The Daath Chronicles- The Complete Series

by Eliza Tilton

  “No need for the smothering,” I said in a groggy voice.

  She grabbed my hand. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “Now, now, you can all visit later. The patient needs his rest.” An old man ushered them away. “Give the boy some space.”

  “Wait,” I said, looking at my teary eyed sister. “I want a few moments alone with Jeslyn.” The old man nodded and everyone left the room.

  Jeslyn’s eyes watered.

  We sat in silence, both staring. Where to start? Using my hands, I pushed myself into a sitting position. I groaned and Jeslyn rearranged the pillows.

  “You need to be careful, Avi,” she said.

  “I thought you were dead.” I was too weak to fight the tears and for the first time, I didn’t care.

  She grabbed my hand, squeezing it. “Well, I’m not.” She smiled. “How? What happened? And Lucino, is he dead?”

  She leaned over me, her other hand clamping over mine. “There’s a lot we need to talk about.”

  I nodded.

  “But first, you need to rest.”

  My body ached, but I couldn’t sleep, not yet.

  “Jeslyn, I know things have been different with us ever since …” “Don’t, Avi.” She shook her head, a tear running down her face. “What happened in the past is the past. I haven’t exactly been the sister I should have been. I’m just as much to blame. I miss how it used to be.”

  An image of Jeslyn and me, before Jimri and Calli were born, entered my mind. We were hiding in the stables, laughing as Jumper tried to find us. Back then, we played pranks together.

  “Me too,” I said.

  Exhaustion forced me asleep, but before I closed my eyes, I saw Jeslyn smiling. The same smile as when we’d sneak into Mother’s pantry and steal pieces of leftover cinnamon cake.

  In that moment, I knew everything would be all right.

  Chapter Sixty-Six

  Avikar

  I spent the next few weeks lounging around Jericho’s, waiting for my wound to heal enough to travel home. Raven kept me company and Anna tended to me like a mother hen. Derrick and Jeslyn had been off on their own, visiting the town and learning more about Daath. I worried about her. She seemed distant.

  We’d asked her a dozen questions about Lucino, but she gave us very little information except that he was very kind. I didn’t want to say anything to Derrick, but I sensed my sister was hiding something.

  Word had spread through Daath that Lucino had died during a tragic fire at the dollhouse. Lucy had been spotted near Lucino’s mansion, but had yet to make her agenda known. For now, Lucino’s personal guard still had control, but not for long.

  Jericho had created a secret committee to free Daath from Lucino’s guard. The first step was to find alternate routes in and out of Daath then find Lucino’s hidden ships.

  The night in the temple was still fuzzy. I spent a lot of time trying to remember the whole fight. Derrick had found me lying in a pool of blood and Lucino nowhere in sight. By the pit were several scraps of burnt clothing. Watching Lucino burn was the only image that had stuck in my mind. Something about the fight bothered me, but I couldn’t remember. The doctor said my memory would return in pieces as I healed.

  We accomplished our goal and soon we would be leaving.

  Home—it’s been so long.

  I stared out the window, watching Raven throw a ball to Bruno. She glanced at me and waved. I smiled and waved back. Things between us were good. That intense chemistry was still there, but I ignored it, or tried to. Any time she was near me, I couldn’t help myself. I’d flirt, apologize, pretended I wasn’t interested, then flirt again.

  “Why do I have to leave?” I said, pressing my head against the window pane. When the words left my lips, everything made sense, and I shuffled outside.

  Bruno charged at me. I slowly bent and rubbed behind his ears.

  Bruno’s leg rapidly kicked the ground.

  “Hi, boy.”

  Bruno licked my hand happily and I moved to scratch his side.

  Raven walked over. “How are you feeling today?” she asked.

  I touched my chest. “I think it’s almost healed. I’ll be able to go soon.”

  “That’s good. I’m sure you’re anxious to get home.” Raven bit her bottom lip, staring at the ground.

  “Not really,” I said. “I’ll just have to go back to working on the farm, no more adventuring for me. I would’ve loved to explore more of Daath.” I let the thought linger, trying to read her reaction.

  Her eyes sparkled. “If you wanted to stay, I’m sure Jericho wouldn’t mind and I could show you more. There’s so much to see. You’d love it.”

  I grinned.

  She’d been reserved around me. Pretending she didn’t like me in that way. Although, whenever I made a flirty comment, she blushed.

  I walked to a hammock slung between two tall trees. I grabbed the netted material and attempted to sit on it, but the hammock swayed away.

  Raven giggled. “Want a hand old man?”

  “Ha-ha, no, I’m fine, thank you,” I grumbled. I gripped the hammock tighter and jumped into it, only half of me actually making it in. I held on trying to regain my balance which wasn’t working.

  Raven placed her hands on the hammock.

  “I said I was fine,” I protested.

  She laughed. “Yes, I saw how well you were doing. Stop being a baby and let me help you.”

  She held the hammock in place while I pulled myself in. Once I was lying in it comfortably, she let go.

  The hammock swung back fast causing Raven to lose her balance and stumble on top of me. I groaned.

  “I’m sorry!” She tried to scramble out, making the whole thing swing even more.

  I groaned again.

  Raven tried lifting herself off, but it was an awkward position and she couldn’t hold it long. I started laughing, which made my chest hurt more, which made me groan more.

  “Avikar, are you okay?”

  Seeing it was pointless for her to get out, I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her next to me. “It’s much safer if you stay in it with me.”

  She sighed. “All right.”

  I let go of her waist and moved over slightly until we were side by side. Putting an arm behind my head, I stared at the clear blue sky. The smell of Anna’s newest cake drifted through the air. Fig. Raven peered up at the sky, the sunlight beamed down, making those dark orbs of hers sparkle like topaz.

  How can I leave Daath knowing I’m leaving her?

  “Raven, I think I want to take you up on that offer to stay.”

  She turned and we were eye to eye. “What about Jeslyn?”

  “Derrick can take her home and Jericho planned on sending an escort with us. They’ll be safe.”

  “What changed your mind?” she asked.

  “You.”

  “Me?”

  “I don’t want to leave you.”

  She looked away. “Do you really mean that?”

  “I told you I would never to lie to you again.” I grabbed her hand. “I need to know how you feel about me?”

  “Do I need to answer that?” she huffed. “You know how I feel.”

  “Do I? Sometimes I think you like me and other times I’m not so sure.”

  Raven pouted. “I’ve been trying to hide my feelings because I knew you were leaving.”

  I inched closer. “I’m not now,” I whispered. She chewed her bottom lip and I squeezed her hand in reassurance. “I love you and I’d never leave Daath, unless you were coming with me.”

  She closed her eyes and smiled. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that since the first day we met.” She opened her eyes.

  Before she could say another word, I kissed her. My hands slipped down her back, caressing her. Life stayed st
ill while we kissed. Nothing mattered but the way she felt in my arms. Each kiss more intense than the one before. My hand slid under the bottom of her shirt, tickling her belly.

  She giggled and pulled away.

  “Sorry,” I whispered between breaths, gently kissing her cheek, then trailing my lips down her neck.

  “Avikar,” she giggled, twisting as my fingers playfully pinched her sides.

  I rolled to the side, wrapping my arms around her waist. “I guess I have my answer.”

  Closing my eyes, I rested my head in the hollow of her neck. She hummed to herself and brushed my hair with her slender fingers. The wind swayed us back and forth. My body relaxed, a smile formed on my lips, and, for the first time in years, I was at peace.

  Chapter Sixty-Seven

  Jeslyn

  Even in Daath the suns looked the same. Bright and magnificent. Derrick sat on the cloth we had laid on the grass, examining the food in the basket Anna had packed

  for us. In Lakewood, Derrick and I often had picnics by the lake. The familiar setting made me long for home. I couldn’t wait to return. Daath had too many strange memories.

  Derrick told me about Lucino’s heritage, and even though I knew it was a blessing we were rid of him, I ached. The necklace he’d given me lay hidden beneath my chemise. I thought about throwing it away, but that seemed silly. I could sell it and the money could be used to buy supplies or food. It made sense to keep it; although, I did hide it from Derrick. I didn’t think he’d be pleased if I wore it.

  “Here,” Derrick said, handing me an apple. “I think there’s some cheese in here too.”

  “Thank you.” I took the apple and held it in my hands.

  “Everything okay?”

  Derrick smiled. His face reminded me of wonderful days. “Yes.” His stare became more intense and he moved closer, reaching for my hand. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” The words flowed out, but the meaning had lessened over the past weeks. I was not the same girl he fell in love with.

  He smiled and leaned over, his hands cupped my face and he kissed me. Part of me thought of Lucino. I hated myself for it, but I couldn’t erase him from my mind. Every time Derrick touched me, I thought of Lucino.

  “Marry me,” Derrick whispered.

  “What?” I pulled away, shocked at the question.

  His hands grasped both of mine. “I already have your father’s permission. I planned on proposing during the festival, but I don’t want to wait any longer.”

  He waited for my response, but I couldn’t breathe or speak.

  Marriage? It was too sudden. Too many things had happened.

  “When you were taken, I was terrified. I never want to lose you again.”

  My chest pounded. “Derrick …”

  Chapter Sixty-Eight

  Avikar

  We stood on the road, heading towards the valley, where Jericho and one of Lucino’s disloyal guards waited to take us back home. I

  hadn’t told them about my decision to stay. I didn’t know how either of them would react.

  I walked over to Jeslyn and hugged her.

  Her face scrunched in confusion.

  “Tell Mother and Father I’ll be home soon.”

  “What do you mean? You’re not coming with us?” Jeslyn stared at me with wet eyes. “I don’t understand.”

  I glanced at Raven. “I’m going to stay here for a while.”

  Jeslyn hugged me again, and then stepped aside, letting Derrick step forward. I slapped a hand on his shoulder.

  “Take care of my sister. Get her home safe.”

  “I will,” he said and we locked arms. “I’ve asked Jeslyn to marry me. If she accepts, we’ll be wed by the winter festival.”

  I hugged him. “Then we’ll be sure to visit before then.”

  We finished our goodbyes. I watched them get into the carriage and waved. I knew I’d see them again soon.

  I draped an arm around Raven. “What do we do next, pretty lady?”

  Raven’s stomach growled before she could answer. “Excuse me,” she said, covering her belly with her hand.

  “Guess that answers that. Let’s eat, but first one back has to cook.”

  I removed my arm and shifted my left leg forward. “On three.” She smiled at me, determination in her eyes.

  “One … two …” I gave her a quick smack on the butt. “Three!” And sprinted away.

  She squealed. “Not fair!” She chased after me and within seconds, passed me. She really was fast.

  “Hey, get back here! I can’t lose. I’m a terrible cook!” I held my side as I ran, trying to catch her.

  She glanced back over her shoulder and winked before heading onto the path that would lead us back to Jericho’s.

  Pumping my legs harder, I sped faster.

  Somewhere between lies and truth is reality, and that is a dangerous place.

  But now I was ready for it.

  Epilogue

  Lucino

  In the past one hundred years, I never thought I would be frustrated with spending my afternoons in the palace, but I no longer belonged in this world. It was only a matter of time before my wounds healed, and I could finish what I started. New jade skin covered my body. The burns almost gone. In Daath, I rarely stayed in my true form, but now that I knew about my human side, which form did I consider true: Reptilian or human?

  The court physician stood by the door. Our physicians went beyond physical ailments. They were doctors of the mind. Very strong in psionics, and our court used them for more than just healing. “Prince Lucino, you have a visitor.”

  I nodded, allowing the physician to open the steel door.

  “You are looking much better,” Krischa said.

  My old friend, here for another visit. With my hand, I motioned for the physician to leave. Krischa folded her hands neatly in front of her. Her long crimson hair fell around them. The overhead light danced across her pale green skin. Reptilian women were exquisite creatures and none were finer than Krischa.

  She opened her cloak and revealed a thin black bottle. “I thought you might yearn for something other than groth.”

  “You know me too well.” I took the bottle from her hand and ignored her lingering stare as our hands touched. “The doctors think this drink will slow the healing process. Fools.”

  Twisting the top off, I grinned, then drank the cool sour liquid. It warmed my throat as it went down, relaxing my body and sharpening my mind. The taste was potent compared to the healing brew I had been drinking.

  I gestured towards two seats positioned in front of a large window that over looked the royal red city. Krischa willingly followed.

  “Tell me, Krischa,” I said, “you’ve come to see me quite often since my arrival. Surely, you have better things to do.”

  She glimpsed out the window, pushing her hair back behind her pointed ear. “You’ve been gone a long time. I feared you would never return home.”

  “There’s much to learn there.”

  She turned to me, her gold eyes meeting mine, eyes I used to enjoy watching. “My father says hunters will be sent to kill the human who did this to you.”

  Her father—our royal emissary and a very powerful wizard— tended to overshare with his daughter, but not without reason. Krischa held the power of foresight and was keen to our dealings on Tarrtainya. It was her vision of the future that had led us to the danger faced by our planet. The rest of our people thought the mission was to bring new resources and knowledge back home. They did not know our sun is dying.

  The view from the window overlooked the diamond towers of the palace and the flickering sands of our borders.

  “And what did you see?” I asked.

  “I see failure.”

  I laughed, then leaned towards her. “Impossible. You think a mere
human can defeat them?”

  “He bested you.”

  “Enough!” I stood, infuriated by her accusations. “Your visions are neither law nor absolute.”

  Krischa stood, facing me. Her posture straight and rigid. I had known her all my life and there was always more behind her words.

  “What else did you see?”

  “Enough,” she said in a low voice.

  “If you have not come to share your wisdom, leave.”

  A long breath left her mouth, and she lifted her head to look at me. “I saw that I am no longer the female you desire.”

  Her words paralyzed me. I had spent the past weeks thinking of Jeslyn and her death. I had not excepted it to affect me this much.

  “I will not share my vision with anyone, but if I saw it, another seer could.”

  My chest rose with agitation, and I turned away. Even though Jeslyn was no longer a threat, The Council would see my feelings as treachery. I could not afford to lose anymore trust.

  “Lucino.”

  Lightning flashed in the dark clouds moving closer to the city. The electrical storms came frequently now, burning any foliage they touched upon. We only had a few more cycles before this place would no longer be habitable.

  “Lucino, I fear you are in great danger. If anyone finds out—”

  “It does not matter. She is dead. What is past is past.”

  “Dead? Lucino, the female lives.”

  I had seen the blade strike her chest. “Are you certain?”

  “Yes.”

  “And what did you see in this vision that has you so concerned with my wellbeing?”

  Krischa gripped my arm. I winced and growled, ready to throw her off for her insolence, but her wide eyes stopped me. I saw fear in them.

  “She will be the end of you … and all of us.”

  Acknowledgments