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Chapter 129
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2022-02-08 13:30:16All throughout dinner I looked for signs of fatigue in Dain. Healing Adley had nearly killed me, though I was wounded to begin with. He looked better than alright. Smirking and grinning as though the Russo’s hadn’t made a serious move just hours ago.
“You don’t have any clue what they were looking for, do you?” I asked Adley a few hours after finishing dinner, back in the safety of my suite.
My stomach was stuffed, mostly from the flaky pastries Dain kept pushing my way, insisting I try his childhood favorites. Somehow I wasn’t surprised to learn that he was a picky eater as a child. His eyes narrowed playfully when I told him it was fitting.
I was curled up on my side of the bed, watching as Adley rummaged through her suitcase. Skirts and lacey underwear slid across the floor as she tossed them behind her, digging through the little zippered compartment in the back.
“If I had to guess, they were probably looking
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Iridian Chapter 130
Since I had spent the day draining every ounce of my energy both mentally and physically, I was more than ready to curl up in bed. Seconds after my head hit the silken pillowcase I was out cold, but it wasn’t darkness I had slipped into.Colors flashed behind my eyes, like the world was being shaken up while I stood still. It stopped abruptly, but my head was spinning as it fought to catch up. The more I blinked, the clearer things became. Colors took form, morphing into different shapes and textures.I knew this was a dream from the strange floating feeling that encompassed my body, like a tether was keeping me grounded.One glance was all it took to realize I was standing in the living room of my house, right in front of the chipped coffee table we had since before Zack was born. There were still circular spots of coffee dried onto the table from where dad would bump into the rickety thing.I leaned down to touch mine and Aidan’s name, which
Last Updated : 2022-02-08Iridian Chapter 131
My eyes snapped open, and a rush of adrenaline laced panic overtook me. The bedroom was bathed in moonlight but was also flat and void of any color. It no longer felt real.The colors and sounds were all in my head, all overlapping one another as my panic grew. I hadn’t realized I was screaming, or that I was thrashing in bed, tangled in the blankets.All I could hear was my mom. You’ll never win against my Rachel, never. Over and over it played in my head, overlapping Aidan’s warning and that voice…I couldn’t begin to process that otherworldly voice, not while the image of my dad and little brother still burned itself into my memory. The smell of tears and burning flesh stung my nose, but only the first one was real.“Ah!” Adley shrieked, and my mind snapped to the present as I felt her tumble off the bed. My scream cut off at that moment, sending the room into silence. The thud of her body hitting the
Last Updated : 2022-02-12Iridian Chapter 132
I counted down the hours until the solstice, and when that didn’t help I counted the minutes and seconds.Training was both my saving grace and the bane of my existence since Apollo and Helios seemed to be under direct order to keep me distracted until it was time to attend the party.While I was tired of being pulled back and forth, it did keep me from thinking about how terrified I felt. Considering my family survived the trip and all of us survived this solstice party, there would be one hell of a reckoning for me to face. In all my years, I never thought I’d make my mom this mad.Dad would be disappointed, that’s for sure. He’d purse his lips, shake his head, and then leave me to stew in my thoughts. His method worked on Zack, who would spend the afternoon sulking. I used it as an escape, which mom knew all too well.She was the one I wanted to avoid, the one who would corner me and demand answers to questions I’
Last Updated : 2022-02-18Iridian Chapter 133
“If blue balls were a thing, I’d so feel sorry for the guy.” Adley’s look dripped with sympathy—and pity, both emotions Dain would’ve appreciated.He left the two of us to our own devices, which didn’t last long when we realized how much help we’d need getting into these outfits. Luckily, Leslie was always on standby.I slipped the scrap of silky black fabric over my head, slowing as I pulled my arms through the delicate straps. Leslie moved to the front of me and held the dress so my make-up wouldn’t stain the material, then darted over to help Adley.The deep v in the front made it impossible to wear a bra, but the soft material was surprisingly strong and held up my breasts without a problem. Moving felt a bit awkward though, like one would pop out given the chance.“I’m noticing a theme here…” I said, smoothing out the front of my dress.Leslie dashed over to my side
Last Updated : 2022-02-19Iridian Chapter 134
The anteroom as Alexandria Russo called it, was just a big empty room with minimal furniture and decoration. We followed the siblings through an arched doorway, down a hall that opened into a small room.This one was unfurnished as well, but the moment I looked up, I understood why. The room itself was a work of art, all culminating to the mural on the arched ceiling. Rectangular with polished marble floors and pillars that lined the walls every five or so feet, the pale blue walls were blemish free and quickly changed into the colors of the sea as it reached twenty feet high.Churning waves were painted across the sloped ceiling, crashing against the rocky shore of an island. Lush vegetation covered everything, and even crawled up the sides of a castle painted far off in the distance. A big, round sun hung in the sky, making the different shades of green glow. The longer I looked, the more I could smell the tang of salt in the air.Against the far wall, at the
Last Updated : 2022-02-22Iridian Chapter 135
The roar of the crowd was deafening, as was the blast that split the air. Instantly the music ratcheted up in volume, and most began to dance.Something dark and twinkling began to rain down on all of us, like tufts of obsidian snow. Before I could stop myself, my eyes were pulled away from the Russo’s. My jaw went a little slack, and I immediately scolded myself for not looking up when we had first stepped through.The ceiling was domed and made entirely of glass. The blues and purples of the night sky bled together like a watercolor painting, but the stars remained bright. Attached to the metal frame that held the clear panels were cages—actual cages, suspended on thick chains. They hung at various heights, and more than one was occupied.From what I could see, the people in the cages were women—naked women. They ran their hands over their body as they thrashed and twirled to the music, all in their cages fifty feet above the ground. That was
Last Updated : 2022-02-22Iridian Chapter 136
‘I’m on the dance floor…you led me there—well, whatever was wearing your face did.’‘Stay exactly where you are, Rachel. I’m going to find you.’ The gritty promise in his voice would’ve flooded me with relief, but I could feel the air beginning to thicken again.I shook my head, forgetting he couldn’t see it. There were too many people, all dancing and writhing as they bumped into me. Eyes too glazed to even tell I’d been standing there, let alone wonder why I was the only one not dancing. When my thoughts began to fumble and slow, panic set in.‘I can’t stay here, Dain. There’s something—there’s something wrong with the dance floor. It’s messing with my head; I have to get off.’ I said in a rush, shoving past a couple that looked on the verge of having sex as they danced.The moment I stepped off the dance floor, I could breathe
Last Updated : 2022-02-23Iridian Chapter 137
‘Dain, I’m with the real Apollo…I made sure of it.’‘This must be a potion of some type—but then how are they vanishing so quickly? It’s rare to have a skill like that…’ His inner voice was thoughtful, and not at all concerned that the person he was with wasn’t a friend. ‘…you said something about old magic?’‘Apollo asked me if you’ve felt any. Have you? What does it even feel like?’ I asked.‘You’ve felt it before, darling. Castle Mist is full of old magic. As for this place, I haven’t felt any.’I thought back to my time in the castle, shimmering under the sun like a beacon for the entire kingdom. I had learned so much while also facing death a handful of times.Abel had succumbed to the White Bull’s melody within those very halls, and the truth about Camille had been revealed. Every brick held magic so wild that anyon
Last Updated : 2022-02-23
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Iridian Epilogue Pt. 3
I stumbled over my words, forcing them into the space between us where they hovered like a noxious gas. “What—what do you mean? I killed Nadia…I don’t—” The Moon Goddess cut my rambling short by placing the palm of her hand against my cheek. It was something my mom had done whenever I was upset as a child, and somehow the Moon Goddess’s touch held that same level of comfort. She smiled sadly, but it was an expression of pure love and understanding. “Do not punish yourself, daughter. What was left of Nadia’s essence has returned home and rejoined that of her wolf, but her death does not mean Evil is gone from the world. Us celestial beings aren’t allowed to meet our creations, but this situation…it is unique. I’m afraid I cannot tell you much, but there is one who can.” Jumping at the chance to get some answers, to preserve the peace Dain and the warriors fought so hard for, I asked, “Who? Who can?” “It is time to awaken, daughter. It’s in the world of the living where you’ll find
Iridian Epilogue Pt. 2
All I could do was stand there and gape at him. Honesty shone in his eyes like newborn stars, but all it did was leave me confused. I replayed the last twenty-four hours in my head, searching for the moment where I’d won the game between us.When I came up empty handed, I stammered, “I did?”Dain nodded, staring down at me with hooded eyes. “You did.”“How? When?”“As for how, that’s the part where I cheated, I’m afraid. I didn’t admit out loud what I felt for you, but I felt it nonetheless.” He admitted, a sheepish tilt to his lips. “I realized I loved you the moment those doors opened, and you appeared at the top of the steps. I’m not sure I’ll ever forget the way you looked in that gown, which I’ll have to thank Adley for when she returns. You could’ve been an assassin here to put a dagger in my heart and I would’ve gladly let you.”There was an explosion of butterflies in my chest, their wings beating so frantically that the sound of my heartbeat was drowned out.Leaning into Dain
Iridian Epilogue Pt.1
Epilogue – Part OneIn every book, in every movie where a great battle is fought and won, they never show what happens after.I’m not talking about the following weeks or months, but hours and days. I’m talking about when the dust has yet to settle and the ghosts of the dead still linger in the walls, when every gust of wind or insignificant sound sends you freefalling through time. When every shadow bares the face of someone you know—or worse, someone you killed. When all that’s left is this numbing sense of disbelief that tries to trick you into thinking this new reality isn’t real—that it’s all some pitiful hope conjured up by a dying, fear-riddled mind.According to Dain, it’s a time to mourn what was lost while holding those we love near, a chance to silence the ghosts that haunt us by thinking of the future we’d create. When I asked this question, my mate wasn’t the only one with an opinion. In Apollo’s not so humble words, it’s a time to get absolutely plastered and to celebrat
Iridian Chapter 213
The elongated claws tipped with old blood were hers. I couldn’t forget the sight of her gnarled fingers, which had once been slender and elegant, even if I tried.With a loud smack, she flattened her palm against the stone floor. A second arm shot out of the water, followed by another wet smack.‘That puddle’s not nearly big enough for what she’s trying to do…’ Rayna pointed out, her voice just as sickly as I knew my own would be.Both of Nadia’s arms were bent at odd angles as they rose from the water, but that was the least disturbing thing I witnessed as this day began to quickly unfold. Next to appear were her eyes, the whites much too large to be considered normal, followed by the jagged slash that was her smile. In the memories I’d seen, her smile had been coy and playful, with the same softness as a flower’s petals. This one was of malice and envy, both deeply disturbing and in dire need of some chapstick.Her shoulders rose from the water at the same time but were bent awkward
Iridian Chapter 212
It took everything within me not to flinch at the sound of her voice and how close it truly was to my ear. Only when I felt her icy talons meet my skin did I act.‘It’s showtime.’ Rayna murmured, lending me all of her strength as I willed the floor to crumble beneath my feet.Together, my wolf and I fell.Since I was prepared for the impact, it was easy to call on my magic to lessen the blow. Warm air rushed beneath my gown and outstretched arms, acting as a safety net that slowed my fall and kept me from toppling over. It wasn’t the graceful landing I’d been trying for since Nadia was doing something to block our magic, but it kept me from breaking both my ankles on the way down.I didn’t wait for the dust to settle. The moment I felt solid stone beneath my feet, I took off running.Nadia’s snarl was one of surprise and outrage, strong enough that it made the castle tremble. I didn’t repress my grin or the laughter I spewed into the air, knowing both would entice her to follow—to con
Iridian Chapter 211
Nadia launched herself at me, and as she did so, her hair and dress billowed out at her sides. The movement was slow and lazy, almost like she was submerged in water and not hovering a solid three feet in the air. Even though her form was translucent, and she seemed to be neither here nor there, I had a sickening feeling she could still do significant damage if I let her reach me.Instinct took over, and for once in my life, it wasn’t telling me to run.I launched the orb in my hand like it were a baseball, and watched as it spiraled through the air, a small halo of light surrounding it. When it hit its mark, square in the center of Nadia’s face, I silently thanked Aidan for teaching me all those years ago. I had hated every second of his baseball phase, but he’d been so passionate about becoming a professional athlete and whisking us away that I couldn’t resist helping him practice. After a dozen scraped knees, a handful of bruises, and one broken arm, we both called it quits.The in
Iridian Chapter 210
For the longest time all I could hear was the sound of stone grinding against stone.There was a painful burn in my lungs, but I didn’t dare exhale. Instead, I held my breath and watched as the corridors around me shifted. Walls slid left and right, forming new pathways that hadn’t existed before. Many changed angles, creating sharp turns that you couldn’t see coming until it was too late.Some of the windows began to close, melting away as though they’d never been there, while others grew larger. The ones that grew in size turned into arched doorways narrow enough for but one person to slip through.While the castle itself wasn’t a sentient being, every brick and inch of tiled floor was alive with Dain’s magic. I could feel it’s alluring touch within everything I altered and couldn’t help but smile at how eager it was to please me. Even the paintings responded to my call, changing forms until each one was exactly the same.The brash strokes of oil paint shimmered as they changed colo
Iridian Chapter 209
“My sisters, are they safe?” Aidan asked, his voice low.Even with a side view of his face, I could see the way it twisted into a concerned grimace. With eyebrows knitted tightly together and jaw clenched, he pivoted his head from left to right, peering down each corridor as we crept through another intersection. The sword he clutched in his hand, it’s metal an impenetrable black that shimmered with blood, was raised and ready for use.“Is anyone truly safe?” I asked, eyeing one of the windows warily. It would be all too easy for Nadia or one of her monsters to slip through now that the hallways were conjoined. “They’re hidden away. The fight won’t reach them.”His shoulders slumped as much as they could with the defensive stance he held, and a sigh of relief escaped his lips.“Thank the Goddess. Even though I’d see them when I got back, I’m not sure I’d be able to handle it if they were dead.”He didn’t have to explain why, not when the answer hovered in the space between us.There w
Iridian Chapter 208
Selfishly, I tried to call on Helios, to summon him to my side like I’d been told I could. It was what he would’ve wanted, it was why we completed the bond in the first place. The issue was that no one told me how to do it.There was a sense of awareness that settled over me, followed by a wave of understanding that told me Helios was very much alive. He was feeling it too, a subtle tug that let him know I was still here. I concentrated on my golden-haired warrior harder, imagining him as a sword sheathed at my side, ready to be used at moment’s notice.I felt that tug turn into a harsh pull, but there was no smile of victory on my face, because the milky-eyed creature at the end of the hall let out a blood-curdling wail and charged.I’d never been afraid of horror movies, not with their make-shift gore and fake blood. The knowledge that the creepy monster on the television screen wasn’t actually real was enough to smother any fear I might’ve felt. As I scrambled to get away from the
