by Lynette Noni
With a loud sigh, Alex picked up the golden riddle pages again, leafing through the bound parchment while hoping some new line or clue might magically appear.
“Back to the drawing board, I guess,” she mumbled.
And on it went for hours more, the three suns travelling alarmingly swiftly across the sky. They only had until sundown to come up with an answer, and the closer that time approached, the more Alex’s concern grew. Her friends were becoming just as desperate, as evidenced by the words they were now throwing out at random.
“A sword? Some other weapon?” Jordan tried.
“Life? A journey?” D.C. offered.
“Feelings? Emotions?” Declan guessed.
And yet, while all their answers covered at least some part of the riddle, none of them fit perfectly.
When the suns continued lowering dangerously close to the flat of the horizon, Alex knew they were nearly out of time. Her heart was thumping as dread bubbled within her. She refused to fail an entire world just because of one lousy riddle.
“You have two minutes remaining, mortals,” Saefii’s voice echoed around the clearing. “I suggest you use them wisely.”
Jordan wasn’t the only one of her friends to utter an expletive, but he was the one who said, “Toss the book here, Alex. There has to be something else useful amongst all those unnecessary pages. Why not just give us a single sheet of paper? What a complete waste. You know, I’ve always said…”
He was rambling, his voice threaded with anxiety. And yet, Alex didn’t hear anything else he said as he continued speaking. Instead, as if being struck by lightning, she physically jolted as she processed his words, and she wasn’t the only one—she could see Bear having the same reaction. As one, they glanced at the book in her hands, then back up to catch each other’s eyes as realisation hit them both at once.
“Do you think—Is it possible…” Alex trailed off, unable to say more as Bear hurried to her side and reached for the golden pages.
“The answer was here all along,” he whispered incredulously, gliding his hand over the cover.
“What are you two going on about?” Declan asked, his voice thick with nerves.
“Your time is up, mortals,” came Saefii’s voice, causing them all to wince. “We will hear your answer now, or you will forfeit the challenge.”
Her breathing shallow, Alex held Bear’s gaze as she quickly ran the riddle through her head one last time. All the lines fit, but it was still so vague. Figurative language was figurative for a reason—it went beyond the literal and entered a realm of allusion often easy to misinterpret. But still, they had to give an answer. So, nodding for him to go ahead, she crossed her fingers and her toes, hoping beyond hope that they were right.
In a croaking voice, Bear said, “A book. The answer is a book.”
Silence surrounded them, each of them holding their breaths. Until—
“Explain.”
One word from Saefii and Alex felt the air rush out of her in a whoosh. She wasn’t sure if it meant they were right or wrong, but she again nodded her encouragement for Bear to go ahead.
“Through death, I am birthed,” he recited. “Books are made of pages that are created by cutting down and therefore killing trees. Birth that comes through death.”
Alex jumped in next. “When I am hurt, I am most loved. The most loved books are read over and over, and because of that, they’re also the ones that sustain the most damage from excessive handling.”
“Stained for a purpose, or none at all,” Bear continued on. “Books have writing—or ink—stained into them either so that people can read what is written for a reason, or simply for meaningless doodling without purpose.”
With her pulse thrumming, Alex finished, “I have neither start nor finish, yet always begin and end. Books have a physical beginning and ending, but there’s never a clear start or finish point to what they contain within—there’s always more that happens before and after what is revealed in the pages.”
Silence surrounded them again, a tense lack of noise that went on for so long that Alex’s palms began to sweat. Just as she was about to call out and see if anyone was still listening, a bright flash of light delivered them back to the stadium.
Unlike the previous day, their arrival was again met with the roaring sound of applause, the Tia Auran audience apparently having moved past their shock of Alex’s draekon bonding. But whether the enthusiastic cheers were because they’d succeeded or because they’d failed, she couldn’t tell, and she cast her eyes up towards Saefii, desperate to hear the outcome.
The empress waited until Tayros had relieved them of their golden cuffs before she slowly rose from her throne. She was even slower still to make her announcement. But finally, she spoke.
“Today you were tested by the Gate of Wisdom, and you responded to the riddle provided. The answer that you gave”— Saefii paused as if to prolong their torture, and Alex seriously contemplated throwing something at her—“is correct.”
And just like that, Alex wilted with relief, releasing a stunned burst of laughter.
“Congratulations, mortals. You have proved yourselves yet again.”
And with another bright flash, they were back in their living quarters.
Looking around, Alex felt and saw her friends’ silent shock. But with a sound of pure jubilation, Bear bounded forward and wrapped his arms around Alex, picking her up to swing her in a wide circle through the air.
“We did it! We actually did it!”
Unable to do anything but laugh again, she held on tight until he let her go. His actions had broken a spell, and suddenly everyone was yelling and hugging as disbelief and congratulations were shared all around.
“Couldn’t have done it without you, mate,” Bear said to Jordan, clapping him on the back.
Jordan’s response was a comical-sounding, “Me?”
Alex nodded and agreed, “You’re the one who pointed out that the book had to be there for a reason. All along, we’d been holding the answer in our hands.”
More than one groan sounded as realisation hit them all.
“That was almost worse than the strength test,” D.C. said. Seeing Alex’s incredulity, she repeated, with emphasis, “Almost.”
Grinning, Alex’s attention was diverted when Zaylin parroned into the common room. She didn’t often interact with anyone other than Alex—and even then, sparingly—so her arrival was a surprise. As were her words.
“Why are none of you getting ready?”
D.C. turned to Alex with astonished eyes. “She can speak our language?”
Not wanting to risk Zaylin’s ire by explaining about the aggressive moment of revelation the two had shared the previous day, Alex instead looked at the Tia Auran and asked, “Getting ready for what?”
Appearing torn between exasperation and disbelief, Zaylin said, “The memorial. Didn’t anyone tell you?”
Raised eyebrows met her in answer, and she muttered something under her breath that was too low for even Alex to hear. Then, louder, she explained, “Aes Daega may have lived in Medora for many ages, but her blood was Tia Auran, and tonight she shall be given the honour owed to her for her sacrifice.” She looked them all in the eyes before focusing on Alex as she continued, “As you delivered tidings of her passing, the empress has invited you all to attend tonight so that you may offer your own farewells, should you so wish.”
Alex swallowed and nodded, wanting that very much. While it was Niyx’s death that had truly crushed her, she was still saddened by the loss of Lady Mystique, and would appreciate being able to say a proper goodbye.
Having expected her words to launch them into motion, Zaylin snapped, “What are you all waiting for? Go!”
Not used to facing Zaylin’s prickly temper, Alex’s friends were quick to scatter, presumably to summon their helpers and follow the command to get ready.
“Follow me, mortal,” the Tia Auran said tersely when it was just Alex remaining. “We have work t
o do if we’re to make your appearance at all passable for tonight’s tribute.”
And so, with a longsuffering sigh, Alex trailed after Zaylin into her room, choosing to ignore the string of borderline offensive grumbles the immortal helper continued to utter under her breath.
Nineteen
Lady Mystique’s memorial took place on the shore of the metallic lake, the tribute beginning just as night fell.
For the first time since awakening in Vardaesia, Alex was dressed in something other than black or white. The same was true for all those in attendance, even if once again there was a universal theme to the colour scheme. Every single person wore splashes—if not entire outfits—of gold, making them shine right along with the unnaturally coloured water.
Alex had required Zaylin’s help to don the resplendent gown she’d been given, the dress so intricate that she would have worn it upside-down and back to front if not for the immortal’s assistance. It was a masterpiece of design, combining three different shades of gold—two for layering, one for its glittery embroidered detail—and hugging tight from her chest to hips before flaring out straight down to her ankles.
Upon first seeing it, Alex had balked at its magnificence and dreaded how it would clash with her golden skin. But her fear had been in vain, since the glow of her vaeliana only added to the ethereal nature of the dress.
Any lingering insecurity had dissolved once Zaylin had pushed her from the room, because as Alex had walked out onto the shared balcony to join her waiting friends, she’d had to cover a smile at Kaiden’s stunned expression. He, too, had dressed for the occasion, his pitch-black formal ensemble making him appear like an otherworldly prince come to life, especially coupled with the golden swirls etched into his low collar and down the fastenings along his torso.
He may have been struck silent upon Alex’s entrance, but the feeling had been mutual, and it had taken the combined effort of their friends—all of whom looked just as glorious—for Alex and Kaiden to peel their eyes from each other. But, as if whoever was in charge of parroning their group to and fro could read minds, Jordan, D.C., Bear and Declan had all been flash-transported away ahead of Alex and Kaiden, and the instant the two were alone, he had pulled her into his arms, his searing kiss telling her exactly what he thought about her dress. Or rather, just simply about her.
“You’re perfect,” he’d whispered against her lips, before kissing her quickly again and pulling back just as they were parroned to join their friends.
Alex’s breath had been stolen from her, both from the mind-numbing kiss atop the romantic balcony overlooking the city at night, and also from Kaiden’s profound compliment. But more, it had been the way he’d looked at her—like she was the most precious thing he’d ever laid eyes on. And it was because of the last that when they’d arrived next to their friends at the edge of the golden lake, Alex’s knees had been weak enough that she’d only remained upright because Kaiden had slid his arm around her to steady her.
When he’d glanced down to check if she was okay, all she’d been able to do was reach up and trail a finger along his jaw, looking deep into his bright blue eyes as she’d whispered, “You are, too.” Then it was she who had kissed him, a soft press of her lips to his before pulling away again, only to see his eyes had brightened even more.
Despite its brevity, her affectionate moment had still been met with coughs and grins from their delighted friends. But fortunately, before any of them had a chance to offer commentary, Calivere had appeared at their sides, directing them to follow.
Which led them to now, with Alex trailing after the immortal advisor, her friends marvelling over the colour of the lake and the glimmering sand while she eyed the growing assembly of Tia Aurans. Each was dressed in their own gold-touched finery, the mood almost offensively upbeat given the reason for their meeting. Instead of being solemn and sombre, they were talking and laughing boisterously amongst themselves, handing around food and drinks as if it were one massive lake party.
It was only after Calivere delivered them to where Saefii and Tayros were gathered down near the water’s edge—with Zaylin and the other helpers standing close by, waiting to be called upon—that Alex learned why no one was particularly sorrowful. And that was because, after Alex tugged on Zaylin’s golden robe for attention, she was tersely told that the memorial wasn’t a tribute for Lady Mystique’s death, it was a celebration of her life.
“So it is a party?” Alex asked, glancing around as music began to thrum quietly from an unknown source.
“It will be, afterwards,” Zaylin said.
“After what?” D.C. asked, standing by Alex’s elbow, her own golden dress sparkling like glitter under the moonlight.
“After we’ve released her into the care of the stars.”
Alex shared apprehensive glances with her friends, but none of them said anything else. That was mostly because the music rose in crescendo and fell again back to a soft, sweet melody in some kind of cue, with silence then descending upon the shore as the Tia Aurans all turned to face the empress.
Standing right at the edge of the lake, Saefii’s ebony skin blended into the night while her stunning gown flowed straight into the water rippling over her bare feet. The circlet across her brow was even more impressive in the darkened atmosphere, glowing with an inner light. As she raised her voice to speak to her people, Alex couldn’t help being entranced by the picture she presented.
“Tonight, we honour the life of one who fell while in service to our race,” Saefii said in the language of her people. “Aes Daega was once a beloved daughter, sister and friend. The choices she made long ago will never change the mark she has left on all those blessed to have known her. May the stars shine always in her favour, and may she know peace forevermore.”
Alex jumped when the gathered Tia Aurans repeated Saefii’s final invocation, offering a quiet salute to their fallen kin. She, however, was more intrigued by Saefii’s reference to the choices Lady Mystique had made. Athora had mentioned that the two of them had been sent to Medora as gatekeepers to watch over the Meyarins and help them thrive in their new world, but he had also inferred that, while their task was purposeful, neither of them had left Tia Auras willingly. Alex’s curiosity was piqued, but she focused again on the ceremony when, unexpectedly, Saefii gestured for her to approach.
Tentatively, Alex moved towards the empress, stopping just in front of her.
Feeling all eyes on the two of them, she had no idea what was happening, especially when Tayros passed something small to Saefii, who then handed it to Alex.
Turning the object between her fingers, Alex likened it to a pearlescent coil of spiralling wax. Small enough to fit in her palm and about as tall as her hand, it started with a larger base and then circled upwards in a cone shape to taper into a point. Alex had never seen anything like it.
Switching back to the common tongue in respect for Alex’s friends, Saefii said, “As one who knew Aes Daega in her final days, we would ask if you, Alexandra, would be the first to release her into the care of the stars.”
There was that strange phrase again, the same one Zaylin had used. Alex was still unsure what it meant, but sensing she was being given an unprecedented honour—mostly because Zaylin was nodding ferociously from the sidelines for Alex to accept—she said, “That would mean a lot, thank you.”
“Then place your offering into the lake, and speak if you so wish,” Saefii directed, and Alex released a breath of relief at being given clear instructions.
Squatting down beside the lapping water, Alex lowered the base of the cone onto the surface of the lake, giving it a slight push when she realised it could float. Rising again as it began to drift away, Alex turned back to the now solemn Tia Aurans and cleared her throat, wanting to give Lady Mystique the send-off she deserved but not sure how to do that. Having been unprepared to give a speech, all she could do was speak from her heart, and she knew that was what the ancient woman would have wanted—just as she would ha
ve wanted Alex to take advantage of this opportunity.
“The last time I saw Aes Daega before she died, it was so she could help me try and win a challenge that would ally the races of my world against a common enemy—an enemy by whose sword she was slain not two days later,” Alex said, her voice quiet but somehow carrying for all to hear. She heard whispered translations echo throughout the crowd as those who understood interpreted her words for those who didn’t. “I’ll never forget what she told me that day: ‘Darkness is everywhere, child. And where it is not, we have the unfortunate ability to imagine it so.’”
Raising her head and hoping she wasn’t overstepping her bounds, Alex continued, “You live in a city—in a world—filled with light. But I know that wasn’t always the case. The reason Aes Daega was sent to Medora to begin with is a testament to that—to what you faced before you became what you now are. Whatever happened, I think…” She paused. Swallowed. Tried again. “I think tonight, she would want you to remember that. To remember what you went through then, and to spare a thought for the world you sent her to, a world that is now threatened by a future of darkness.”
Sensing that her audience was beginning to feel discomforted by her words, Alex lowered her voice and shared, “There’s something else Aes Daega told me—the very last thing she ever said to me.” Making eye contact with as many in the crowd as she could, Alex recited, “‘Don’t fear the shadows. Make the shadows fear you.’” She drew in a deep breath. Then a second. “Tonight, tomorrow, forever, I hope you will remember those words. I hope you will remember Aes Daega’s sacrifice and consider why she made it—why she allowed herself to die a senseless death for a mortal race in a world not her own. Think of her courage, think of her facing those shadows and making them bow down to her, right until her very end.”
Quietly, oh so quietly, Alex finished, “She was willing to give her life in an effort to fight the coming darkness. If nothing else, remember that.” With tears in her eyes, she whispered, “Remember Aes Daega.”