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 obeyed her sister, closing the window and joining us.
"Is Arwyn going to do magic?" Lilith's hands fluttered in silent conversation.
"Want to see?" I grinned, and she nodded eagerly.
"Do it quickly before someone sees you, or you'll be in trouble," Leigh warned, her forehead creased with concern. She could be motherly, but she had been looking after us for a long time.
"Is Arwyn leaving?" Lilith gestured.
"Never, Goldy," I assured her, wiggling my hand in the water until it turned blue. Lilith stared in awe, even though she had seen this many times before.
After letting enough of myself merge with the water, I pulled my hand out and pressed it to my side, where the cut was. I cursed as I felt a slight sting.
Leigh squeezed Lilith's hand. "You'll get into trouble if you keep dealing with Pete," she warned, watching as a mysterious light emanated from my side. I withdrew my hand, and the cut had disappeared, as if it had never happened.
"Pete pays well. It's how we survive," I said, dumping the water from the bowl onto the street.
"We could do better. I make good tips at the Glory Rivet. We don't need to resort to dirty work for meals."
"You'll never get it, will you?" I said, frustrated.
"What don't I get, Arwyn? You risk yourself, Lilith, and me for a thrill. It's childish," Leigh said, getting up and heading to the kitchen. "Want some meatpies?
"I'm not hungry," I sulked. Lilith, caught between us, yawned.
It's always like this—me, the supposed villain, and Leigh, the saint. It's as if I'm always trying to make her happy, but nothing is ever enough. Sure, working with Pete is risky, but it's all I have. She thrives at the Glory Rivet, but I wouldn't fit in there even if I tried.
Footsteps echo in the hallway, signaling Leigh's presence, but I refuse to turn around.
I carry Lilith into bed tucking her in, I pull the worn blankie up to her neck. Her lashes flutter softly against her cheek.
"Look, I know you have your reasons, but can't we find some middle ground?" Leigh implored. Stepping out of the room, I closed the door slowly to avoid any creaks, then turned to face Leigh's expression of hopelessness. "I'm just trying to keep you safe."
"You don't have to do that. I'm not Lilith or twelve years old!" I snapped.
"No, you're not. But ever since I found you, I've felt responsible for you."
I rolled my eyes, perching on the brick windowsill and gazing into the night sky. She spoke as if she were years older than me. Leigh was only a year my senior, and she didn't find me—I found her.
I was on a job for Pete at Noor Settlement, fetching an ancient mage's book. Pete was a deadly Diremage—just a touch from him could be fatal. I've seen him play a man like a puppet before leaving him off to die in the gutter in blistering cold so I knew crossing Pete meant trouble, and it's also one of the reasons he's wanted by the king. He's a Blessed, like me.
After stealing the book, I was chased by soldiers. Dressed in black, I ran into Leigh, carrying Lilith, who the soldiers mistook for a Blessed. But she wasn't one. Her parents were ordinary.
I couldn't leave them, so I brought them to my small apartment here in Wyrm. Kale, their adoptive brother, was away training, but when he found out, he joined us. Wyrm became our home.
"I'm fine, Leigh. I make my own choices, and I'll deal with the consequences," I assured her.
A quiet settles over the room, while tears stream down Leigh's cheeks. She delicately wipes them away. "You don't get it. I've seen Blesseds forced into the Embers. I can't bear the thought of losing you."
"No one's taking me anywhere. I'm good at avoiding trouble," I joke, and Leigh manages a strained smile. She moves to the window, standing beside me. "Kale's back in Ketel, training."
Her mention of Kale makes me wonder. "Why tell me about Kale? I didn't ask."
"He's determined to become a soldier," she explains. "And they'll send him to the Iorwerth soon. That damned place"
The Iorwerth is a forbidden place in Vakythia, avoided by everyone. Hideous monsters lurk there, like nightmares come to life.
There are rumors of ghostly figures seen near the forest's edge, ready to attack. Farmers from Ketel say these specters have been spotted in the countryside, causing tragedy, but the truth is uncertain.
"Why is he suddenly so determined?" I ask.
"He thinks being a warrior is the only way to protect his loved ones."
Curious, I lean closer. "When will he be back?"
Leigh gives me a sharp look. "In two weeks," she says, the weight of her words hanging in the air.
Leigh's smile lit up the room. "And his share of meals," she added.
"Speaking of meals..." I dashed to the kitchen. The plate of meat pies still looked tempting, so I grabbed one and glanced at Leigh.
"I thought you weren't hungry."
"You know better than to believe that," I chuckled, taking a succulent bite and releasing a satisfied moan. The meat pies from Barley Bakery reigned supreme. Nothing, not even Leigh's sweet donuts, could compare.
Leigh, ever perceptive, wrinkled her nose. "What I do know is that you smell like a rat. A bath is long overdue." She tossed a cloth my way, and though I fought the urge to roll my eyes, she was right. The scent of my frantic running lingered. Tonight had been a cascade of failures, and I pleaded Heavens, Pete wouldn't unleash his wrath of silence on me once more.
Leigh settled onto the rugged brown rug at the heart of the apartment, cradling a meat pie. "Take a bath. We wouldn't want anyone thinking we dragged in a mole."
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
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
ARWYNDespite Leigh's stern warnings, I couldn't resist the allure of the Wreath. As much as I despised the place and everything it stood for.Pete had a talent for turning violence into profit, drawing crowds eager to witness the spectacle of men grappling and trading blows, each fighting to assert their dominance.But the Wreath was more than just a venue for testosterone-fueled brawls. It was a vibrant hub of desires and aspirations, where both men and women sought entertainment, excitement, and sometimes, something deeper.Women adorned the stands alongside men. Some came for the sheer thrill of the spectacle, while others were dragged along by eager partners. And then there were those who lingered in the shadows, their intentions less noble, seeking pleasure and profit in equal measure.It was a world of excess and indulgence, where the wealthy flaunted their riches and the desperate sought their fortunes in the sweat and blood of the fighters. And amidst it all, Pete reigned supr
THRYSTANI struggled to maintain focus during breakfast the next morning, my mind consumed by the mysterious girl I encountered at the Wreath. The one who deftly pilfered Nerys' dagger right under my nose. Was it a calculated move on her part, or simply a spur-of-the-moment decision when she stumbled into my arms?Initially, I mistook her for one of the typical women who frequented the Wreath, seeking attention and affection from anyone willing to provide it. But there was something different about her—an air of cunning that set her apart from the rest. She wasn't here for idle flattery; she had a plan, and she executed it flawlessly.The image of her petite frame pressed against mine, ocean blue eyes, her mischievous grin hinting at secrets yet to be revealed, lingered in my thoughts."It's quite the spectacle to have you join us for breakfast, but perhaps you could acknowledge our existence," Daelan's whispered remark jolted me from my reverie.I looked up from my plate of shrimp and
THRYSTAN Elaria's laughter echoed through the drawing room, a mocking counterpoint to my rising frustration.She knew all too well the bitter history between Sora and me, how the letters I found in her drawer to a lover in Quasar broke me and her departure to Quasar had coincided with the unraveling of our once-close bond. Despite my pleas, she had left, leaving behind a trail of betrayal that still stung."Mother, I don't think that's wise," I interjected, my tone edged with thinly veiled discomfort.A fleeting sadness flickered across Mother's face, quickly masked by her serene facade. "Ah, I see. My apologies for assuming otherwise."But Mother's apology offered little solace as she revealed her involvement in the unfolding drama. My frown deepen as she disclosed her unwitting invitation to Sora and her parents, a decision made in ignorance of the rift between us.Elaria's laughter bubbled forth anew, grating on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. I struggled to contain the risi
THRYSTANAs I entered the Infirmary, the scent of anticeoptic and herbs hit me like a wave, momentarily overwhelming my senses. My eyes scanned the room, searching for her amidst the rows of neatly arranged beds and bustling healers.There she was, standing near the far wall, her back turned to me as she spoke quietly to one of the attendants. Without a second thought, I closed the distance between us, my steps purposeful and determined."Arwyn?," I called out, my voice a low, urgent whisper that cut through the sterile air.Startled, she turned to face me, her eyes widening in surprise as she registered my presence. Probably remembering my face from last night. Before she could react, I closed the gap between us, my hand shooting out to grasp her wrist and pin her against the wall."What do you think you are you doing?" she protested, her voice a mixture of shock, confusion and guilt. It's more of the guilt plastered on her face for stealing my dagger and it made me smirk internally.
ARWYNLeigh's gaze lingers on the gleaming dagger as I tuck it into my belt, her sapphire eyes betraying her thoughts before she even voices them."I'm guessing a generous merchant didn't just hand that to you," she remarks, adjusting her brown satchel bag across her chest."No, it wasn't a gift," I reply with a smile. "I acquired it."Leigh's expression darkens into a frown. "Arwyn! You're asking for trouble if you go around pilfering from wealthy merchants."Lilith snatches the last slice of bread from the table and nibbles on it, her gaze darting between me and Leigh, eager to witness another spirited exchange between us."He wasn't exactly a merchant," I confess with a sheepish grin. "And he's hardly the type to organize a pursuit over a lost trinket."Leigh raises an eyebrow. "So, you fancy this man then?""What?" I sputter in disbelief at the suggestion. "Fancy him? I don't even know him.""Come off it. It's been four nights since you acquired that dagger, and the first evening y
THRYSTANI'm puzzled. Why did she flee like that? Standing amidst the bustling crowd, her brown locks vanish before my eyes. With determination, I dash after her into the labyrinth of streets, but she moves like a shadow, slipping through alleys with familiarity. She knows these streets better than I; she's vanished without a trace.Returning to the dress shop hoping to find her sister, I'm met with an empty storefront. They've both disappeared, leaving me dumbfounded. I can't believe I've lost her once again. Desperate, I resort to bribery, coaxing Clover into helping me track her down. It feels invasive, but Elaria's warning echoes in my mind, urging me to steer clear of the Wreath and avoid arousing suspicion from Father.Three days pass in anticipation. I needed to see her again, but without venturing into the perilous depths of the Wreath, stalking becomes my only recourse.Two guards snap to attention as I approach, their salute crisp and formal. "The brigands are being transport