by Nicole Adamz
I wanted to tell her to get far away from Summit, but where could she go? The only other city held Dwellers, and it would kill her to live there. But wouldn’t her death be better? a little voice whispered in the back of my mind.
I stilled before launching into the sky, staring at Ari. Her left eye gleamed faintly in the moonlight filtering through the clouds. She looked so indomitable in this light. Like she could make the world change just by hoping it would.
Would her death be easier than her unbearable curiosity and hope? No, it wouldn’t. Despite the darkness threatening to sweep me away, Ari and I’d had a great time together… before everything had happened.
Before you ran straight into a trap, jeered the voice. My lips tightened, and I pushed into the sky. Ari followed closely. Like a sky blasted sentinel, I thought irritably. Why is Ari so principled? It’s annoying. The world isn’t black and white! She’s so…naïve. She’s never been in a position where she can’t help herself. I discreetly touched the side of my stomach. Or a loved one.
When we arrived at the Aerie’s gates, I produced my invitation and we strolled through the arched entrance. Tonight, an extremely long table was set in the Main Courtyard, sparkling with silver and crystal silverware. I estimated around sixty guests.
Not a small party after all, I mused. High Lord Bera’s chair was at the head of the table. Large, lifelike wings were carved into the back, and sky-blue silk covered the cushions. I summoned a wan smile for Lady Durus. She imperiously instructed the Aerie Anomalies where to place platters of food. Lord Durus was seated close to the High Lord’s chair, drinking wine straight from the bottle. He stared at me absently.
A handful of Fractional Tropos Caelum walked around the Inner Courtyard, Pearl leading them with a painted sneer. They should be helping guests land gently. I shook my head. I have more important things to worry about.
Lady Durus ignored my presence until the platters were arranged to her liking. After minutely shifting a silver plate, she haughtily slithered over. Like she’s the High Lady of the Aerie, I observed cautiously.
“Maewyn, I’m glad you arrived. It’s so good to have you as part of our little group,” Lady Durus said silkily.
I smiled tightly, not missing how she’d purposely dropped my title, but let the insult pass. “The invitation was a surprise,” I said tactfully.
Lady Durus smirked, looking at my hands, “Was it? I would have thought Greerson would have said something beforehand.”
I didn’t react to her jab but moved along the table as though looking for a seat. Turning to Ari, I motioned to the Aerie’s doors. I hope this party doesn’t last long. “Can you find where they placed my harp?”
Ari nodded, walking past the Warders stationed on either side of the building’s entrance. Greerson slunk out of the doorway as Ari disappeared, and every muscle in my body locked tightly when he approached. Don’t let him notice, I thought in rising panic. Greerson’s fingers grazed my cheek, sliding along my jaw to grasp my neck possessively. His proximity was alarming, but if he kept his distance my secret was safe.
“Good of you to come, my dear,” he said silkily.
“Did I have a choice?” I asked bitterly.
Greerson’s mouth quirked up, “We all have choices, but I like the victim you try to play.”
I scoffed, pulling away. Greerson’s eyes drifted down, taking in my gloves. His thin brows raised.
“What an interesting accessory, and one I haven’t seen in Summit for decades. Hiding something, my dear?” Greerson said in amusement.
“Yes, something I’m ashamed of,” I replied tightly.
Greerson’s brows snapped down, and his skeletal hand seized my arm. Realizing my mistake, I chided myself. Don’t antagonize Greerson. He has no qualms about being forceful. He pulled me forward, dangerously close to my pregnant body. With his other hand, he grabbed the glove.
“Perhaps I need to make a personal visit,” Greerson hissed softly, his voice full of venom. I swallowed.
“Lover’s quarrel?” interrupted a smooth, jolly voice.
Greerson’s icy eyes bored into me before relinquishing his hold on my arm. Turning, he gave Lord Ralston a perfunctory nod. Shooting me a malicious look, he silently joined his sister. The two walked toward the Maintenance Caelum milling around.
Straightening my glove, I greeted Lord Ralston. “Lord Ralston!” I said brightly, forcing a smile, “I’m glad to see you!”
Lord Ralston raised a speculative brow, “How are you, Caelum Maewyn? You’re positively brimming with life.”
His silver hair gleamed like moonlight. I wonder if my fledgling will have silver hair? I thought wistfully. Catching my stare, Lord Ralston chuckled. “Resent me for having it?” he asked playfully.
Relaxing beneath his lively banter, I replied, “I didn’t realize how beautiful it is.”
Lord Ralston laughed heartily, “Oh, I doubt that!”
Giggling, I said, “I meant on a man.”
“Should I be insulted?” he said cheerfully.
“On the contrary, you should be wary.” I rejoined.
“Wary?” he questioned.
“Of the envy you’ll receive,” I said dryly.
“I take it you’ve run into this problem?” Lord Ralston said with a raised brow.
“I wouldn’t be qualified to give advice on a problem I hadn’t run into,” I said saucily.
“Agreed. Take hairstyles, for instance, you wouldn’t believe how many conversations I’ve suffered through where women try to offer me advice on men’s hairstyles!” Lord Ralston effected an exaggerated pose and I laughed.
“Well, we’re the ones who have to look at you.” I said with a grin.
“Yes, but you aren’t the ones who have to deal with it!” he whined playfully.
“I offer no apologies. There are many things women deal with to please men and receive neither sympathy or accolades for them,” I said with a regal toss of my head.
“Then let me be the first,” Lord Ralston said, bowing low, “Caelum Maewyn, thank you for being gracious enough to endure whatever hardships allowed you to be a feast for my eyes this evening.”
Recognizing two new guests arriving, my grin faded. Heir Talon, against protocol, flew towards the Aerie from above, Davin close behind. Not one Warder intercepted them. I watched in dismay as Ari, coming out of the Aerie with my harp, stopped dead in her tracks. The color leeched from her golden skin.
Lord Ralston straightened at my indrawn breath, following my gaze, “Yes, that’s a frequent occurrence. All of the Ward Units are used to his antics.”
“Shouldn’t he be reprimanded? He might be the Heir, but that rule is imposed for the High Lord’s safety. Not to mention the audacity of breaking that rule at the High Lord’s party.”
Lord Ralston glanced at me quizzically, “The High Lord’s party?”
“Yes.” I said, confused by his expression.
“No, Caelum Maewyn. This is the Durus’s party.”
Unease tore across my skin, sending a chill to my bones. Why was the High Lord’s sister hosting a party at the Aerie?
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Lord Ralston gazed at me before answering, “It’s the High Lord’s birthday. They’re holding a celebration to honor him. Didn’t you know?”
“Oh,” I said, drawing in a reassured breath, “I guess it was…left out of the notes for the Revue.”
Lord Ralston nodded, accepting my explanation. My gaze returned to Ari, frozen on the threshold of the Aerie. Heir Talon had seen her and was slowly approaching. The whites of her terrified eyes were visible, and I saw her hands shake. Guilt exploded inside, propelling me into action. I was responsible for what had happened to Ari.
Smiling politely at Lord Ralston, I excused myself, “I need to speak with my Tyro. It was lovely to see you again.”
Without waiting for his reply, I hurried to the Aerie doors. Heir Talon casually blocked Ari’s exit, a nasty smile pasted on his
face. Davin stood behind him while the Warders stared impassively ahead. I wanted to spit on them. I know they’d get in trouble if they interfered, but can’t they see how scared she is?
Ari slowly backed away, her arms wrapped protectively around herself. Despite the strain between us, I didn’t want Ari to be hurt. What about that sleeping potion you give her every night? my conscious prodded. That’s different, I argued. I’m not harming her. It’s meaningless.
Is that what she would say? the little voice in my head prodded. I ignored it. Walking past Davin and beneath Heir Talon’s arm, I planted myself in front of Ari.
“Hello, Heir Talon,” I said jovially.
He ignored me, keeping his focus planted on Ari. Heir Talon’s furiously gleeful eyes bored into her. Davin winked at me.
“You’ve certainly healed well,” I said rudely, trying to get his attention.
Heir Talon’s eyes snapped to me, narrowing. Uh, oh. Wrong line of conversation. Panicking, I searched for something else to say.
“Get out of my way, Caelum,” Heir Talon growled, “I have unfinished business with her.”
I shifted, “I’m sorry, Heir Talon. I need my Tyro for the evening.”
“You can use an Anomaly,” he said dismissively.
“An Anomaly can’t replace my Tyro. The guests are arriving. Surely anything you have to say can wait?” I said, striving for a reasonable tone.
Heir Talon’s predatory gaze remained on Ari. Ari’s panicked breathing escalated, and I looked beseechingly at Davin. Please, I silently begged, help me get him away from her. Davin’s cool eyes met mine and he smirked. Raising a brow, he shrugged a disinterested shoulder. Disgust at the attraction I still felt toward him skittered through my veins.
Taking a breath and hoping Davin would catch the significance of my statement, I slowly said, “If you consider leaving Ari alone, I’ll be in your debt. A debt I’ll repay however you want.”
Unfortunately, Heir Talon also heard me. His hard eyes zeroed in on me, pinning me beneath his vengeful, hungry gaze. He studied me carefully from the top of my bejeweled head to the bottom of my toes.
A cruel smirk settled on his face, “I didn’t want you then, and I don’t want you now. Move Caelum, before I start thinking you’re truly trying to get in the way of my fun.”
Watching Davin consider my offer, I desperately planted myself in front of Heir Talon. His lips settled into a hard line, and I swallowed nervously. Davin’s bitter, rueful gaze met mine.
Clapping a hand on Heir Talon’s shoulder, he said, “Neither of us got to complete what we started, Tal. Unfortunately, Caelum Maewyn is performing tonight, remember? If she can’t concentrate on her little task everything will fall apart.”
Heir Talon shrugged Davin’s hand away, glaring at him, “Maybe you don’t want me to have any fun, friend.”
Davin shrugged good naturedly, “That’s not true. Your parents won’t be happy if tonight doesn’t go well—and neither will you.”
“You mean my mother won’t be happy,” Heir Talon said tightly.
Davin smirked, “Of course. Besides, you know where the Tyro stays. After tonight, you can walk into Ascension and do what you wish.”
Heir Talon considered this, eyeing Ari cruelly over my shoulder, “Fine, I’ll wait a few more nights.”
Relief splashed over me, and I mouthed my thanks to Davin. Turning to leave with Heir Talon, Davin paused and let him get ahead. Ari whooshed out a breath of relief, squeezing my arm heartily. Her hands still shook.
Davin laughed coldly at me, “He’s worse when he waits, and now you’re indebted to us both.”
Dread curled in my gut, settling near my fledgling. I resisted the urge to rub my stomach, soothing the moving life within. I smiled wanly at Ari, worry piercing my heart. What have I done? By saving Ari, I put myself at the mercy of Heir Talon and Davin. Worse, I’d potentially put my fledgling at risk. Skies, can this night get any worse?
Ari grabbed my rolling harp and moved to set it up. I stepped aside, hovering on the threshold of the Aerie. Taking a deep breath, I looked at the stoic Warders near me. Their unseeing eyes stared ahead.
Making a disgusted sound, I stepped away. Guests spilled across the Main Courtyard in clumps, and General Fernon and Lady Rose strolled by. Her nervous, strained smile was the same smile stretching across my face for months. I nodded at her and moved on. I have my own problems, I thought apathetically.
Lady Durus tapped a crystal goblet, drawing everyone’s attention. “We’re gathered to celebrate the 125th birthday of my dear younger brother, High Lord Bera Obel! Tonight, the Caelum present will join the table as equals,” she sent a calculated smile toward the group of Tropos Caelum.
“Your seats are arranged with sealed letters in your family colors. For those with more than one family member present, you may decide seating among yourselves. Don’t open them until I tell you. The contents are a surprise,” she said cattily. “Now, please raise your drinks to our esteemed ruler, High Lord Bera!”
Tyro weren’t mentioned, so I motioned for Ari to stay back and covertly searched for the violet wax indicating my seat during the applause. There wasn’t one. Confused, I paused and clapped politely when High Lord Bera stepped from the Aerie. His shimmering sky-blue robes were encrusted with tiny diamonds.
He smiled benevolently, raising the goblet near his chair in acceptance of the accolades. Not seeing my family color, I casually wandered closer to High Lord Bera and noticed an empty seat. My jaw clenched. A letter with a green seal sat next to Greerson. I’d forgotten I wasn’t strictly an Ambire anymore.
Greerson smiled, showing yellow teeth, and held out his hand. His smile hardened around the edges when I hesitated. Conscious of the eyes watching me, I didn’t balk when Greerson tugged me to his side. We sat on the left-hand side of High Lord Bera next to Heir Talon. Lord and Lady Durus and Aerial Prelate Ragnor were across from us. The Aerial Council members were seated after us followed by everyone else.
Greerson’s hand latched onto one of mine under the table like a vice, and I tried not to wince. Picking up my goblet, I raised it toward High Lord Bera. He winked jovially at me, and I swallowed the bile rising in my throat. I had thought I mated with him, and because of it everything had changed.
“Family and friends, thank you for being here tonight. My dear sister, Lady Durus, thought a smaller gathering would be best this evening. I agree—it’s nice to see your faces for more than a few seconds!” High Lord Bera said jovially.
Polite laughter smattered the table, and I grinned tensely, clutching my drink. I didn’t want Greerson touching me and feeling the rigid lump of my stomach. I angled my body away from him, discreetly putting space between us.
Aerial Prelate Ragnor eyed me, his gaze piercing in his sagging face. My hand twitched, aching to protectively cover my fledgling. If I appear nervous everyone will wonder why, I reminded myself and tugged another string of energy inside.
High Lord Bera continued his speech, “Elysian are born to enjoy life, and that’s how I plan to spend the rest of my years! Let Anomalies worry about the mundane shortages—Elysian have everything we need. To my reign of abundance!”
Everyone raised their goblets, mimicking the High Lord. Needing to keep my mind clear for the performance, I pretended to drink before layering my plate with food. I dug into strawberry roasted venison, a seeded salad, and a cup of pea soup with pleasure.
Greerson watched me with a frown, “You’re eating more than normal, my dear.”
I swallowed carefully before tersely answering, “I have a performance tonight.”
“Hmmm,” Greerson said thoughtfully, letting the matter drop.
After a few more bites I cautiously pushed away my plate with a twinge of regret. Glancing at the seated guests, I didn’t see Castia or Healer Willow. I suppose High Lord Bera tired of them, I thought bitterly. However, Lord Ralston caught my eye and winked good-humoredly. A reluctant grin tugged at my lips. Greerson hissed.
>
“Stay away from him,” he said softly.
Unable to stop myself, I raised a brow challengingly, “We might be Life-Bonded, but you don’t own me.”
A thin, cruel smile played on Greerson’s lips, “I don’t share my toys, my dear.”
I snorted, “Toys? Starting a collection, are you?”
Greerson’s greedy eyes were manic, “Don’t worry, my dear. You’re the best doll I’ve accumulated.”
The words he’d uttered at the Accolade of Blooms hung in the air, taunting me about the decision I’d been forced to make. You belong to me. Better a broken doll than a disobedient one. I shivered, clenching my jaw.
Chapter 46
Maewyn
LADY DURUS GAVE ME a subtle nod to begin my performance while dessert was served. Grabbing my letter, I noticed Lord Durus watch me rise with sad, bleary eyes. Hesitating, I glanced at Lady Durus’s triumphant expression.
“Did you practice the tale I sent?” Greerson hissed quickly.
I nodded, absently running through the opening scene in my mind. Ari cautiously positioned herself closer to the table to help me if needed. I shook my head at her. If I leaned on her after the performance, I couldn’t hide advanced condition. Worry about that later, I told myself.
My harp faced the High Lord’s chair at the end of the table, so the guests had a clear view of the tale Greerson chose. The tale wasn’t well known and was a chilling choice for the celebration of the High Lord’s birthday. Weary, I settled on the stool and connected with the silvery mist of my Talent.
Alarm jostled through me. The cloud of Talent was smaller than it should be, and this performance required more energy than usual. Taking comfort in my Blood-Bonds, I pulled each one gently. Soft tingles of energy floated through the multi-colored strands, and I sighed. Placing my gloved fingers on the strings, I strummed the first few notes.
I created an abundance of mist, forcing it to rise from the ground around me. Pushing hard, I solidified the large images. Two sisters, one fair and one dark, stood side by side. The Bideyan sisters were a rare set of twins born into Summit. Iola the light and Sasha the dark grew into lovely women, but Sasha felt Iola received more love. From their parents and the man who loved Iola—the man Sasha secretly loved. So, Sasha grew bitter and twisted inside. If she couldn’t have the man she loved, then no one could.