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Chapter 15
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2021-01-13 05:09:11That night we tried a decanter of scarlet liquid, thin in viscosity with little chunks of what looked like fruit inside. As I inhaled the scent pouring from the decanter, I noted strawberries, cherries, and other fruits I had no name for.
I looked over the symbols carved onto the bottom of each decanter. Some were small stars with five points, the ones I was warned about, others had large eight-pointed stars, while one decanter in particular had a crescent moon. I couldn't help but wonder what effects the decanter with a crescent moon held. The liquid in was midnight black, but was ripe with hues of indigo and purple, with little silver flecks dancing around. The bottom of this particular decanter had an eight-pointed star.
Helena had been true to her word, bringing the scarlet liquid to her lips, her eyes bright with anxiety and bravery. For a moment, Helena looked around confused, until her gaze landed on Camille and I. Her eyes widened; her l
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Yesterday we had let Helena choose one of the decanters, and today Camille wanted a turn. I had warned them both about the decanters marked with a small star, and was pleased that they took my word seriously.I had scanned the bottom of each bottle, noting how they either had a small star, or a large eight-pointed star carved onto the bottom. Only one bottle had the carving of a crescent moon, and I was growing more and more curious of its effects. The nameless waiter hadn't said anything about the bottle with the crescent moon, and I could no longer stifle my curiosity. Once we arrived at the Iridescence Pack, I would no longer have the opportunity to try it. The decanter with the crescent moon held a liquid the shade of night, though the color was anything but flat. Inky black mixed with deep shades of indigo, plum, and silver. Tomorrow would be my turn to choose, and I wanted to try the decanter with the crescent moon.Camille chose a pleasant beig
Last Updated : 2021-01-14Iridian   Chapter 17
Gentle wind whipped around me in waves, lashing against my bare skin with its cool caress. Where the wind chilled me, the sun provided warmth. Plump clouds hung in the sky, round like cotton though none dared to drift in front of the sun.I looked down at the outfit I wore, running my fingers over the thin yet sinfully soft material. A white shirt, and lavender pants. The events of the last few days rushed over me, the wind growing colder against my skin as I realized this was all a dream, a production of the magic infused liquid I had drank.I had gotten my invitation to Iridian, and was on my way to the Iridescence Pack. Helena and Camille flitted through my mind like a distant memory, though I know I had seen them merely hours ago. I remembered the midnight liquid in the decanter, the crescent moon etched onto the bottom. I remembered the explosion of flavor, both foreign and familiar, as the liquid touched my lips. I remembered falling into bed, m
Last Updated : 2021-01-15Iridian   Chapter 18
I wish I could've said I woke up before I plummeted to my death, but I didn't. I remained awake--if you could call it that, the entire horrific free fall.I fell through the air, gravity pulling me down without mercy. Stars danced around my eyes as I flipped, my eyes widening as I watched the vast ocean grow closer and closer. Fear and nausea swirled in my gut, my entire body tingling with that 'free-fall' feeling, the one where your stomach jumps and lodges itself somewhere it shouldn't be. The feeling you get on a roller coaster when you're speeding down a steep slope, the point where everyone puts their hands in the air and screams.I've always hated roller coasters, couldn't stand the way they twisted your stomach into knots, or the way the wind battered you senseless. I would have traded this for a million roller coaster rides.I wanted to scream, but the wind ripped the sound from my lungs. My mouth hung open; my eyes wide as
Last Updated : 2021-01-15Iridian   Chapter 19
Apollo led the five of us out of the train station. The parking lot was nearly empty, only a handful of cars were scattered about. Four bulky looking black vehicles were parked against the curb, right outside the entrance. They were large enough to fit the five of us, plus a driver and passenger.A cold breeze brushed against my skin, coaxing a shiver from me. The thin material of the outfit they provided did little to protect us against the afternoon wind. The sky had turned a deep shade of indigo as the sun hid behind the treetops.I had to catch my breath as I looked at the world around us. It was clear we were in a rather small town; the buildings were faded and the signs cracked. It wasn't the buildings or town that had my mouth dropping, but the view around us. As far as I could see, a dense forest surrounded us. The trees were thicker than I had ever seen, the leaves bright and healthy. Off in the distance I caught sight of a cluster of mountains, ja
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A million questions ran through my mind, all regarding my Grandpa's old photograph. He would have told me if he'd been to Iridian before, I was sure of that much. Mom had warned me about Iridian as if she had first-hand knowledge, but I couldn't imagine my Mom going to Iridian and taking that picture. Cameras weren't even allowed during Iridian, which only made me more frustrated and curious. There was no way my Grandpa or Mom had come from the Iridescence Pack. The thought made my stomach roll with unease. They couldn't have lied to me, they wouldn't have. Yet, somehow that photograph made its way into my Grandpa's box.I followed Camille and Helena up the stairs and through the large front doors, gaping at the room around us. The foyer, as most wealthy people called it, was basically a large empty room. Crystal chandeliers etched in gold hung from the arched ceiling, thick Persian rugs covered the floor like a long red carpet. Thick maroon curtains were draped o
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I shifted into my human form, vastly aware that I stood bare in front of the old woman. I began to come forward, to help the woman to her feet, but she elevated a hand and halted me. My underdressed state was the least of my worries as I faced the woman who had somehow survived against the bobcat's attack. My heart hammered roughly, fear still singing in my veins. The animal could have easily killed me as well, and I had acted without any caution. While I had always been a risk taker, this was entirely new. I wondered what Aidan would say, and knew he would wring me dry for blindly putting myself in danger. Regardless, I couldn't bring myself to regret my hasty, thoughtless action. "Its bite was poisonous?" I frowned, a sickening feeling swirling in my gut
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The majority of the contestants had already gone to their rooms; I assumed, as only a few remained in the common area. Abel, two other men, and the plump woman Alice sat in the common room. Each had a place on the plush, velvet sectional. A crackling fire roared in the fire place. The four of them were having a quiet conversation, hearty laughter spewed from that side of the room. I noticed the crystal glasses in each of their hands, wondering if it were alcohol or a potion they were drinking. Abel's dark eyes met my own, the touch of a smile playing on his full lips. He gave me a brief nod before turning back to the man with salt and pepper hair, who laughed at something Alice had said.Something about Abel didn't sit right with me. Whether it be the confident swagger he always held, or the constant look of amusement on his face. I carefully returned his nod with one of my own before following Camille and Helena up the large, winding staircase. Our footsteps echoed into the
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Judging from the lack of sunlight streaming through the rippling folds of the scarlet curtains, I had awoken before the sun began to rise. As soon as my eyes fluttered open, my heartrate increased. Thoughts and wild expectations of what the day would hold raced through my mind. Those who played Iridian in the past had never given more than a few details. No one, other than those who have played, knew what the Iridescent Pack held.I hadn't a clue what to expect, but after my encounter in the forest last night, I knew nothing was off the table. As if to remind myself it happened, I dug through the pocket of the shorts I wore and fished out the obsidian marble. I could see a tiny version of my face reflected in its smooth surface, my bright eyes wide and my glossy hair a flaming shade of orange. I looked frazzled and nervous, tired yet awake. I also reached up and grazed the cold stone of the necklace I wore,
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I stumbled over my words, forcing them into the space between us where they hovered like a noxious gas. âWhatâwhat do you mean? I killed NadiaâŚI donâtââ 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 Goddessâs touch held that same level of comfort. She smiled sadly, but it was an expression of pure love and understanding. âDo not punish yourself, daughter. What was left of Nadiaâs 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 arenât allowed to meet our creations, but this situationâŚit is unique. Iâm afraid I cannot tell you much, but there is one who can.â Jumping at the chance to get some answers, to preserve the peace Dain and the warriors fought so hard for, I asked, âWho? Who can?â âIt is time to awaken, daughter. Itâs in the world of the living where youâll 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 Iâd won the game between us.When I came up empty handed, I stammered, âI did?âDain nodded, staring down at me with hooded eyes. âYou did.ââHow? When?ââAs for how, thatâs the part where I cheated, Iâm afraid. I didnât admit out loud what I felt for you, but I felt it nonetheless.â He admitted, a sheepish tilt to his lips. âI realized I loved you the moment those doors opened, and you appeared at the top of the steps. Iâm not sure Iâll ever forget the way you looked in that gown, which Iâll have to thank Adley for when she returns. You couldâve been an assassin here to put a dagger in my heart and I wouldâve gladly let you.âThere 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 â Part OneIn every book, in every movie where a great battle is fought and won, they never show what happens after.Iâm not talking about the following weeks or months, but hours and days. Iâm 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 knowâor worse, someone you killed. When all thatâs left is this numbing sense of disbelief that tries to trick you into thinking this new reality isnât realâthat itâs all some pitiful hope conjured up by a dying, fear-riddled mind.According to Dain, itâs 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 weâd create. When I asked this question, my mate wasnât the only one with an opinion. In Apolloâs not so humble words, itâs a time to get absolutely plastered and to celebrat
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The elongated claws tipped with old blood were hers. I couldnât 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.âThat puddleâs not nearly big enough for what sheâs trying to doâŚâ Rayna pointed out, her voice just as sickly as I knew my own would be.Both of Nadiaâs 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 Iâd seen, her smile had been coy and playful, with the same softness as a flowerâs 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.âItâs showtime.â 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 wasnât the graceful landing Iâd 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 didnât wait for the dust to settle. The moment I felt solid stone beneath my feet, I took off running.Nadiaâs snarl was one of surprise and outrage, strong enough that it made the castle tremble. I didnât repress my grin or the laughter I spewed into the air, knowing both would entice her to followâto 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 wasnât 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 Nadiaâs face, I silently thanked Aidan for teaching me all those years ago. I had hated every second of his baseball phase, but heâd been so passionate about becoming a professional athlete and whisking us away that I couldnât 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 didnât dare exhale. Instead, I held my breath and watched as the corridors around me shifted. Walls slid left and right, forming new pathways that hadnât existed before. Many changed angles, creating sharp turns that you couldnât see coming until it was too late.Some of the windows began to close, melting away as though theyâd 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 wasnât a sentient being, every brick and inch of tiled floor was alive with Dainâs magic. I could feel itâs alluring touch within everything I altered and couldnât 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
âMy sisters, are they safe?â 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, itâs metal an impenetrable black that shimmered with blood, was raised and ready for use.âIs anyone truly safe?â 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. âTheyâre hidden away. The fight wonât reach them.âHis shoulders slumped as much as they could with the defensive stance he held, and a sigh of relief escaped his lips.âThank the Goddess. Even though Iâd see them when I got back, Iâm not sure Iâd be able to handle it if they were dead.âHe didnât 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 Iâd been told I could. It was what he wouldâve 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 momentâs 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.Iâd 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 wasnât actually real was enough to smother any fear I mightâve felt. As I scrambled to get away from the
