Kaia was in the outer ring, sparring with Lynn. The wheat fields that surrounded them created an atmospheric landscape. The hot sun burned into their skin as they moved back and forth through the wheat parrying, blocking and attacking over and over until their breath ran out and their muscles ached. Kaia collapsed in the field and chuckled to herself.
"What?" Lynn asked, leaning on the hilt of her sword.
Kaia raised her arms above her head and sighed deeply, "I'm not sure. I guess I just didn't think being kidnapped and forced to work for another guild as an assassin rather than a bartender would be like this."
Lynn chuckled, "You're more of a glorified guard, Kaia."
Kaia kicked out a leg towards Lynn in protest, causing them both to burst out into laughter.
"Hey! Hey, you guys! Stop squashing my crops!" Kaia stood up so quickly she felt dizzy. A man was running towards them, yelling out.
Kaia was suddenly grabbed by the ar
Rhae stood outside her house in the nobles district, where Aynyra was invited to stay a few days earlier to escape the castle and grieve the loss of her mother. Rhae had been avoiding the house since she had stayed there the first night with Aynyra. On one of those nights, she had gotten intoxicated to the point where she decided to fight Icran. He inevitably won when she fell on her face. Somehow, once again, she had ended up in someone else's bed. That's what was making her so nervous about going into the house and visiting Aynyra—confronting her after days of avoiding her and the fact that she was about to drag Aynyra back to the castle pretending to be someone else. She was already dressed in the Amiran guild uniform, ready to take on her new identity. Rhae took a deep breath and stepped inside the building, listening out for any movement from Aynyra. Rhae heard some dishes rattling in the direction of the kitchen, so she followed the noise, staying s
Aynyra stood in her dressing room, waiting as one of her servants stitched together a dress that fitted her. It was a special occasion, after all. Her father, the King, was convinced to hold a commemoration ball for the late Queen. Who was he convinced by? None other than Rhaenyx Maltalor, who had disguised herself as a member of Amiran guild named Nira, who serves the King as a specialised group of warriors.After Rhaenyx had taken Aynyra into her home, sat with her, comforted her and became what she thought was a friend, Aynyra had been inevitably betrayed and handed over to her father. Now she was stuck in the castle, constantly watched by four castle guards. She couldn't leave her room with direct permission from the King. Even worse, on the day of the ball, she would be forced to marry a man of her father's choosing. Not only was her mother's funeral turned into a celebration, but she was also being forced into marriage, and her older brother would take over her fa
Aynyra sunk her back into her throne, bored as all hell. Without someone to direct her anger to, she felt flat. With Rhae, or "Nira" as she is going by, she feels pretty lonely. She would rather be in her room reading her books or messing with the guards. Except, she was angry with herself for being lonely, and that made her frustrated. She heard her father grumble from beside her, "Aynyra, sit up straight. You're a princess for God's sake." Aynyra sighed and straightened her back and shoulders. She stared into the crystal chandelier hanging from the top of the ballroom dreaming about that night Rhae took her into her home. The night they shared a bed and laughed together. Her brother interrupted her thoughts again by this time, who cleared his throat loud enough for her to hear. She looked forward and found a man bowing to her, expectantly. She stood up out of her throne and quickly curtsied before sitting down again. The man standing before her awkwardly smiled before turning away
Icran was watching Rhaenyx through their link. He had been trying to push past her defences so he could see through her eyes. Icran sat at his desk for hours while Rhae was at the ball, listening to her thoughts and emotions. Suddenly, he was whisked away into her vision, watching Princess Aynyra storm out of the room. He felt a tug in his chest before turning to the King. He saw and handled everything from Rhae, all in real-time. The bond appeared to be firm but not strong enough as Icran still couldn't break down Rhae's walls. He felt her immediate emotions before they quickly disappeared within her. He watched closely as the King fell under her spell, falling onto one knee before proposing Rhae. Icran felt disgust wash over Rhae quickly and suddenly, replaced by a solemn feeling and her walls rising higher and higher. Icran wondered about the Princess. He could feel a tug in Rhae's mind that tried to call her out those large doors. If Rhae was falling for the Prince
Rhaenyx felt a stirring in her stomach for the second time that night. The first time was when Aynyra stormed out of the ballroom after slicing the cheek of someone who dared touch the Princess. That reaction was to be expected. What Rhae didn't expect, was to see Aynyra storming into her chambers with that same knife, still stained with the blood of the man from the ball. Aynyra was dripping with disdain as she muttered, "Hello, Nira." Rhae sat up and slowly raised her hands, "please don't try anything Aynyra. I don't want to hurt you." Rhae tried to be as calm as possible, slowing her breathing to avoid feeling any type of fear towards the situation. She really, really didn't want to hurt Aynyra. Aynyra took one small step at a time, her entire body was shaking with rage so much that she thought she could lose control of her body and fall at any second. She gripped the knife so tight that her knuckles were white and she could no longer feel the
Weeks flew by, Icran made no further moves to connect the link between Rhae and himself. Rhae and Aynyra never spoke or looked at each other, even at the King's breakfasts, the wedding planning, or at the royal dinners in the evening. Aynyra thought it was Rhae trying to shut her out. Even though it hurt her, she knew it was the right thing to do. However, Rhae barely even noticed the princess, so overcome with her grief. Though Kaia and herself had hardly seen each other of late, their bond was strong. They had been friends since they were young, both raised inside the guild. Although they took different professions, they both enjoyed a drink together after their jobs were done. Rhae felt incredibly guilty. She hadn't even thought about trying to visit her friend. Her life had been overwhelming as of late, filled with many changes. That shouldn't have stopped her from visiting her lifelong friend or even checking to see if she was ok.Rhae felt guilty. She was so overc
Aynyra awoke in Rhaenyx's bed. Rhae was snoring softly, her body still and relaxed. Aynyra watched as Rhae's chest slowly moved up and down, with no tension in her face. Aynyra looked to the ceiling, before sighing softly. Somehow, she felt pity in the depths of her subconscious. It's what caused her to stay the night. She had no knowledge of why she was so comfortable with the murderer lying beside her. That murderer was now her mother. When she made that realisation, Aynyra sat up and slipped out of bed, hurrying to the bookcase where she had left the potions book the night before. She hurried out of the room, softly opening the door, without realising that Rhae's chest had stopped rising and falling.~*~*~Rhae slowly opened her eyes, catching a glimpse of Aynyra softly scurrying out of the room holding the book. She sat up, taking a deep breath, before sliding off her bed and touching her feet down on the cold tiles. The icy floors tickled the bottoms of her feet as she walked fro
Rhae was still sitting in the chair, she could barely move. Her muscles were tensed, her adrenaline pumping, but her motivation was lacking. Icran's control over her was much stronger than she thought; no matter how hard she fought to keep her walls up, he could break them down instantly. With this new revelation, she knew that she had to break their bond before she could avenge Kaia. That was impossible. Which meant she would have to kill Aynyra and the rest of her family, including her brother, Prince Valor, who was due to return from his voyage outside the walls any day now. Hopefully, he died out there so that Rhae wouldn't be forced to do it herself. If Rhae went after the Akihyra fruit and survived, she would have to kill Aynyra. If she stayed here, then she would die, a useless death without avenging Kaia. It was a lose-lose. If she survived this encounter, she would follow through with her plan, altering the steps slightly. She hadn't meant to stab Icran tonight, she only w
Rhae stormed through the camp, straight for Aynyra's tent. Ambrose left her feeling hot and her skin sticky. His presence always made her feel strange like there were butterflies flapping their delicate wings along the lining of her stomach. She thought that she could vomit at the feeling and maybe it would go away.But Aynyra came first, so she shook her head and took a deep breath before stepping into the darkness of the tent.Aynyra was sat up on the bedroll, staring blankly at the entrance to the tent. Her long ears and canines had turned back to human features, and her face was sickly, clouded by dark circles that hung low under her eyes.Even in Rhae's presence in the tent, Aynyra didn't blink. She merely stared, lips slightly agape and grey in colour."Aynyra?" Rhae whispered, kneeling down in front of Aynyra. She gently reached out and grasped Aynyra's cold, dead fingers. Rhae grimaced at the cold that seeped from her usually warm skin.Rhae bent to the side and picked up the
Rhae had surveyed the camp a few times on the back of Diavel. He seemed agitated but wouldn't talk to her about what he had seen behind Aynyra's tent. Since then, neither of them had spotted anything unusual. Even Ambrose's Fae senses hadn't picked anything up.Rhae decided that it was enough and flew back down into the camp to sit outside of Aynyra's tent, keeping watch until she woke up."Did Diavel say anything else about what he saw?" Ambrose asked, climbing off his Draekon to sit beside her. Rhae ran her fingers through her dirty and matted hair, trying to pull it away from her face. "No, he has refused to talk to me since," Rhae whispered staring at Diavel, whose head was snapping around at the smallest sounds, searching the treeline for movement. "He needs to rest, but I don't think he will now that there might be a threat.""You need rest too, and a bath," Ambrose chuckled, covering his nose. "So do you!" Rhae laughed, lightly shoving Ambrose. Ambrose stood and held out his
"What the hell do you mean, they AREN'T DEAD!" A man with long fiery red hair and a scruffy beard yelled. He tapped his long fingernails on the wooden table in front of him. It appeared to be a repetitive action as there was a small dent in the table where he had slowly worn out the wood."They escaped. The monsters were too large, it made them slow. They couldn't kill two of those bloody so-called warriors." This man's voice was smooth and deep, rolling off his tongue. He oozed confidence and strength, hidden under a black cloak that covered his features. He was calm compared to the other's rage."So why weren't they in the Kingdom? Why weren't they burned with it?" The man with the scruffy beard yelled, his voice raspy and scratched."A number of the citizens managed to escape. The princess has grown powerful, she is able to use a large amount of her power so quickly.""It won't last forever, raw magic isn't as all-powerful as she thinks. Her powe
Ambrose, cradled Rhae's unconscious body, next to Diavel who grunted in pain every time he tried to move his torn wing. The two monsters still stood at the edge of the kingdom, blasting fire at the wall that blocked them from tearing down the city. It would fall in seconds. He couldn't stop them along, and neither could Rhae. One blast knocked Rhae off her feet. Who knows if that same blast would work on the monster who breathed fire itself? There was no choice, they had to evacuate with the citizens of the Kingdom.Aynyra? He called out in his mind, hoping she would hear him.Ambrose! I can't feel Rhae's mind anymore. What happened?We need to evacuate and now, have you all left?We have all made it out the gate. We are heading deep into the forest. Most of the Fae have abandoned us now, Aynyra whispered.I'm bringing Rhae to you now, I'm sorry we couldn't help further.Sometimes you need to know when you've been beaten, Ambrose. We will return with a plan.Ambrose remained silent, f
Rhae and Ambrose soared over the Kingdom. There were a few struggles below running for over who hadn't made their way to the square. Hopefully, they don't get in the way.Then Rhae looked up and towering over the wall were three great beasts. That was the only way she could describe them. They were amalgamations of many different creatures and bigger than anything she had ever seen. They were taller than the castle at full height. Full-blown monsters. Even Ambrose stilled.Diavel's voice popped into her head. You're magic is strong, but not enough for this. Ambrose can't help much. Rhae, we won't win."We have to try," Rhae growled, pushing forwards. "See if you can get close enough to get a blast in."Diavel grumbled but complied. Even he was a bug to the monsters before them. Before they could even get in range, the arm of the monster came down on them, swatting them away. Diavel barely managed to dodge.Ambrose's Draekon sent a blast of lightning from a distance before swerving out
"We need to make a statement," Valor slammed his fist on the long wooden table that the remains of the council sat around. There were a few old men from the old council, along with Aynyra's court. Rhae sat on Aynyra's right, Valor on her left. Beside Valor was Aerys, whose actions gave them the god's favour in the battle. So, he was offered a place in court. Besides Rhae was a sneering old man who was twisting away from the Fae ears that peeked through Rhae's hair. The rest of the council appeared equally aggressive. "We have all been recovering from the battle, surely they will understand," Aerys rubbed his dark eyes. "The people recognise the power vacuum. We need Aynyra to solidify our position," Valor retorted. An old man piped up, the man who sat next to Rhae, "Maybe the Princess is too young to lead us." Rhae interjected sharply, "You will address her as your majesty." "She is not Queen until the coronation ceremony, even then, she needs a King by her side." The other counc
Rhae's eyes burst open and she pushed herself up quickly, examining her surroundings. She glanced around, Aynyra lay unconscious beside her and Ambrose knelt on her other side, reaching out to support her. Icran; she had to find him, she had to end him.Quickly, she stood, ignoring the throbbing pain in her head and the dryness in her mouth. There was no more time to waste, nothing else to do, but end it here and now. Behind the pillar, that's where he hid before. Ambrose followed close behind her, his arms being held in her direction, ready to catch her if she fell. Her body was filled with only one burning desire, to kill Icran. Fate could be damned, bloody destiny could be damned. Only one thing mattered and that was ending Icran. She found him, cowering behind the pillar, a fool and a coward in his last moments. She grabbed him by his hair and threw him out onto the concrete, towering above him. Rhae felt the white fire burning through her and pushed it onto the surface of her
Rhae was surrounded by darkness, her mind empty. It was like standing in a void. Every time she moved, her body shifted, fading in and out of existence.Was this death? Was this her final punishment from the gods? It couldn't be. Surely, she wasn't doomed to float in a never-ending void forever.No, Icran wasn't dead yet. She couldn't end it here, not when she had so much to do, not when she had so much to return to.Her relationship with Aynyra had been rocky so far. They went from enemies to friends to enemies again. They had no time to talk to each other, spend time together, to develop anything.Yet, Aynyra had been by her side through it all. Without earning it, she had received unwavering loyalty. How did she repay Aynyra? By stabbing her.Rhae didn't deserve anything. Didn't deserve the love that constantly poured from Aynyra. She had betrayed Aynyra multiple times along the way, even abandoning her in an ancient city. She had been focused on revenge for Kaia, focused on keep
Rhaenyx was burning. She was fire itself; hot, bright and hungry. The fire ate her from the inside, consuming her body with rage. Finally, she was in front of the man who brought her so much pain and now she could end him, once and for all.The flames covered her body, bright and blue, all-consuming. Icran trembled in front of her, his wide eyes taking in the fury in front of him. He barely even noticed Aynyra standing behind Rhae, sweat dripping down her forehead."Rhaenyx, dear. Violence isn't the answer. Do you think the people will follow you when you storm into your own Kingdom and burn it to the ground? Do you think they want you as a leader when you bring in our enemy to slaughter us like lambs to the wolves? You're a fool. You had no real plan. This Kingdom will fall if I don't take place as its leader. You are the real traitor," Icran growled, his voice dripping with malice.Behind his anger, was fear and Rhae could taste it. "Shut up," she hissed."Have I hit a nerve? You kn