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Chapter 96
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2021-12-14 11:52:48I lunged at the desk in the living room, snatching up one of Adley’s school notebooks and a pen, just as her eyes unfocussed and went blank. The calm sky-blue of her irises glowed softly, unsettling as she stiffly swiveled her head in my direction.
For seconds Adley stared at me, until finally she spoke.
“Daughters of the sun and sea,
two once powerful kingdoms brought down to their knees.
Dying legacies, where only one will stand.
The champions of Light and Dark hold the fate of the world in their hands.”
Ally sighed, frowning softly at her sister, until her eyes too went blank. Her eyes began to glow, the same soft color as her twin. Ally’s pale blue eyes held fragments of grey, like gathering storm clouds.
Her head swiveled in my direction, and she spoke.
“A call to arms from warrior’s past,
to defend their Houses at long last.
Brothers forced on opposing sides,
the me
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Iridian Chapter 97
Hours later a cold breeze blew the candlelight out. Not that it mattered, the sun had risen an hour ago. The stone floor no longer felt cold against my skin, not with the warmth of daylight streaming through the glassless windows.It was a chore to pull myself up and force my stiff limbs to escort me to the bathroom, where the thick steam of the shower would envelop me but provide little in terms of relief. It was the spell on my hair, that Leslie had redone, that kept me from looking like an utter train wreck.Taking a much longer shower than usual, I stood beneath the scalding water and wracked my brain through what I had figured out. There were no rules or guidelines, only what I could piece together on my own.It was more than clear that Nadia and I were Light and Dark’s champions, the ones that held the fate of the world in our hands. My stomach swirled on that one. I didn’t want the fate of the world in my hands, what I wanted was freedom.
Last Updated : 2021-12-14Iridian Chapter 98
“You’re not very hungry. Are you feeling alright, darling?” Dain asked, his head only slightly cocked as he watched me from across the table. He watched everything I did, and where it had first been annoying and unsettling, now it affected me in an entirely different way. I wanted to ask why, why he stared at me like he was memorizing my face and habits, the gestures I made and the way I spoke, but it was a question I doubted he’d answer. “I’m feeling just fine, thank you.” I mumbled, plying him with some automatic response as I wracked my brain for a solution to the next step of my plan. The next part would undoubtedly be the hardest, considering I manage to make it past this point. I brought the spoon of soup to my lips almost robotically, taking a small sip. It was warm and soothed my throat, but my stomach refused more than a few slow bites. He lifted an eyebrow at me, some of the playfulness slipping from his lips. He thought there was something
Last Updated : 2021-12-14Iridian Chapter 99
It was the softest of touches. His lips like petals, brushing against my own. My mind went completely blank, and all I could do was feel.Coming here was a mistake, thinking I could get this close his alluring darkness without being swallowed by it. I had miscalculated, and yet I couldn’t pull away.Not when I finally tasted the cherries on his lips for myself, and certainly not when every bone in my body screamed for more.I’d never admit I had been the one to change this moment, to douse it in gasoline until the soft and sweet gesture went up in crackling flames. Perhaps if I had climbed off him and made a hasty retreat, he would’ve never known I had been in his room tonight, intent on using his own magical relic to get some answers.It was too late for that, I realized. Far too late.Instead of pulling away, I leaned in and deepened the kiss. I drowned in the taste of him, in the scent that made my blood sing. That whi
Last Updated : 2021-12-16Iridian Chapter 100
Breath was knocked from my lungs as Dain snatched the knife from my hand, flinging it across the room before flipping us over on the bed.All too easily he had taken control, his chest heaving and bare muscles stealing the moonlight. Leaning over me with his hair tousled from sleep, his eyes were wide and roamed my flushed skin like a man deprived of light. I was left with no time to process as his lips came crashing against my own.I had tried to fight, vaguely aware of Rayna’s lingering presence in the back of my mind, watching in stunned silence as she tried to figure out how I had landed myself here—while also providing absolutely no help.My lips parted for his on their own, desperate, and eager despite how hard I fought. My fists slammed against his chest, but the moment his tongue darted out and brushed my own…the taste of him, sweet and tart but also masculine, it was my undoing.I wasn’t sure when my hands had drifted tow
Last Updated : 2021-12-16Iridian Chapter 101
I ignored the way he made me feel, the way his every look could stop my heart, or the way his words filled me with a confidence that felt far beyond my years.He had seen and touched parts of me no one else had before, seen my insecurity written across my soft stomach and large breasts. The way he had looked at them, not seeing imperfection but everything he had ever dreamed of.That kind of confidence was dangerous, and I could already feel it going to my head as I sat there blushing, trying to concentrate on what he was saying and not how sinful he looked sitting there, shirtless and bathed in moonlight.“You’re not mad at me?” I couldn’t help the disbelief that inched its way into my voice, not when he sat there staring at me as though I had already won this game between us.“How can I be mad at you, Rachel?” There was genuine confusion in his voice, making my jaw drop even lower.This man was truly insane, th
Last Updated : 2021-12-18Iridian Chapter 102
“You…and your brother.” This was the verse that had me on edge, the one I couldn’t piece together. “Did you figure out what it means?”“It means one of us will die.” He shrugged. The callous way he talked about his own life; it made a flicker of anger start in the pits of my stomach. “The memory of one will live, should the other survive. If only we knew who was who.”“What about the other prophecies?” I asked, referring to the individual ones for Nadia and me.Dain paused, and I caught the split-second hesitation. It was astounding how much I noticed when I actually paid attention to him, when I allowed myself to memorize every expression and flicker of light in his eyes.“Which ones?” He asked, lifting the glass to his lips.Oh, he was good. More than convincing as he waited patiently for an answer, his eyes never once straying or conveying more
Last Updated : 2021-12-18Iridian Chapter 103
“I can’t believe I’m doing this.” I hissed out loud, even though I was alone in my suite.‘It’s a good plan. You helped come up with it yourself.’ Rayna replied, more active than ever since Dain and I had kissed. I was still a bit miffed she reappeared without so much as an explanation. ‘Besides, I didn’t hear you complaining about it at the time.’‘You have no say in this, because you decided to take a vacation and leave me alone.’ I explained, commending myself for my patience.‘Maybe I should leave you to your own devices more often.’ She grunted, swishing her tail irritably. ‘We’d be in his bed by the end of the month.’‘Don’t think I don’t notice how you say that like it’s a good thing, and I’ll have you know--.’“Are you not dressed yet? Leslie is ready to come in here and do it hers
Last Updated : 2021-12-21Iridian Chapter 104
“That was incredible!” Adley squealed, lowering her voice to a whisper as I hushed her. Her grin was wide and endearing, “Sorry, sorry. This is all just so exciting! I love weddings.”Ally’s voice was bored, “Except for the fact that it’s—"She grabbed my hands, her smile widening when Ally rolled her eyes. “You have to let me help plan things. I can see it now. It’s going to be one of the biggest events in history!”“Of course, you can help plan the wedding.” My smile was carved from granite, and only grew harder when Dain’s deep laugh sounded from beside me.I opened my mouth and tried to relax my rigid posture as he placed a small piece of candied fruit into my mouth, his eyes lingering on my lips. I reminded myself that this was all about being seen. We were playing a role, acting just like Adley and Gerald had when they moved into town.His soft lips,
Last Updated : 2021-12-30
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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
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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
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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
