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Chapter 14; Fiery Chaos
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Hearts and Ashes Chapter 15; A Fucking Loop
ELARIA My 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 confidant
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 16; A Blessed Dinner
ARWYNTonight'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 reverbe
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 17; My Ball Partner
ARWYNThe table erupted into a cacophony of laughter and banter between Kyle, Jagger, and Ahvi. I couldn't help but notice Thrystan's stoic demeanor amidst the revelry. He simply gripped his goblet tightly, taking a measured sip as if detached from the joviality surrounding him. My gaze lingered on him, observing his every move with keen interest."Anyone caught your eye for the ball, your highness?" I quipped, my tone dripping with sarcasm.His eyes locked with mine, and if looks could kill, I'd be six feet under. Clearly, my remark didn't sit well with him. Perhaps he wasn't accustomed to being on the receiving end of rejection, but seeing him squirm brought me an unexpected sense of satisfaction.Before Thrystan could respond to my question, Ahvi interjected, her tone playful. "He's going with Sora, as always. It's always Sora," she remarked with a knowing smile, causing my gaze to shift back to Thrystan, who suddenly seemed fascinated by the pattern on his cup. Sora's attempt to h
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 18; Eye On The Prize
ARWYNThe training square bustles with Embers honing their skills, some practicing strikes on bags tethered to trees, while others engage in duels.My gaze shifts to a group cheered enthusiastically for an Ember attempting to lift a rock with a single hand—a terramancer. A wistful sigh escapes my lips. Dropping my satchel to the dusty ground, I hastily tie up my hair with a hair band and begin flexing my arm.But before I can savor a moment of solitude, Ahvi emerges unexpectedly, her smile bright as ever. Yet, beneath the facade, I know there's more to her. People like her often harbor the darkest pasts, but definitely not darker than mine.My upbringing was a mix of abandonment on my father's part, witnessing my mother's murder, and navigating a moral compass that often wavers into gray areas. But in the midst of all that turmoil, rebellion became my refuge. "Morning," Ahvi greets as she settles onto a nearby rock, her hands flexing. Practice sessions offer a break from formality, a
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 19; A Letter From Ketel
LEIGHSweat pooled on my forehead as I worked the old rag over the worn-out wooden counter of the rustic, dimly lit pub, scrubbing away the sticky ale stain.It’s always like this every evening. The smell of ale thick in the air. Clean, serve. Engage in meaningless conversations with intense regulars who just want to talk about the weather to sneak a peek at my cleavage.I’ve been working at the Glory Rivet for years now. While the routine fueled my determination to work well and earn good money, for the past three days, all I could think about was Arwyn's absence.Arwyn was taken away to the palace. I can’t stop replaying that night in my head, merging it with the night my parents were taken away from me and Lilith.Arwyn's leaving was less gruesome because she's still alive. My parents fought to stay with their children and lost their lives doing so. For all I know, Arwyn is probably living it up in the palace.Has she made new friends? Is she excelling? Befriending a guy? No, she wo
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 20; I Will Unravel You
THRYSTAN"Your coronation is barely a week away, son. We cannot afford any misbehaviors," Father grunts, his hands gripping the arms of his throne as if the world itself rested beneath his feet.I stand a few steps away, my hands clenched behind my back, eyes locked on him."You must comport yourself in an orderly manner," he continues, repeating the same old lectures he’s given since Nerys died and I was named heir. Before that, he barely spoke to me at all. "Set a good example for the Embers. Like it or not, when you take the throne, they will be at your every whim and command."He sighs. "Your little army."To him, that's all anyone is: a tool to achieve the unachievable. His ambition knows no bounds, and it's all I've ever known. I wasn’t raised with love or anything that would make one look back and smile. It's quite the opposite."Are you understanding me?" The King's dark eyes pierce into mine with an unyielding gaze."Yes, sir.""You cannot afford to be weak, or people will ma
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 21; You Want Something
ARWYNBlend in. The plan is to blend in until the opportunity to leave this place presents itself at the Sun Ball. The palace will be crowded with royal guests, the festivals will capture everyone’s attention, and no one will notice one tiny Ember missing.My eyes stray to Thrystan, who fixes a steely gaze on me. He might be the only problem, always so interested in my affairs. But hopefully, everyone will be relieved with me gone, especially Sora.I could sneak a horse from the stables, arrange everything beforehand, and then ride out of the palace, back to Wyrm, and then to Ketel to meet Kale before anyone realizes I'm gone. They won’t be able to trace me again.The Sun Ball will be a swirl of opulence and distraction—glittering gowns, flowing wine, and conversations laced with intrigue. The perfect cover. I imagine the courtyard teeming with laughter and music, the air thick with the scent of exotic flowers and spices. Amidst the chaos, I'll slip away unnoticed.In the stables, I c
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 22; Den Of Wolves
ELARIA Father and Uncle conversed in monotone as I entered the dining room for lunch. Mother sat poised at Father's side, her hands delicately cradling her fork and knife as she picked at her roasted meat.Thrystan was absent from the table, off to the Dragon Spire with the other chosen Embers under Brax's supervision. I remembered how I had asked him to include Arwyn’s name on that list; if she was there, Thrystan would likely want to be present and attentive as well.I didn’t know who this girl was or why Thrystan was so captivated by her. I had never seen him this dedicated to pursuing something—or someone—not even with Sora. He could have anyone else, yet this felt like more than just a game to satisfy his desires.The sound of my chair scraping against the floor drew the men's attention."Father," I greeted softly with a bow. "Uncle," I added, turning to the spiked grey-haired man, who nodded at me sternly.I always admired how, despite being a man with legitimate claims, my uncl
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Hearts and Ashes Chapter 69; Gone with the wind [ Last Chapter ]
THRYSTAN POVElaria’s words landed like a punch to the gut. For a moment, the world seemed to tilt, but I quickly shook my head, disbelief coursing through me."No," I said firmly, my voice low and dangerous. "That’s not possible.""Oh, it’s very possible," she sneered, enjoying the effect her words were having. "I got the information from the rebel in the dungeon. He told me everything. Two years ago, she led a heist at the Dragon Spire, and Nerys—our brother—was just collateral damage."I stared at her, my pulse pounding in my ears. This couldn’t be true. It wasn’t true."No," I repeated, more forcefully this time. "Arwyn couldn’t have done that. She would never—""Wouldn’t she?" Elaria interrupted, her voice dripping with venom. "Do you really know her, Thrystan? You think she’s this poor, innocent girl from the slums, but she’s been working with Pete Delitroy for years. She’s no stranger to blood. She killed Nerys, and now she’s wormed her way into your heart, making you blind to t
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 68; Secrets and Denial
THRYSTAN POVI stare at the letter of acceptance on the council room table, my eyes narrowing as my hands clench and unclench. He was really going to make me bury Arwyn. The words blurred before me, but the meaning was clear—Father had made his decision, and I was powerless to stop it."Don’t look so surprised," Father muttered, swirling his wine with one hand, his right resting lazily on the arm of the throne. He turned slightly to glance out of the window, a casual indifference lacing his tone. "I’m sure you must’ve seen this coming.""Sending her away to Reedridge? No," I replied, my voice sharp, my fists tightening at my sides."Oh, please, stop your whining." He rolled his eyes, sipping from his cup. "Reedridge is far better than living in the slums, working for a man like Pete Delitroy."I froze. How did he know about Pete? My mind raced, but I kept my face still, masking the rage boiling underneath the surface."Sora gave me a rather juicy bit of information," he continued, ste
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 67; The Ghost
ARWYN POVI stood frozen, the weight of her words hitting me like a blow to the chest. My throat tightened, and I could barely breathe. The walls seemed to close in on me, and for a moment, the entire corridor felt like it was spinning.Nerys. She knows."Cat got your tongue?" Elaria’s voice dripped with amusement, like she was savoring every second of my fear. Her smile only grew more sinister. "Ah, I see. You're too struck to talk. Don't worry, I don't expect you to explain. Not after what I learned."I swallowed hard, forcing my body to remain still, but inside, panic clawed at me. How much did she know? How did she find out?Elaria took a step back, her arms crossed in front of her as she tilted her head slightly, watching me with the eyes of a hunter who had cornered her prey. "The rebel in the dungeon," she said smoothly. "Raith, was it? He had plenty to say once I worked a bit of magic on him. Poor boy. He didn’t stand a chance against a Diremage."Her words sliced through me.
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 66; Treason
ARWYN POVThe warmth of my chambers wraps around me like a comforting embrace, shielding me from the blistering cold outside. I would’ve come in sooner, but Thrystan had the grand idea of starting a snowball fight. Despite my protests, I found myself laughing and joining in, thoroughly enjoying the moment.Letting out a deep sigh, I kick off my snow-covered boots, freeing my feet from the cold burden, and collapse onto my bed. Just as I begin to settle, a knock echoes at my door."Enter," I call, my voice muffled against the pillow.The door creaks open, and Ahvi’s head peeks in, a smug smile playing on her lips. Her cheeks are flushed, either from too much wine or from an evening spent making out with Jagger. Likely both. She giggles as she shuts the door behind her and practically skips to my bed, flopping down beside me with a contented sigh.I glance down at her, amused. "You seem happy.""I am happy," she says, grinning mischievously. "Just had a full kissing session in the garde
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 65; Winter Is Here
THRYSTAN POVArwyn’s eyes widen as she stares at something behind me, and I turn to see Jagger stumbling through the trees, cursing under his breath as he tries to pick rose thorns from his clothes. He’s swatting at them like an angry bear, completely oblivious to what he’s walking into. Then he looks up, eyes wide with shock as he takes in the sight of the two of us in the water.Of course.Without a second thought, I rise from the water, moving in front of Arwyn to shield her from Jagger’s wandering eyes. No way I’m letting him take a good look at her like this. The idiots always been a bit too casual with her for my taste, and right now, I’m not in the mood for his nonsense.Jagger, however, bursts into laughter, his voice echoing through the trees. “Well, well, well! I didn’t know this was the royal mating suite!”“Get lost, Jagger, right now,” I snap, trying to keep my voice steady, but the idiot’s too drunk to even notice the seriousness in my tone. He’s swaying on his feet, bar
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 64; The Spring
THRYSTAN POVArwyn looks uncertain as I help her through the trees, her eyes scanning the surroundings. I don't release her hand, holding it like letting go might cause her to slip away from me forever. There’s something fragile in this moment, something delicate between us that I’m not ready to lose.“These springs are beautiful, but… you don’t actually bathe out here, do you? It’s so close to the palace grounds,” she muses, walking toward one of the pools, her fingers grazing the rocky edge. There’s a hesitant curiosity in her voice, a kind of innocence that makes me smile.“Oh, I did,” I chuckle, following her. “Those were the good days.”She laughs softly, the sound warming the air, but then she releases my hand, and I reluctantly let her go. “But it’s not even warm,” she says, tilting her head back to gaze up at the star-strewn sky. Her brown hair cascades down her back like liquid gold, and the moonlight catches her features just right. “It’s hardly summer.”I grin, dipping my h
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 63; Wildbane
ELARIA'S POVBrax hauls the boy onto the chair after loosening the ropes that had bound his hands and legs, leaving him sprawled out like a broken marionette. His limbs dangle lifelessly, as if the weight of the world had been too much for him to bear. I stand before him, my hands still humming with the remnants of magic, the air thick with the scent of sweat and fear.Sweat pours down his forehead, glistening in the dim torchlight, trailing down his temples like rivulets. His eyes, bloodshot and wide, dart around the room as if seeking an escape that doesn’t exist. His lips tremble, the faintest whisper of a plea escaping them, though he knows better than to beg outright. Fear clings to him, wrapping around his soaked shirt that clings to his lean, trembling body.I take a step closer, my boots echoing ominously in the stone chamber, my gaze locked on him like a predator sizing up its prey. "You’re holding up well," I remark, my voice smooth and cold, an unsettling contrast to the pa
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 62; Feeble Denial
ELARIA POVThrystan has grown careless. He didn't cover his tracks well this time, nor did his little lover. After interrogating that rebel, he should have ended it swiftly. But now... now, I'm going to finish what he couldn’t because Thrystan is a threat to himself and this loose end can be his undoing with father.Brax enters the palace stables, his figure cloaked in shadow, hood drawn low over his eyes, and gloved hands concealed in thick leather. He moves with the grace of a predator, always a step too close, too familiar."Apologies for being late, love," he says with a sly smile, leaning in to brush a kiss against my cheek.I pull back sharply, irritation flaring. "How many times have I told you to stop calling me that? Especially out here—someone could hear."His face falls, disappointment flickering briefly in his eyes, but I don’t let it soften me. I refuse to coddle him, not when we stand on such dangerous ground. Still, I lean in, pressing a quick kiss to the tip of his nos
Hearts and Ashes Chaptee 61; Treason, even in Jest
ARWYN'S POVI sit in the dining hall, my hands gripping the edge of the table, knuckles pale. I can't keep still, shifting every few moments as I steal glances at the entrance. My stomach twists in knots, not from hunger, but from anxiety. Where is Daelan? My thoughts race as I wonder if the search for my sisters was successful last night. I don't think I can endure another day of waiting.The door creaks open, and I nearly jump out of my seat. My heart leaps into my throat when I see him. Daelan strides in, his posture calm and collected, but my heart quickens, searching for any sign of good news. As he approaches the breakfast table, my face lights up with a hopeful smile, unable to contain the emotion bubbling inside me. Without thinking, I spring to my feet and pull out a seat for him."Daelan," I say breathlessly, trying to hold back the flood of questions threatening to spill from my lips.He gives me a polite nod as he takes the seat, his eyes flickering with something I can't
