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Chapter 18; Eye On The Prize
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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
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 23; Twist Of Fate
THRYSTAN It was as if the Ember herself had granted me this moment as an act of providence. A divine twist of fate, giving me the sheer will to ask whatever I want from the very woman who had haunted my thoughts relentlessly, day and night. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner—Arwyn was always there, a constant presence in my mind.Her face looked as though she had just struck a deal with the devil, a detail that inexplicably brought a gleeful smile to my face. If you had told me an hour ago that I’d have this opportunity, my mind would have raced through a thousand things I wanted from her. But now, standing here and staring into those ocean-blue eyes, I was rendered speechless, my smile fading.“Well,” she said, wrinkling her nose, “what do you want?”I blinked rapidly, my hands slipping from her waist as she pulled away almost instantly, as if I were a vermin. Maybe I was.“Allow me a minute to savor this moment, would you?” I covered up my speechlessness with a wry smile. Pushing away fro
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 24; Hunch
THRYSTANWe reached Wyrm after several exhilarating minutes of racing through the worn-out tracks left by countless travelers. The small town unfolded before us, its rustic charm evident in the cobblestone streets and weathered buildings. Market stalls lined the main square, vibrant with the colors of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and the lively chatter of townsfolk.Arwyn slowed her horse to a trot as we entered the town, her laughter still echoing in my ears. I matched her pace, taking in the bustling scene around us. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasting meats filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding countryside."We made it," Arwyn declared, her eyes sparkling with triumph and a hint of mischief. "Looks like I beat you, Prince."I chuckled, shaking my head in mock defeat. "I let you win," I teased, though the truth was, I enjoyed every moment of watching her unbridled joy.As we dismounted and tied our horses to a nearby post, an elderly fruit ve
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 25; An Outlaw
THRYSTAN We pull our horses to a stop in front of the Wreath, a modest tavern with weathered wooden walls and a sign creaking in the wind. The stable boy, a scrawny lad with dirty blonde hair, scurries over to collect them. Arwyn grips his shoulder, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Up to no good, are you, Willy?"The boy giggles and squirms under her arm until he finally breaks free, or she lets him go. With a mischievous grin, he hands her a small brown pouch, which she quickly slips behind her back, tucking it into her belt. As she adjusts her cloak, I catch sight of my dagger tucked there as well.She's been carrying it around this whole time?"Haven't seen you in days," Willy says, his eyes twinkling. "Thought the goons got you, but you look well." His gaze shifts to me, and he gasps, eyes wide with excitement. "And you came here with Death-roll! Are you two friends?" He bounces on his toes, as if he's just uncovered a grand revelation."What?" Arwyn asked, her eyes narrowing i
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 26; Little Runaway
ARWYNThe princess hates me. I've known it since our first conversation in the palace hallways, where her eyes bore into me with a mix of disdain and suspicion. Every time I speak with her brother, her gaze sharpens, as if she fears I'll snatch him away from her. She's fiercely protective of him, and if I didn't know any better, I'd think they were in love. To her, I'm nothing but an inconvenience.Clover steps closer, his smile too familiar. "Arwyn, is it? How do you do?"I glare at him, my eyes cold. "Stay away from me." My lips tremble as I glance behind him, where two of Pete's men loiter, their eyes fixed on me. No doubt they've informed Pete of my arrival. I'll be damned if they witnessed the drama that just unfolded."So feisty," Clover chuckles, turning his attention back to the arena. "You both came to enjoy the show? You know the best fights are in the evenings. That's when I fight," he adds, grinning proudly. It's clear why he and Thrystan are friends—both ballsy and full o
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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
