Shadow Crown

by Kristen Martin

  Alone.

  He shakes his head, then asks, “Are you following me, Arden?”

  I shrug my shoulders and smile. “It would appear so.”

  “Why?”

  My face falls at his harsh tone. “Because we haven’t spoken since Lonia.”

  His lips purse together. “It’s probably better that way.”

  His blunt response stuns me a little, but his eyes say everything. They’re cold and devoid of emotion. He hasn’t forgiven me, and by the looks of it, I’m not sure he ever will.

  I try to save face. “Rydan, you were the one person I could count on back in Trendalath. You were my friend.” I swallow the lump that’s forming in my throat. “How do we get back to that place?”

  His voice is flat. “I’m not sure we ever can.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I don’t trust you!” he lashes out. He throws his arms outward, then slams them back down at his sides. His hands curl into fists. He’s shaking profusely.

  I’m about to apologize when I smell something strange. I shift my gaze to the right. There’s a tree next to me . . .

  And it’s on fire.

  Even in the snow, it’s on fire.

  I slowly turn back to him. My eyes travel to his hands. They’re glowing.

  “Holy lords,” I whisper. “You’re illusié. You’re one of us.”

  He stares at the tree for a moment, shocked, then looks down at his hands. He shakes them until the glow disappears.

  A long silence stretches between us.

  “Did you know?” I finally ask.

  His breathing is rapid and his hands are still trembling. He shakes his head. “No.”

  “Don’t you see?” I take a step closer. “You’re one of us, Rydan. You belong here.”

  And just like that, his expression turns from shock to pure disgust. “I do not belong here. I do not belong anywhere with you. Not with someone who betrays one of their own.”

  His words sting. I wince, then scratch my cheek, hoping to play it off. “I didn’t mean to leave you,” I say, my voice strained. “I just didn’t see any other choice.”

  “There’s always another choice. We were supposed to be partners. You left me to fend for myself.” His voice grows louder. “You left me, full well knowing that returning with a failed mission was punishable by death!”

  I lower my gaze. I’m not sure how to respond to that, because he’s right. But I was also right to stop him—because he’s been killing innocents all this time.

  We both have.

  “I just want to get as far away from here as possible,” he hisses. “As far away from you as possible.”

  I bite my tongue, trying to keep my emotions at bay. I know what’s about to happen next. It’s Rydan’s defense mechanism, the one thing he knows how to do best. He’s going to leave.

  “Give the queen my thanks for her hospitality, but it’s about time I return where I belong.”

  I regard him with wide eyes. “Rydan, listen to me. You can’t go back there. Tymond will kill you.”

  His mouth presses into a harsh line. “I’d rather be in the presence of a murderer than a traitor.”

  His words hit me straight in the gut. I shake my head over and over again. “Rydan, you cannot go back there.”

  “Why not? Tymond may be a murderer, but so am I. And so are you. You just happen to be both.” His gaze is ice cold. “I’d rather be around someone like him than someone like you.”

  Murderer. Traitor. The words circle my mind, round and round they go. I throw my head back and gaze into the night sky. My past is already coming back to haunt me. I’m at a loss for words.

  At a loss for anything, really.

  “Good luck, Arden,” Rydan says. “You’re going to need it.”

  He whirls around and takes off into the snow with nothing more than a tunic, trousers, and light boots. What a damn fool.

  My eyes brim with tears. I blink them back. Everything in me tells me to stop him, to persuade him, to run and grab him and bring him back. But my legs are leaden. My feet won’t budge. My heart is shattering, piece by piece.

  And it’s because I know Rydan well enough to understand what I must do.

  I let him go.

  Don’t miss the second installment in the Shadow Crown series:

  RENEGADE

  CRUEX

  TURN THE PAGE FOR A SNEAK PEEK OF CHAPTER 1

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  This book was, by far, the most challenging for me to write. Writing for Arden was an emotional release, what with her constant battle between good and evil, and her aching desire to succumb to darkness, but ultimately choosing light. It’s a struggle I think many can relate to, myself included.

  First and foremost, I’d like to thank God. Waking up each morning to create my stories and put them down on paper is more than a blessing—it is my calling. I am so grateful to be able to do this each and every day.

  To the incredibly talented cartographer, Deven Rue, for bringing The Lands of Aeridon to life. I still squeal with glee every time I look at the map. Thank you for being such a pleasure to work with!

  To my cover designers at Damonza, thank you for going through round after round of revisions for this cover. I continue to be amazed by your beautiful work.

  To my family—Erin, Mom, Dad, Paul, Rachel, Nana, and Papa—thanks for always being my biggest cheerleaders. Your support means everything to me, and I love each and every one of you more than you’ll ever know.

  To Kim Chance, Vivien Reis, Natalia Leigh, Lindsay Cummings, Mandi Lynn and our AuthorTube family—it feels so amazing to have finally found “my people”. You guys are awesome in every way.

  To my readers and fans—words cannot describe how grateful I am for each and every one of you. You make my heart so full. I love you all!

  And to Jonathon—although we’re no longer together, I could not have written this book without you. Only now do I realize how much Arden and Rydan’s struggles so closely resembled our own. I know we will both get the endings we were meant for, even if it’s not together. I wish you all the happiness in the world.

  ARDEN ELIRI

  I KNOCK ON the door to Braxton’s chambers, knowing full well of the late hour. I don’t expect him to answer, especially after the strenuous training Delwynn’s put us through over the past week, but I have to tell someone about what just happened. That Rydan’s gone.

  That he’s gone because of me.

  The torch in my left hand flickers and dances as a cool draft sweeps through the corridor. I realize I’m barefoot and shivering, with only my cloak and this pathetic fire to keep me warm.

  Fire.

  My mind draws back to what I’d just witnessed outside the castle doors. Rydan losing his temper. His hands glowing. A tree bursting into flames. The shock and disgust on his face.

  I squeeze my eyes shut to clear the image. I open them again and knock one more time. Just as I’m about to turn to leave, I hear footsteps on the other side of the door. I wait somewhat impatiently as it creaks open and Braxton’s white-blonde head appears.

  He rubs the sleep from his eyes with a yawn. “Is it time to train again already? I could have sworn I’d only fallen asleep an hour or so ago.” He yawns again, then stops as his eyes land on my face.

  “Can I come in?” I say under my breath.

  He straightens, then nods, opening the door wider for me to enter. I place the torch in its holder, taking caution as I approach the center of the room. I arrive just a few feet from the hearth where I’m met with yet another reminder of Rydan. The fire dances to and fro, teasing me, taunting me.

  I turn away from the fire to face Braxton. I’m shocked at what I see. No longer is he in his half-asleep state—he’s now wide-awake, his eyes alight with curiosity and . . . something else.

  Fear?

  I realize that I must be the reason for his reaction, what with knocking at his d
oor after-hours, all wide-eyed and dishevelled. I’m surprised he still has his wits about him. Perhaps he assumes I’m bearing bad news regarding the king—his estranged father. I quickly reassure him that this isn’t the case. “It’s not about Tymond.”

  Braxton looses a breath, then closes the door quietly behind him before joining me in the center of the room. He stands directly in front of me so that I can feel his warm breath on my face. He doesn’t speak. Neither do I. The sweet scent of cinnamon and nutmeg lingers between us. Eventually, his eyes lock on mine as he says, “I know.”

  I regard him with a puzzled expression.my heart thumping in my chest. “You know what, exactly?”

  Braxton takes a step back, his eyes traveling over the fire. “It’s about Rydan, isn’t it?” He doesn’t look at me as he says this, and his tone is borderline distracted.

  “How—?”

  “I saw him take off into the woods.” He shakes his head. “It’s a shame, really. I wonder where he plans to go. Certainly not back to Trendalath, what with your history and all.”

  My cheeks burn at the remark as I recall our failed assassination attempt at the Soames’ residence. I stroll over to an armchair and brush my fingers across the top. “Did you see anything else?” I ask gingerly, suddenly feeling the need to protect what little information I have left.

  He cocks an eyebrow. “That’s an odd question. I saw him leave. I didn’t know there was anything else to see.”

  “There wasn’t,” I say almost too quickly. “It’s just that . . . Rydan and I sort of got into a heated argument.” I try to play it off like it’s nothing. “I’d hoped that conversation was private.”

  Braxton shrugs, then gives me a small smile. “Didn’t hear a thing. Just saw the poor sap leave.”

  I try to keep a straight face. Originally, I’d planned to tell Braxton everything, including Rydan’s newfound abilities, but our current conversation has me thinking otherwise. Something seems off, and it makes me want to keep my mouth shut.

  My thoughts disperse when he asks, “Should we alert the queen?”

  I consider this for a moment, weighing the different scenarios. On one hand, if we tell Cerylia about Rydan’s fleeing, it may raise questions as to why he left—questions I’m not willing to answer just yet. On the other, Cerylia seems to have a way of finding things out, and I wouldn’t want to be seen as a traitor, not this early in the game—not ever, actually. I want to build her trust, as do the rest of the Caldari.

  The decision comes easier than I would have thought. “We need to tell her.”

  Braxton nods in confirmation. “Tomorrow then?”

  Just as I’m about to reply, a clang sounds from the bell tower. We exchange perplexed expressions, then rush to the door. Braxton pokes his head out first before stepping into the dimly lit corridor. I grab my torch and follow him, closing the door gently behind me. The bell sounds again.

  We both head toward the front of the castle. The soft padding of our bare feet against the stone floors is the only audible sound. As we reach the entrance, we realize we’re the last ones to arrive. Cerylia, Felix, Estelle, Xerin, and Opal stand before us. I’m not surprised at Rydan’s absence, but I quickly realize there’s someone else missing.

  Elvira.

  My heart sinks.

  “Thank you for coming. Given the late hour, I’ll make this brief.” Cerylia glances sideways at Delwynn, who seems to be hurrying to make her a cup of tea. She sighs somewhat impatiently as he hands her the cup. I notice her hands are trembling as they fold around the fine china. She inhales, then continues, “It would appear both Rydan and Elvira have fled.”

  I shift my head slightly to steal a glance at Xerin. He doesn’t look rattled at the news of his sister, but I notice a small tremor flicker just above his jawline—it’s just enough to tell me that he’s disconcerted. I turn my attention back to the queen.

  “Does anyone have additional information that might help us to discern why these two have suddenly fled the premises?” My stomach lurches as her gaze travels across the group and lands on me. “Arden?”

  My breath catches as I try to decide what to say. At first, I’m not sure why I’m being called out, but then I realize that I’m the only one who truly knew Rydan. I’m her best bet, and her best source, for information. But, unfortunately for her, I don’t feel like giving it up. So I lie. “This is the first I’m hearing of this.” Beside me, I can sense Braxton’s discomfort. “Should we send a search team?”

  The queen regards me for a moment with narrowed eyes. I don’t dare flinch for fear that she’ll see right through my idiotic ploy. I immediately regret lying to her, but I know it’s too late to take back my words.

  “Xerin,” she commands, “I’d like for you to go on the search alone. Based on your unique abilities, I believe you’ll have better luck spotting our two refugees from the air than we would on foot.”

  Xerin nods. “Yes, your Greatness.”

  “Then that’s where we’ll start,” Cerylia says with a steadying breath. “I expect to see the rest of you at 0600 hours.” She waves her hand in the air to dismiss us.

  Estelle shoots me a knowing look as I turn to head to my chambers, and I have an unyielding sense that this night is far from over.

  As I enter my rooms and begin to fold the sheets down from my bed, I feel some sort of presence nearby. I stop what I’m doing, keeping very still, as it draws closer. It doesn’t feel to be a dark presence, but rather, one that is all too familiar. I’d know it anywhere. “You don’t have to hide, Estelle. I know it’s you.” I glance over at my shoulder, eyes focused on the doorway as Estelle’s wavy black hair appears. In the dim light, her violet eyes stand out even more against her mocha complexion.

  “You’ll stop doing that if you know what’s best for you,” she mutters as she finishes uncloaking herself.

  I roll my eyes as I finish making down the bed. Juniper jumps off the seat of the armchair and hops up onto the end of the bed, circling multiple times, like a cat would do, before curling up into a ball. She falls asleep almost instantly.

  “So, what’s up?” I ask casually as I crawl into the bed, fluffing the blankets around me. I remain upright out of respect for Estelle, but all I want to do is lay down and go to sleep.

  She approaches the bed and sits down on the edge of it, taking care so as to not wake Juniper. The little fox doesn’t stir. “I need to know what you know.” Her voice comes out just above a whisper, but even in the low volume, her words are still frighteningly intimidating.

  I do my best to calm my thoughts and steady my voice before replying, “About what?”

  “Don’t play dumb, Arden. You’re better than that.”

  Her words sting. She continues to stare at me with her relentless gaze until I finally muster the courage to speak. I decide to tell her exactly what I told Braxton—nothing more, nothing less. “I was there when Rydan left. We got into a pretty heated argument before he ran off into the woods.”

  Estelle looks at me pointedly. “What was your argument about?”

  A lump forms in my throat. Braxton didn’t ask me that. I freeze mid-thought, fearful that my expression is going to give away everything I haven’t yet told her. Fortunately, she makes it easier on me.

  “If I had to guess, I would say that it had something to do with your failed attempt during the Soames’ assassination?”

  This day is one giant reminder of my many mistakes.

  “Is that a fair assumption?”

  I nod my head, afraid that if I speak, I’ll turn to stone. I’ve told enough lies and omitted enough information for one day, hell, probably for one lifetime. I grasp the blankets and tighten them around me, hoping that Estelle will get the hint.

  “Well, if it’s any consolation, I’m sure he’s just blowing off some steam. He’ll be back soon enough.” I force a smile as she pats the edge of the bed and rises. “See you tomorrow, or I guess, technically, today.�
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  I watch as she re-cloaks herself, wondering why she feels the need to stay hidden in a place that’s been promised to us as a safe haven . . . unless it isn’t?

  I try to dispel the thought from my mind, but it lingers, just like the darkness around me. I pull the blankets tighter underneath my chin, but they don’t provide much solace. How can they when I have not one, but two people out there who wish me dead?

  Kristen Martin is the international Amazon bestselling author of the young adult science fiction trilogy, THE ALPHA DRIVE, and the author of the dark fantasy series, SHADOW CROWN. She is also an avid YouTuber in the BookTube community with hundreds of videos offering writing advice and inspiration, a writing coach and mentor, and founder of That Smart Hustle.

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