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
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
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
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
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
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
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