Sere from the Green (The Shape Shifter Chronicles Book 1)

by Lauren Jankowski

  “That’s the Pearl Castle,” she said. Isis stared in amazement at the enormous castle, which was easily the biggest structure she had ever seen. It even rivalled the protectors’ mansion. The sprawling castle stretched almost as far as the eye could see. It was made of brick with hints of gold in it, which sparkled in the sun. There was a coat of arms of some kind painted on the wooden doors and also on a few of the numerous flags that sat atop the towers and spires. It looked like something out of a fairytale. Electra smiled as she followed Isis’ gaze. After a moment, she began to make her way down the small hill.

  “Um, is there anything I should know?” Isis asked as she kept up with her sister. “Is there some kind of . . . I don’t know, gesture or custom I need to learn or tradition or ritual I should partake in or something like that?”

  Electra thought for a moment. “Um, no, there’s nothing special you need to do or learn. Whatever you do, stay out of everyone’s way. Things are kind of crazy on the first two floors. The third and fourth are the living quarters, so they’re pretty calm.”

  As they approached the doors of the castle, Isis noticed two armored guards standing still as stone. They each held an impressive spear and shield, their silver armor glistening in the sunlight. Electra nodded to the guards when they saluted her and moved in unison to push open the enormous doors. Isis fell a couple steps behind Electra, marveling at the grand hall they walked into. The sheer amount of noise made her feel a little uneasy and she moved a bit closer to Electra, staying behind her.

  Everyone was dressed in brightly colored clothing, mostly tunics or dresses. Sandals whispered across the floor. The clothing was the finest Isis had ever seen and she had to remind herself that guardians were not deities, even though they certainly looked like they were. Being surrounded by a rainbow of color, Isis suddenly felt self-conscious of her own drab clothing. She squinted when she noticed a lot of the people rushing around seemed to glow or glisten in the light. That was . . . weird.

  “What’s the rush?” Isis asked, carefully avoiding getting in anyone’s way. A man in a green tunic nimbly danced around her as he continued rushing to wherever he was headed.

  “The world never sleeps,” Electra replied, nodding to the guardians and messengers she knew as she continued to walk through her home.

  “It’s like this twenty-four seven?” Isis flattened herself against the wall when a flustered-looking woman in a pastel pink dress darted past her.

  Electra nodded, not affected by the rush. “Pretty much.”

  The two reached a wide winding flight of stairs, jogging up two flights. Every floor in the castle was marble with red carpeting down the middle. Large portraits of beautiful women in elegant dresses decorated the walls, watching the inhabitants with their painted eyes. Isis and Electra continued down the hall. Isis couldn’t believe how much it was like a museum of medieval artifacts. Besides the portraits, there were also crests and tapestries and even a few maps. All were remarkably well preserved and showed little to no signs of aging. The hallway entrances and windows were rounded. Isis frowned when she noticed there were almost no corners in the castle. Everything was rounded, giving the aura of grace and elegance. The air was as light and pleasant as it was throughout the lands.

  The third floor was wonderfully peaceful, compared to the first two levels. Electra continued moving ahead, obviously comfortable in the magnificent hallways.

  “Electra,” a feminine voice called from behind them. Electra turned on her heel, beaming.

  “Grandmother,” Electra greeted as she ran into the woman’s outstretched arms and embraced her.

  Isis turned and couldn’t help but stare at the woman behind them. She was dressed in a rose-colored dress that was much longer than the one Phoenix had been wearing. She looked somewhat similar to Electra but her hair was black and just barely brushed her chin. Her expressive eyes were dark blue. Physically, the woman didn’t look a day over thirty-five, but her eyes and the way she held herself suggested she was much older. Right, they’re immortal, Isis remembered. She was still getting used to the notion.

  “Isis, this is our grandmother, Artemis,” Electra introduced the two. Artemis approached her, smiling warmly. When she walked, she appeared to glide. It was very similar to the way Lilly moved.

  “Hello Isis. It is good to finally meet you,” she said. Isis had absolutely no idea how to respond to the statement.

  “Artemis? Like the goddess?” she asked. Artemis glanced back at Electra, who chuckled and spread her hands.

  “I guess you could look at it that way,” Artemis replied.

  “So probably no relation then?” Isis asked, half-joking. Artemis smiled and shook her head.

  “No, guardians are not gods,” Artemis answered. “I am not even the first guardian to be named such. If we share names with deities, it is merely a coincidence.”

  A thought came to Isis. “Am I named after any important guardian?”

  Artemis’ smiled widened. “You are. Both of you are named after guardians my daughter very much admires. However, I feel you should ask her about the guardian you’re named after. She will undoubtedly offer a much more satisfying answer than I.”

  Isis looked over at Electra, who still had her arm wrapped around her grandmother. She could tell they were close and it was clear Artemis adored Electra.

  “Grandmother, do you know where we could find Mom or Adonia?” Electra asked pleasantly. Isis was surprised at her usually reserved sister’s change in demeanor. She was a whole different person in the Meadows; one who was much more comfortable and outgoing.

  Artemis nodded. “Yes, my dear, they’re in Adonia’s office.”

  “Thank you,” Electra said, stepping away from Artemis and walking past Isis. “It’s this way.”

  Isis smiled politely and nodded at Artemis before turning to keep up with Electra. They proceeded down the hallway. As Isis continued to admire the beautiful place, she found herself wishing she knew more about architecture.

  “Mom and Grandmother don’t really get along, which is why Mom tends to spend more time at the mansion with Jet and Lilly,” Electra explained as they continued on their way. “Grandmother has never really forgiven Mom for running away all those years ago, but even before that, they had their issues.”

  “Why?” Isis asked. It seemed like whatever family she was in had its own kind of dysfunction. And Steve wonders why I’m cynical, she thought. She felt a twinge of homesickness when she realized that she hadn’t seen Steve in a while and hadn’t talked to him in at least a month. Even then it was just to give him an alibi. Electra shrugged in response to Isis’ question.

  “Grandmother is somewhat of a traditionalist and their personalities just clash more often than not,” she answered. “They still fight. By the way, if you’re ever here when they’re in the midst of an argument, steer clear. Things have been known to spontaneously combust around them. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve almost been burned that way.”

  Isis stared at Electra in shock. There had been a time when she would have laughed at the ludicrous idea of spontaneous combustion. After all that she had seen since discovering her heritage, Isis was ready to believe just about anything. She continued down the hall with Electra.

  They reached a set of large doors. There were golden vines carved into the wood that glistened in the sunlight. The levers were made of the same gold material and were spotless. Isis couldn’t believe how clean everything was. There weren’t even dust particles dancing in the beams of light. Electra gave two short rapid knocks on the door.

  “Yes?” a melodic voice drifted out from the room.

  “It’s Electra. Isis is with me,” Electra called out. Isis glanced around the hallway, suddenly finding the walls incredibly interesting.

  “Come in,” the voice invited. Electra glanced back to Isis, asking with a simple glance whether or not she was ready. Isis hesitated for a moment before nodding once. Electra pushed the door open, stepping asi
de so Isis could enter. Isis let out a short breath, and stepped inside.

  The room had a floor that looked like it was made of clouds and a huge picture window behind a large desk that looked out over the lands. The two women in the office were looking toward the door. One had been leaning over the desk, studying what appeared to be some sort of parchment. She wore a sleeveless orchid-colored dress and her red hair fell below her shoulders. The woman smiled at Isis, rotating her wrist, gesturing for her to come closer. Her green eyes were kind, expressive, and soft all at once.

  The other woman in the office sat on a bench in the window, her long legs stretched out in front of her as she looked outside. Her hair was the color of the sun and it gently brushed the tops of her shoulders. The second woman turned to look at them and Isis saw her eyes were a mossy green color, with a lively spark in them. She wore a dress similar to the first woman but it was bright red and much more risqué, exposing more skin. When she smiled at the two, Isis could see the same kind of hesitance that she currently felt.

  “Isis, this is our great-grandmother Adonia, queen of the guardians, and that’s her granddaughter, Passion, our mother,” Electra introduced as she gestured to the two women. Isis smiled and nodded as she tried to hide her loss for words and uneasiness. She really didn’t like situations that required interacting with strangers. And this was definitely not a situation she ever thought she would be in.

  “Hello Isis,” Adonia greeted warmly. Passion swung her legs down and stood up, smiling kindly at the two women. Isis looked from Passion to Adonia, still not sure what to say. She settled on the statue approach: standing silently in the background, which had gotten her through many unpleasant situations in the past. She realized that she would probably have to speak at some point, but she was going to put it off for as long as possible.

  “I’m sure Electra has told you much of our home,” Adonia continued, smiling at her great granddaughters. The pride in her voice was evident and Isis could see that Electra was close with her as well.

  Isis nodded and continued to look around, feeling completely out of place. The ceiling above them was glass and she could see the clear sky. There was a model of the solar system floating above their heads. Isis squinted, frowning when she noticed there weren’t wires holding the small model up. The walls were plain; no books or clocks like in the mansion. There was an aura of serenity in the beautiful room.

  “Isis, will you excuse us for a moment?” Adonia asked. “I need to speak with Electra.”

  Isis’ head whipped around and she stared at Electra, shaking her head a little. She wasn’t eager to be in a situation where she was alone with a complete stranger, especially one that was deity-like. Even the idea of guardians still made Isis a little nervous.

  “Don’t worry, it’ll only be for a minute,” Electra reassured her. “Passion doesn’t bite and I’m sure you have some questions for her.”

  Isis glanced back at Passion, smiled politely for her benefit, and turned her eyes back to her twin. “One minute?”

  “One minute,” Electra nodded in confirmation.

  “Any longer and I’ll Appear again. I don’t even care where I wind up,” Isis threatened and Electra gave her a very dry look.

  “You have my word,” she promised.

  Isis’ shoulders dropped in resignation and she nodded. Adonia stepped around the desk and walked past Electra, who followed her out of the office. Isis watched as the door closed behind them, keeping her eyes on it briefly. She turned back around to face Passion, unsure what to do or say.

  Passion sighed, looking out the window again. “I’m sorry. I know how uncomfortable you must be.”

  “Yeah, well I really don’t know what to say or ask. So, I don’t think I’ll be much of a conversationalist,” Isis responded, approaching the desk that Passion stood behind. She folded her body into one of the chairs across from it. Passion strode around the desk and perched on the edge, making sure not to crowd the younger woman. Isis couldn’t help but smile a little when she recognized the bad habit she shared with her sister: sitting on desks and tables.

  Passion chuckled at the expression on Isis’ face. “One of the many things my mother gives me hell about.”

  “I met her just now, in the hallway,” Isis mentioned. “She said I should ask you about my name. Well, the guardian you named me after, I guess is a better way to put it.”

  Passion’s entire face lit up. “Well, you haven’t learned much of Meadows history yet, but a long, long time ago there was a war that tore this land apart and could have potentially ended the guardians themselves. There were many heroes that are sung of in ballads and celebrated in stories, but there are also many unsung heroes who fought just as bravely.

  “The story that is most cherished among the guardians is that of Selene: her sorrow, her heroism, and her bravery in the face of great evil. However, we often overlook the quiet heroism of her loyal friend, Isis. She lost just as much as Selene did — even more in fact — but continued fighting beside her. Isis was incredibly clever and using alliances, she managed to strike a devastating blow against the traitorous guardians who were attempting to overtake the Meadows. Isis was the only guardian who went to Selene’s aid when she chased after the dreaded fire guardian, Pyra. When Pyra struck a fatal blow to Selene, it was Isis who ran to her side and surrounded them with a barrier of magic. She remained with Selene, holding her, even when the night guardian ordered her to leave and save herself. When they were surrounded by Pyra and Chaos’ forces, and the unquenchable flames were closing in, Isis refused to leave Selene’s side. In the face of certain death, she stood firm and never flinched. She refused to leave her gravely wounded friend’s side and I greatly admire the amount of courage and love she had. There is much more to the tale and Electra can show you the best accounts, if you’re interested.”

  Isis stared at her, engrossed in the story. “Is she still around?”

  Passion smiled and shook her head. “No. She retired many years ago. I never met her, but Adonia did in her youth. Nothing was ever expected of Isis, as she was a mere under-guardian. However, when Selene was allowed to return to life, she could find no peace in the Meadows and named Isis as queen of the lands of night before leaving. She ruled for many years, a great queen among the night guardians.”

  “Huh, so . . . okay, wow,” Isis said, not really sure what else to say. She made a mental note to look up that story, which sounded like something she would enjoy reading.

  “How have your lessons been coming?” Passion asked as she tucked some strands of hair behind her ear with one slender finger.

  Isis shrugged. “Okay, I guess. Remington tells me I’m learning much quicker than he expected, but it doesn’t feel like it.”

  “Remington is very wise, so I’m sure you are progressing rather well,” Passion said, looking off to the side. “I’m sorry. I really tried to keep you out of this world. I had hoped you would have a normal happy life.”

  Isis snorted, trying not to be cynical. “It doesn’t exist.”

  Passion let out a quiet, melancholy laugh. “You’ve been spending too much time with Jet.”

  A question surfaced in Isis’ mind, but she was avoiding it. Still, her curious nature always got the better of her. She began to tap her fingertips on the armrests of her chair, trying to figure out how to ask the question. Her serene surroundings weren’t helping her nerves much.

  “Do you mind if I ask you something?” Isis began when she finally steeled her resolve.

  “Not at all. You can ask me anything you like and I will do my best to answer,” Passion replied.

  “Do you regret having children?” Isis asked, watching Passion’s face for any tells. Passion seemed a fairly unconventional mother, but Isis was only going by human standards and she knew that probably wasn’t all that accurate when it came to guardians. From what little she had gleaned from Remington, Jet, and Lilly, her birth had been fairly traumatic and the aftermath had been difficult for Passi
on. It was part of why Isis was still very wary about the guardians — they struck her as extremely cold and distant, based on what she had read.

  Passion shifted her weight and smoothed the front of her dress with one slender hand.

  “I have many regrets, Isis. Many, many, many regrets,” she started, looking back to the young woman. “But having children will never be one of them.”

  Isis nodded and crossed one leg over the other, pressing her hands together over her knee. She felt a little more relaxed and less antsy.

  “I never thought to ask Electra, but do you think our father knew about us?” she asked cautiously. A somewhat bitter expression crossed Passion’s face for a split second before she shook her head.

  “No. Roan was long gone by the time you two were born. He was declared presumed dead about a month after your birth.”

  Isis rested her weight against the armrest. “Will you have any more children?”

  Passion laughed. “I’m afraid not. Part of my sentence was that I couldn’t have any more children or get married.”

  Isis was stunned. She hadn’t been told of Passion’s full punishment, but she had not expected it to be so severe.

  “That’s a little harsh,” she commented.

  “It’s actually rather lenient. They could have had me thrown in the dungeons or taken away my position and banished me from the Meadows,” Passion replied. Isis was surprised to hear no bitterness in her voice. She sounded like a woman who had accepted her situation and didn’t dwell on what she could not change. Your mother is a wise woman and almost no one gives her credit for it. You will probably never meet a stronger woman than Passion, Jet had told her shortly after she had been brought to the mansion.

  “You’re second in line to rule the guardians, right?” Isis asked, remembering what Electra had told her.