The First Whisper

DEATH, TAUNTS AND PROMISES

After I woke up from the most terrible dream that my mom is leaving me in this world. I got up from my bed and went into the living room. I found an opened letter lying on the table saying; “The execution of Mrs Rowan Luketon is held today at the city hall by 9:00am please be in attendance. Thank you.” I lost my breath and landed on the ground speechless and immobile. I snapped from the shock and braced myself then ran to the city hall with one thing on my mind. I need to save my mum. She can't die, she just can't leave me, tears are blurring my vision. I saw her kneeling on the platform when I arrived at the city hall, hands tied to her back with Mara's mother kneeling next to her. My mum traced her eyes through the crowd till it reaches mine then she smiled at me telling me it's alright then she mouthed “I love you” I realized this was it, the end of my mother life I shaked my head and started running to my mother until one guard stopped me I continued shaking my head, no mummy you can't go so soon what about the promises of being with me, remember you don't break promises mummy tell them is a lie that you didn't do anything. Please don't go.

Someone stop this nuisance at once. The high councillor shouted feeling irritated about everything, the councillor replied and the guard took me to where mara is and told us to keep quiet. I looked at Mara and noticed how lifeless she looked.

Now the execution of Mrs Rowan Luketon and Mrs Kerren Knight. They are guilty of:

Staying in the house of an ex-convict

Possessing a book that is considered forbidden in the Nyleshk constitution.

Teaching their children and showing them false rules about the wars of voice.

This is treason, and the punishment is death.” Mrs. Rowan pressed her lips together, lifting her head toward the crowd.

Mrs. Kerren clasped her hands, whispering a silent prayer.

The executioner stepped forward. Adele covered Mara’s face, wishing she could shield her from what was about to happen—but it was too late.

The sound of the crowd faded into silence. Mara screamed, her body shaking, while Adele fell to her knees, her tears blurring everything.

When it was over, the world seemed to stop.

The councillor ordered the guards to take away the body and the children.

That night, the scene replayed in Adele’s dreams—her mother’s last smile, her voice calling her “my little rebellion.”

She woke trembling, her heart racing, wishing it had all been a nightmare.

She went to the kitchen taking some pills that'll help in sleeping.

I woke up the next morning, finding myself moving to the kitchen with the hope that everything was dream, but unfortunately it was real the execution of her mom was real her mother really died yesterday she slumped at the island her hands on the sponge her mother used before she was taken as prisoner and killed unjustly.She squeezed the sponge with the little strength she has placing it on her aching heart small tears dropped from the corner of her eyes.

She went to her brother's room to prepare him for school, gave him his lunchbox and breakfast and off she went to school.

As she entered the school, she stood there memories of her mother's death still fresh in her mind and raw in her veins, she stared at the school that is masked with stupid rules where they taught them that women are the evil ones undergoing punishment she couldn't stop crying no matter how she tells herself that she is stronger that this it just hurts a lot her body ache for her mother, her heart yearns for her, she can't believe she wouldn't never see her mother forever.

“Hey watch your step Adele luketon, hereditary matters, you were born in the shadow of flames, you don't need to cry you'll join them sooner or later” One boy sneered.

Like you said Daniel daughter of a heresy will always be a heresy Another one added.

Your mother died screaming, thinking you'll last longer, little witch, they all laugh like they've won a lottery.

“Enough. You guys think you are funny? Alright have your fun while it lasts, because the next head that will be on a stake will be you and your family members who know, she smiled maniacally, eyes gleaming with fire, I have nothing to lose, don't you see. And like the scripture says, those who have nothing to lose have nothing left to keep silent about and even nothing to fear,” tears rolling from her eyes, with dark spots surrounding it like someone who hasn't had a good night sleep in ages.

She didn't back away this time she stared at their faces like they were storing it in her long term memories, the schoolyard became still, she took Adele's hands and they went to class like nothing ever happened.

I'm sorry Mira, if I didn't show my mum about the letter she wouldn't have gone to Catherine's Pierce house,” Adele said crying like she made the worst mistake of her life. Mara cleaned her tears, Hey little rebel she smiled softly. Is it not your fault it was bound to happen and now it has happened I have nothing to lose like I said I'll make sure I stain my hands with the blood of those who killed my mother and you are with me right? Always Mara always, like you said I have nothing to lose Adele smirk.

They won't know what hit them.

They rang the first bell indicating the beginning of classes. The teacher who was in charge of morning lectures entered the class grumpy as usual, good morning class she greeted “Sit up straight”, she yelled. Her eyes looking for something until it fell on Adele and Mara “you too come forward” the girls hesitated but the teacher gestured for them to stand in front of the classroom. “Look at them.” She said, They have lost their mothers. Women who dare oppose the council, mothers who performed heresy, And now? They are gone leaving nothing but their children; this is what defiance brings.

Adele tightened her fists until her knuckles turned white while Mara was fighting the tears that were trying to fall from her eyes. The teacher continued her nasty comments.

“ In science, what do we call it lemme think.. yes we call it cause and effect”, she said leaning to the girls in mockery even though the whole class heard it. “Your mothers” actions had consequences and you girls are the living proof. Let this be a warning to you children, especially the girls, that the rules of our community are absolute. Defy them and you die. Fear, girls, fear remember that.

“And you are a woman”, Adele spoke suddenly loud enough for those in the front seat to hear. Your fellow women lost their heads trying to make your voice heard while you stand here doing what you are paid to do, that's if you are actually paid, teaching about obedience. Instead of asking why they were killed, you waste your time repeating one word over and over again, “Fear” . Aren't you annoyed about discriminating against your gender every single day?

The teacher's smile changed to something like anger. Adele's heart pounded in her ears but she didn't look away, she moved closer to the teacher then spoke in a voice only her, the teacher and Mara could catch. “ Your head will come off soon and it will be on a stake”, she whispered, low and terrible that it sounded like a dead promise. The teacher's face drained of color while she stared at Adele.

Silence dominated the class till the teacher regained her composure and snapped, “ Sit down both of you” and she continued the lectures till her period was over.