Page 2 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight (A World of Sun and Shadow #2)

R enya's fingers clawed at the scorching sand, each grain searing her palms as she gasped for air. Her chest heaved, lungs burning as they struggled to expand. The world spun violently, her stomach churning with each labored breath. Two portals in mere minutes—it was too much. Her body, still weak from the nightmare dungeon's torments, trembled with exhaustion. The raw ache in her heart, fresh from leaving Grayden behind, only amplified her physical agony.

A salty breeze caressed her face, carrying the strong scent of seaweed and brine. Without opening her eyes, Renya knew she was far from the Snow Lands. The oppressive heat pressed down on her like a heavy blanket. A violent cough tore through her throat, the briny air scraping her raw lungs. She retched, but only thin strings of saliva dribbled from her lips, leaving a bitter taste on her tongue.

Cold, hard hands pulled her up and forced her to her feet. Renya squinted against the bright light and gingerly opened her eyes. She tried to wiggle away as the Shadow Queen peered at her intensely and with disgust. Renya’s eyes met her violet ones and she thought she detected fear. What could Cressida possibly be afraid of? It made no sense, but Renya would use any vulnerability she could exploit. She stood strong and stared at the Shadow Queen, threatening her with a look of contempt. This monster was the reason she had to leave Grayden behind.

For the first time, Renya got a good look at Cressida. Deep lines ran the length of her forehead, with heavy make-up caked into the creases. Renya noticed she was older than she had originally appeared, maybe in her fifties. Much too old for Grayden , Renya thought. He deserved someone young and full of life. Someone willing to make the sacrifices necessary for his lands and his world.

Cressida’s lips were thin, and Renya could tell now that she enlarged them with the blood red lipstick she wore. While her raven black hair was indeed shiny and full, up close it was evident that streaks of gray had started at the roots.

Almost as though she felt Renya’s scrutiny, the Shadow Queen suddenly released her. Renya fell to her knees and sank into the soft peach-colored sand, her tired legs unable to support her in time to brace her fall.

“Take her away. I don’t want to look at her until I’m ready for the ritual,” the Shadow Queen said, wiping her hands on her dress as if Renya was carrying some kind of contagious disease.

A wave of fear passed through Renya and bile threatened to make its way up her throat. A ritual? What was Cressida going to do to her?

Another pair of hands grabbed her, but this time they were gentle. She looked up and met Sion’s warm brown eyes. He instantly put a finger to his lips, reminding her she wasn’t supposed to know who he was. Renya could never forget her savior in the Sunset Land and the respite he provided from the nightmare dungeon.

Hands on Renya’s shoulders, Sion roughly led her away from the shore back into a line of tropical trees. Similar to palm trees, only shorter and a brilliant green, they loomed in the background. He motioned for her to sit and she did, grateful to no longer be on her aching legs. Renya cast her gaze out towards the horizon. Not even a wisp of cloud cover protected her from the brutal glare of the sun, which felt much more intense here, hotter than she’d experienced in California. Renya tried to scoot back farther into the protective shade of the palm trees, but they were scarce on the beach and couldn’t shelter her from the cruel rays of the sweltering sun. She felt like a minuscule ant trapped under a magnifying glass, waiting to burn. There was nothing in front of her but water and sand, and the lone portal reflecting over the sea. The ocean was a beautiful seafoam green, turning into a dark emerald closer to the horizon. The color reminded her of Grayden’s eyes.

Grayden's face flashed in Renya's mind, his green eyes filled with worry. Was he desperately searching for her, aware of her second abduction? The uncertainty of her location gnawed at her—was this still his world, or had she been thrust into yet another realm? Sion's presence kindled a flicker of hope; if he was here, perhaps she remained in Grayden's time and place. A warm surge of relief coursed through her as the realization struck—Sion could be her lifeline to Grayden. He would come for her, she was certain. Her thoughts then pivoted to Aunt Agatha. Renya's eyes darted around, searching for any sign of her aunt's familiar form. The absence was confusing to Renya; why would the Shadow Queen risk leaving such a formidable opponent behind?

Unless...a chill ran down Renya's spine as she considered the implications of her aunt's disappearance, her mind racing with possibilities and fears. Would Cressida go back and kill her when this was over?

Renya heard a thunderous crack roar through the humid air, and she turned toward the source of the noise. The shimmery portal that she was pushed through combusted. Tiny pieces of sparkling silver dust floated through the air before a breeze took them out to sea. Cressida lowered her hands, pleased with her handiwork.

The shimmering gateway that once linked this world to her own had vanished, leaving only empty air where hope had been. Her heart sank as realization dawned—the Shadow Queen had severed all connections. Aunt Agatha couldn't follow, and Renya...Renya was trapped.

The finality of her situation should have crushed her. Instead, a strange numbness settled over her, her mind too overwhelmed to fully process the weight of her new reality. Survival now took precedence over grief. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to focus on the immediate danger rather than the deep chasm of loss threatening to engulf her.

Renya watched Cressida inspect the place where the portal had stood. The Shadow Queen had changed her attire since they met in the Sunset Land. She wore a dark red halter dress with another large slit. It was tight and form fitting with tiny black snakes embroidered all over, with ruby colored gems acting as eyes for the snakes. Her hair was braided into elaborate coils. The crown she wore was made up of two golden snakes twisting together before meeting in front. Red and black stones sparkled under the bright light. The effect was grotesque, straight out of a low-budget horror film.

Renya was sizzling in the heat. She slipped off her cloak, carefully removing the elkten pin and began transferring it to the front of her dress. It was all she had left of Grayden, and she wouldn’t leave it behind.

Sion stood over her, his bulky shadow offering her a brief respite from the scalding sun, and spoke out of the corner of his mouth in a low-pitched voice.

“She’ll take it from you,” he said through clenched teeth, looking down at the pin. “Grayden is a sore spot for her. His refusal of her has wounded her pride. She’ll hate you for it and punish you.”

Renya frantically tried to find a place to stash the elkten pin. She started to dig a hole in the blistering sand before Sion held his hand out to her from behind his back.

“I’ll make sure it’s returned to you,” he said to her quietly, the sorrow for her predicament evident in his calm voice. Renya hesitated before placing the treasured pin into his open hand. He quickly shoved the pin into the deep pockets of his golden robes as if nothing happened. He was wearing the same garb he donned in the Sunset Land, and Renya wondered if it was a uniform of sorts.

The Shadow Queen turned back towards Renya, while Sion feigned boredom, looking around at the beach like someone waiting in line at the grocery store. “Where’s Brandle?” she snapped at Sion.

“My queen,” he said, sweeping into a low bow, “He was still tending to his…injuries the last I heard. He knows you have summoned him, though.”

“He’s a fool,” she spat, pacing up and down the beach, clearly agitated. Her pointed heels dug into the powdery sand and she kicked at the tiny dune in front of her angrily. “I can’t believe he allowed not only Snowden to get away, but the girl as well!”

“Well, at least we have her back,” Sion said, trying to placate Cressida. “If you let it be known you have her, Snowden will follow. He fancies himself in love with the girl, if the rumors are to be believed.”

Cressida sneered. She bent over and undid the ankle strap on her ridiculous shoes before launching them towards the tide. Barefoot, she strode back towards Sion, like a panther after its prey. “I no longer care about the Snowden Prince. I’ll watch him die when the time comes and be glad of it. I’ve got my sights set on bigger things now.” She looked over at Renya, a cruel smile forming on her thin lips. Renya was a sacrificial lamb, waiting to be slaughtered. Whatever Cressida was planning, Renya was undoubtedly a big part of it.

“Did you find out why your powers faded?” Sion ventured carefully.

Cressida looked at him with both loathing and desire. It was strange to see the two conflicting emotions cloud the Shadow Queen’s face. “I have yet to find the culprit, but I have my suspicions,” Cressida said, almost as if trying to bait Sion into a confession. He held steady under her intense scrutiny.

“It appears they returned rather quickly,” he said calmly. “So, thank the Fates for that. What are you going to do with the girl?” He nodded towards Renya.

The Shadow Queen sauntered back over to the fleeting shade where Renya sat. She bent down and grabbed Renya’s chin, yanking it up to look in her eyes. Renya tried to wretch away, but Cressida dug her nails deeper into her flesh.

“She’s going to help me change the world.”

Sion raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. The Shadow Queen released Renya and walked back towards the beach, feet sinking into the sand.

Near the shoreline, a spinning funnel appeared, signaling Brandle’s arrival. The cloud spun faster and faster and Renya could see his dark shape taking form. The smoke disbursed and Brandle rushed up to his queen, groveling at once.

“My queen! I’m so glad you made it out of the castle! I—”

Black smokey tendrils reached out from Cressida’s fingers and slowly wrapped around Brandle’s neck until his face was red.

“Your majesty!” he choked, desperately clawing at the insubstantial gray smoke wrapping tighter and tighter.

Renya turned her head, unable to watch. As much as she hated Brandle, the scene before her made her queasy. Suddenly she heard him gasp for breath as Cressida released him. He was rubbing his throat and had fallen to his knees.

“If you ever—ever—think about abandoning your queen again, I will have you killed,” Cressida said, eyes flashing red. “You left me alone in that castle, powerless. You chose to save your own hide. You do it again, and I will obliterate you.”

Brandle crawled towards her on his knees, sand clinging to his trousers. “My merciful queen! Thank you! I will never abandon you again!” He bent down and kissed Cressida’s bare feet, hands grasping her hem. The sight made Renya want to gag.

Cressida snatched her dress away from Brandle, disgusted. “If it weren’t for the fact we share a bloodline, I would have banished you to the human realm a long time ago.”

Brandle stood up and moved to stand next to Sion. Renya recoiled, not wanting to be anywhere near Brandle. For his part, he seemed to ignore her, his brush with Cressida’s malice seeming to diminish his haughty attitude.

“Bring her!” Cressida commanded, walking off the beach and into the tropical forest behind them. Sion grabbed Renya and helped her to her feet. Brandle strutted ahead, trying to stay close to Cressida. Sion hung back with Renya.

“What happened after you left the Sunset Land?” he asked her in a low tone, keeping out of earshot of Brandle and the queen.

“After we left the castle, Grayden, my aunt and I headed back towards the portal I originally came from. The plan was to send me and my aunt back through, and then my aunt was going to destroy the portal behind us. My aunt went through first, leaving me time—giving me time to say goodbye to Grayden.” Renya's voice faltered, her eyes fixed on the ground. When she finally looked up, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a muscle twitching in her jaw as she fought to maintain her composure. “And when I went through, the Shadow Queen was already there. She had my aunt bound and then pushed me through this portal. Where are we?”

“We’re on the outskirts of the Tidal Kingdom,” Sion said, holding back a large palm leaf that blocked the path before it hit Renya. The foliage was getting dense and the humidity increasing with every step they took deeper into the jungle. “It’s the only other known portal to the human realm.”

“Do you know what this ritual is?” Renya asked, trying hard to mask her fear.

Sion looked at her with sympathy. “I don’t, I’m afraid. But I’ll do whatever I can to help you, even if it costs me my life. I know what you mean to Grayden. I’ve never seen him quite so desperate as he was in the Sunset Land. I know that’s what he would want from me.”

Renya's throat tightened, a warmth spreading through her chest as she absorbed Sion's words. Her eyes met his, searching for any hint of deception, but found only steadfast determination. As she considered Sion's unwavering commitment, her mind drifted to Grayden. She pictured him in the Snow Lands, surrounded by people like Sion—faces etched with resolve, bodies poised for action at his command. The image of such devotion made her heart swell, reaffirming what she already knew about the man she'd left behind.

They continued their path through the jungle. Dark dirt lined a slightly worn path and Renya saw an enormous locust jump from one branch to the other. She was sweltering in the riding outfit. Renya had been wearing it for days and the leather clung to her legs. Sweat dripped down the small of her back and she longed for a cool shower. She knew there were bigger things to concern herself with, but the heat was making her head feel thick.

Huge roots, purple and orange, sprouted up all over the path, nearly tripping Renya. The jungle floor was hard to maneuver, with the long skirt of her riding outfit catching on branches and fallen logs.

Sion kept behind Renya, playing the part of the dutiful guard for the Shadow Queen. Renya thought about running, but there was nowhere for her to go. She had no idea where the Tidal Kingdom was in reference to the Snow Lands and had no way to travel over any great distance. Renya was trapped. She was so tired of feeling helpless against Brandle’s and Cressida’s magic. Renya wondered if this was how Grayden felt all the time. She understood his desire to restore balance to their world even more. She wanted Grayden to get his magic back and destroy the entire Shadow Realm. She would help him however she could. No more hiding. Renya would be whomever this light bringer was supposed to be.

Just as Renya wondered how much longer they were going to walk, Brandle halted in front of her. Sion reached out and grabbed her arms and held them behind her back. “Sorry,” he whispered, though his touch was gentle.

Directly ahead stood a large megalith. Two stone columns held up a giant rock slab, and underneath it, Renya could see only darkness. She was sure that it was the entrance to a mouth of a cave. Sion guided her just next to the slab and Renya sighed inwardly, glad they didn’t appear to be going into the cave. She had developed a fear of dark spaces after being confined in the nightmare dungeon.

Brandle and Cressida stopped at the very front of the cave and Sion gave Renya a little push forward. Cressida nodded to Brandle, and Renya was bound with the black shadow magic he possessed, hands behind her back. She tried to scream but once again, she was paralyzed. Anger replaced her fear and she felt her whole body trembling with rage against the invisible bonds. Against her will, Renya stood still as stone while Cressida and Brandle lit a fire and started mixing a concoction.

Renya had not been raised to be a helpless damsel in distress. She had fought off a grown man in the human realm and managed to escape from him. She had even killed a tygre in the woods of the Snow Lands. As soon as Renya was able, she would make Cressida pay for the helplessness she made her feel.

Renya had never wanted to accept the destiny of being the light bringer, but at this point, her second time being captured within two days, she wished the role came with power. She was tired of being pushed around, bound and silenced. She was finished with things being done to her.

Renya vowed that if she managed to get out of this mess, she would never allow anyone to use her again.

Cressida stood over a large cauldron and passed her hands over it. Brandle drew some ingredients from his robes and dumped them in. Bright orange flames erupted from the cauldron, swirling and hissing in the thick air.

“Will the power source be enough to draw from?” Brandle asked, glancing up at the rock slab.

“It should be more than adequate,” Cressida responded, the fire illuminating the snakes on her crown, their eyes seeming to glow.

Brandle was silent as he watched the flames lick the bottom of the giant cauldron. Renya wondered if they brought it here with them before retrieving her from the portal, or if it was left here long ago. It looked as ancient as the daunting rocks standing beside it.

“It’s ready,” Cressida said, eyes gleaming with excitement. The flames in the cauldron went out instantly and Brandle reached in, pulling out a handful of golden ashes. He placed them in a small urn and passed them to Cressida. She grabbed the container, her blood red nails glistening as she looked inside.

“Sion!” Cressida bellowed. “Pull back her filthy hair.”

Confusion came over Renya. Her hair? What did they want with her hair?

Sion walked over and moved her hair, damp with sweat, away from the nape of her neck. The Shadow Queen approached Renya’s back, and she suddenly felt naked under her scrutiny. Cressida traced the line of freckles along Renya’s back with her pointed nail and Renya’s head exploded with pain.

“Is it what you thought, my queen?” Brandle asked, sauntering past the cauldron to gawk at Renya’s neck.

The Shadow Queen turned her stare from Renya to Brandle. “It is,” she said, her eyes wide with exuberance. “She’s locked, just as I suspected. In order to claim what’s rightfully mine, I’ll unlock her. We’ll only have a few minutes to act once the power has been severed.”

Brandle nodded his understanding and pulled out a tiny stone box from his pocket. It was covered with shimmering runes and tiny images of the sun. Renya could feel the importance it held just by looking at it. It reminded her of a field trip she’d taken in high school to the Getty Center to see one of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings. The entire class had fallen into a hush as they squeezed around the painting of purple irises. The same silence seemed to settle around the jungle the second Brandle withdrew the container from its hiding spot.

“I’m ready,” he said, breaking the silence and glancing at Renya.

“Sion, hold the girl still. Once the power has been freed, the shadow bonds holding her will break. The timing of this needs to be perfect. If we don’t make the transfer quickly, all will be lost.”

Sion nodded and came over to Renya, wrapping his arms around her. While Cressida and Brandle conferred, Sion whispered into Renya’s ear. “Listen closely. We have one shot at this. The second you feel your power flow, pull it inside, as quickly as you can.”

“What?” Renya whispered frantically, “I don’t know what you're talking about.”

Cressida and Brandle finished their conversation and Sion went quiet. Renya was confused. What did Sion mean about her power? She had no power. How was she supposed to pull something inside she didn’t possess?

The Shadow Queen crossed back behind Renya, hardly bothering to acknowledge her. She was only interested in the patch of freckles along Renya’s neck. Renya could feel her intense stare before she blew the golden ashes against Renya’s neck.

Renya grew hot all over the second the ashes touched her. Heat bloomed from her neck and something inside her clicked. Her freckles. They weren’t normal. The heat she felt from them since coming into this world…it meant something.

Cressida pressed her fingers against her neck and they felt like white-hot knives against Renya’s skin. Then, all at once, she felt something move within her body. Warm tremors coursed through her skin, and she felt like everything was being pulled in the direction of the freckles on her neck. It started in her fingers and toes, and all rushed to that concentrated spot, like a dam about to burst.

“It’s working!” the Shadow Queen shouted excitedly. Brandle clapped his hands and watched Renya closely with his beady, charcoal eyes. Renya wanted to close her eyes against the sensation, but she heard Sion whisper to her, barely audible and hardly moving his lips. She thought he said to pull. Yes, that was what he said. And then he began counting, his breath hot against her ear. 10, 9, 8…

“Ready the vessel!” Cressida shouted. Brandle opened the carved stone box and approached Renya.

A thundering noise assaulted Renya’s ears. She wasn’t sure if the noise was coming from inside of her or not. But she could hear Sion continuing to count in her ear. 7, 6, 5…

It felt like an explosion was going to occur at the base of Renya’s neck. Sion continued his near silent counting while Renya tried to prepare herself. 4, 3, 2, 1…

White-hot light erupted from Renya’s neck. Golden rays burst through the palm trees before concentrating in a tiny ball, floating in the air between Renya and the box Brandle held. They all cast their glances downward, protecting their eyes from the ball of power that burned brighter than the sun.

“Now!” Cressida shouted frantically and Brandle moved towards the physical manifestation of Renya’s magic, opening the lid of the box. The golden orb slowly started to head towards it.

Renya looked back at Sion, and he nodded. He let go of her and pretended to fall backwards. Renya had no idea what she was doing, but she focused on the bright light and tried to imagine it coming towards her. The ball of magic continued its slow trail towards Brandle’s outstretched arms. It was almost to the top of his hands. Renya shut her eyes and as if by instinct, she felt the warmth of the orb radiate to a place inside her. She felt where her magic belonged and concentrated on that feeling, her body getting warmer and warmer.

“What’s happening?” Cressida said, looking between Brandle and the floating orb that had stopped moving in his direction. She glanced at Renya and saw her eyes closed, almost as if in a trance. “Get up and grab her!” she yelled at Sion, realizing too late what was happening.

Cressida went to move forward from where she sought shelter at the mouth of the cave, but at that moment Renya started to seize, shaking. She threw everything she had at capturing that little ball of magic. She thought of how desperate Grayden had looked when he explained how he was losing his magic and unable to save his lands. She pictured him in front of Cressida in the Sunset Land, begging for Renya’s life. She thought of the nightmare dungeon and the horrors she had endured there. And finally, she remembered the agony of being ripped away from Grayden, only to be captured once again. Her fury rose and her determination tripled.

The orb shot towards Renya and flew to the spot at the base of her skull where it had been pulled out by the Shadow Queen.

Cressida’s screams echoed throughout the entire jungle as a piercing white light blinded them all and Renya collapsed.