Share
Chapter 53; Guilt in his eyes
Related chapters
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 54; Plague from Ketel
ARWYN POVHis gaze was steady, unwavering, and far too perceptive for my liking. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my expression neutral as I tugged the hood back slightly, revealing my face.“Thrystan,” I murmured, hoping my voice didn’t betray the panic rising inside me. “What are you doing here?”He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took a step forward, closing the space between us. His presence was magnetic, as it always had been, but tonight, there was something different—something more dangerous lurking in the depths of his eyes.“The better question,” he said slowly, “is what you’re doing down here, Arwyn. In the dungeons. In the middle of the night.”I forced myself to meet his gaze, fighting the urge to look away. I had expected his suspicion, even his mistrust, but the intensity of his scrutiny was unsettling. I had to think fast.“I heard one of the rebels had been captured,” I said, keeping my voice as steady as I could. “I wanted to see him for myself.”His eyes narro
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 55; Ember light the way
* chapter glossary * + Aetherium— hospital or clinic + Teldrin — DoctorARWYN'S POVChaos reigned in the Aetherium. Servants rushed up and down, the slap of their footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls as they carried buckets of water. The healers moved frantically, doing all they could to revive the stricken. The once quiet halls of the palace now felt like a battlefield against an unseen enemy.The Plague had swept through the palace like a thief in the night, its reach swift and merciless. Guards, servants—no one was safe. Already, some had fallen to its grasp, and the rest waited in fear, their faces pale with the certainty that death lingered nearby.I tied a strip of cloth around my nose and mouth before stepping into the Aetherium, clutching a bucket of water. The air was heavy with the acrid stench of vomit and decay, thick enough to cling to the skin. The torches, dimly flickering against the walls, cast long shadows across the stone floor, making the scene even m
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 56; A Shard of the Ember
chapter glossary* + Sun Dance — Year/ yearly/ every yearARWYN POVI never imagined I’d find myself in the palace temple, yet here I was, seated across from a mage who studied me with the intensity of a predator. His pale blue eyes pierced through the dim light like an owl’s, unsettling me more than the heavy, red cloak draped over his thin frame. The very sight of him edged at my senses, making the air feel thick and suffocating."What did you say troubles you again, Blessed One?" His voice was calm, but there was a strange edge beneath it, as though he was growing weary of my hesitation.I could never quite understand the purpose of the Mages. They presided over coronations, anointed royals with their solemn rites, but beyond that, their roles seemed vague. Why did the realm even need their crimson-clad presence?"Dreams. Visions," I muttered, unsure of how to put the chaotic images that plagued my mind into words. His expression remained stoic, his pale eyes unblinking as they fi
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 1; The Tailoress
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 bodyElementalCinders; they fix things*************-***************ARWYNWyrm Town...Beneath 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 thick in the air.Gloves hastily conceal my hands, shielding them from the prying glances of the passing servant, evidence of undeniable dirt underneath. 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 silently v
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 2; Little Lamb
ARWYNI release the powder puff, filling the room with pink smoke. I scoff at the color, wishing Raith— Pete's Artificer— had chosen something darker.A smirk plays on my lips as the men cough and collapse, grasping their stomachs. The puff was laced with wildbane, a substance that weakens soldiers by slowing their heartbeats dangerously.I hold my breath and lunge for the window, but it won't budge.Cursing, I attack the window again, but it won't open. Frustrated, I give up and run for the smaller door.Why won't this window open? There's no latch. In the smoke, I can't see the Tailoress or her men, but I hear them groaning in pain. Reaching the door, I slam my body against it, and it breaks open, hinges snapping as I fall to the floor. My arm throbs, but I get up and dash down the hallway."Stop her!" I hear the Tailoress scream, but how did she avoid the puff's effects? The men recover, snarling, ready to hunt me down.I leap through an open window at the end of the hallway, grinni
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 3; The Glory Rivet
ARWYN"Arwyn, what were you thinking?" Leigh asked, her voice reaching me in the kitchen.I stumbled home, exhausted and bruised, and Leigh immediately started questioning me. I was tired of hearing her lectures about dealing with Pete. All I wanted was to rest and tend to my cuts.She came over with water and a rag, dragging a chair to sit with purpose. Her golden hair was tied back with one of her simple bands, framing her face. Leigh didn't have many accessories, but she didn't need them to look beautiful.In the cozy corner, Lilith played with dolls Leigh had made from our old clothes.Leigh muttered, "Stay away from Pete, but you never listen." It was sweet how much she cared, and I couldn't help but smile."I'm fine," I reassured her, taking the bowl and dipping my hand in, waiting for my power to surface. "Lilith, close the window!" Leigh commanded her sister, who mirrored her in every aspect—golden hair and blue eyes. Over the years, these sisters had become my everything. Lei
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 4; The Spire
THRYSTANThe Dragon Spire...A brisk breeze brushes past my ears, hinting at an early winter. Suspended fifty feet above ground, I maneuver my dragon to dodge the playful wind.My Sirrocian companion seems to enjoy blasting wind in my face.Curiosity ignites, urging me to respond with fire. I conjure a mesmerizing ball of flames and release it towards him. He dodges with a grin, clearly pleased with his maneuver.As I guide my dragon higher into the clouds, I sense Daelan's imminent presence. The hiss of his dragon and the swirling whirlwind signal the impending encounter just moments away."Watch out for those rocks, your highness!" Daelan's warning rings out. Rocks? Absurd! There shouldn't be any rocks at these heights. Despite the challenging gust of air, I stay firm on Rocco, clutching his scales atop his sturdy neck. Blast these Sirrocians and their mastery of the air. In no time, Daelan maneuvers beside me."Sneaky. But you'll need more than that to beat me," I retort with a defi
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 5; The Wreath
THRYSTANWhile Elaria diligently changed her muddy boots, I took the opportunity to discard the sweat-soaked shirt I had worn while riding with Daelan. Opting for a more refined attire, I aimed for a wardrobe transformation that mirrored my father's taste—something not just approved but adored by him.I slipped into a sophisticated ensemble: a cream-colored inner shirt paired with a knee-length black coat adorned with intricate gold trinkets along the edges. The deliberately split-open coat revealed the inner shirt, while a brown belt cinched my waist, complementing the sleek black pants that elegantly met a polished pair of boots.Emerging into the hallway, I found Elaria standing before the imposing oak doors of the throne room. She fidgeted and adjusted, her hand meticulously arranging her hair into the most perfect style possible."Ease up a bit," I mumble from the shadows, jolting her so much that she drives a punch straight into my gut. Her swift strikes are irritatingly effortle
Latest chapter
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 56; A Shard of the Ember
Hearts And Ashes Chapter 55; Ember light the way
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
