Destined to Kill: A Destined Novel (Destined Novels Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

agreeing to train Anala to go back out. Bernard is our only choice."
    "I do not like it, Henry. But, we will do what we must to help our child." Mum puts her hand on my shoulder and squeezes. "Go try on your clothes so that I may do alterations if needed. Then, you and papa can train."
     

     
    The week of training with papa has made me feel...normal, again. Of course, I am stronger and faster now, but papa seems to be able to keep up with me without much struggle. That should not surprise me being who he is. Everything feels right when I am training. I do not have to think about anything that is going on in my life, I only have to focus on what I am doing at this very moment. And, this very moment, I am about to finally defeat papa in our sparring contest. Unbelievable. Yes, it took me becoming Cursed to do it, but I will not think of that in the days to come. I will only think of finally besting the leader of the Hunters.
    "Well done, Anala." Papa wipes sweat off his brow and smiles. "I think you have finally learned to concentrate on the fight and put everything else aside."
    That is the best compliment papa could give me. My skills, as papa has told me, were almost unparalleled. It was my mind that was not ready. Until now. With everything that has happened, everything that I am putting my parents through, I have vowed never to make the same mistake that got me into this mess. I am focused. I am ready.
    That is, until I had to hunt with papa for food. If training made me feel normal, that made me feel like the abnormality I am. What an odd feeling it is to have your father watch as you hunt for animals with your bare hands, and then let instinct take over when you catch it. I am not sure whether I should be embarrassed or if papa is embarrassed enough for the both of us. These times together were often spent in complete silence. Neither of us know what to say, so we say nothing. But, papa would always act if nothing is out of the ordinary when we get home to mum and she asks how everything went. Eventually, even hunting for food became somewhat normal.
    "Someone is here, papa." I stop short of our home, returning from our last day of training when I smell the different scent. "I do not know their smell."
    "You are sure? We are not expecting anyone."
    "I am sure. I can hear mum talking to him." I tilt my head and listen. "She does not sound as though she likes him."
    "That must be Bernard," papa says, a hint of a smile touching his words.
    "Will you ever tell me what happened with him?"
    "One day, child," he answers. There is something in his voice. An anger, but also - guilt? That does not make sense, but I do not question him now. "Now, we must get you inside undetected."
    "That is not a problem, papa. Go ahead. I will make it to my room unnoticed."
    Papa only hesitates for a moment, then shrugs and walks away. Obviously he trusts that I can do what I say. It is a fine day. My first spar win and the trust of my father. A fine day indeed.
    When I do slip into my room - undetected, of course - I hear angry whispers coming from the other room.
    "You bring me here when your daughter may have the black death?"
    "She does not have the black death, Bernard," papa retorts.
    "That is not what I heard. No one has seen your child for months. How am I to know she is even still alive?"
    "My daughter is none of your concern. I asked you here to help me. I am experimenting on Cursed Ones. I intend to find a cure."
    "A cure! For Cursed Ones? Are you mad? There is no such thing! You should know that better than anyone."
    "You do not know that! If they can be turned, they can be cured!" Mum whispers, heatedly. "You know how talented Henry is. I told you this was a mistake, Henry."
    "Are you dabbling in magic again, Henry?" I did not miss the fact that Bernard ignored mum's interjection. I cannot say I like the man much.
    "Magic is only a small part of it, Bernard," papa answers. "Do not get any ideas. We do nothing but work on a