls. There was no need for apologies to their soulless remains.


    Bea continued to walk aimlessly, her bloodied and numb feet carrying her through the abandoned streets and houses. Suddenly, she halted, not even knowing where she was anymore. Her furrowed brows relaxed briefly as she heard another piercing cry¡ªa baby''s cry.


    If it were anyone else, she might have left them to suffer alone, but something compelled her to investigate. She followed the sound until she found a baby in a crib, swaddled in royal blue blankets. The child''s head, shockingly as white as snow, thrashed about as it cried.


    Kneeling down, Bea gently lifted the baby into her arms, and miraculously, the child''s cries ceased. Its striking blue eyes met hers, and at that moment, she glimpsed a future she hadn''t anticipated. Gasping, she stared at the child with wide eyes. The baby giggled, reaching to touch her face, and she reciprocated with a soft smile.


    It was a light, a light unlike any other. A light that didn''t fear the darkness but embraced it. A light so powerful and dangerous that it didn''t scorch, but instead enfolded you in its protective warmth. A light that even darkness itself would cower before when it unveiled its true form.

 **Chapter 1: The Principals Office**

    Four-year-old Ethan sat on a wooden chair in the small, dimly lit principal''s office of Evergreen''s Elementary School. His legs swung back and forth, barely touching the ground, as he fidgeted nervously. His pale complexion, platinum hair, and icy blue eyes made him stand out among the other children in the school.


    Beside him, his mother, appeared calm and composed, her dark curly hair cascading around her shoulders. Her sharp green eyes seemed to hold a world of secrets as she reassured the concerned principal.


    Principal Harris, a stout man with graying hair, peered at Ethan over his half-moon glasses. "Mrs. Ray," he began, addressing Bea, "I''m afraid we''ve been having some concerns about Ethan''s behavior in class. He''s been rather... unruly lately."


    Bea nodded, her fingers tracing an intricate pattern on the armrest of her chair. "I understand your concerns, Principal Harris. But I assure you, we''re working on it. Ethan''s a bright child, and sometimes, he just needs a little extra guidance."


    Principal Harris sighed, clearly not convinced. "It''s not just that, Mrs. Ray. There have been... unusual occurrences in his presence. Things moving on their own, strange shadows, and whispers from the other children. We need to address this before it becomes a bigger issue."


    Ethan shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting between the adults in the room. He had always known he was different, but he didn''t understand why.


    Bea took a deep breath, her gaze locked with Principal Harris''s. "Ethan and I have some unique qualities, Principal Harris. I promise you, we mean no harm, and we''re doing our best to keep everything in check."The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Principal Harris looked skeptical, but before he could voice his doubts, Bea continued, "If you''ll allow us, we''ll work closely with his teacher to ensure there are no more disruptions. We don''t want to cause any trouble."


    The principal reluctantly agreed, and they left his office, heading back home. The walk was silent, save for the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. Bea could sense the turmoil within Ethan, his confusion and frustration bubbling beneath the surface.


    As they entered their cozy, old-fashioned house, Bea led Ethan to the living room. She knelt in front of him, taking his small hands into her own. "Ethan," she began gently, "I know you''re confused, my love. But it''s time you understand who we truly are."


    Ethan stared at her, his blue eyes filled with uncertainty. "What am I, Mama?"


    Bea''s heart ached at the question, and she braced herself for what was to come. "We''re not entirely human, Ethan. We have powers, abilities that others don''t understand. But we must keep them hidden, to protect ourselves and those around us."


    Ethan''s brows furrowed as he absorbed the revelation. "But why, Mama? Why can''t I be like everyone else?"


    Tears welled up in Bea''s eyes as she pulled Ethan into a warm embrace. "Because, my dear, we have a responsibility. Our powers can be a blessing, but they can also be a curse. We must learn to control them, to use them for good."


    Ethan''s emotions overwhelmed him, and suddenly, the room grew colder. A faint, silvery mist emanated from his fingertips, filling the surrounding air. Panic set in as he struggled to contain his burgeoning abilities.


    Bea held him close, her voice soothing yet firm. "Shh, Ethan, it''s okay. I''m here, and I''ll help you." She closed her eyes, channeling her own powers, and a calming energy enveloped the room. Slowly, the mist dissipated, and Ethan''s trembling ceased.


    Exhausted, Ethan slumped in Bea''s arms and drifted into an uneasy sleep, his head resting against her chest. Bea knew that this was just the beginning of their journey.