Smoldered Flames: Part I of the Edonia Series
Chapter 58

Valeri

“What will you decide?” the female reiterates.

I hesitate. I could spend the rest of my days here. Listening to the voices of the birds as they call out to one another. See the butterflies traveling over the lands. Witness the everlasting growth of the forest. In peace. Forever.

But what about Nova? What about my warriors? Who will lead them in the wars to come? It isn’t right to find solace of freedom while others are left to defend themselves.

With a heavy burden returning to my chest, I turn to her. “What will happen once I return?”

“You will be as you came into this world,” Naked. I shiver at this thought.

”No scars? I’ll have both of my eyes?” She nods her head in agreement.

I wanted my scars. Now that I remembered how I got them, I hate the thought of losing them. “I have a few requests,”

“Go on,” she cocks an eyebrow.

I start to list off what I desire. “I want to keep what I bear, clothes, and time.”

“That can be arranged.” the young female closes her dark orbs and gestures in the air with a few faint whispers.

A pair of blue jays chirp lightly, carrying a flowing dark burgundy gown. Its material consists of the softest gossamer, revealing hints of goldenrod woven into the seams. I gasp in wonder while I witness it practically come alive in my presence. Like diamonds in a dark cavern, the flowers seem to sparkle unnaturally.

“Well don’t just stand there gaping like a fish, try it on!” she says excitedly.

It was then that I realized I’ve been walking around in all my naked glory. My cheeks burn with slight embarrassment, but there is no time to think about it now. I rush to put on the beguiling dress and smooth out invisible wrinkles. Hints of it catch the light with its divinity. The neckline plunged a bit more than I liked. The angelic sleeves are captivating with a sweeping train, giving me a demure look.

“You look stunning,” her throat catches, and I glance up. Her eyes speak an unidentifiable emotion, but disappears just as quickly.

“Thank you,” I smile awkwardly, observing her body language. It was as if she wanted to say more, but couldn’t.

“Helena, you said you wanted time. I’m afraid we can’t give you much. You and your pack will need to be ready in three years hence. In six years it may be too late.”

“What could-”

The winds grow strong, nearly blowing me away, and the skies begin to darken. “It is time for you to return.”

The winds turn cruel and carry me higher and higher. The female shouts, “REMEMBER YOU ARE MORE THAN WHAT YOU SEEM! FIND THE BALANCE WITHIN YOURSELF! YOUR COHORT WILL HELP YOU!”

My what? Before I could ask, I’m pulled from a place I would hope to call Eden one day, and into darkness again.

***

Nerissa

Despite my outward attitude, I’m deeply afraid. Fearing the unknown can be a killer all on its own. Who will take care of Erin when I’m gone? How will Aurelio and Argentios cope with my absence? They’d terrorize all of Edonia, ensnaring it in an eternal icy kiss.

I war with myself while they push me onto a scaffold table and bind my wrists with leather. They refused me food-giving me only bread and water. They had me strip and cleanse myself in Sereia’s precious waters. I was then handed a simple white dress, no shoes. I wondered how someone was able to acquire such huge quantities of my country’s most guarded treasure. The hint of betrayal amongst my people builds at the back of my throat, like an acidic burn.

From my eyeview, countless graphite cloaked figures enter the circle. They each sport a brooch. It reveals a gorilla eating away at the sun. Sudden dread hits me like bullets to the chest. Eternal darkness, something whispers like a sick caress. They’re going for the abyss.

The mysterious beings begin to chant amongst themselves. The sky darkens and the wind picks up. A storm is brewing. I glance over at Eros. His scarlett orbs glow with fury that rivals a dragons’. Hints of uselessness and defeat cross over his eyes. Seeing others so vulnerable, the future queen of Faelios, and unable to fight can tear away at your soul. I give a small nod of appreciation even though we couldn’t avoid the inevitable forever. I just had hoped that the “southern flames” would magically come down to the rescue. Thunder rumbles in the distance as the hooded cloaks’ frigid chants grow louder, more distorted and malevolent, similar to crashing cymbals.

The glint of a knife flashes from the corners of my eyes. Each peculiar cloaked person steps closer to me, wielding a slim, atramentous athames. When the ritual nears its end, they -as one- strike their left palms. Hot liquid drizzles down my face and torso, hitting my nostrils with a pungent stench. I gag as blood rolls down my neck and arms. A bald male grins from ear to ear brandishing a dark knife. I close my eyes, meeting my fate.

The smell of something burning fills the atmosphere and my wrists start to blaze. I hold back a whimper, my eyes fling open at a tiny grunt, followed by the sound of metal dropping to the ground. A faint comet plummets from the shadowy sky. It all happens in a blink of an eye. The fallen star strikes the Earth, sending shockwaves to us. Volcanic ash scatters, disrupting the ritual. Growls and snappish barks flare up among the enemy forces. I glance over where Eros was forced to kneel. Seeing him jump up, grab a nearby foe, twisting his neck, and then taking the sword from the person spurs me on to fight.

The leather binds have burned off completely. I seize this opportunity by performing a leaping kick to the nearest cloaked adversary. They quickly collapse and I steal an abandoned athame, crouching low awaiting the next fool to cross me. I’ve been trained for the better part of my life for instances like this. Weak, without Sereia’s blessings, but still willing to go on. A lean figure glides to me, a shadow of a smile touches their face. They pull out twin daggers, dashing in my vicinity. I meet them head-on. The thrill and adrenaline course through me. Finally, a worthy opponent. They lash out a weaponized hand and feint to the left, nicking my side. I withhold a groan, whirling around to face them again.

They bolt towards me again. I rush up to them, slicing at their abdomen. My adversary blocks the movement, arcing up their other hand for my chest. I evade the assault with a twirl, and we begin a dance of survival. With every thrust, my blood sings. With every slice and dodge, my heart races in excitement. It is then that I realize the way we move is familiar. Each step brings memories of home. The way this person swings with calculated precision, clinical in their movements. I know you… but why? Why would you betray us?!

Simmering fury starts to brim to the surface, nearly faltering my motions. The being in front of me thrusts a knife in my thigh. I yelp in agony. Hesitation will be my death. Just as they’re about to go for another blow, a fiery torpedo blasts them away. Soon the entire world ends up in flames. Haze of fire speeds past me. Screams fill the atmosphere. One by one enemy lines crumble to ash, never standing a chance against the fiery assault. I crack a smile seeing a hint of a familiar face amidst the conflagration. Cheers ring out, spurring them on since the odds are more than even.

The southern flames… Valeri. She’s the one. I belt out a laugh, witnessing my savior devour and purify the Forgotten Isle. My heart soars and my eyes water. I get to see another day. I can hug my sister once more. I’ll cherish every moment with my mates. And finally, I have time to make up with Seraphine.

“Retreat!” someone orders. At once, the cloaked figures disappear.

Clink, clink, clink. Tiny pieces of glass-like material shatter, landing on the ground before disappearing. Sunlight streams down, temporarily blinding me. Cannons release warning shots, Soulbond Cohorts swoop down to assess the situation. Witches, fae, and elves portal their way to the outermost part of the battlefield, assisting with the injured. Reinforcements finally came!

“Nerissa?” a feminine voice panics. “Nerissa?!” A streak of dark blue seeps into the corner of my eyes.

“Mother!” I cry out. “Mother, I’m right here!”

Suddenly, a small framed elf swarms me with hugs and slobbery kisses. Sobs wrack through my body as we crumble at our knees.

“Thank the goddess Sereia!” she pulls back and holds my cheeks in the palm of her hands. Mother’s eyes swell with dark circles of tireless nights, her once milky skin has turned pale under stress and worry.

“I’m here, mother.” I whisper, voice cracking.

“Indeed you are. I won’t ever let you out of my sight again!” she works her hands down my arms in reassurance. “Over my dead body.” Mother mutters.

“Where’s father?”

She releases me then. “He had other matters to attend to.” At the slight frown of my face she says quickly, “But he had every desire to come along, little one. You know how he is with the kingdom.”

“Come along now, we’ve got to see you to the healers.”

Movement catches my attention when I get to my feet. A bluish-pink portal opens. Many victims are directed -albeit discreetly- into the portal. Valeri turns around, feeling someone watching, and gives me a wink with a crooked smile. She and a male leap through the portal once every hybrid has cleared from the battlefield. In that simple wink spoke a thousand words. A thousand possibilities. And a thousand ways this world can fall to darkness again.

This wasn’t over. We were far from it.

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