Share
Chapter 25; An Outlaw
Related chapters
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
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 33; Furnace Of Fire
ARWYNAs I made my way down the corridor, I couldn't shake the feeling of Thrystan's gaze lingering on me, even after I'd closed the door behind me. My heart was a tangled mess, caught between the past and the present, between Kale's memory and Thrystan's undeniable presence.Reaching my chambers, I pushed open the door, eager to find solace in the familiar space. But as I stepped inside, the sight that met my eyes stopped me dead in my tracks.A figure stood in the shadows, cloaked in darkness. The glint of a blade caught the flickering candlelight, and my breath hitched as the intruder stepped forward, pressing the cold metal to my throat."Don't move," a voice hissed, low and menacing. My pulse quickened, and I swallowed hard, trying to remain calm despite the sharp edge biting into my skin.He picks up a candle from my dresser, bringing it closer to his face. The flickering light reveals Marlon, one of Pete's goons. I glance around, not spotting his usual companion, Garmond, which
Latest chapter
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 69; Gone with the wind [ Last Chapter ]
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 68; Secrets and Denial
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 67; The Ghost
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 66; Treason
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 65; Winter Is Here
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 64; The Spring
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 63; Wildbane
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 62; Feeble Denial
Hearts and Ashes Chaptee 61; Treason, even in Jest
