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Chapter 173
Last Updated:
2022-05-20 12:18:17
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Iridian Chapter 174
“We have to tell Dain.” I insisted, gnawing on my lower lip as distrust began to form in Aidan’s eyes. “I’m trusting you not to tell him this, Rachel…not yet, anyway.” He looked away, towards the cliff side and sky. “What are you waiting for then?” I huffed, splaying my hands out on either side of me. Urgency painted my voice, straining it to the point of a whisper. “There is an entire town missing, Aidan. A whole town of people gone without a trace. There’s every chance in the world that this is where they went, that they were lured to another kingdom.” “It’s not just a possibility, it’s reality.” He said bluntly, his expression unapologetic and so very unlike himself that I couldn’t help but scoot back an inch. “That’s where they went, only they weren’t lured. They were offered a better life, one where they didn’t have to hide or abide by any rules.” “They went with her willingly?” I sputtered, my jaw dropping in disbelief. No matter how many times I ran my hands over my face, it
Last Updated : 2022-05-22Iridian Chapter 175
It was both a good and bad thing that Dain and I weren’t fully mated, that he had faked the mark on our necks using his magic.He’d never know what I had planned with Aidan, that the two of us were going to sneak away right under his nose. On the other hand, if we were mated, perhaps he would’ve been able to feel the Bull’s presence as it entered my mind.Perhaps he could’ve helped me fight it.I thought about these things as I laid in bed, waiting for the sun to fully sink and for the splotches of breathtaking color to fade from the sky. When the rich shades of purple and blue darkened to an impenetrable black, I knew it was time.As I slipped into the hall, weaving magic around my shoulders like a protective cloak, I felt the bracelet around my wrist warm as though it wanted to remind me of its presence. As much as I wanted to use it, to save myself the risky trip down the halls, I wasn’t sure if Dain could track its usage.The sound of my breath, even my heartbeat was muffled by th
Last Updated : 2022-05-24Iridian Chapter 176
“You’re sure it’s in this direction?” I narrowed my eyes at Aidan and nudged my head towards the path of lanterns we had completely bypassed. “The last time I was at the lake was during Iridian, and it was practically on the other side of the kingdom.”Together we had crossed the marble bridge and scaled a path that led us further down the mountain Dain’s castle sat on. The second we slipped through the doors, and they closed with a thundering boom, he’d taken the lead.“Part of what I can do is sense magic. I’m good at identifying it and sometimes I can even pick it apart…if I’m strong enough.” He added with a grunt that told me there was more to this story than he was letting on.We came across a pile of jagged rocks from the mountainside crumbling, undoubtedly from one of the numerous times Dain or me had shaken the castle and surrounding earth. Without hesitation, Aidan turned and placed his hands on my hips, hefting me over the stones without any hint of struggle.“You’ve gotten
Last Updated : 2022-05-24Iridian Chapter 177
The sunlight that hit my face had a gentle warmth that chased away the chill of night, and also carried a breeze that was both sweet and earthy.From a grove of trees, the two of us emerged. The air behind us rippled only momentarily before returning to its ordinary state. The longer I stared, the more I realized how advanced Dain’s magic was to have created something so flawless.“How do I do this?” I swallowed, walking around the length of the small body of water, staring down at the little flecks of silver as they swirled deep within.Aidan’s expression was much more relaxed than my own. Coming at a stop beside me he spoke. “Their all connected, each one in each kingdom. All you have to do is take my hand, lead me inside, and follow that connection to where we need to go.”“How will I know how to get there? What if I drown us both—” I began to stammer, my mind conjuring the worst and all without the aid of the White Bull.“You’ll know where to go, Rachel.” His lopsided grin helpe
Last Updated : 2022-05-24Iridian Chapter 178
I knew what happened the moment I saw Zack’s face within the pool of star-flecked water, his eyes wide with fear and pain, his mouth open as he inhaled water instead of air.He had followed us all this way.It had been Zack I heard lingering within the halls of the castle, hiding from Aidan and I even though he shouldn’t have been able to see or hear us nearby.The glimmer of magic that had filled the air, materializing seconds before Aidan and I vanished, had been him as well. Its source was wrapped around his little wrist, the bracelet Dain had gifted my mom.He’d swiped it from her the moment she turned her head, I was sure of it.I gripped the edge of the pool with trembling hands. The moment my fingertips broke through the watery surface, Zack’s head whirled in my direction. His eyes widened even further, as though he could see me gaping in horror.“I—I have to help him.” I stammered, feeling my lips move though every other word seemed able to emerge.Aidan’s hands fell on my sho
Last Updated : 2022-06-09Iridian Chapter 179
‘He knows which side he fights for, Rachel. Won’t you join him? You have no clue the things I can offer you. Join him, Rachel. Join him and I’ll make him your mate…as it always should have been.’The White Bull’s voice slithered into my head, much louder than it had been in the past. I figured it was because of this place, because of the evil that had lingered within the walls for so long.‘Why do you fight? What is the point of it all?’Aidan held up a single hand when the half a dozen guards went to swarm me, forcing them all to halt in their tracks. The fact that they listened to his command made me want to wretch but was meaningless when I saw the mark on his neck. It was milky white in color and raised from his puckered skin like a brand gone horribly wrong. The bruising that surrounded it reminded me of my own skin when the stranger from the alley way had forced himself on me.Without warning and with speed that jolted me from my stupor, Aidan kicked off the ground and charged.
Last Updated : 2022-06-09Iridian Chapter 180
I woke up covered in sweat, ready to write off everything—Iridian, meeting Dain, finding out the truth, killing both Ally and Aidan, absolutely everything as a horrible nightmare, but the pungent scent that clung to my hair and skin, reeking of blood, fire, and burnt flesh, kept me from doing so.There was a part of me that wanted to keep my eyes closed, content to drown in misery, convinced that this was hell.I opened my eyes anyway because that part of mee was an ignorant coward.No matter the agony, no matter the guilt or shame, I knew that this was nothing compared to what it could’ve been, nothing compared to what the White Bull had planned for this world. There had been so much death already, but there would be so much more if I chose to drown in my grief.The first face I saw was Dain’s, but all too quickly I slid back into unconsciousness that lasted for what felt like seconds but had to have been hours. When my eyes opened a second time night had vanished, replaced by sunlig
Last Updated : 2022-06-13Iridian Chapter 181
Instantly, I understood.“I’m nothing if not traditional.” Dain murmured, rubbing the back of his neck as he sank onto one knee. His throat worked as he swallowed, his eyes fixated on my own, shimmering with a mixture of hope and worry. “Rachel…you’re the mate I never thought I’d meet, and the one I knew I didn’t deserve. This isn’t how I anticipated things would go, not one bit. I never planned on wanting to keep you, but the second you won Iridian and stepped foot in my castle, I couldn’t imagine letting you go. I told myself I’d win you over by showing you the beauty magic could bring into your life. I hoped that in doing so I’d eventually earn your affection, even though that’s something I’m still not sure I deserve…” The color across his cheeks deepened, his eyes concealing flashes of shame. “I’m not a good man, not entirely. It’s not merely my plan that’s motivating me to do this, but the desire to keep you—to have you at my side for eternity. This thing between us, this game wh
Last Updated : 2022-06-14
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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
