Page 26 of Kingdoms of Tides and Twilight (A World of Sun and Shadow #2)
T he air rushed from Renya's lungs as Selenia wrapped her in a bone-crushing hug. The younger woman's excited chatter filled the crisp morning air, her words tumbling out in a torrent of enthusiasm.
“Let me see it again!” Selenia demanded, gently grasping Renya's hand to examine the ring. The delicate silver band glinted in the pale sunlight, its snowflake centerpiece catching the light. “It's so beautiful,” she sighed, before a mischievous glint entered her eye. “But seriously, how come I didn't get our mother's ring?” She planted her hands on her hips, adopting an exaggerated pout.
Renya felt Grayden's arms snake around her waist from behind, his solid warmth a comforting presence at her back. His chest vibrated against her as he spoke, “You got everything else of hers. Mother left it for me, along with a note.”
A thoughtful expression crossed his face, one Renya had come to recognize as his 'piecing things together' look. “I've wondered if she and Father suspected I might be fate-bound. Father never pushed me very hard into a marriage alliance, even though it was well within his rights. And Mother left the ring to me...maybe they knew something I didn't.”
Phillippe scratched his head in an exaggerated gesture of contemplation. “Nah, they just liked you best,” he quipped, earning a playful punch from Grayden.
Renya couldn't help but smile at the siblings' easy banter. She noticed the change in Grayden's demeanor since their return from the hot springs, his mother’s ring securely on her finger. The tension that had simmered between him and Phillippe seemed to have evaporated, replaced by a lightness she hadn't seen in him before.
As they gathered for a quick breakfast before their departure, Renya's mind wandered to the journey ahead. The protective embrace of the mountains would soon give way to the harsh arctic winds of the open terrain. She layered her clothing carefully, hoping to ward off chill she knew awaited them.
“Well, it's time to get going,” Grayden announced, his eyes scanning the sky. “If we make good time, we might reach the Twilight Kingdom by this evening. I know Renya hates our travel sleeping arrangements.”
Heat rushed to Renya's cheeks at his words, and she caught Selenia dramatically covering her ears, her face scrunched in mock disgust.
The farewells were a flurry of embraces and well-wishes. Phillippe's hug surprised Renya with its warmth. “Take care of my brother,” he murmured, his voice gruff with emotion.
“I'll do my best,” Renya promised, tightening her arms around him briefly. The easy acceptance of this makeshift family warmed her heart, easing some of the homesickness that still lingered.
As they prepared to mount their horses, Renya noticed Selenia and Jurel engaged in an intense conversation nearby. Not wanting to interrupt their moment, she called out to Grayden, “Could you help me up on my horse?”
Selenia shot her a grateful look before turning back to Jurel, their heads bent close together as they spoke in low tones.
Finally, the time to leave had come, and Renya looked back as they left the mountain camp behind, sad to leave the little cabin.
The moment they emerged from the protective cocoon of the mountain pass, the wind hit them like a physical force. Renya gasped as the icy air bit at her exposed skin, grateful for the layers she'd donned.
Frost's hooves crunched confidently in the snow as they began their descent. Grayden led them along an eastern route, warning, “The terrain is a bit steeper here.”
Renya's breath caught in her throat as she took in the view. From their lofty vantage point, the Snow Lands stretched out before them in a dazzling expanse of white. The rising sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, its light reflecting off the snow in a breathtaking display.
“It's quite something, isn't it?” Grayden's voice pulled her from her thoughts.
“It's so majestic,” Renya breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. “Being up so high, and then seeing the entire realm laid out like that below your feet...”
A wistful expression crossed Grayden's face. “When I was a teenager, my father sent me up here to the camp to train. I would sit and watch the sunset and look out over our lands. I remember being so excited to rule them one day. But it happened so much sooner than I ever would have imagined.”
“I think your father would be proud of the job you're doing,” Renya said softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand.
A genuine smile lit up Grayden's face, and Renya felt a surge of warmth at his obvious pleasure in her approval.
As they continued their descent, Renya found herself pondering the weight of responsibility that rested on Grayden's shoulders. “What was your father like?” she asked, curious about the man who had shaped the ruler Grayden had become.
Grayden was quiet for a moment, gathering his thoughts. “He was fair. He could be stern at times, but he thought things through and never made rash decisions. My mother was the passionate one, quick to anger and even quicker to forgive and love. My father was a good man. Everyone respected him. He always seemed to know what to do in any situation. I'm envious of that.”
“Grayden, you are dealing with threats your father never had to face,” Renya pointed out. “Hard choices must be made, and you're doing a fantastic job of protecting your people.”
Selenia, overhearing their conversation, chimed in, “She's right. I think Father and Mother would be proud.”
Grayden's cheeks flushed slightly at the praise, and he quickly changed the subject. “I think we'll be at the Twilight Kingdom in a few hours.”
As they rounded a particularly steep bend, a low rumble filled the air. Renya felt it in her chest before she heard it, a deep vibration that set her nerves on edge. She looked up just in time to see a wall of snow careening down the mountainside towards them.
“Avalanche!” Grayden shouted, his voice nearly lost in the growing roar.
Time seemed to slow. Renya saw the panic in Grayden's eyes, the fear on Selenia's face. Without thinking, she threw her hands up, a surge of power rushing through her veins. Golden threads of light burst from her fingertips, weaving together in the air before her.
The avalanche hit the shimmering barrier of light with a thunderous crash. Snow and ice pushed against it, threatening to overwhelm them, but Renya's magic held firm. She gritted her teeth, pushing more power into the shield as the avalanche raged around them.
For what felt like an eternity, but was likely only moments, they were surrounded by a sea of white. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, it was over. The golden barrier dissolved, leaving them standing in a small pocket of calm amidst the chaos of displaced snow.
Renya lowered her arms, her breath coming in short gasps. She looked at her hands in wonder, golden sparks still dancing across her fingertips.
“Renya,” Grayden breathed, his voice filled with awe and pride. “How did you do that? You saved us.”
As the reality of what had just happened sank in, Renya felt a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion wash over her. She had used her magic, really used it, for the first time. The power that had been dormant within her for so long had answered her call when she needed it most.
“I...I didn't even think about it,” she admitted, still stunned. “It just…happened.”
Selenia let out a whoop of joy, her earlier fear replaced by excitement. “That was amazing! You're going to be unstoppable once you learn to control it properly.”
As they carefully navigated around the freshly fallen snow, continuing their journey, Renya felt a newfound confidence growing within her. She had faced a life-threatening situation and not only survived but protected those she cared about. Maybe, just maybe, she was more prepared for this new life than she had thought.
But as they continued to ride, she tried to access her magic, only to find it completely absent. She was frustrated, unable to figure out how to bring it forth again.
With the Twilight Kingdom drawing ever closer, Renya hoped that Queen Kalora might have the answers—and could figure out the mystery of her power.