‘Are you sure you’re feeling okay Stella?’ I asked. She didn’t have any visible scars, but her eyes seemed off not tired, though irritated. When Daylen brought me back I found Stella home. She didn’t offer up any explanation of how she escaped, she wasn’t pacing the room worried about me. She didn’t blast at me for vanishing either, nor was she upset I fought with Marcus. She was probably too pissed to feel anything. ‘Are you mad at me?’ She blinked at me a couple of times. ‘I’m fine. Maybe it’s the shook of almost being buried alive by rubble.’ Her response felt pre-generated. ‘Sorry about that.’ I winced. A couple more blinks, I thought her eyes were dry or dust caught in them. ‘Tonight we meet a man at Escar's club. He can help.’ She said and started for the hall. ‘You said it’s dangerous to be out at night.’ I stood. ‘Do you want to find your sister or not?’ She snapped. ‘I-I of course I do Stella.’ She shook her head and attempted a smile that wasn’t like her at all.
I slept in until I don’t know what time. The clock on the side bed in the guest room was forever stuck at seven pm. I was mourning two losses, my sister’s possible death and a guy who pushed me away before I could get close. Stella hadn’t come to my room, it had me worried she still wasn’t well from yesterday. I kicked off the blanket and went to shower. ‘There you are. We have to go.’ Stella said. I was drying my hair out and was only dressed in a towel when she walked through the door. ‘Are you sure about this Stella? Is it safe? The last two guys you found weren’t very I don’t know—’ ‘The elf is dead— Do you want to find your sister or not?’ ‘Of course I do, but—’ I blinked a couple times at the news of the death of the elf. I didn’t believe him at the time, but knowing he was gone thrust me to the realization that he was the first person to tell me my real identity. ‘Five minutes.’ She stormed out the room. ‘Stella!’ If there was a problem, why didn’t she just come out and
My hand slipped into his, once in he locked in and yanked me to my feet and tucked me under his arm. ‘Is anyone even following me?’ ‘Of course.’ ‘Oh yeah? Who?’ ‘Dark angels.’ I stopped but he hauled me along. ‘Why would they be after me?’ He lifted a shoulder, ‘You tell me.’ ‘Daylen!’ I looked behind me and suddenly dozens of eyes fixed on me. ‘They won’t hurt you.’ He said, his grip around my shoulders tightening. ‘I came with Stella—’ ‘I’m starting to believe she isn’t really your friend.’ ‘Why would you say that?’ A man slipped from the bar and slithered behind us. I gripped Daylen’s arm tighter, he looked over my head and pulled me in front of him. ‘Because she’s always nowhere to be seen. Why are you here anyway?’ ‘I—’ I couldn’t finish my sentence two men lingered behind us. ‘Daylen, we have company.’ ‘I know. I can only open the portal outside.’ He murmured. We were on the second floor and a flash of red eyes glared at us our way out. Daylen’s pace quickened
‘Leave me alone,’ I shoved Artemis’ hand away. ‘You’re hurt!’ ‘I told you I can heal myself.’ She grumbled the pan with water and cotton balls rattled on her laps. ‘It’s clearly not working.’ I rolled back on the couch. It wasn’t working. My body ached and my bones cracked. If I stood, I’d collapse. I laboured to breath. I turned to Artemis, her lips parted and her eyes frowned. I reached for her hand, moments ago I had her in my arms. Now I felt my essence flee me. ‘Let me try something, please.’ She whispered. ‘What’s that?’ Her hand trembled all the way to my cheek. My hand found hers there. I shut my eyes and relished her touch. ‘You’re bleeding internally Daylen.’ I groaned, ‘Fuck.’ She lifted my shirt to reveal where Avon's magic did the most damage. My skin was raw and black. Her hand pressed against the injury. ‘Shit Artemis.’ I spat. ‘I’m sorry!’ She moved closer and guided my face so that I was right in front of her. She pressed her forehead onto mine. I shut
Damn my brother to hell. I paced the throne room. How did he even get involved in my plans? ‘I almost had her!’ Blasted angels should have put up more of a fight. I sent six of them and they couldn’t take on one simple angel. Granted Artemis is a goddess and likely had a hand in the defeat, but still I expected more. I expected to have Artemis by my side and in my bed tonight. I had to wait another night until she was mine. This wasn’t the army I was taking to take down gods that was for sure. They couldn’t even handle a dinemus. I left the throne room and found myself in the empty war room. All the generals were out making sure my plans were seeing the day of light. Soon, Queen Here’s territory would be in my sights. I was alone with my plots and schemes starting at me. Though, a vital part of my plot was with my brother. Damn it, I feared she developed feelings for him. I didn’t care I knew it was nothing. It couldn’t last and it had no root to the ground. What Daylen didn’t exp
I wish there was a way I could help this town heal. I wish there was a way I could awaken the earth; make the flowers bloom again and open up the clouds. If I truly belonged in the sky maybe there was a way, I could. Stella locked up the apartment and beckoned me to follow her. I didn’t even know how she got home last night and she wouldn’t cough up any explanations either. It was all business with her lately. Even after I told her Daylen was searching for proof of Rachel’s life harder than he did before because he wanted me gone, she insisted we go out into the dangerous mage dimension. There was no time for candy and slumber parties with her. I’m starting to think I’m getting on her nerves more than this mission. ‘Where are you taking us this time?’ I followed after. ‘The Spirit Veil.’ She said. I hope she isn’t taking me to my death, because that’s exactly what I believed I would find at a place called The Spirit Veil. ‘What the heck are we going to do there?’ I threw my hands
I stripped my coat off and unbuttoned my shirt. This was going to take a lot of energy. I needed the privacy too, but my house was still being prepared no thanks to the idiot Avon so I requested an office. Still looked like a dungeon, but it had a chair and table which was all I needed for now. I pulled out a pendulum from my pocket and held it above a bowl of water from lake Paradis. I took off my glasses and set them aside. I was bagging on this to find Raquel. I had a feeling I knew where it would take me. ‘Show me the girl,’ I ordered. Slowly the crystal attached to the chain turned green and began to spin. At least it was working. The green hue began to dim, but the pace of the pendulum only gained. The clear water turned grey which wasn’t good then went red before the water turned to mud and turned black. The green light flickered and the glass burst. ‘Fuck,’ I hurled the chained across the room. ‘I knew it. She’s dead.’ No doubt Hera had her body disposed of somewhere. The
My back hit the surface of grass greener than any I had ever seen. I didn’t know if it was the effects of getting sucked through a portal that left my body sizzling. I prompt my elbows up and searched for Orion. ‘What the hell was that for?’ I yelled. ‘I had to get you out of there. We have to find a way to get you to Olympiad anyway.’ ‘I haven’t found my sister yet!’ ‘You’ll be helping her by returning home. If things are okay in Olympiad, then maybe things in the mage dimension will get better.’ ‘Is that true or wishful thinking?’ He didn’t answer. He grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet like a rag doll. “Where did you bring me anyway?” I dusted grass off my clothes. There were clear blue skies above me, not a cloud in sight. As far as my eye could see vibrant grass stretched on for miles. A line of trees went on, standing tall and proud. This place was alive I felt in the wind. “Grin land. A dimension near earth.” “What are we doing here then? Is this the passage to Ol
Three three dimensions had scars, Paradis less than the other two. The mage dimension was left without a ruler so the gods handed it to Solaris to protect something she wasn’t thrilled about. She imprisoned the troublesome General Storm and had her husband under a strict leash. I had to admire her, she’d lost to much but was able to keep the iron in her fist.Jason fell from Paradis after plotting to kill his brother and now crowned prince of Paradis not to mention my husband of now three weeks. In a sudden twist of fate Alpheus got his wings back. Everyone had their eye on him. It was great and all, but I doubted he and I would be friends soon.“Artemis.”“Yeah?”“Are you coming?”Daylen was already knee deep in the hot bath. After we got married we developed a little appetite for sex in water. We were in Olympiad where we spent most of our days since my mother wasn’t keen on me leaving after so many years apart.Things would change when Daylen finally took the throne, but we didn’t
Daylen opened a portal when we came out of it we were at a place with pink and orange skies. I marveled at the beauty of the area. The air smelled like perfume. The grass was short and purple. Was this a dream? Had Daylen accidentally killed us both. When I turned to ask him where were he’d taken off his hoodie. Revealing a set of soft abs.I blushed and brushed a strand of hair out of my face. He reached for his belt buckled and undid his pants my eyes went wide. First I looked around to make sure no one was watching. The area looked pretty much deserted.“What are you doing! Why are you getting naked?”He nodded at the medium pool of bubbling silver water.“You want to take a bath now?”In response he pulled down his pants… with his boxers too. Oh my gosh. I looked at his face or else I would be glued to his package that was already standing.“Uh… what?”“Want to come in with me?”He stepped out of his jeans and walked to the edge of the pool. Did I want to? This was so sudden. It w
“You need to hold a hearing with the King and Storm.” I told Apollo.“Difficult because they don’t want to see me. It was hard enough getting into Paradis.”“Tell them you support a Paradis without Solaris. That should get their attention.”Apollo bobbed his head from side to side then nodded. “Fine. If you hear explosions know your time is up.”“Fair enough.”We went our separate ways. The castle was crawling with guards and unfortunately Marcus wasn’t around to get me inside. He found a lead on Stella’s whereabouts. Apparently the shapeshifter has a cave where it stores all its victims.“You’re not thinking about getting in through the front entrance are you?” Artemis asked me.I eyed her and wondered how dumb she thought I was.“I’m just asking Daylen.”“Of course not. The castle as weak spots. We’ll get in through one of the sides.”She nodded. We got up to walk along the street when a spark between our palms jolted us apart.Artemis winced. “Ouch.”“I’m sorry.” I said, holding ou
We ran into the streets. I had no idea what Daylen did, but thank goodness it worked. I didn’t know how long it would last which was why Daylen and I were running down the muddy streets of the mage dimension.He grabbed me and pulled me to his chest. I blinked at him a couple times.“Now Daylen?”He shot me a look. “We’ll get out of here faster if we’re flying.”My mouth formed a small o. “Are you sure you want to do that?”“It doesn’t matter who sees anymore. My secret’s out.”He took off his hoodie and handed it to me so it wouldn’t be ruined when he summoned his majestic wings. Despite the franticness. I relished the thought of seeing his wings again. I didn’t like the pain on his face, but when the gigantic set of wings came out they shimmered despite the fact that there was no light to shine on them.He wrapped one arm around my waist and I locked my fingers behind his neck.“Hold on.”We sored through the sky, my hair blinded me through most of the flight, but flying was an expe
“Daylen!”Solaris sent us somewhere. Somewhere safe it had to be, but where in the dysfunctional world was safe right now? I was cold thanks to the mist that hung loosely in the air and grabbed at my skin.“Artemis?”A soft mist obscured my vision. Seconds later the mist was sucked in by the ground. Daylen’s doing. I spotted him and ran into his arms and was separated the second I was in his arms.“Oh my gosh.” I ran my hands through my hair.“It’s okay. We’ll figure this out.”“How! They captured your mom. We have no idea where we are.”“We’re in the mage dimension. Paradis isn’t safe anymore. Now that my secret’s out.”He pulled me into his arms. It was the safest place for me right now.“I’m so sorry Daylen.”He gripped the back of my head, “It’ll be fine.&rdquo
“Artemis come here.” I demanded.“I don’t want to.”I groaned, “I just want to hold you.”She poked her head out of the hall leading to my room. “And get blasted out the wind?”Ever since the blood bond kicked it’s been getting stronger and stronger. Most times it does nothing but when I want to touch her I’m hit with electricity. It’s been at its worst today.“Please come here.” I said softly, but she wasn’t buying it.She hurried back into my room. I doubted I was sleeping there tonight. I pursued.“Stop.” She said when I got to the door.“Artemis my love.”“I don’t want to see you.” Her voice cracked.“Why not?”“What’s the point when I can’t be near you? I’ll have to go to him soon, won’t I?”I hated what this curse was doing to us, to her. I crossed the distance between us. I took her into my arms bracing to be separated with light, but nothing happened. When nothing did she melted into me and I heard her release a shaky breath.“I’m sorry.” I stroked her curly hair and she gripe
“Your majesty your brother is here to see you.” The giant grey ogre roared into the throne room.I flinched. Honestly those things could not speak at a normal tone.“Send him in.” I said.“Yes your highness.” He shook the earth beneath my feet as he walked out. I was hunched over my tactic table overlooking every city I’d conquered and yet to conquer. I waved my hand over it so Jason wouldn’t see it. I didn’t fully trust him. I knew he was going against our mother by trying to kill Daylen, but didn’t mean I trusted him not to do me in so he could claim all the glory.He was an attention seeker like that. Didn’t care for Daylen, but something about Jason was he always wanted to seem something he was not. Thanks to my father. I’m nothing like Avon sometimes when I look in the mirror I see more of my mother than I do anyone else. It burns like acid on my skin if I’m being honest.“Jason, what brings you here?” I ask as if I don’t know.He marches in, scrawl on his face like the boy that
General Storm dragged me to the queen’s court room. Behind him followed the king and the guards holding Daylen. They ambushed us. Now who knows what’s going to happen to us? Queen Solaris frowned at Storm and I, but her eyes widened with alarm when the guards marched in with Daylen.“You have five seconds to explain this or you all die by my fire.” I swear I felt the heat radiating off her.“Hear us out darling—” The king approached her, but her hair blazed a brighter shade of blonde like lightning.Her eyes turned to dark blue of the evening sky. I believed her when she said we would all die by her fire.“Don’t darling me!”“Your highness, this boy has been conspiring against you! He’s been working with this powerful creature.”Solaris rolled her eyes and pinned them on Daylen.“We’re not conspiring against you.” I blurted out.General Storm shook my arm, “Quiet you. You’re in the presence of her royal highness. You could be facing death!”Daylen lifted his head to face his mother.
“Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t use your powers, don’t do anything to draw attention to yourself Artemis. You’ll get into the castle with Marcus.” Daylen said.Solaris’ castle had to be the most magnificent piece of infrastructure I’ve ever seen. A castle with twelve towers and blocks made of glass and marble gargoyles. Crystal clear material but no one could see what was laying beyond whose walls.“Why can’t I go in with you?” I asked him.“Because people will assume you’re my lover.” He grunted.“She kind of is dude.” Marcus sighed.He looked at me and I looked away. He grabbed my chin and made me look at him. He smirked. I groaned. I didn’t want to see that. Walking across the street into that enormous castle had me shivering.“I just don’t want people associating us because it’ll put you in danger.”“How romantic.” I rolled my eyes.“Hey. I’m serious Artemis. I need to make sure you’re safe.”“Yes, yes I got.” I wrapped my arms around myself.“Marcus will take you to my office. Wai