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Chapter 26
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2021-03-03 06:12:17I was certain the sign had read Open when I first entered, and there was no way the shop keeper could have made it to the door that fast. He hadn't followed behind me as I left, yet the door was locked. For a second, I contemplated setting the basket down and walking away, but I needed Grandpa Kent's box.
Letting out a small sigh, I turned back towards the street. The sun was still shining in abundance. It heated my skin, and I hadn't realized how cold I felt. While the sun was blistering, the cool breeze that wafted by prevented sweat from forming behind my neck. It was the perfect balance; one my home town did not have.
The warm sound of chattering filled the air, and I inhaled at the various scents deeply. There were many vendors on the streets, selling a wide number of products. One man had a machine, with something oddly similar to popcorn crackling away. A petite woman with golden hair was selling a wide array of body products. Two of the contestants, both female
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Iridian   Chapter 27
The drifter from Stella's Diner sat on a large plaid blanket with two other girls. Books were scattered along the blanket, some open and others closed with hundreds of little sticky tabs poking out. I couldn't discern what the title's read, but each book seemed old and somewhat dusty. The girl noticed the basket in my hands first, and look of understanding crossed her heart-shaped face."Did my Dad send you?" She asked, setting the book she was reading down on the blanket. "I can't believe I forgot the basket again. The more books I read, the more I seem to forget."I managed to tear my eyes from the unusual lake as the second girl laughed, "Your brain is making space for everything we've learned so far!""It's incredibly inconvenient that I can remember nearly one hundred and thirty-five ancient, extinct species but not where I last left my car keys." She snorted, setting one of the books down to slip her long hair into a bun."Hey, aren't you one of the
Last Updated : 2021-03-10Iridian   Chapter 28
After my strange encounter with the shop keeper, I ran into Helena and Camille. I tucked the wrapped box in my bag and gave both of them a friendly smile. Helena looked her usual happy self, but Camille’s shoulders seemed slumped in defeat. Her neat ponytail had been taken down, replaced by a poor attempt at a messy bun.Camille had visited nearly every fountain in town, but hadn't found a single clue. Helena knew her clue was in the library, but after searching all day, she hadn't found a single thing. Helena wasn't too concerned with winning, and planned to make another trip to the library tomorrow. Camille on the other hand, seemed a little put out.I had told her about the lake I visited today and how her clue could be anywhere near the large body of water. While winning wasn’t my goal, I was determined to give this competition everything I had. I refused to let myself turn into some of the other competitors, those who guarded everything they learned wi
Last Updated : 2021-03-14Iridian   Chapter 29
I looked down at the little boy, and was instantly reminded of my younger brother. This child looked nothing like my brother, but they both held that innocent mischievousness that all young children seemed to have. That look that made you wonder what they were up to, only to go to bed that night and find out they put sand in your bed.The boy had thick, golden hair that sat on his head in a fanciful wave. I was sure his Mom did his hair like that, just as I knew she chose his outfit for him. The young boy wore a pair of dark slacks, and a crisp black blazer. What I found most startling were his eyes. Black around the outside and iris, with a startling shade of navy blue in between. It was the most unique set of eyes I had ever seen, though I was beginning to expect things like this in the Iridescence Pack.I turned my attention to what the young boy held in his hands. A thick, rounded cup sat in his hands. Steam spewed from the cup and into the crisp air around us. The
Last Updated : 2021-03-14Iridian   Chapter 30
The moment my head hit the velvet pillow, the world around me faded from view. I was left with the solace of the darkness, and the tune of that haunting song. It followed me into my dreams, filling me with melancholy and dread. I briefly wondered who had written the song, and what they had endured to create a piece so magically beautiful.Since coming to the Iridescence Pack, I hadn’t had a single dream. Back at home, I savored each ridiculous and crazy dream. My dreams had been my own personal escape from my pack. I could be anything, anyone in my dreams. Since my arrival, all trace of my own dreams had vanished. Apart from the time I had met the Game Master, I had dreamt of nothing but darkness.This time had started out as no different, until the bright flashes of color stained my vision. The darkness gave way to images, millions of flashing pictures behind my eyelids. The first image was of me, falling through the sky like a comet of pure fire. It was right a
Last Updated : 2021-03-20Iridian   Chapter 31
That morning, I spent a few minutes contemplating what to do with the picture. It was clearly a clue of sorts, though I had no idea if it would help me recover Grandpa Kent’s box. I was beginning to see that there was no rhyme or reason to Iridian. The Game Master threw whatever he wanted at us, and sat back laughing as we all struggled to figure it out. My second conversation with the Game Master gave me a newfound sense of motivation. He had manipulated me from the very beginning. The drifter that came into Stella’s diner, stealing my Grandpa’s box and the crystal necklace that sat at the hollow of my throat, and even when he placed the invitation on my bed. It was all a large-scale manipulation, quiet little nudges in the right direction. I wouldn’t be another chess piece he could move. I’d win his game and have the pleasure of finally seeing the face behind that illusion, if there even was a face to be seen.What seemed to vex me most was tha
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I met up with Camille and Helena after what proved to be a stressful breakfast. Many of the other contestants had already gone off to the Carnival Cerulean, but the three of us remained behind.Camille had been fidgeting nervously ever since hearing of Abel’s encounter with the seemingly invisible creature. Her lips were pressed together so tightly they had turned white, and her eyebrows were knitted together.“If Abel was attacked that easily, what does that say for the rest of us?” Camille sighed.“Abel wasn’t killed, that’s always a plus.” I countered, “Your clue could mean anything. One thing I’ve learned so far, is that nothing is what it seems. It could be pointing at a glass of water for all we know.”“Well, I think we should head over to the Carnival and enjoy ourselves.” Helena chimed in, giving us both a beaming smile. “Our clues can wait a couple hours. Besides, who k
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“Hello Gerald, if that’s even your real name.” I scoffed, unable to keep some of the contempt from my voice.I was stunned, shocked into absolute stillness that radiated to the two women beside me. Gerald, from Gerald’s Antiques was here. He was part of this. I had worked for him for an entire summer and never once suspected anything. He was just an old man, one who told wild tales and sold aged antiques.This Gerald looked entirely different. He still had the same salt and pepper hair, but it was now cropped short. The wrinkles that lined his eyes and cheeks remained the same, and were one of the tell-tale signs that this was the Gerald I knew. Tattoos spanned the length of his toned arms, and I found myself gaping at him.The Gerald I knew was old and feeble, nothing like this man who stood before me. While he looked his age, he was anything but feeble. Muscles spanned his arms alongside the colorful tattoo’s. His moth-eaten flann
Last Updated : 2021-03-23Iridian   Chapter 34
We met at the stone bridge leading to what was called Castle Mist. The stone of the bridge was similar to that of the castle and the rest of the town, iridescent yet full of intricate carvings. All twenty contestants were here, crowded around the base of the bridge. A crystal-clear stream ran beneath the bridge. Inside the stream was a multitude of colorful stones, all seemed to catch the sun and scatter a rainbow of light across the surface of the water.A large garden sat out front of the castle, but no tents ventured past the stone bridge. Standing on the arch of the bridge were Apollo and the four other strange men. While I’m sure they had names of their own, I wasn’t willing to pay the price to find out. Apollo, Day, Night, and Sunset, all looked as they had the previous times we spoke with them. Their suits were crisp and tailored, mixed with that special blend of magic that made the colors shift and move like the brilliant phases of the earth and sky.
Last Updated : 2021-03-26
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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. âWhatâwhat do you mean? I killed NadiaâŠI 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 situationâŠit 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
Iridian   Chapter 213
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 doâŠâ 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
