THRYSTANI'm puzzled. Why did she bolt like that? I stand amidst the bustling crowd, her chestnut locks vanishing before my eyes. With a surge of determination, I dash after her into the labyrinth of streets, but she's like a shadow, slipping through the alleys with a grace born of familiarity. She knows these streets better than I do; she's vanished without a trace.Returning to the dress shop in hopes of finding her sister, I'm met with an empty storefront. They've both disappeared, leaving me dumbfounded. I can't believe I've lost her once again. It was out of desperate, I resort to bribery, coaxing Clover into helping me track her down. It felt invasive, I know, but Elaria's warning echoes in my mind, urging me to steer clear of the Wreath and avoid arousing suspicion from Father.Three days passed in agonizing anticipation. I yearned to see her again, but without venturing into the perilous depths of the Wreath, stalking became my only recourse. Two guards snap to attention as I
ARWYNLeigh's frantic energy filled the cramped space as we stumbled into the house, her agitated movements sending her hairband flying onto the worn wooden table."What's going on?" she demanded, her eyes searching mine for answers as I moved to close all the windows, enveloping us in a cocoon of secrecy.I paused, grappling with the weight of my confession, knowing that it could spell trouble for all of us. "It's the man from the store," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "H-He's not just any Wreath boy. He's the Prince."Leigh's eyes widened in horror, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. "Oh no," she breathed, her voice trembling with fear. "Please tell me he doesn't know about you being a healer. Otherwise, why else would you be in such a panic?"My heart sank as I nodded, unable to meet her gaze. "He knows. Pete... Pete pulled me from the heist and put me in the Wreath's infirmary. I used my powers in front of him"Leigh recoiled as if struck, her frus
ARWYNI spent the entire night tossing and turning on the expansive queen-sized bed, a luxury I hadn't experienced in years. The room was a haven of opulence, filled with every conceivable comfort within arm's reach.As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the ornate curtains, I rolled to the edge of the bed, greeted by the sight of two doves playfully chirping outside my window. Their carefree antics stirred a longing within me, a desire to escape this gilded cage and return to the familiar chaos of Wyrm.Thoughts of Pete and the looming consequences of my absence plagued my mind. What would he think when I failed to show up for work? Would he assume I'd abandoned him, leaving Leigh and Lilith vulnerable to his wrath? The uncertainty gnawed at me.My reverie was abruptly interrupted by the creak of the door as a maid entered, her youthful smile lighting up the room. She couldn't have been much older than me, her light brown hair pulled back in a tidy bun as she greeted me with
ARWYNRivulets of sweat trickled down my forehead, painting a glistening trail against my skin under the relentless assault of the scorching sun. Today, its rays seemed particularly merciless, intent on turning me into a walking fountain of perspiration. With a frustrated sigh, I attempted to corral my unruly locks into a semblance of order, only for them to rebelliously spring free from my makeshift bun, framing my face in a tangle of damp tendrils. Grasping a handful of water from a nearby bucket, I hurled it onto the sun-baked ground in a futile attempt to quench the thirst of the parched earth. Surveying the bustling training square, I observed my fellow Embers engaged in a variety of activities, from rigorous drills to lighthearted banter. The square seemed to pulse with energy, "Ever tried the punching pole? It's great for blowing off steam," a voice called out from behind me. Turning, I found myself face to face with Daelan, the same blond boy who had offered me guidance at
ELARIA POVMy life felt like a monotonous play stuck on repeat, a relentless loop. Each morning began with the routine of being attended to by two maidservants, preparing for the day ahead. Breakfast with my parents was merely a formality, where I existed as nothing more than an ornament in these hollowed halls. Tea with Mother followed, adding to the dull procession of palace wanderings as if I hadn't already explored every corner of it.Yet amidst the suffocating sameness, there was one glimmer of purpose—a secret training regimen with Brax, Thrystan's trainer. It was the only aspect of my existence that felt meaningful and different from the mundane routine.However, it was imperative that no one discovered the truth. No one could know about the covert meetings that occurred three times a week, nor about the telltale signs of muddy dresses and boots from our training sessions. And above all, the forbidden secret that Brax had become more than just a trainer—he had become my confida
Arwyn Tonight's dinner was quite the departure from our usual morning routine. Instead of our cozy breakfast nook, we found ourselves ushered into a grand hall adorned with luxurious decor. Oval tables stretched to accommodate the gathering of about a hundred Blessed, with white curtains cascading elegantly around them. A bold red band wound its way from one end to the next, lending a regal touch to the ambiance.Taking my place at the table reserved for the First Embers, I couldn't shake the mixture of curiosity and apprehension swirling within me. Despite the opulent surroundings, there was an underlying tension in the air, as if the luxury only served to conceal deeper conflicts and hidden agendas.Amidst the chatter and clatter of plates and silverware, I couldn't shake the sensation of being an outsider in this realm of privilege and power. While the setting boasted grandeur, the mood was far from solemn, with the Blessed engaging in animated conversation and laughter that rever
ORDER OF THE BLESSED AS GIFTED BY THE HEAVENSEtheralScorchers; Blaze BringersSiroccians; Air weaversTerramancer; Earth Healers; Water manipulatorAnatomDiremages; control the heartbeats and the bloodVeilwalkers; clone people bodies and powersHealers; heal the body ElementalCinders; they fix things*************-***************ARWYNBeneath my nails, traces of dirt linger from my daring descent down the chimney of the brick-layered fabric store two nights ago. The worth of that venture now weighs on me as I sit in the dimly lit room of the same establishment, anticipation th reading through the air.Gloves hastily conceal my hands, shielding them from the prying glances of the passing servant-evidence of the undeniable dirt beneath. Leigh's disapproval echoes in my mind, her scolding for tarnishing the hands she meticulously softened with rose water and lavender. Yet, this sacrifice is a necessity.Having confirmed the lady of the fabric store's shady dealings, I make a silen
ARWYNThe powder puff in my grip is unleashed in the center of the room, releasing a cloud of pink smoke. I snort at the color, recalling the moment I instructed Raith to opt for a more mysterious hue. Black, dark blue, or even green would have added a wicked touch.A wry smile crosses my lips as the men cough and collapse to their knees, hands clutching their guts. Did I forget to mention the puff was laced with wildbane? Wildbane, a substance that reduces any soldier to weakness when inhaled-slowing their heartbeats to a dangerous rate. I refrain from breathing in the toxic air as I lunge for the window, but it doesn't budge.Heavens, boil me! I attack the window again, delivering stronger blows, but my breath is running thin. Frustrated, I abandon the unyielding window and sprint for the smaller door. How is this window sealed? There's no latch or hook in sight. Amidst the smoke, I can't see the Tailoress or her men, but groans of pain echo. Painful groans. Reaching the small door,