“What happens if I don’t choose?” I asked.
The room started shaking violently and the glass started cracking. Shards of glass threatened to fall from the ceiling. But through the cracks I saw something that made me smile.
It was me. Like the real me. No white or gold eyes, no blonde hair, no ridiculous crown. Just me.
“Okay, I’ll choose, just give me a minute!” I called.
I faced the reflection with the white eyes. I knew nothing about her and it would be idiotic to choose that one. Then I turned to Luna Zelda.
She was married to Hunter, a werewolf and a leader. For the most part she seemed pretty happy. It wasn’t a bad life to live as far as I was concerned. But I also wouldn’t see my family and I would miss Gynem so much. It was my home.
Then came the one that looked closest to the real me. She was beyond happy. Still an Empress married to Penn, hosting a party every fo
We entered the ship and looked around curiously. It wasn’t at all how I imagined it to be.I had only heard tales about ships in relation to pirates. I’d always wanted to meet one, but it didn’t seem like I would be doing that today. The ship was totally empty.I climbed below deck. It had cots, which made me think we would definitely be spending the night here. I wasn’t sure if that would bode well, considering I was already feeling a little nauseous.I might suffer from seasickness. I grabbed on to a column as the ship started moving.“Who is doing that?” I called up.“We’re not sure!” Zeke called back down.I slowly made my way back up to the deck. The wheel was turning all by itself. That should worry me, but I could make fire come out of my body, so this was just another day in Uquix it seemed.“Well, I’m going to take a nap.&rdq
We all sat on the deck in a circle around the fire. If we were going to do this, we might as well do it right.“Are we sure we should read this story?” Posy asked. “I mean what if the book is cursed?”“This whole journey has been cursed.” Penn pointed out.“He’s right and we clearly were supposed to find this. Might as well see what it’s all about.” I sighed, sure I would end up regretting this. “Go ahead and read, Hunter.”He cleared his throat. “There was once a ship called The Ghastly Cutlass run by Captain Rowell ‘The Cruel’ Swale. He was ruthless and hard and the reason for this tale-”“God is it all going to rhyme?” Cedric groaned.“Shut up!” I snapped. “Continue Hunter.”“Thank you Empress Zelda.” He shot Cedric a dirty look before continuing. “Rowell took no pri
This time we all went down below deck.There was eerie green lighting that most definitely wasn’t there before, but nothing else seemed different. That almost scared me more, considering all the noise we had heard.The trap door slammed closed. Cedric tried to push it open. “It won’t budge!” He growled. “We have to get out of here.”“Maybe it’s the wind?” Posy suggested.“There was no wind.” Penn pointed out. “I think maybe those stories weren’t just stories.”“Yeah, you think?” Hunter asked.“Are they going to kill us?” Zeke asked. “We are a group of ten.”“But we would make a horrible crew to this ship.” I pointed out. “We’re not qualified at all!”“I don’t think they care about that.” Oz admitted.“I’m just really hoping th
When I opened my eyes, the world around me was different than I’d ever seen it before.It was green and dark. It was incredibly forest-like and yet didn’t feel anything like the real world. It almost seemed like it was an unfinished place. Like someone had started creating it, but got stopped halfway through. It was eerie and creepy and if I could feel, I think it would be quite cold.“Well this is horrifying.” Penn whispered.I turned to look at him. He was a ghost. The most handsome damn ghost I’d ever seen in my life, but still a ghost.“We’ve gotta start looking for the others.” I said. “Who knows how long it’ll be until sunrise?”I tried to pull him but my hand went right through his.Right, we’re not solid anymore.We floated through the strange world. For being dead and having nothing to do, ghosts sure were scrambling around l
“So what exactly are Head Phantoms?” I questioned. “Like what do they do?”“They watch over the Darkened Shore. They’re kind of the guards.” Agaras explained. “They’re supposed to make sure everyone who’s supposed to be remains here and beings that aren't supposed to be here stay away.”“Not very good at their jobs are they?” Penn asked.“Well they are blind.” Gwenna pointed out. “They can sense a non ghost, though. That’s why we must be careful. Even if they can’t see you, they can find you.”“And the others too.” I groaned. “And we have no idea where they are.”“We will find them, Zelda, don’t worry.” Penn assured me. “Gwenna, Agaras, may I ask...is this all there is in the afterlife? Is there a Twilight Nexus or Ravaged Hollow?”“Of course there is!” Gwenn
When my eyes snapped open I couldn’t exactly figure out where I was at first. It took a moment to realize I was under the deck on a cot.“You were right.” Penn’s voice stated next to me. He was shirtless and I’m pretty sure naked under the cover. “They were having sex.”“Lucky ghosts.” I grinned, leaning over to kiss him. “Maybe we should finish what they started.”“I could be tempted.”“Empress Zelda where are you?” Hunter called.I rolled my eyes. “Another time, darling.”Penn groaned as we started getting dressed. We hurried above deck. The sky was orangish-purple and absolutely stunning!“Well somehow we made it out of there.” I sighed heavily. “How do we all feel?”I was met with grumbles and groans. Okay they weren’t happy. And why should they be?“Well is anyone hungry?&rd
Indrick was right, the ship was sinking and rather fast!“What are we gonna do?” Cedric asked. He was hyperventilating. “I-I can’t swim!”“Well you’d better learn now!!” Zeke exclaimed. “Swimming is the only option!”“We have to grab our bags!” Penn ran down to the lower deck, followed by Hunter and Oz.Cedric was frozen, clinging to the side of the tilting ship.“What are we supposed to do?” Posy asked. “We can’t even see land! Where do we go?”“Um, I don’t know!” I admitted. “I have no idea what we’re supposed to do! I think we just die!”Sure, that’s dramatic, but also a possibility!“We should jump ship now!” Balkin called as the water reached the deck.“I can’t!” Cedric shouted. “I can’t swim.”“I
Penn’s POVAt this point I wasn’t even surprised with Zelda getting kidnapped. It was to be expected now.How did she manage to get kidnapped so much? She was the strongest and most powerful woman I knew and yet was so easy to abduct.I understand why she was always taken. I mean she was the most beautiful person to grace this entire earth. I wanted to take her away the moment I met her too. Not only did my heart recognize her as my mate, but my mind did too.Seeing the way she had stood up to Hunter solidified that she was the woman for me.Of course she was intimidating and I was scared of telling Hunter that I loved her, but I would do anything for her. I would lay my life on the line for a second. No that I ever get the chance to. She’s usually taken before I even have a chance to do that of course.“What is with everyone taking my sister?” Zeke groaned. “Is she that appealing?”
My body felt a shock at once. Electricity flowed quickly and then expelled itself out of my body. Was I going to die again? I wondered as I fell to my knees. I breathed heavily as the last of the lightning left. I paused to make sure I wasn’t going to die again. “Zelda!” I looked up and saw Penn running over to me. “Penn!” He scooped me up in his arms and held me tightly. “I thought I lost you!” “How relieved were you?” I joked. He set me down and kissed me. “Very relieved. But now you’re back and I’m miserable again.” I kissed him again. “Are you lying to an Empress? That’s a crime.” “And what would be my punishment?” Penn smiled down at me. “You have to marry me…for real this time.” “You sure I can’t just take death?” I laughed as Zeke ran over to us and embraced me. “Tell me that’s the last time you almost die!” “No promises. I think it’s over now, though.” I smiled.&nb
Posy’s POV I hated her. Why did she do this? Why would she kill herself just to save the rest of us? Why wasn’t she selfish and logical? Why wouldn’t she just let us die for her with honor? Because Empress Zelda Xanatheal was a great leader. No one even cared about Cedric the moment Zelda hit the ground. The Aleni had been struck down and we had no one left to fight. We only wanted to see Zelda. I got to her first. I cried out upon feeling how limp she was in my arms. “Zelda?” I screamed. “Wake up Zelda, now!” She wouldn’t budge. The boys had transformed and put on their pants. Penn dropped to his knees. “Zelda?” He choked out. “Zelda, please wake up. I need you Zelda, please.” He was sobbing as he hugged her lifeless body. Hunter tried to comfort him, but he just pulled away and wailed. “I can’t live without her!” Penn cried out. “I can’t! How do we bring her back? Someone
I stepped towards Cedric in horror. “You killed your father?” I asked shakily. “We both know he deserved it.” “What are you doing here?” “Oh, was I not invited? I’m sorry, I figured maybe my invitation got lost in the crystal mirror.” He feigned innocence. “Cedric, why are you here?” I cried. “You look so pretty in your wedding dress…and I’d make the perfect groom. Everyone’s already here Zel, let’s just do it.” “No, no! We had a deal, Cedric, you swore. Don’t do this!” “Ah the deal…yeah I thought about that, constantly over the last month. I don’t like it. I didn’t go through all of that shit to end up without you. So…the deal is off.” Cedric was many things, but he wasn’t usually a liar. The only thing he had ever really lied to me about was killing Astris and it only took him a few moments to reveal that lie. He didn’t believe in lying, he thought it was a waste of time. He was fine with being rut
“Holy fuck!” I exclaimed. “You’re serious?!” “Very serious,” Penn said nervously digging into his pocket. He pulled out a stunning ring with a gorgeous blue gem on it. “Is that the -” “Gem of Xaxtar from Prince Mako, yeah. I know it was supposed to be a necklace, but I think it would look better on your finger. Posy helped me make it.” He smiled. “So? Can I be your Emperor for life?” “Yes! Of course! Absolutely!” I screamed. Penn got up and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around him tightly, absolutely elated. This was everything I ever wanted. I saved Uquix and I was going to marry the love of my life! He slipped the ring on my finger and I admired it. “It’s huge!” I exclaimed. “Isn’t it?” Posy asked. “I knew you’d love it!” “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me! I mean look at me I have soot all over my face and clothes!” I laughed. “You look beautiful,” Penn assured me before kissing me aga
The lava immediately stopped flowing as golden light shot out the Shadow Precipice. A stunning woman walked out of the light even though there was no ground to stand on. She was stunning! Her long golden hair flowed behind her as the gold light danced off of her dazzling brown skin. Her white eyes were terrifying and yet so warm. She stood between Cedric and I as though trying to decide who the winner was. She turned to Cedric and my heart dropped. I really had lost. But I gave my best effort and everything that I had. I did my best, even if it wasn’t good enough. “You gave a great effort,” She said to Cedric. Suddenly it was just the woman and me. Cedric had disappeared. “Empress Zelda…you are the winner of The Four Trials of the Forsaken Apex.” Wait, I recognized that voice. “Moxdea?” I asked. “Yes, Empress, it is I. In my true form. You have released me from my duty by completing t
We started climbing up the volcano slowly. We figured we should take it slow before things got out of control. The constant rumbling made me incredibly anxious. The volcano could erupt at any point. “Nervous?” Cedric questioned after a few moments of silence. “What makes you think that?” “You’re not usually quiet unless you feel unsure.” “Well...yes I am a little nervous but only because everything we’ve done these last few weeks has led up to this moment. Are you nervous?” I asked. “Yeah a little bit,” He admitted. “About what?” “Losing. Imagine I betrayed my kingdom and killed hundreds of creatures just to lose.” “Wow that would be really embarrassing for you,” I snorted. “Oh shut up.” “What else happened in your weird dream when we went in the quicksand?” I questioned. “It was so strange, but I was really happy. You were my wife. We wanted babies. I thought you we
Cedric was having a hard time leaving the Hartmeda Woodlands.He had been searching for something his whole life and he had found it and now he had to leave it again so soon. Hopefully he could come back and spend more time with Nova and really get to know her.“It was an honor and a privilege to meet you, Empress Zelda. Please come back any time and visit us.” Nova stated.“She will,” Cedric assured her. “She’ll be back as my wife. Who knows, maybe we’ll make a baby here.”“Everytime I stop being disgusted with you, you give me a reason to be again. Congratulations, it’s really a talent.” I declared.“You’re so in love with me,” He grinned.“Anyways, Nova, you are welcome to Gynem any time, really.” I hugged her.“I know my son is a nuisance sometimes, but I would love to have you as a daughter-in-law.&r
There were shouts of panic ringing in the air.As Penn and I were surrounded, I tried to see where the third dagger went. I quickly found out when Hunter started wailing. It was sticking out of his arm, so at least he wasn’t in immediate danger.“Save Zelda,” Penn said hoarsely. “Please, her not me.”“No save Penn first,” I breathed.“Zelda, you’re the priority!” Posy cried.“Royal Vizier Posy, as Empress of Gynem I order you to save Penn first!”Talking with a dagger in my stomach was not easy or pleasant, but I had to get my point across. Penn needed to come first.“What happened?” Zeke ran over to us. “Zelda, no!” He dropped on his knees next to me. “You’re going to be okay. Oh Veone, that’s a lot of blood!”“It’s okay, I’ll be fine.”I didn’t completel
I ran into Nerius’ big open wings.They enveloped me in a tight hug.“What are you doing here?” I asked.“Yurhy srei meings.”“Vacation huh? Are you sure you’re not here because you knew we’d be here?”He paused. “Nresh.”“Liar.” I shook my head.“What is he doing here?” Cedric questioned.“None of your business. Don’t be a jerk.” I stated.“Yeah, you wouldn’t want him to toss you again.” Penn snorted.“Shut it pretty boy!” Cedric stomped over to his mother.“Nerius, you remember Penn.” I smiled.“Shrup boit nurevsh marship?”“Nerius!”“What did he say?”“He asked me if you still cry after intercourse.” I chuckled.“Gue