“I need to know why I am here and why my mom would ask me to search for a Darynem before she died” i asked Yoda
“I don’t have all the answers, but what i know is that, you are the Darynem Princess who was taken to Anoryl years ago” she replies
“Come with me, I know something that might help” she turns around and walks out of the room. I scramble quickly to follow her, barely able to keep up with her long strides. If I thought the room I was in was beautiful, this hallway was magnificent. The tall ceilings with beautiful antique artistry made me feel like I was in a palace. “Is this place a palace?” I asked “You still haven’t figured it out?”
After walking for what felt like an eternity we stopped before a grand door that was at least 9 feet tall. Yoda gently pulls down the handle and ushers herself in, I follow closely behind her. Upon entering I gasped at the sight before me. I stood before the largest library I had ever been in. The rows of books stretch so high up that I had to crank up my neck to see where it ends. And before me were hundreds and hundreds of shelves. “This place is beautiful” I exclaimed. “This is one of the libraries. Holds the most ancient knowledge” Yoda replies. “One! You have more?”
But she was already on her way out, gently closing the door behind her. I couldn’t help but think of how graceful Darynem were. Such a sharp contrast from what we had been taught back in Anoryl. I took a deep breath and stepped deeper into the library. Where would I even start? “The oldest books are at the farthest shelves, history books below and magic above. That’s the order” a voice echoed from down the lane. Out of the shadows emerged a thin and tall old lady. She had thin glasses that were propped on the bridge of her nose but couldn't hide her bright orange eyes. She was beautiful with her pale blonde hair that tumbled beyond her shoulders in waves. “Thank you”, I muttered. I still had my guard up against these people, they still are murderers after all. She walked past me and back into the shadows… gracefully.
I crouched down in front of the shelf before me, looking for my first history book on the dreadful Darynem. I reached for a random book with a red hardcover. “Glaciers”
“You’re not going to find what you’re looking for in that book”, a deep voice bellowed from behind me. I jumped. Do these people just materialize out of nothing? I don't even hear them walk. He chuckled. I’m sorry I startled you. I stood up from my crouching position, turning around in the process to face him. I came face to face with a demigod. I could get lost in his cloudy gray eyes. His chiseled face, and snow white skin. He had strikingly dark hair, which fell into his eyes. Quite different from the other Darynem I had seen so far. “My name is Mateo Sorvo” he said gently, taking my hand and kissing it. “You must be Princess Arina,” he asked. I felt blood rush to my face at his charm. “N-no, I mean yes but I- ”, huffed, frustrated. I wished that the ground would swallow me up that instant. “My name is Violette, not Arina, and I am not a princess” I said with the boldest voice I could master. Taking my hand out of his hold.
“So I’ve heard. My apologies Miss …”
“Violet. Violet Sinkette” I said
“Yes Violette. Pleasure to meet such a beauty like you.” he spoke again, bringing back my embarrassing blush
“We are about to have dinner soon, would you care to join us?” he asked
Dinner with Darynem? I had almost forgotten the situation that I was in. My mother was just murdered by own people and I had been kidnapped by the dreaded Darynem.
“I would rather starve to death than join you for dinner!” i spat
The shock was evident in his eyes before he regained composure “We lot, as you call us, just saved your life. If you have any respect for the sacrifice of Meredith, you would join us for dinner” he retorted calmly, turned on his heels and walked out of the library.
My only shot at getting out of here was piecing the puzzle that lay before me. And dining with the enemy was the first step. My stomach grumbled in response.
They did have amazing food.
“Wait, I’m coming!” I yelled as I ran for the door, remembering to carry the book I picked along with me.
“It is too soon to take her to the training academy , she just lost her mother!” a voice saysI step into the dining room behind Mateo, and I am panting. “There is no point in keeping her here any longer. The Training academy is her best chance at joining the fight” Frieda responds in her usual calm tone. She is at the head of the long dining table. I recognize some familiar faces. Yoda and the man she was with who came to rescue me, and … is that.. My father?“D-dad?” i stuttered“Arina.” he replies. He cleans his mouth and rises up to meet me.But how? This is too much for me to handle. I feel my legs go weak and my vision clouds with darkness as I fall to the ground.The familiar scent of citrus fills the air and I know that I am back in my room. This time, I did not try to get out of bed. Before me are numerous pairs of eyes that surround me. “Arina” I whip my head to the side where my father is standing. The legendary Jerome Sinkette who died in the Great war against the Daryne
Night had come and all those who had gathered in my room had left. For hours I lay still in my bed, staring into the air, trying to process it all. The feeling of grief, and loss and confusion was making my head spin. Not to talk of my undead father. The wide windows in my room were open, letting in the cool breeze and dim moonlight. I step out of bed and walk towards the balcony into the breeze. Standing there, I could see what was probably the entire kingdom of Daryn. I felt a tear slide down my cheek as I beheld its beauty. How could I have had so much hatred for this place?“Don’t be so hard on yourself” the voice within me smoothly fluttered in my mind“Where have you been all my life Gaia?” i asked her in my mind“I’ve been here. Waiting for the right time to show myself darling” she answersI hear a knock before my door swings open“I came to help you pack up your bag for the Training Academy” I hear Yoda sayMy mind goes back to the conversation that Frieda and my father were
My eyes snap open as I feel myself plopping off the bed. Then my pillows are hurled at me on the floor. My eyes slowly adjust to the light in my room and I see Yoda towering over me with her hands crossed over her chest and a scowl on her face. “Why would you push me off the bed?” i ask angrily“Was the only way to wake you up” she answers nonchalantly and walks towards the door“BE downstairs in five!” she addsA part of me wanted to crawl back into the bed and snuggle under the sheets, but Gaia stopped me“I wouldn't do that if I were you.” she says “Ugh!” i huff in annoyanceI walk to the bathroom and freshen up quickly before heading out of my room. I noticed that Yoda had carried my duffle bag out as if it had nothing inside of it.Although I did not know where I was headed, I followed the sound of voices down the stairs until I ended up at what looked like the entrance of this castle. “Your horse is ready for yououtside” a deep voice says behind meI whipped around so fast tha
My stomach growls so loudly. I take a quick peek at Yoda to see if she heard it but b=nothingMy butt is so sore from sitting on Melrue’s saddle for so long. As we move past yet another town, I feel I can't take it anymore. “Can we at least get some food before we continue?” I blurted out to no one in particular. Yohan quickens up to my side. He takes one look at me and then rides past me to Mateo. What is with this guy?“There's a tavern right up around that curve, we will stop there and grab something before your blasts our eardrums” Yoda says with a hint of humorSo she did hear that! I blush in embarrassment.The tavern comes into view and I breathe a sigh of relief. I don’t think I can remain seated on the hard saddle for another minute longer.When we reach the entrance, Yohan and Mateo swing off their horses with such grace that I wonder if I can do the same. One look at the ground and I know I can't. I clumsily descend off Melrue’s back. I pet him one last time and kiss him be
“This is an Academy?” i askWe stood at the edge of a long bridge that hung above an enormous earth crater about 30 feet up in the air.On the other side of the bridge was a dark and enormous structure that lot out of a horror film. The fence around the school stretched for miles that i couldnt see where it ends. “Did you tell her that she could possibly die on this bridge before she even gets to the school?”Mateo asks Yoda“What does he mean?!”“Theres a negative pole down there in the crater. And if you are not deemed worthy, you’ll fall through the bridge and have all your life sucked out of you” she answers casually“What do you mean if i am not deemed worthy?”“Exactly that. The bridge choses who’s worthy of this academy” Yohan answersHe had been quiet since we got thrown of of the tavern.“And you chose to tell me this now!!”“Quit whining and get on with it” Mateo teasesI gulp and take my first step unto the bridge.“Go on,” Yoda urges. With an amused smirk on her faceI ta
We walk into a very large courtyard filled with students divided into four groups in perfectly lined up rows. “I heard that your Paliar is Gaia” Kwaku asks with a bit of doubt on his faceAmongst the people I’ve met here, he’s the one I like the least. Well after Yohan.“Yes” i answer“May I?” he stretches out his hand, like he wants to receive something. I get confused. What does he want from me?“Give me your hand Princess Arina” he asks smoothly.I glance at Yoda, unsure, but she gives me a nod of agreement before i place my hand in his. His palms feel rough and hard. He gently flips my hand over and presses his thumb deep into my palm till it hurts. “O-oww” I howl, snatching my hand away from him. “I’m sorry about that, but that was the only way to bring out your Paliar,” he explains. I look at my palm and I see it glowing a bright Red light for a few seconds. Then it changes to Blue, then Green and then silver light.A few students who were close to us and could see what was goi
“Look for your names on the notice board in front of your dormitories to find your rooms” Yohan directsWe begin to disperse.“I hope we’re in the same room.” Evelyn squealed“Yeah, me too” I replyWhen we reach the notice board, the path clears up for us again like before. Evelyn takes the opportunity to strut through, dragging me along. The last thing that I want is to be the sore thumb that sticks out like a rotten carcass.I keep my gaze firmly on the floor, ignoring all the eyes following us.“You look from the top for our names and i’ll start from below” she says“Okay”I take note of the first name on the list. Reina Sam. I wonder in what order these names are ranked.“Oh I’ve found your name” Evelyn taps meI follow her finger to the bottom of the list, where my name is, inscribed in pencil, as if added at the last minute.I guess this makes sense. I didn’t exist to them until three days ago.“Found mine too” she says in a disappointed tone.Next to my name is the letter X an
The night is so cold that I feel my bones freezing. I sit up on my bed and stair out of the window. There are sheer curtains draped in front of it but I see right through it. “Can’t sleep?” a quiet voice speaksIt's the girl in glasses who was reading.“Yeah” i respond“Are you really an Anorem?” she asks with curiosity“I was… until now”“Oh”“Yeah”The conversation drops into an awkward silence for a few seconds.I watch her as her eyes skim my appearance. She looks at me as if she's searching for something odd, that would maybe definitely show my Anoremic heritage.“What year are you?” i askHer eyes cut back to mine. “Oh I’m a first year too, just like you”“Somebody mentioned that the rooms are assigned according to performance?” i ask“Yes” she sits up straight in her seat and pushes her glasses farther up her nose bridge“Once you reach the age of 20, you might activate your Paliar. Some people activate theirs much later though. Once you do, you will be enrolled in this academ
The morning after the incident with Reina, I wake up to a dull ache throbbing through my limbs. Every muscle protests as I shift in bed, my mind replaying the moment I lost control. The flicker of flames. The blast. Reina’s lifeless form sprawled across the gym floor.I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to will the memory away. Mateo had said she would be fine. That the AQUAs would heal her. But doubt gnawed at me. I had never felt that kind of power before, and the thought that it could happen again terrified me.A soft knock at the door startles me. I glance at the clock—training isn’t for another two hours. Pushing myself up with a wince, I mutter, “Come in.”Evelyn steps inside, shutting the door behind her. “I heard what happened.”I don’t respond immediately, staring down at my hands. What if I lost control again? What if next time, I really did kill someone?“Arina.” She kneels beside me, her voice softer now. “I know you’re scared.”I scoff. “Scared? I nearly killed Reina.”“But yo
“You’re late.”Yohan’s voice cuts through the training room the moment I step inside.I scowl at him.The ropes of the sparring ring quiver as Reina climbs inside, rolling her shoulders in preparation for me.I glance around. No sign of Yoda or Mateo.“Where are they?” I ask.Yohan doesn’t answer. Instead, he turns on his heel and strides toward the ring, ignoring me completely.I grit my teeth. Who does he think he is? Without thinking, I yank off my boot and hurl it at his head.I don’t expect him to react so fast.Before it can hit him, he sidesteps effortlessly, spins, and incinerates the shoe midair with a burst of fire from his palm.I blink in shock. Well, I guess he’s Section Leader for a reason.“Excellent display of reflexes,” Mateo remarks, entering the room.Yohan’s gaze flicks to him, his expression darkening.“You’re late,” he mutters before stepping into the ring.“She’s sparring with me today,” he tells Reina, who is already strapping on her fighting gloves.“Be my gue
My heart drops as my eyes lock with his.Yohan stands at the mouth of the passage, broad-shouldered and silent. The golden torchlight reflects off his hair, giving it an almost ethereal glow. My pulse quickens, though I refuse to let him see any fear. His posture is rigid, his stance sharp—like a blade ready to strike.“What exactly are you doing here?” His voice is even, but there is no warmth to it. Just scrutiny, cold and unrelenting.I square my shoulders. “I could ask you the same thing.”His gaze doesn’t waver, but for the briefest second, something flickers in his expression—hesitation, perhaps. If I had blinked, I would have missed it. But I hadn’t.Evelyn fidgets beside me, uneasy in the weight of the silence. Finally, Yohan exhales through his nose. “It doesn’t concern you.”His tone is clipped, dismissive.I press my lips into a thin line. “Neither does this concern you.”Something shifts in his jaw. He stares at me for a long moment, unreadable. Then, without another word,
The halls of the academy are eerily quiet at this hour. The moon’s silver glow filters through the arched windows, casting faint shadows that stretch and twist along the stone corridors. My pulse is steady, but I can’t shake the feeling that we’re being watched.“You’re sure about this?” I whisper, my voice barely above a breath.“Of course not,” Evelyn replies with a mischievous grin. “But that’s what makes it exciting.”She moves ahead, leading me down the eastern corridor where the iron gate looms before us—the last physical barrier between us and the underground chambers. It’s enormous, its surface carved with swirling sigils of protection. Every student knows this passage is forbidden, but that hasn’t stopped Evelyn from trying.I place a hand against the cold metal, my breath misting against the chill in the air. “How do we get past this?”Evelyn pulls out a small glass vial filled with a swirling silver liquid. “A little something I borrowed from the Aqua Wing.” She tilts the v
I wake to the sensation of someone gently stroking my hair. My eyes flutter open, and I’m met with the most magnetic blue eyes framed by jet-black hair. I try to speak, but my throat is dry and aching.“Shh,” Mateo whispers.I glance around, taking in my surroundings. I’m lying on a stark white clinic bed, with thin blue drapes hanging on either side, likely separating me from other patients. Mateo lifts a glass of water to my lips, helping me take a sip. The cool liquid soothes my throat.“You’re not supposed to be doing this,” he mutters.“Doing what?”“Training. Fighting. For Daryn.”I let out a slow breath. “I haven’t even fully processed why I’m here.”“It’s just…” He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “You were sent away to protect you. It doesn’t make sense to throw you back into battle.”“You think a battle is coming?” I ask.“Yes. The Anorem won’t stop until they have the power of the Frinx.”“And somehow, I’m the key to stopping them?”“That’s what Her Highness Frieda b
The night is so cold that I feel my bones freezing. I sit up on my bed and stair out of the window. There are sheer curtains draped in front of it but I see right through it. “Can’t sleep?” a quiet voice speaksIt's the girl in glasses who was reading.“Yeah” i respond“Are you really an Anorem?” she asks with curiosity“I was… until now”“Oh”“Yeah”The conversation drops into an awkward silence for a few seconds.I watch her as her eyes skim my appearance. She looks at me as if she's searching for something odd, that would maybe definitely show my Anoremic heritage.“What year are you?” i askHer eyes cut back to mine. “Oh I’m a first year too, just like you”“Somebody mentioned that the rooms are assigned according to performance?” i ask“Yes” she sits up straight in her seat and pushes her glasses farther up her nose bridge“Once you reach the age of 20, you might activate your Paliar. Some people activate theirs much later though. Once you do, you will be enrolled in this academ
“Look for your names on the notice board in front of your dormitories to find your rooms” Yohan directsWe begin to disperse.“I hope we’re in the same room.” Evelyn squealed“Yeah, me too” I replyWhen we reach the notice board, the path clears up for us again like before. Evelyn takes the opportunity to strut through, dragging me along. The last thing that I want is to be the sore thumb that sticks out like a rotten carcass.I keep my gaze firmly on the floor, ignoring all the eyes following us.“You look from the top for our names and i’ll start from below” she says“Okay”I take note of the first name on the list. Reina Sam. I wonder in what order these names are ranked.“Oh I’ve found your name” Evelyn taps meI follow her finger to the bottom of the list, where my name is, inscribed in pencil, as if added at the last minute.I guess this makes sense. I didn’t exist to them until three days ago.“Found mine too” she says in a disappointed tone.Next to my name is the letter X an
We walk into a very large courtyard filled with students divided into four groups in perfectly lined up rows. “I heard that your Paliar is Gaia” Kwaku asks with a bit of doubt on his faceAmongst the people I’ve met here, he’s the one I like the least. Well after Yohan.“Yes” i answer“May I?” he stretches out his hand, like he wants to receive something. I get confused. What does he want from me?“Give me your hand Princess Arina” he asks smoothly.I glance at Yoda, unsure, but she gives me a nod of agreement before i place my hand in his. His palms feel rough and hard. He gently flips my hand over and presses his thumb deep into my palm till it hurts. “O-oww” I howl, snatching my hand away from him. “I’m sorry about that, but that was the only way to bring out your Paliar,” he explains. I look at my palm and I see it glowing a bright Red light for a few seconds. Then it changes to Blue, then Green and then silver light.A few students who were close to us and could see what was goi
“This is an Academy?” i askWe stood at the edge of a long bridge that hung above an enormous earth crater about 30 feet up in the air.On the other side of the bridge was a dark and enormous structure that lot out of a horror film. The fence around the school stretched for miles that i couldnt see where it ends. “Did you tell her that she could possibly die on this bridge before she even gets to the school?”Mateo asks Yoda“What does he mean?!”“Theres a negative pole down there in the crater. And if you are not deemed worthy, you’ll fall through the bridge and have all your life sucked out of you” she answers casually“What do you mean if i am not deemed worthy?”“Exactly that. The bridge choses who’s worthy of this academy” Yohan answersHe had been quiet since we got thrown of of the tavern.“And you chose to tell me this now!!”“Quit whining and get on with it” Mateo teasesI gulp and take my first step unto the bridge.“Go on,” Yoda urges. With an amused smirk on her faceI ta