The Halves of Us

by Sydney Paige Richardson

  * * *

  Adie sat up straight in bed, gasping for air. She looked around her. She was in her chambers, safe in bed. Another premonition.

  It would be another hour or so before Uni rose. She tried to focus on the premonition, but all she could think about was what was to come. Today, she would become Ruler of Thindoral.

  I am not ready for this.

  The Announcer’s trumpeting filled the air, and Adie nervously glanced out her window. She’d been up for a few hours, dressed and ready, sitting on the edge of her bed. Her gaze stayed glued to her window.

  She would be the youngest Ruler in history. And probably the worst. She pulled at the chiffon on her dress. Definitely the best dressed. She smiled momentarily.

  I can’t be a Ruler at this age! I thought I had more time. What if the people don’t trust me?

  What if I can’t even speak to them? What if I fail? What if . . .

  A knock at the door brought her back to reality, and she stood quickly.

  “Come in,” she said.

  Gossamer’s head peeked through the door. “Good morning,” he said, forcing a smile.

  Adie fidgeted with her dress and looked back at him. “Do I look okay?” Adie asked, looking down at her gown.

  White silk covered with soft matching chiffon cascaded down to the floor. The bottom of her dress flared and glittered with gold. As she moved, the gold stitching revealed a beautifully hidden design in the fabric, and on her waist, an intricately plated gold belt with floral designs hung down her side. Her scarlet hair flowed in loose curls down her back, and her lips were pale pink. White and gold shimmer traced the area around her eyes.

  “You look beautiful,” Gossamer said.

  Adie beamed as he walked into the room and embraced her. Tears pooled in her eyes. She blinked them back.

  Gossamer stood back from her, looking her over again as he wiped away his own which escaped down his cheeks. His smile wavered.

  “What’s wrong?” Adie asked.

  “I chose not to wake you last night so that you could have your sleep.”

  “I didn’t sleep well.”

  Gossamer’s gaze fell. His normally blue eyes swirled with muddy brown. “There was another attack last night.”

  Adie stepped toward him. “Samuel? Aura?” she asked. Her voice waned. The thought of losing either of them nauseated her.

  “They’re fine. We believe we know who was after the Rokis this whole time. Who the Sights were working for.”

  “Working for?”

  Gossamer nodded. “My brother, Zakar. He was still alive.”

  “Was?”

  “Last night, he attempted to steal the Rokis from the Holding Room. Samuel tried to stop him and killed him. Aura . . . she heard the commotion and called for help.”

  “Samuel isn’t hurt?” she asked breathlessly, her heart pounding.

  “He’s safe. I had him checked out by medical and Tut. Zakar had powers, dark powers he received from what lies in Vadim. There was a danger of those powers transferring to Samuel after he killed him, but Samuel had the Rokis. Based on Tut’s findings, Zakar’s power died with him. Aura was quite distraught. After everything she’s witnessed in the past few days, it was hard for her to find Samuel like that. I sent her back to her room for rest.”

  “I didn’t even hear her come in,” Adie said, looking toward the door joining their rooms. She walked toward it slowly.

  “She probably knew you needed your rest. Today is a big day.”

  Adie stopped and turned back toward Gossamer. She felt the tears return, and one fell down her cheek. “I don’t think I’m ready . . .”

  Gossamer walked toward her, hugging her again. “We’re always ready for our Fate.”

  Memories of her dream flooded her mind, and she stepped back, looking at Gossamer. “I had another premonition last night. I believe I’ll need to call a meeting with the Sandman after today’s events.”

  He nodded. “It’s not unusual for a new Ruler to want to meet with their Council after the Ceremony.”

  “I would like the old Council and Mother to be present as well.”

  “That can be arranged,” Gossamer said, nodding at her and heading toward the door.

  Adie glanced back at the door to Aura’s room.

  “Adie?” She heard Gossamer calling her to follow him. “Come. There’s still much to do.”

  She looked longingly at her sister’s door and took a deep breath before she turned around and walked out with Gossamer.

  29

  Aura

  Aura awoke to the Announcer’s trumpet and sat straight up in bed. She looked down at her nightgown and closed her eyes, trying to forget last night’s events. She buried her face in her palms. Instruments of power to her now. What use is power if it can’t give me what I want the most? She hugged her pillow, wishing it was Felipe.

  She heard Gossamer’s voice coming from Adie’s chambers and got out of bed, quietly walking over to the door. The voices were muffled, and she couldn’t hear the conversation clearly. She put her hand on the handle and stopped. Should I enter? Gossamer’s probably telling Adie about everything that happened last night. I’ll wait for Adie to come check on me . . . if she does.

  Aura pulled her hand away from the doorknob and leaned back against the door. Closing her eyes, she saw the dark cloud moving toward her, smiling. She opened them and shook her head, returning to bed and sitting on the edge.

  She heard Adie’s bedroom door close, and the room went silent. She quickly walked back over to the door joining their rooms and opened it. Adie’s gone. She must have left with Gossamer.

  Aura closed the door and retreated back into her room, but not before she caught a reflection of herself in the mirror as she passed by. Her green eyes were sullen, aided by dark circles beneath. Her pale skin appeared more sickly than beautiful, and the braid in her hair was coming apart in a mess of frizz. She brought her hand to her face. The mirror cracked, causing her to jump back.

  The second sounding of the Announcer’s trumpet echoed on the wind and infiltrated her room. The Ceremony would start soon, and if she didn’t get ready and make her appearance upstairs, they would send Thora after her. She put her hands together, and the sparks formed a cloud. She lifted her hands above her and brought them down slowly. The dark cloud moved from her head, down her thin frame, and dissipated as it reached the floor.

  As the cloud vanished, she glanced back at her broken image in the mirror. She extended her finger to the origin of the break. A smile curled at the edges of her lips as she watched the cracks retreat from their corners, leaving the surface of the mirror clear and smooth.

  Her ruby colored hair now fell down her shoulders, flawlessly braided, and her green eyes seemed darker, more powerful, surrounded by an ember cloud of eyeshadow. Her lips were a dark red that merged into black as it reached the curvatures of her mouth, and her cheeks flushed with rich tones of ruby and bronze.

  Her legs were wrapped in a thin layer of leather, and her top was pieced together with multiple strands of fabric in deep jewel tones. It reminded her of the stained glass windows in the Holding Room. Behind her, a few pieces of her top knotted with layers of chiffon falling in a train.

  Pleased with her reflection, she smiled and walked out the door, toward the High Perch at the Dome. Today, her sister became Ruler of Thindoral.

  30

  Adie

  Adie’s nerves came and went, making waves of nausea fall over her and retreat, leaving her exhausted. She wished she had asked Aura to come with them this morning. She would tell me everything is going to be okay. Or would she? She’s been through so much in just a matter of days.

  In her mind, she worked on the speech that would honor Felipe. Guilt coursed through her about how wrong she had been about him.

  Guards lined the hallway, and as they passed each one, they stood at attention. Adie followed Gossamer to the top floor of the Dome, and she saw the blue sky at the end of the
hallway where the room opened up to the High Perch. The Announcer excitedly hopped over to her. His ears perked straight up.

  “Ruler Adie, I’m thrilled to be a part of this day. I’ll let you know when it’s time to announce your entrance,” he said, smiling at her. His pink nose twitched as he spoke.

  This is it. Adie’s lips curled upward into a nervous grin as she looked over at Gossamer. “Where’s Mother?”

  “I’m here.” A voice came from behind them.

  Adie turned to see her mother looking happily at them. A light blue dress cuffed at the shoulders, clung to her frame, billowing out just above her knee. The color had returned to her skin, and the dark circles under her eyes had vanished. She must have borrowed some Fae dust.

  Adie frowned when she noticed wrinkles on her face that she didn’t remember seeing before. Bits of gray appeared at her mother’s temples.

  Ambrielle noticed the concern on her daughter’s face. “I am well. My brother was right,” she said, touching Gossamer’s arm softly. “I just needed a good night’s rest. No longer having a connection with the . . . with the Rokis does take it out of you.” Her smile was forced and made Adie’s heartache. “You look absolutely breathtaking,” she said, glancing over Adie.

  Adie hugged her mother. She heard the flutter of wings behind her and turned as Thora neared. Her eyes brimmed with tears. “Don’t you start crying on me now,” Adie said, embracing her.

  “You will do great things for this world,” Thora said in Adie’s ear.

  “Thank you,” Adie replied, releasing from their hug. “Has anyone seen Aura?” she asked, looking around, hoping no one saw she was blinking back tears.

  Instead, her eyes met Samuel’s as he walked toward her, his arm in a sling. Her father walked right behind him.

  “Samuel!” Adie exclaimed, hurrying to him.

  She stopped just in front of him, their faces close. Everything in her longed to kiss him again. But she took a step back and glanced over nervously at her father. Nemiah greeted her and kissed her cheek before taking his place at Ambrielle’s side.

  “I thought Gossamer said you weren’t hurt,” Adie said to Samuel, pointing at his arm.

  “My elbow is bruised badly. Apparently, I fell on it. Though it’s nothing to worry about.”

  Adie couldn’t stop herself and leaned toward him, wrapping her arms around his lower back, careful not to hit his arm. “I’m so glad you’re okay. Gossamer told me everything this morning.”

  “I don’t remember much of it. I hit my head pretty hard, but Nemiah told me what happened. He stayed with me through most of the night and the morning.” He looked over at her father and Ambrielle, nodding at them.

  “You’ll be celebrated as a hero,” Adie said, pushing her nerves aside and kissing his cheek. She saw a shimmer of darkness moving down the hallway, and her eyes grew wide. “Aura, you look . . . lovely.” She tried to hide her shock. She remembered the distraught Aura she saw last night with clumps of ash in her hair.

  Her sister neared. “You look radiant,” Aura greeted her.

  “I’m glad you’re here. I . . . I couldn’t bear to do this without you.” She watched her expression. There’s something different . . . no. Probably not. She’s just trying to be strong for me.

  Ambrielle walked up to them. “My two girls. I know the past few days have been . . . well, they’ve been rough on us all. But we must put on our smiles as we head to the High Perch.”

  The Announcer approached Ambrielle and cleared his throat. “It’s time.”

  Adie nodded at her mother and took Aura’s hand, squeezing it. Aura returned the squeeze and let go. The Announcer sounded the trumpet, promoting Nemiah and Ambrielle to step out onto the High Perch.

  Adie watched her sister stare down Samuel. Her eyes grew dark. Why is she looking at him like that? She prayed Aura didn’t hold any hard feelings toward him about Felipe. Felipe will get his recognition.

  She stepped forward, ready to walk out at the next announcement.

  Following the next sound of the trumpet, Adie walked into the midday light of Uni. Below her, the citizens of Giriveen and others visiting from throughout Thindoral gathered. The Announcer played a melodious trumpet call.

  She held her breath as she listened to the trumpet. Her father stepped behind her, carrying a box handed to him by a Guard. Her fingers nervously fiddled with her dress. Ambrielle took the place next to her and grabbed her hand, bringing their hands high above them, and the crowd cheered. As Ambrielle released Adie’s hand and let her own fall back by her side, Giriveen grew quiet.

  “Today marks a new journey for Thindorians. Today marks the ruling of Adie, my youngest born. At just sixteen, she will be the youngest Ruler in all our history.” Ambrielle swayed but regained her composure.

  The crowd remained silent in anticipation as Nemiah carried the box over to Ambrielle.

  She opened the box slowly, revealing the Rokis. Beams of light reflected off its golden corners as Uni shone down upon them. Adie knelt beside her mother, facing the crowd below. Ambrielle took the Rokis from the box and turned to face her.

  Adie drew in a deep breath, and her stomach knotted. Stay calm. Don’t throw up. Adie glanced to her side at Aura, who gave a slight nod of reassurance.

  Ambrielle held the Rokis over Adie’s head and slowly brought it down, gently setting the pendant on Adie’s chest. As her mother withdrew her hands from the Rokis, a beam of blue light shot out into the Town Square below.

  A surge of power carved through her body, reaching every inch of her. Every doubt she’d had vanished. The what-if’s that plagued her this morning were a thing of the past. Calmness ensued, and a burst of energy followed. She inhaled as if for the first time she could truly breathe.

  She opened her eyes, not knowing what to expect. A proud smile covered her mother’s face as she helped her stand. Adie returned the grin, unable to explain this overwhelming feeling she had, but she knew her mother had felt it before. She nodded at Ambrielle, stepping forward on her own and looking out into the silent crowd.

  She raised her hands high, and clapping and shouts filled the air. All the inhabitants below cheered and hugged each other.

  Adie dropped her hands as her mother had done before, and the applause died down.

  “Today, I thank you all.” Her voice boomed, echoing down into the square. This is what Mother was always talking about. I finally feel my voice, my place. “Thank you for joining my celebration as loyal citizens of Thindoral. As you know, we have been at war with darkness.” Adie looked at her father. “Brave individuals fought, and we lost many Tribesmen. But I can tell you today, because of the bravery not only of the Tribes, but of Samuel Wright,” she said, looking over at him and motioning him to join her.

  He walked over to her, and she held his hand.

  “We are now safe! Zakar was alive, but he has been defeated. Justice prevails. You can all sleep well, knowing that Thindoral is once again a place of order. Because of the brave Tribesman and Guards we have at our side, we can all be at peace.”

  Clapping erupted in the Town Square below.

  “There will be changes during my ruling. Changes that will be for the best, to ensure the devastation that happened to Hatem never happens to another region or its citizens again. I make this my pledge to you. Help me honor it, and I will help you flourish. For Thindoral!” she shouted and raised her hand, still holding on to Samuel’s.

  The crowd roared and music arose as the celebration continued throughout Giriveen. Adie turned to exit the High Perch with a newfound energy flowing through her like never before. This is Fate telling us where we are meant to be.

  31

  Aura

  Aura’s blood boiled. Why didn’t she mention Felipe? She stood on the hind side of the High Perch and glared as Adie walked by her, not even glancing in her direction. Aura’s hands clenched together, and she felt a spark jolt inside them.

  She took a step back, leaning against the outside
stone of the Dome, and breathed deeply, trying to calm her anger. No one can know you inherited Zakar’s powers.

  Aura followed behind everyone as they left the High Perch. She would speak with Adie. Alone.

  She followed Adie’s future Council, the former Council, and her parents into the Council Room. The former members lined the wall, while the new ones took a seat at the table. Nemiah, Ambrielle, and Gossamer stood behind Adie at the head of the table.

  Aura stayed off to the side, hoping her sister would catch the glares she shot at her. You promised you would mention him! He saved me!

  She watched Samuel go stand by Adie’s side.

  Adie cleared her throat. “Welcome, all. During the Ceremony, I spoke of changes to take place to ensure that what happened to Hatem will never happen again.”

  Aura watched her sister speak. There’s something different about her. She eyed the Rokis on Adie’s chest, pulsating a soft blue hue around her. It’s changed her. The Adie she knew would’ve never been able to speak so eloquently.

  Adie sat in the chair that had belonged to their mother the night before. “There will be a replacement from the Nitari region. Sadly, we have lost the Council member from there.”

  Felipe. Say his name! The tears returned to her eyes, but she choked them back and drowned out her sister’s voice with her own thoughts. She watched as her sister spoke with ease. Not a care in the world. This was definitely not the Adie she knew. Adie said she would bring up Felipe and how he’d saved their lives.

  “Gossamer will remain, Minister of Affairs,” she said calmly.

  What? Adie’s words pulled her from her thoughts.

  Immediately, whispers echoed through the room.

  “I said things will be done differently.”

  Adie stood, smiling as she glided toward her, just like their mother used to. What has the Rokis done to her? She kept her eyes on Adie as she linked arms with her, prompting her to follow as they made their way back to the head of the Council table.