Share
Chapter 43; The Hunt
Related chapters
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 44; Trophy
ARWYN POVThe flickering fire cast a warm, golden glow over the clearing, its flames crackling softly as they danced in the night air. Thrystan and I sat side by side on a fallen log, the cool evening breeze still carrying the faint scent of the sea. Our clothes clung to us, damp from our earlier tumble into the water, but the heat from the fire was doing its best to chase away the lingering chill.I tucked my knees up, hugging them close as I stared into the flames, the silence between us easy and comfortable. Thrystan shifted beside me, his wet hair tousled and drying in unruly waves. He poked at the fire with a stick, sending a small shower of sparks upward into the twilight.“We’ll have to answer for this, you know,” he said, a playful glint in his eyes as he broke the silence. “Running off, getting soaked, and now camping out by the sea. Not exactly the most dignified end to the day.”I smirked, nudging him with my elbow. “As if you care about dignity, Thrystan. You were the one
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 45; Sparks Of Gossip
ARWYN POVThe sun began to paint the sky in soft hues of pink and gold as we rode into the camp the next morning, the air still crisp with the lingering chill of night. The campfires from the previous evening had long since dwindled to embers, sending thin tendrils of smoke curling into the dawn air.Thrystan rode beside me, behind us, the deer hung from the back of my horse, its lifeless body swaying gently with each step.As we entered the camp, heads began to turn. Murmurs rose among the gathered hunters and soldiers even to the honourable guests, their eyes flicking from the deer to me, then to Thrystan. Some whispered behind cupped hands, others simply stared, but all wore expressions of curiosity—mixed with a touch of admiration.I felt the weight of their gazes, the hush that fell over the camp as we passed through, but I kept my head high, refusing to let it rattle me."Looks like we’ve caused a bit of a stir," Thrystan murmured under his breath, his lips curving into a sly sm
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 46; Third time's a charm
THRYSTAN POV"I hope you enjoyed your little night rendezvous," Elaria’s voice was smooth, yet carried an undercurrent of caution as she swept into my tent, her hands delicately clasped in front of her embroidered gown. Her eyes flicked over me, calculating."Come to give me another lecture on staying away from Arwyn, sister?" I tossed my gloves onto the wooden chest and sank onto the edge of the bed. The hunt had ended, and with it, the brief escape from palace life. Once again, I was back in my gilded cage, playing the part of the perfect Prince. And now, there was the ball to prepare for—a masquerade I wasn’t sure I was ready to face.Elaria’s lips twitched, barely forming a smile. "No. I believe I've said enough for you to understand that she’s dangerous."I raised an eyebrow, unlacing my hunting boots with deliberate slowness. "I seem to recall that you were the one who liked the idea of her being in the palace. Thanks to you, she’s here."Elaria’s expression tightened, her mout
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 47; Quite A Stir
ARWYN POVThe gown fit perfectly, its silken fabric clinging to my waist like it was woven for this very moment. Leigh's face flushed a soft pink as she clasped her hands together, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears as she took in my appearance from head to toe."I always knew you’d look breathtaking in a ball gown," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I only wish Lilith could see you now."The smile on my lips faltered, the weight of our dire circumstances pressing heavily on my chest. The responsibility laid upon me was a burden I could not shake. The King had to die. It was the only way to save Lilith. Pete wasn't the sort of man who could be reasoned with—he was a force that crushed anything in his path.Leigh, sensing the shift in my mood, murmured softly, "You know, he always listened to you. Maybe… maybe you could talk to him. Make him see reason. Convince him to demand something else."A bitter laugh escaped me. "Marlon came to the palace a few nights ago. He thre
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 48; Smoke— Thick and toxic
THRYSTAN POVI watched Arwyn sway in Jagger’s arms, my eyes narrowing as I tracked every movement. She looked uncertain at first, her steps faltering as if unsure of the rhythm. But soon enough, she found her footing—quick to adapt, just as I knew she would. She always had a way of catching on, sharp-witted and capable. Or perhaps I’m just a better teacher than I give myself credit for."How about we dance?" Sora’s voice broke through my thoughts as she clung to my arm, her nails digging into my coat, an uncomfortable reminder of her presence."Not quite," I muttered, barely paying attention as my gaze remained fixed on Arwyn. She was... captivating. The dress she wore was bold, a deep red that I would never have imagined on her. Yet, somehow, it suited her perfectly—hugging every curve, from the fitted bodice down to the flowing hem that swayed with each step.Then there was the slit—high enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of her thigh as she moved. When Jagger dipped her low tow
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 49; The Rebels
ARWYN POVThe deafening sound from the ballroom confirmed it—the plan was in motion. A plan meticulously scrawled on the parchment I'd entrusted to Leigh to deliver to Raith. I had my doubts, but Raith's talent for concocting strange, brightly-colored explosives was undeniable. The objective was simple: shake the nobles, rattle their perfectly polished world, and remind them they were not untouchable.Screams erupted, and I could feel the tension rippling through the palace. Noble lords and ladies would be scrambling, trying to maintain their dignity amidst the chaos. A part of me relished the thought of their arrogance crumbling like old stone under pressure.A part of me wished it hadn’t come to this. As much as I reveled in the chaos, I couldn't help but think of my friends, hoping they were safe. I spun on my heels, racing back toward the ballroom, my heart pounding in sync with the distant clashing of steel and shouts. The scene that greeted me was exactly as I had anticipated—ch
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 50; I Pledge Allegiance
The guards snapped to attention, swords drawn, the air around them humming with the charge of their powers. But I knew it would be useless if Pete truly intended to break into the Ember chamber. His presence alone seemed to suffocate the space."Pete," I called out, stepping toward him, my voice steady despite the knot tightening in my chest. "What is your business down here?"Thrystan’s grip on my hand tightened, trying to pull me back behind him, but I resisted. My eyes silently begged him to hold his ground, to stay quiet.Pete’s hooded face turned toward Thrystan, and he sneered. "Ah, Prince Charming. We meet again. After you burned my establishment to the ground." His voice dripped with venom."I’d do it all over again," Thrystan growled, stepping forward.Pete’s grin widened, wicked and mocking. "Shame. You were my best fighter. I had plans for you, you know? Of course, I didn’t realize you were the Prince." His eyes glittered with dark amusement. "If I had known, I would’ve kil
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 51; High-end criminal
THRYSTAN POVEven from the hallway, I could hear Father's voice, commanding and sharp, as it echoed through the stone walls. Tonight had taken a turn no one could have anticipated, least of all me.Arwyn brought Pete here. I can’t wrap my mind around it. Maybe she did it to save her sisters, but there's something more, something unspoken between us. She could have come to me. I would’ve helped her, protected her, but she chose another path.The heavy oak doors creak open, pushed by the guards, and I step into the grand chamber. The Council men are seated, their expressions grave. My uncle stands near the hearth, while my mother sits beside him, tense and pale. High-ranking guests, including Soras’s father, linger in the shadows, whispering among themselves."Thrystan," Father calls from the head of the table, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade."Your Grace," I reply, stepping forward with Elaria at my side, her presence quiet but steady."Good. You're safe," Father say
Latest chapter
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 54; Plague from Ketel
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 53; Guilt in his eyes
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 52; Her Soldier
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 51; High-end criminal
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 50; I Pledge Allegiance
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 49; The Rebels
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 48; Smoke— Thick and toxic
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 47; Quite A Stir
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 46; Third time's a charm
