by K.N. Lee
Again, my cheeks burned and I had to look away.
Sun elves had looked at me in that way before, but for the first time, it didn't make my skin crawl.
To the other male elves, I stood out from the other humans because of my golden hair that mocked the tresses of the queen and her daughters. Mother used to smudge ashes from the fire onto my hair to mute its vibrancy.
Standing out was not a good thing for us humans. But, as the prince stared at me, I almost wanted to check my reflection in a looking glass, for he made me want to be pretty for once.
“You’re eighteen,” he said, and I knew it was a statement and not a question, but I nodded.
“I am.”
“Why haven’t you joined the Blood Lottery?”
Shrugging, I looked away. “I’m not pretty enough. I know that even if I was matched with someone, they’d turn me away. Besides, I’d rather make an honest living.”
“You don’t think you’re pretty?”
I glanced at him. “I’m not,” I said, matter-of-factly.
“I don’t know who broke you down and made you think you weren’t the most beautiful girl in this entire kingdom, but I’m here to show you that you are just that,” he said, surprising me.
His words took my breath away, and I lost my own.
He searched my eyes, and I feared what he’d find.
My heart was torn, between a rebel and a royal, and I had no idea where my loyalties were.
“Ava,” he said, stroking my cheek. “You are more than what the world has made you believe. You are a bloody goddess, and I will show you your true potential.”
Tears stung my eyes, and I smiled despite my worry, fear, and sorrow.
“I’ve found it!”
The cheerful exclamation broke our gaze at one another, and Xander turned to make his way down the stairs to the caretaker. I followed behind—more carefully. I didn't have the grace that he did, and I was certain I'd take a tumble down those hard stairs if I didn't pay attention and take care.
Once we reached the bottom, my legs were burning, but the glowing book in the old elf's hands took my mind off of my own discomfort.
"It's here," he said, peering down from behind his reading piece. "All of it."
Xander and I exchanged a glance.
"Are you sure?"
He looked up at the royal. "Yes. Certain. Its the only account of the Dark in the kingdom. Everything else is passed from keeper to keeper, but they were all killed or fled during the war."
"Of course, they did." Xander murmured. "It only holds the key to the greatest weapon the Aranthian continent has ever known."
Stroking his chin, Xander turned away.
Silence stretched between the three of us, and my eyes lifted to the pages that still floated in the air above us.
Along with the parchment, tiny dust particles were highlighted by the glow of sunlight.
Before my mind could wander, Xander turned back around.
"Destroy it," he said, and my stomach dropped.
I forgot my place, and reached for him, taking him by the forearm.
He didn't flinch, his eyes just went from mine, to my eyes.
Panicked, I held my breath and retreated my hand as if a snake had bit it. I pulled it back and tucked my hands into my pockets.
Eyes downcast, I scolded myself for being so forward. He was a royal. I was a no one. Touching was punishable by death, and that was the second time I'd done so to him.
To my surprise, he didn't acknowledge the slight, but the caretaker stared at me.
"I simply don't want it to get into the wrong hands."
Keeping quiet, my brows lifted as he gave me a wink. Though he didn't say it, I took his meaning, and my mind filled with realization.
Though I was a peasant—a human with no past or future—I was much more than I ever thought.
Confused, and afraid, I turned to Xander, a million questions in my eyes.
“I’ve brought you here to train under the only Dark Mage in the kingdom,” he said, and I gasped. “What you have inside of you must be tamed, and Ocura Maga is the one who can help you.”
“This way, miss,” a monk as short as a child said, his blue eyes glowing as he looked up at me.
I stood before him, brows knitted together. “Wait. I don’t understand.” Was he referring to the ability I’d discovered that fateful night of my fall? The moon or magic healed me, and I still hadn’t made sense of it. How could he know more about me than even I did?
“Take care of her,” he said to the monks ignoring my question. Then, he glanced back at me. “I’ll return as soon as I can.”
That was it; no answers and he headed for the door.
Speechless, I hurried to the doorway to watch him head back down the steps, the cloak weighing me down.
From prisoner to apprentice. Any girl would have been thrilled for such an escape from the drudgery of their lives.
I just wanted to go home.
“What about my mother and sister?” I asked, calling after him. “They’re probably worried sick about me.”
He glanced over his shoulder, and shook his head.
“You can’t go back there,” he said, and his voice lowered as he looked down at the ground. “They were never your family anyway.”
The world grew fuzzy and dark before my eyes, and I nearly passed out.
Someone placed a hand on my shoulder, steadying me, but I was too stunned to react.
How could they not be my family?
All of my fears and doubts came rushing through me at that moment. We didn’t look anything alike, and I’d always assumed it was because I was supposed to have had my father’s looks, but I’d never seen my father.
My nerves were frazzled as tears stung my eyes. I turned to see who had approached me, and when I beheld the stunning elfish woman in white robes, my heart began to race.
She was taller than me, with long red hair that hung straight and loose over her shoulders. Her long, pointy ears were adorned with jewels, and she carried a scepter that emitted a faint glow before her. The glowing top was in the shape of a moon. I noticed the silvery shimmer of her faint, gray skin.
A moon elf.
“Welcome to Sky Keep,” she said, her golden eyes meeting mine. “I am Ocura Maga, your new master of the magic arts.”
A smile came to her lips, and it was so infectious that I couldn’t help but return it despite the turmoil in my soul.
“Welcome home, Ava.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
X A N D E R
As I walked away, I knew she’d hate me. It was a struggle to keep my feet moving forward and not turn around to warn Ava about what she would now face.
I resisted the urge, and continued my descent down the steps that would lead me back to the boats. There was such innocence in her eyes. I hated to see that fade from them, but it was inevitable.
Veruth was a dangerous place, and I realized then that I was one of its monsters.
I’d plucked her from the filth of her pitiful life—from a prison that would break her spirit—only to cast her into an abyss that promised to crush her under so much suffering that not only would she cry and beg for mercy, but her soul would shatter.
To release the power within.
It was worth the price.
I paid it willingly, even as my heart wept for her.
The tempting of the fire would begin.
I glanced to the bright, sunny sky and ignored the tears that burned my eyes.
Dear spirits protect us from what I've unleashed.
I made my way back to the boats, and boarded without a word. As it was sent back down to the streets of Veruth, I peered over the edge and toward the world outside of The Wall.
There was so much out there that was a mystery to most of those living within the stone walls. I knew what lurked out there.
I knew what was coming.
Once the boat reached the docks of Veruth’s Upper West End, I left it to stand on th
e bridge. Surprise filled my veins as my sister flew toward me and landed, hopping off the back of her wyvern.
She strode over to me, her purple hair bouncing around her small, heart-shaped face. Her armor glinted under the sunlight.
We were a warrior clan—the entire royal line of Veruth. We had increased strength and speed, and fighting abilities, but were weak to magic. It was the one thing our father was afraid of—being taken over and defeated by the mage class.
He didn’t fear the humans who slaved away for him—for their frail bodies could never house true power. There hadn’t been a mage-born human in the entire existence of our world.
No, he feared other elves.
Other Royals from afar and within.
“What have you been up to, big brother?” Kastia asked, her eyes narrowed as she looked me up and down. “You missed supper in the palace, and worship in the temple.”
She knew I cared little for either of those things. I craved and thirsted for knowledge, and spent most of my waking hours studying and searching for answers.
“Nothing of your concern,” I said, keeping it short, keeping it vague.
Kastia twisted her mouth, hands on hips.
“You’re up to something. I know it,” she said, and her eyes widened as if she’d just realized something. “I can feel it.”
“I’m always up to something, aren’t I? Aren’t we all?”
“Don’t be cheeky, Alexander. This is different,” she said.
Shrugging, I walked past her and headed toward the Citadel. She sent her wyvern home, and it took off in a leap and shot into the air. I glanced upward to see black wings and a slender body dart across the sky and toward the palace.
She followed behind me, her boots clicking on the gold-plated roadway.
“You’re not getting away so easily, Alexander,” she said, falling into step beside me.
Rolling my eyes, I quickened my speed.
She did the same.
“What do you want from me, Kastia?” I asked, stopping in the middle of the plaza. Potted trees lined the rectangular garden that was lush with real grass that had been planted at the beginning of Veruth’s inception.
Elves dressed in fine clothing and light armor went about their carefree day, oblivious to what was coming. They sat upon blankets laid out on the grass, smiling and sipping wine, while their servants rocked their babies and chased around their little ones.
At that moment, I feared for Kastia, and took her by the shoulders.
I couldn’t let her get swept up into what I was planning—not without warning.
“Come with me,” I said in a whisper.
She nodded, eyes widening as she read the fear within my gaze.
I pulled her along to the row of temples that lined the plaza. Each temple was devoted to a different god—the gods of Aden—and the ones who had world’s of their own. Though Preeti and Vineet were the gods of Aranthia, I was partial to seeking guidance in the Temple of Wexcyn, perhaps the greatest warrior god who was ever created.
In between the two rows of temples, stood the statue for Preeti, the Goddess of War. With her sword raised, and eyes fixed to the sky, she seemed prepared for battle, and determined to protect us all from foes.
“This way,” I said, and we went inside the last temple to our right. A cleric with an elaborate headdress and heavy robes stepped aside for us, her eyes the only feature of her face to show as she wore a scarf across her nose and mouth.
Inside the temple, torches and perfectly aligned candles lit the open space. It was quiet, with a scant few kneeling in prayer to the shrines and statue of the bronze god.
I walked to the foot of Wexcyn’s statue and lifted my gaze to golden eyes that seemed to look down upon us. He held a long spike in one hand and the other was at his waist. Tall, formidable, and brave in the face of opposition, He was an imposing figure..
That was the kind of leader I wanted to be.
When Veruth was mine.
“I’m planning something—something big,” I said, quietly.
Kastia gave me a sidelong glance. “I can see that. Tell me what it is.”
Breathing in, I turned to her.
“I’m going to destroy Veruth. I’m going to watch it burn,” I said, and her face went pale. “And, a new nation will rise in its filthy, stinking, ashes. A new world.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
A V A
Welcome home, Ava.
Something about those words filled an empty space within my heart. Though it was broken by the shocking truth of my heritage, there was a need and a thirst for a connection of any sort. I’d been locked away for days, and now a whole new world was unlocked for me.
I could barely believe all that I’d learned, and was left breathless, grasping at what I thought was true all of my life.
Who was my real mother and father? Were they still alive?
So many questions.
Orphan or not, I wasn’t going to squander this opportunity. I would embrace it. Xander had given me a second chance at a better life. I owed him so much gratitude and wished he’d stayed long enough for me to properly thank him.
Nonetheless, I had a hard time wrapping my head around it. “Home?” I asked in a whisper.
“Yes, dear,” she said, and took me by the hand. “You were born for great things. The gods have given you an amazing gift that will change Veruth and the rest of the world. I will lead you to your destiny.”
“But, what of my mother and sister?” Imagining a dismal life without what little aid I could provide blackened the bright future the beautiful moon elf offered.
She took my hands into hers and regarded me in silence for a moment. Her eyes searched mine and lingered on my hands as she stroked them. “You have a pure, innocent heart,” she said. “I can see that.”
I expected her to go on, but she didn’t. Instead, she dropped my hands and placed hers on my shoulders.
“But, beauty and innocence will not serve us.”
Confused, my brows furrowed. Stepping back, I clasped my hands before me. “What are you saying?”
“Prince Alexander will make certain of it. Your focus needs to be on the task at hand—at your studies and development of your gift. You must forget them if you wish to reach your full potential. Rest assured. They will be cared for.”
I froze. “You mean I won’t be able to visit them?”
Ocura Maga laughed softly, and shook her head. “No, dear. Your past life will remain in the past. It must.”
She turned away then, despite the questions that flooded my head. There was so much I needed to know, but her assurance that Moira and Mother would be cared for consoled my frazzled nerves and worrisome conscience.
I stood there for a moment, considering following her or turning back and trying to contact Xander to take me home. But, this was an opportunity that could elevate everyone in my little family.
I didn’t care that they weren’t my true sister and mother. It didn’t matter.
I loved them, and that would never change.
Ocura Maga stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “Come, I will show you to your room.” Her eyes went up and down my body. “And, direct you to the baths.”
She led me outside, and around the main building to a series of smaller buildings scattered around the enchanted gardens and stretches of green land.
We came to a small, stone cottage, and she pushed the doors open for me.
Though small, it was bigger than my entire home back in the lower East End. There was a bed with a thick blanket, and table with a wash basin, another with a candelabra, and a wardrobe.
I stared at it in appreciation and awe, wishing Mother and Moira could be there to enjoy it with me. We didn’t need much space, and this was the nicest room I’d ever seen.
“This will be your room,” she said. “We begin training after sunset. So, get cleaned up, and rest while you can.”
“Training?” I asked, lifting a brow. “What is
it that I will be learning?”
Her white grin made my skin crawl. There was something sinister about it—something eerie.
“Your calling,” she said. “What you were born for.”
As she closed my door, my brows furrowed.
My calling?
I had never heard of such a thing, but there was so much I didn’t know, but the Sky Keep was one place I’d always wanted to see. Now, I was here, ready to learn the truth of my past and build a new future.
Alone in my new room, I stood there unsure of what to do. I needed to bathe, but had no idea where to do so. The bed looked comfortable, and warm, and I hadn’t slept well in ages.
With a sigh, I removed my boots and took off my dirty clothes. Inside the wardrobe were plain frocks and robes. Instead of putting one on, I climbed into the bed naked, and covered myself with the heavy blanket.
The bed was firm, but it didn’t matter. I fell asleep within moments, and drifted into the space between reality and dreams.
The darkness.
Chapter Twenty-Six
K E M
“The bloody girl got herself caught,” Ludwig shouted, running into the cavern.
His boots splashed on the slick, wet stone.
I’d heard him running through the corridor, and winced as he skidded to a stop behind me.
“She’s been taken to Veruth Prison.”
I sat at the edge of the cliff, peering down into the pool of water. The news wasn’t something that brought me any peace, but he’d also ruined my one moment of solitude.
“Did you hear me?”
“I did,” I said, calm, detached. My eyes closed as I pictured such a delicate flower being subjected to the harshness of the Veruth Prison. “She knew the risk.”
“She knew nothing,” he said. “You barely took the time to train her.”
“That wasn’t the point,” I said. “She was special. She didn’t need my training. She has something none of us will ever have—will ever understand.”
“Does that mean we aren’t going to do anything about it? You said she was valuable, and you can barely be bothered to stand and look at me when I’m talking to you.”