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Steep Climb
Last Updated:
2025-01-24 12:47:40
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The One Sweet Nothings
*Brook*The air at the top of the cliff is cooler, sharper, and the electric hum of magic is only getting stronger the closer we get to the Waters. My body aches from the climb, but standing here, looking out over the rugged, unforgiving terrain below and the shimmering haze ahead that marks Bright Waters, I feel an intense rush of dopamine. We’ve made it this far, and we’ll make it the rest of the way too. I also begin to understand that we’re only going to make it together. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.The rest of the group takes a moment to catch their breath, their exhaustion palpable. Maerilee has nearly collapsed against Akin, who has her in a tight grip. After her fall, he’s completely unwilling to leave her side, though he isn’t the only one who feared for her. Still, I know that he needs this more than I do right now, so I don’t let it bother me.
Last Updated : 2025-01-25The One Reality Check
*River*The path winds endlessly through the rocky terrain, the air thick with the hum of magic. I should feel some sense of triumph, I suppose. After all, we’re nearing Bright Waters, the mythical source of all of the power in Oceana. Legend has it that it is the single greatest source of power in the entire realm, maybe in all of the realms. But all I feel is frustration, a simmering anger that burns low and constant, its flames licking at the edges of my thoughts.For days now, I’ve watched Maerilee grow closer to everyone but me. Akin is always at her side, a steady rock she leans on without hesitation. He, at least, I can understand. He has been her bodyguard for so many years. There’s been a trust there that runs deeper than Bright Waters themselves. Even if I don’t exactly like Akin, I can respect their bond.But how the hell has she allowed Permiton to worm his way back into her good graces? None of us missed the way
Last Updated : 2025-01-26The One The Princess is Throwing a Ball
MaerileeThe dog treat trembles in my hand, faint pulses of magic swirling around it like threads of silver. I close my eyes, focusing on the barrier I’m trying to create. The energies stretch from my fingertips, encasing the treat in an invisible shield, or at least what I hope is an invisible shield. My breath slows as I concentrate, willing the magic to hold steady. A faint hum tickles the back of my mind. My magic is attempting to do what it’s supposed to but deep down, I can feel how weak it is, how flimsy the barrier must be.I open my eyes, my gaze flicking to my dog, Duchess, curled up in a ball on my bed. Her small body rises and falls softly as she sleeps, completely unaware of the challenge I’m facing.The barrier needs to be perfect. If I can’t even manage this, what hope do I have of fortifying the one protecting our kingdom?“Just focus, Maerilee,” I murmur to myself. My fingers flex, sending another ripple of energy through the shield. It looks solid enough, a faint shi
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The One The Grand Entrance
MaerileeI stand in front of the mirror, assessing my reflection. The lavender gown clings perfectly to my frame, the soft fabric shimmering with every movement. It’s a beautiful dress, hand-sewn with threads of silver that match the pale glow of my hair, but all I can think about is how much I wish I didn’t have to wear it.I’m not looking forward to this grand spectacle to parade me around in front of foreign nobles, all in the hopes of finding my One. The thought alone makes me clench my fists, the material of my skirt crinkling under my hands. I smooth it out with a shaky breath.I can do this. I have to do this.The weight of expectation is heavy on my shoulders as I turn away from the mirror, heading toward the door where Akin waits. He’s dressed in formal attire, his expression as unreadable as ever."Are you ready?" he asks.I nod, though my heart is pounding in my chest. "As ready as I’ll ever be."He offers a slight smile but doesn’t say anything more. He guides me through t
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The One A Swing and A Miss
MaerileeThe ballroom swirls with color and light, the soft hum of conversation mingling with the music that drifts through the air. I try to keep a pleasant expression on my face, to hide the gnawing frustration that’s slowly taking root inside me. My mother told me that she felt it instantly, that deep, magical pull when she found my father. One glance, one meeting of the eyes, and she knew. It was that simple. That certain.But I’ve been circling this room for what feels like an eternity, and I haven’t felt even the faintest hint of it.I smile and nod at yet another nobleman, some duke’s son whose name I can’t even remember now. He bows, his eyes bright with interest, but when our gazes meet—nothing. No spark, no sense of recognition, just an awkward silence before he steps away, clearly hoping to find an engaging conversation.I sigh, trying not to let the disappointment show. I move on, my eyes scanning the room, searching the faces of every man I pass. Maybe I’ve missed him. Ma
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The One Quiet Conversations
MaerileeI move toward Brook, a smile on my lips as I approach. The grand ballroom is still buzzing with laughter and conversation, but all of that fades into the background as I focus on him. He’s leaning against a wall, arms crossed, his expression detached, almost like he’s observing everything from a distance, like he’s in the room but not really part of it.He glances up as I approach, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment before darting to either side, as if to check if I’m actually heading toward him. The surprise in his gaze is subtle, but it’s there. He wasn’t expecting this. I can’t help but find it a little amusing. Did he really think I wouldn’t notice him, standing off to the side like that?“Brook,” I say, my voice light, as though we’re simply old friends catching up. “You’re hiding over here like you don’t want to be found.”I stop a few steps in front of him, my smile widening just a fraction. He straightens, uncrossing his arms, but he still looks a bit stiff, lik
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The One Disaster Not Averted
MaerileeThe moment the wine splashes over River, soaking him head to toe in red, I almost can’t stop the grin that pulls at my lips. I catch myself before it fully forms, pressing my hand to my mouth in an attempt to look concerned. But inside, I’m more than a little pleased.River has spent the entire evening trying to undermine Brook, I can see that clearly. There’s an air about him, a kind of casual cruelty, like everything he touches should bend to his will. I’m not certain, but I suspect that the spill was his fault in the first place. Still, seeing him get a taste of his own mischief, even if it’s accidental, feels oddly satisfying.Brook stands there beside me, looking slightly startled by what he’s done, yet doesn’t seem the least bit guilty. If anything, he seems almost surprised it worked out the way it did.I turn to him, allowing my smile to show now that I know River can’t see me.“That was impressive,” I say, my voice soft but sincere. “Thank you for saving my dress. Yo
Last Updated : 2024-11-17The One No Rest for the Weary
MaerileeThe rest of the ball seems to drag on forever. My earlier outburst and the whole ordeal with River leaves a sour taste in my mouth, and despite my best efforts to shake it off, I remain testy for the remainder of the evening. The Oceanans have excused themselves for the night, with King Alastair and Queen Lyria offering a brief, tight-lipped promise of a formal apology tomorrow. I can still see River’s embarrassed, red face in my mind, though the satisfaction I initially felt at calling him out has long since faded. Now, I just want the night to end.None of the other guests spark even the slightest interest in me. They all blend into one monotonous sea of faces, false pleasantries, and meaningless small talk. I try to keep up appearances, but my thoughts keep drifting elsewhere, particularly to Brook and Akin. Of all the people I’ve met in my life—nobles, commoners, visiting dignitaries—the only ones I’ve ever felt even a faint connection to have been those two. There’s some
Last Updated : 2024-11-18
Latest chapter
The One Reality Check
*River*The path winds endlessly through the rocky terrain, the air thick with the hum of magic. I should feel some sense of triumph, I suppose. After all, we’re nearing Bright Waters, the mythical source of all of the power in Oceana. Legend has it that it is the single greatest source of power in the entire realm, maybe in all of the realms. But all I feel is frustration, a simmering anger that burns low and constant, its flames licking at the edges of my thoughts.For days now, I’ve watched Maerilee grow closer to everyone but me. Akin is always at her side, a steady rock she leans on without hesitation. He, at least, I can understand. He has been her bodyguard for so many years. There’s been a trust there that runs deeper than Bright Waters themselves. Even if I don’t exactly like Akin, I can respect their bond.But how the hell has she allowed Permiton to worm his way back into her good graces? None of us missed the way
The One Sweet Nothings
*Brook*The air at the top of the cliff is cooler, sharper, and the electric hum of magic is only getting stronger the closer we get to the Waters. My body aches from the climb, but standing here, looking out over the rugged, unforgiving terrain below and the shimmering haze ahead that marks Bright Waters, I feel an intense rush of dopamine. We’ve made it this far, and we’ll make it the rest of the way too. I also begin to understand that we’re only going to make it together. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.The rest of the group takes a moment to catch their breath, their exhaustion palpable. Maerilee has nearly collapsed against Akin, who has her in a tight grip. After her fall, he’s completely unwilling to leave her side, though he isn’t the only one who feared for her. Still, I know that he needs this more than I do right now, so I don’t let it bother me.
The One Steep Climb
*Akin*I wait for Maerilee, but she doesn’t come back that night. It turns my stomach, nearly sends me into a rage when I realize that she’s spending the night with Permiton. What does she possibly see in him? What smooth words can he possibly offer her to explain away his indiscretions? It’s not that she’s with another man. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s that she’s with him!He’s a traitor, pure and simple. I don’t care what she believes. This is one point I can’t trust her on. I’ve followed her here, and I’ve seen that she is often right, but for some reason, Permiton is a blind spot for her. I eventually slip into a fitful, restless sleep, often hoping I’ll wake up, and she’ll be beside me, but when I awake in the morning, she and Permiton are walking back to our camp, looking freshly fucked and bright as the sun.Part of me wonders what would happen to Maerilee’s powers if Permiton were to “accidentally” fall off the cliff to his death. It’s a selfish thought, of course. She clearl
The One Renewed Faith
*Maerilee*The sun beats down on us mercilessly as we trudge forward, the rocky terrain stretching endlessly in every direction. My legs ache, and every step feels heavier than the last, but I push on. We have to. There’s no room for weakness now, not with the stakes as high as they are.Brook leads the way with Akin and River close behind, their sharp gazes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. I follow, and Permiton lingers at the rear, as silent and enigmatic as ever.The landscape changes as we go. The jagged hills grow steeper, the vegetation sparser. By the time we reach the base of a tall cliff, the sun is sinking low in the sky, casting long shadows across the ground. The cliff towers over us, a wall of stone that seems almost impossible to scale. My heart sinks at the sight of it. There doesn’t seem to be a path around it.Brook turns to face us, his usually lighthearted expression somber.“This
The One Pride Comes Before the Fall
*Akin*We’re all exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally, and I can see the strain on everyone’s faces. Maerilee looks like she’s barely holding herself together, her shoulders tense, her eyes flickering with a mix of anxiety and determination. Brook has a heavy sense of authority on his shoulders, now that he’s taken the mantle of being our guide through Bright Waters. Even River seems less smug than usual, though I’m sure he’ll find a way to change that soon enough.I don’t care to see how Permiton is feeling. After everything he’s put us through, he can fend for himself for all I care. But it’s still my job to protect Maerilee, and now that means I have to protect these fools, too.“We should stop here,” I say, my voice cutting through the heavy silence. “Rest, gather our strength before we move on. We don’t know what’s waiting for us further in, and I d
The One Gateway to Bright Waters
*Permiton*The journey to Bright Waters is far from easy. Even ignoring the difficulty of the mountainous terrain, the Oceanan army lurks on every edge of my awareness, their patrols crisscrossing the region, and I know that at any given moment I could be captured and taken to my death. The path is treacherous, winding through rugged terrain and dense forest, and I keep myself shrouded in shadows, careful to stay hidden. I’ve taken every measure possible to avoid detection, slipping off the main path to blend with the undergrowth and navigating around the pockets where I can feel soldiers lingering like predators waiting to pounce.But I know I’m getting close. The pulse of magic grows stronger with each step, a faint resonance in the ground beneath me, guiding me toward Bright Waters. I feel it more acutely now, like a current running through my veins, thrumming with purpose and calling me forward. My Sight tells me I’m on the right path, that I’m close to the others, and that they,
The One The Weight of Unbearable Tension
*Maerilee*The silence between us is palpable, as if everyone is holding their tongue but projecting their thoughts to the clouds. No one is willing to break the silence, to put their thoughts to words, and it’s becoming infuriating.I worry that Akin is still angry with me, despite his stance to leave Caelan and travel with us. River is smug, as usual, though I have no idea what he could be thinking. Brook leads us with confidence and certainty, and while I don’t doubt him, it’s clear that Akin and River do.I glance at Akin, hoping to find some sign of reassurance, something to tell me that all is forgiven. But his face is closed off, his jaw clenched as he stares straight ahead, shoulders rigid. I don’t need words to know what he’s feeling. Disappointment radiates off him like a pulse. For the first time since I’ve known him, a sort of rift has formed between us. And for all his quiet strength, for all t
The One Flight into the Mountains
*Akin*Caelan stands in front of us, his gaze hard as steel, jaw clenched, and I know instantly that this won’t end with us simply walking away. The way he’s squared his shoulders, planted his feet, every muscle in his body is telling me he won’t let us leave without a fight.And I don’t want to fight him. Not here, not now, when we’re all running on fumes and tensions are high enough to snap. But there’s something militant, almost desperate, in his stance. It’s the way he’d face an enemy, and it feels wrong. We’re supposed to be allies, yet here we are, at a breaking point.“Caelan,” I say, forcing my tone to stay calm. “Let us go. This isn’t about abandoning the cause or betraying the rebels. Maerilee needs this. Altinna needs this.”Caelan’s eyes flash, the determination in them blazing. “And what do you think we’re doing here, Akin
The One Breaking of Ranks
AkinMaerilee approaches me with a tension in her step that I don’t miss. Her shoulders are squared, her expression guarded, and there’s a fire in her eyes that instantly puts me on alert.“There you are,” I call out happily, hoping to break the tension a bit. “I was wondering where you’d run off to.”“Akin,” she says, her voice calm but with an edge I’ve rarely heard before. “We need to talk.”My stomach drops. I’m suddenly afraid of what she might say. Our relationship has always been easy and light. Though I yearned for her in so many secret ways, there was never such a high wall between us as there is right now. My mind races just imagining what horrible information she feels she must tell me.I cross my arms, giving her a small nod, expecting the worst. Perhaps she’s received word from home somehow. My suspicion is increased when she pulls a note
