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Chapter 9; Death-Roll
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Hearts and Ashes Chapter 10; A Dragon's Coil
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
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 11; A First Ember
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
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 12; Trouble At Night
ARWYNLeigh's frantic energy filled the cramped space as we stumbled into the house, her agitated movements sending her hairband flying onto the worn wooden table."What's going on?" she demanded, her eyes searching mine for answers as I moved to close all the windows, enveloping us in a cocoon of secrecy.I paused, grappling with the weight of my confession, knowing that it could spell trouble for all of us. "It's the man from the store," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "H-He's not just any Wreath boy. He's the Prince."Leigh's eyes widened in horror, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. "Oh no," she breathed, her voice trembling with fear. "Please tell me he doesn't know about you being a healer. Otherwise, why else would you be in such a panic?"My heart sank as I nodded, unable to meet her gaze. "He knows. Pete... Pete pulled me from the heist and put me in the Wreath's infirmary. I used my powers in front of him"Leigh recoiled as if struck, her frust
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 13; Breakfast With the Embers
ARWYNI spent the entire night tossing and turning on the expansive queen-sized bed, a luxury I hadn't experienced in years. The room was a haven of opulence, filled with every conceivable comfort within arm's reach.As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the ornate curtains, I rolled to the edge of the bed, greeted by the sight of two doves playfully chirping outside my window. Their carefree antics stirred a longing within me, a desire to escape this gilded cage and return to the familiar chaos of Wyrm.Thoughts of Pete and the looming consequences of my absence plagued my mind. What would he think when I failed to show up for work? Would he assume I'd abandoned him, leaving Leigh and Lilith vulnerable to his wrath? The uncertainty gnawed at me.My reverie was abruptly interrupted by the creak of the door as a maid entered, her youthful smile lighting up the room. She couldn't have been much older than me, her light brown hair pulled back in a tidy bun as she greeted me with
Hearts and Ashes Chapter 14; Fiery Chaos
ARWYNRivulets of sweat trickled down my forehead, painting a glistening trail against my skin under the relentless assault of the scorching sun. Today, its rays seemed particularly merciless, intent on turning me into a walking fountain of perspiration. With a frustrated sigh, I attempted to corral my unruly locks into a semblance of order, only for them to rebelliously spring free from my makeshift bun, framing my face in a tangle of damp tendrils.Grasping a handful of water from a nearby bucket, I hurled it onto the sun-baked ground in a futile attempt to quench the thirst of the parched earth. Surveying the bustling training square, I observed my fellow Embers engaged in a variety of activities, from rigorous drills to lighthearted banter. The square seemed to pulse with energy, "Ever tried the punching pole? It's great for blowing off steam," a voice called out from behind me.Turning, I found myself face to face with Daelan, the same blond boy who had offered me guidance at bre
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
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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
