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Chapter 24; Hunch
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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
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 27; Volatile Mix
ARWYN"I hate to cut you two lovebirds off from your chattering," Pete growled, rising to his feet. He brushed off his hairy coat, his eyes narrowing dangerously as they locked onto me."You really want to prove yourself worthy?" he asked, his voice low and menacing. My heart pounded violently in my chest. I knew what he was going to say, and I knew I couldn't do it. Killing Thrystan was out of the question. He was the prince, and the King would come after me—not just me, but everyone I held dear. Leigh and Lilith would be in danger too. I shook my head, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on me. Pete's eyes hardened, his lips curling into a sneer."Little Lamb," he taunted, stepping closer."Just let him go, please. We don't want any trouble," I begged, my voice strained as I backed away from Thrystan. I turned to face him, and the confusion in his haunting golden eyes was almost too much to bear. So many questions swirled there, unspoken but clear."You need to trust me an
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 28; Royal Mess-Up
THRYSTANArwyn lay limp in my arms, her breathing slow, her eyes tightly shut. I knew she wasn't dead; those bastards had only put a sedative on her to keep her asleep for hours. But I couldn't help but worry if she was truly alright. What if the cloth was laced with something more sinister? They had intended to take her far away. But where, and why?Arwyn’s conversation with Pete was something I fully intended to question her about when she woke.Elaria had already knocked out Pete’s goons, leaving the brigand himself to grunt and struggle against her powers. I'd never seen such fierceness in her eyes before. It was raw, defensive, and angry. Her fingers moved with a precise grace as she manipulated every muscle in his body, bending him to her will."Who are you, girl?" Pete grunted, his voice gravelly and strained."The daughter of your sworn enemy," Elaria sneered, her eyes narrowing. "Gaelan Thorian."Pete's eyes widened, the name striking him like a physical blow. Recognition spr
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 29; Blood Of Ciel
THRYSTANThe tension in the room was suffocating, each second stretching into eternity. I could see the doubt flickering in Mother’s eyes and the silent plea in Elaria’s to not defy Father any more than I already had.Father rose from his throne, his face stoic, but before he could say a word, the doors to the throne room swung open with a creak. Lieutenant Julian entered, his imposing figure cutting through the tension. His armor clinked softly with each step, and the stern set of his jaw indicated that he brought serious news."The court has gathered, Your Majesty," Julian announced, his voice firm. "They are waiting for you and the prince."Father sighed, his gaze shifting from me to the general. "Very well. We will attend to the court shortly." He turned back to me, his eyes cold and calculating. "This matter is not resolved, Thrystan. You will accompany me to the court because we have important matters to tend to, and we will deal with the fallout from your actions afterwards."W
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 30; Awakening
ARWYNFire. Loud dragon screeches. More fire. A heart-wrenching cry. Mother falling to the floor, dead. A shadowy figure with curly long hair. I know it’s a woman, but her face is hidden in darkness.My lashes flutter, struggling to stay open. For seconds, I drift in and out of consciousness until I finally see the light blue canopy hanging above, then the bedpost, and the intricate silver swirls on the sheets.I was back in the palace. In my chambers. Sunlight seeped in from the left through the window, warming my skin until it felt like I was back in the Spire, surrounded by fire. Or no—back in the Wreath, with flames growing around us.I struggled to keep my eyes open, sweat rolling down my forehead to soak into the sheets. I moved my left fingers, then my right, before shifting my hand farther away from my body, testing my movement. All of me was intact. The draught was fading from my system, and I could finally breathe properly. I felt alive.Movement to my left caught my attenti
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 31; Patrol
ARWYNRoasted meet and baked treats fill my nosestril as I entered the dining hall. The atmosphere buzzed with muted conversations and the clinking of glasses.I slid into my seat beside Kyle, who gave me a nod of acknowledgement.Kyle leaned in slightly, his voice low. "What did Sora want?""Just the usual theatrics," I replied, picking up my goblet of wine. "Nothing I can't handle."Kyle smirked. "Good to know. She's been on edge lately, especially with the King’s recent decisions."My eyes scanned the table. Jagger was engaged in conversation with Ahvi, whose vibrant pink hair and pink dress was a striking contrast to the dark tone of the skin. Daelan, sitting across from me, offered a small, concerned smile, perhaps still thinking about my earlier condition.Thrystan is missing at the head of the table, his seat empty."Welcome, Embers," a voice boomed from the head of the table. All heads turned to the source—King Gaelan himself, standing with a regal presence. His long, dark ha
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 32; The Kiss
ARWYNSora's eyes widened in surprise, and I felt Thrystan's gaze on me, boring holes through the side of my face. It was intense, almost palpable.The room fell into a brief, awkward silence, broken only by the soft clinking of cutlery and the distant murmur of servants as well as Jagger stifling a laugh in Sora's direction. Thrystan finally spoke, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of tension. "Mingling with the people is part of our duty, Sora. We are here to serve, not to isolate ourselves."Sora's face flushed, but she held her ground, her expression a mixture of defiance and embarrassment. "Of course, Thrystan," she replied, her voice tight. "I merely meant that it can be...unpleasant.""Unpleasant or not," Thrystan continued, his eyes never leaving mine, "it is necessary. We cannot turn our backs on our people, especially in times of need."Ahvi, trying to lighten the mood, raised her goblet. "To mingling, then! And to doing our duty with grace and courage." She smiled
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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
