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Chapter 47
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2021-05-30 11:34:08Helena clasped a hand over her mouth, her eyes horrified with what she had done. A pair of milky eyes turned on us, right where we were standing. The woman stocking the shelves had paused. A thin hand with gnarled fingers hovered inches away from the shelves, a tattered book in her claws.
I wrapped my hand around Helena’s, ensuring she wouldn’t be able to make any sound. This wasn’t about trusting my friend, it was about surviving. I hadn’t come this far to die in an underground library, and I certainly wasn’t leaving Helena behind.
I knew the wheezing had stopped, which meant that librarian heard Helena’s gasp. Fear clawed at me, grating against my skin until I felt horribly itchy. I wanted to look around, to scan my surroundings for the decaying creature.
As much as my instincts roared at me, I kept my gaze on the woman. She had to have been one of the contestants from the previous years—one of the few who never made i
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Iridian   Chapter 48
Before I had time to process what I had just seen, everything shifted. I could feel the phantom touch of pages turning against my fingertips, making silent arcs in the stagnant air of the library.I was underground, but somewhere different. Don’t ask me how I can discern one darkness from another, but it was the truth. This place—the darkness seemed alive, like a sentient being that lingered within every nook and cranny of this cavern.We were in the dark, Sasha and I. The faint light of a crappy flash light was our only sight, the one thing keeping us afoot in this rocky place. Our hair glowed under this harsh, artificial light, like flickering flames smothered beneath the earth. She huffed out a breath, and I noticed something off about her. Something had changed. She was covered in dirt and mud, and she wore some kind of hiking outfit, but that wasn’t the thing that felt off. Her eyes were wide, pupils blown as she peered into the darkness. T
Last Updated : 2021-06-05Iridian   Chapter 49
I had gone completely still, so still that the slightest influx of air felt like shards of glass in my throat. My muscles were firm and taut, my eyes wide as I sighted the approaching librarians.Carrying the musty smell of dust and old leather, they emerged from the darkness, their milky sockets pinpointed on where I stood.I remained where I was, flush against the shelf I had been viewing. The book on my life was gripped in my hand. The last thing I wanted was to take it with me, but I couldn’t risk putting it back. Or worse, dropping it. The magic that came from my book…it made me want to read more, and that was just a tad frightening. As enticing as it sounded, nothing good would come from learning my future.The librarians crept closer, and I couldn’t help but notice the sickly details between the four of them. They all had dead strands of silver hair on their misshapen heads, but it was human appearance that made them most…creepy.
Last Updated : 2021-06-14Iridian   Chapter 50
His fingers were velvety soft, and after a moment longer, I realized it was because he had gloves on. Though I couldn’t see them, they were smooth to the touch.“You’re wearing gloves?” I couldn’t help but ask, a bit exasperated. My heart was thundering, and I knew my face was already turning a horrible shade of scarlet. My dad had often toyed with my mom over how red she turned, making a game of it with whispered compliments and flirty smiles. I wasn’t feeling particularly flirty at the moment, but I was blushing down to my toes.“Would you rather I not wore them the next time I touch you? I knew you’d make an interesting player, but I never could have anticipated this.” He mused softly, in a way that made my brain flash danger. My thoughts wandered for a moment, and a part of me desperately wondered what he looked like. I wanted to see the expression on his face. Were his eyes hard and cold? Were they bright and m
Last Updated : 2021-06-19Iridian   Chapter 51
My head throbbed the moment I opened my eyes. A single stream of sunlight peered through the scarlet curtains, directly on my face. I cringed away from the light and rolled into a sitting position, noticing my shoulder was a bit stiff.I peeled away the shredded layers of cloth that hung over my shoulder and frowned. Other than a bit of redness, there was nothing wrong with it. The Game Master’s magic had worked fast, eating away the poison that was slowly killing me.Even though I was grateful to be alive, I couldn’t stop thinking about the offer he had made.It played in my head on a loop as I stood under the deliciously warm water that spewed from the multiple shower heads in my bathroom. My body ached from our time in the library, and the hot water was already beginning to take the edge off.I took those much-needed minutes in the shower replaying my night, finishing with yet another visit with the Game Master.When our visits had g
Last Updated : 2021-06-27Iridian   Chapter 52
There's something comforting about walking into danger with a friend by your side. It's so much more daunting when you're alone. The threat of death weighs heavier with only one set of shoulders to fall on.To simplify things, I was beginning to miss Helena. Our time in Castle Mist and the Library made me realize what a reliable partner she was. As I hopped out of the cab that took me out of the main town, I wondered if she was currently feeling the same thing.Cabs were free to contestants, more a courtesy than anything else. We couldn't run all over searching for clues if we had no means of transportation. I was dropped off at a small park out of the main town.It was unusual, but everything here was. There were no playgrounds, sandboxes, or screaming children. In fact, there were hardly any children here at all. However, there were a multitude of animal shaped shrubs. Bears on their hind legs, eagles with their winds spread, wolves howling, and dolphin's emer
Last Updated : 2021-06-28Iridian   Chapter 53
"I'm not sure why I'm surprised to see the two of you here." I scoffed, approaching the edge between Day and Night.Both men stood on their respective sides, within the circle of lanterns that sat in the clearing.I swore I could hear the creature gathering in the darkness on Night's side, eager for a new arrival."Why would you be surprised? It makes perfect sense." Day smirked; his golden hair ruffled by a warm gust.His suit quite literally mirrored the sky above, down to the last drifting cloud. Night's suit held an explosion of stars, within a network of galaxies. The shifting colors was a bit disorienting, but both were beautiful and full of that otherworldly quality Iridian was known for."Where is your destination?" Night asked, brushing an onyx lock back from his face. He stood strong and tall, and was just a tad bulkier than his companions. "While this is only my domain for a few more hours, I like to keep track of who crosses over."
Last Updated : 2021-07-03Iridian   Chapter 54
The humming was beautiful and cold as it echoed down the hall and into the office, I currently stood in. Goosebumps lifted across my skin, and the sickening sense that something was horribly wrong, bubbled in my gut. A cold gust of air carried a sickly-sweet stench that burned my lungs and eyes like bleach. The sound of feet padding sound the hall hit my ears, light and feminine. 'We've overstayed our welcome.' Rayna urged me, "I think we should take the necklace and leave while we can.' I gripped the amulet in my fist and darted from the room, paying close attention so I wouldn't stumble on the hundreds of journals scattered along the floor. I ran down the hall I had initially come from, the one with the least amount of trash. I was hyper focused on my surroundings, on the thickness of that eye-watering stench. Every creak and groan in the house held my attention. As much as I wanted to sprint in terror from this place, I needed to keep my wits for o
Last Updated : 2021-07-10Iridian   Chapter 55
I was jolted from the memory, spat out as my brain turned to mush trying to process what I had seen. Nadia and the Game Master had grown up together as children. While it was strange to think of the Game Master as a child, it was even stranger that she would insist so vehemently that a bond existed between the two. There was no mistaking what a mate-bond felt like, just as there was no mistaking the obsession shimmering in her eyes. What I couldn't seem to figure out, was how did Nadia have anything to do with Iridian? I crept down the silent hallway, every creak and groan in the old house had my hackles raised. Nadia had vanished the moment the necklace slid into place, but there was no telling if she were truly gone. My body still felt warm from the magic of the necklace healing me, though I felt nothing more from the necklace itself. No matter how hard I tried to conjure some form of magic, there was nothing to be found. I had just emerged from the estate
Last Updated : 2021-07-12
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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
