Page 11

PINCH ME

T hat night, we shared a meal and honey wine with anyone who braved returning. Wooden tables and benches stretched across the Great Hall. Lively stories were shared, both strangers and acquaintances conversing about their lives. It was odd to think we didn’t need to eat or drink. Still, my stomach was grumbling angrily by the time we dove into massive piles of savory meats and colorful vegetables scattered across the tables.

“Is that you growling … and humming?” Breena smiled, looking at my belly and stuffing a piece of flaky bread between her teeth.

I laughed. “Yes, my astral body didn’t get the notice. I’m starving.” I savored a tender bite of meat, the flavors bursting on my tongue. This was the most delicious food I’d ever tasted. The overabundance of it all weighed on me, a heavy guilt bending my shoulders inward.

“She always hums when she eats.” Kaden’s lopsided smile found mine.

“That’s what they tell me.” I chewed happily, my shoulders bouncing. “I rarely notice I’m doing it. What can I say? I love eating.”

Breena said, “I can’t fault you for that. I don’t mind a ‘lil entertainment when I’m stuffing my face. That tune, it’s a bit gloomy, innit?”

I shrugged, swallowing a lump of bread. “It’s a song Mama sang to us as children.”

“Huh,” Letti uttered distractedly, shrugging her shoulders and nibbling a carrot. “I don’t feel hungry or thirsty, but I guess it’s something to do.”

An amused smile spread across my mouth. Letti was not usually inattentive, but she wasn’t currently engaged in the group’s conversation. Her focus drifted off as the vegetable between her teeth snapped. She peeked at the guards eating at the end of our table. Xeni was among them, her golden-brown eyes finding Letti occasionally, one side of her mouth tipping up.

“It is peculiar, isn’t it?” a brawny man sitting next to Breena added. A thoughtful expression lined his bold, rectangular face; his skin was a rich umber. His hand boasted a silver rune tattoo like Gavrel’s—in the shape of several decagons layered within each other, shrinking smaller and smaller until there was a single dot in the center. Each one was rotated a bit, so the points did not align. This gave the illusion they were spinning on his skin, leading into a craggy tunnel.

His Draumr uniform hugged his burly chest, which shook slightly when he chuckled. Breena had introduced him earlier as Rhaegar Hale, a friend of hers from home. Coincidentally, he was also Gavrel’s second-in-command. He tipped his head in humble confirmation when she boasted this. And then promptly rolled his eyes when she imitated his formal, Eastern Pneumalian way of speaking.

He was friendly enough—quick to smile, with a playful glint in his eyes. His accent melodically stretched his vowels, at odds with the gravelly baritone of his voice. “I, for one, find it entirely vulgar. One of the greatest pleasures in this life is sharing a meal with kin.” He raised his cup, acknowledged everyone at the table, and took a sip.

“Agreed. I’m not hungry either, but I won’t pass up food and libations. Let’s not forget the libations!” Kaden exclaimed as he set his empty goblet on the table.

Chatter and boisterous laughter filled the hall, which felt out of place somehow. Had everyone forgotten we were wandering around our scripture’s most sacred realm … in ethereal forms?

We were feasting on food we didn’t need, laughing in what had once been the dwelling of an Ancient—Morpheus’ home. He was one of the most celebrated and feared Ancients. Any divine being who could infiltrate the strange and clandestine corners of one’s mind was to be revered.

My mouth twisted in curiosity. “Where do you think Morpheus went?”

“Who knows? Wherever the other Ancients ran off to,” Kaden mumbled, slurping from his replenished goblet.

I rolled my eyes.

I planned on exploring the palace in the coming months. Perhaps there was a written archive that could shed light on our history or that of the Ancients.

Gavrel materialized behind us, wedging his bulky form between Kaden and me on the bench. He nodded at Rhaegar, the warrior tipping his head in acknowledgment. Kaden scowled at his brother as a bit of glittering, golden liquid escaped over his cup’s rim. Gavrel picked up a pitcher of the Surrelian mead, filling Kaden’s goblet with the sparkling spirits. Another lopsided smirk stretched across Kaden’s face as he took a hearty swig, his irritation wiped clean.

“No one truly knows where any of them went.” Rhaegar’s voice was low. “Rumors have circulated, especially in Pneumali. Many people believe Morpheus is to blame for the Withering. Whether he has a soft spot for mortals or not—maybe he and his siblings were bored and conspired to shake things up. They are celestial, after all. Existing forever would be daunting.” He shrugged, his boulder-like shoulders pulling his overcoat taut. “Maybe they simply didn’t care about their playthings anymore and buggered off to another dimension.”

“Watch the little bugs squirm.” Breena snorted. Kaden’s head bobbed clumsily in agreement.

“Dreams and nightmares galore. Huzzah!” Kaden raised his glass. When no one responded, he picked up Breena’s cup and clinked it with his own.

A scoff of amusement left me. “Looks like we can still get sloshed. I’m going to call it a night. Nice to meet you, Rhaegar.” His lips curved into a smile, one big hand waving from his brow in a quick salute. I stood and helped Kaden up. “Let’s go, you drunken gillytoad.”

“Ribbit.” Kaden bopped me on the nose with one finger, his tongue held in between his teeth. I shook my head with a chuckle, not bothering to correct him on the sound a gillytoad makes.

Gavrel stood and took Kaden from me, wrapping his arm around his brother’s waist. “I’ve got him, Seryn. Let’s head up.”

We bid everyone good night and made our way to Kaden’s room. We maneuvered his hefty body onto his bed. I tucked him in, kissing him on his forehead. As I moved away, Kaden seized my wrist, his fingers gentle yet firm. He tugged me toward him, causing my chest to topple across his.

“Kaden, knock it off,” I giggled, wriggling away from him.

“Ah, Seryn. If you keep wiggling like that, I’ll never let you go,” he crooned, his gravelly voice laced with mirth and promise. A tingling blush crept over my cheeks.

Gavrel coughed. “Goodnight, brother.”

Kaden pouted and mumbled, “Always ruining my fun, Gavie Gav. Very spoilsporting of you.” He chuckled at his own words. Then his body went lax. I slipped off him, righting myself. We left the room, Kaden softly snoring.

We reached my room, and I turned to Gavrel. His steady gaze studied my face intently. Had he always looked at me in this way? As if he was quietly cracking me open. Scooping out my secrets. This place was getting to me.

I let out a puff of air, glancing down. A vivid beam of moonlight split through the ceiling’s prisms, casting delicate hues upon my dress. I smoothed one hand down the skirt and looked at him. “Thanks again, Gav. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for us.”

Although his smile was humble, it was enough to kindle the light within his eyes. He nodded and turned toward his room. “Sleep well, Asteria.”

The Ancient of Stars.

I smiled at the new nickname, moving through my moonlit room. A fresh, pale nightgown waited upon my bed. I slipped into it and nestled into the silken sheets. I tumbled into a deep sleep, dreaming of shattering supernovas and spiteful deities.

The next morning, Gavrel accompanied Kaden, Breena, and me to the mainland, giving us a tour. The open land of the training field and barracks stretched well into the distance. It was comforting to see all the people bustling about, but a little voice kept prodding me in the back of my mind, reminding me so many more were missing.

We had not found our father yet. I suspected he did not make it out of the Stygian Murk. I rubbed my lips together, a crease forming between my eyes. What can I do besides get through the Dormancy? I prayed to the Ancients he was safe and found his way home.

As we made our way to the barracks, Letti waved us over. We met her outside her room, near the middle of an extensive stone building. She briefly showed me her space, expressing contentment with her accommodation. Her cozy, narrow bed sat against one white stone wall, her roommate's bed along the other. The room was clean and comfortably temperate. This put my mind at ease a bit.

“Thanks for the tour, brother.” Kaden set his hand on Gavrel’s shoulder, his voice hoarse. I imagined he was unwell after drowning in mead last night. “Now, tell us more about us wandering around as astra poppies.”

Breena snorted as Gavrel lifted Kaden’s hand from his shoulder. He didn’t look amused.

“There isn’t much to add.” He kept count on his fingers as he spoke, starting with his thumb. “We’re here in our astral bodies. Ember works because it originates from this plane. If you’re injured while soul-wandering, your physical body won’t be affected … but I don’t recommend it. Injuries to your ethereal form still hurt like the void.”

“Just rattling them off, all direct, eh? No warming us up with this one,” Breena snickered, waving her hand toward Gavrel.

“Apologies. After answering the same questions for the last several turns, I find it more efficient to get the easy answers out of the way.” He shrugged.

“I haven’t noticed the Akridais or Elders lurking around since the gathering in the Great Hall. Where do they spend their time?” I asked.

“The Elders make themselves scarce. Akridais are usually sent on various missions.” Gavrel frowned at the mention of the Druik enforcers. Hestia Larkin’s terrified face flashed through my mind. “You won’t see them until near the end of the Dormancy, during the Winnowing festivities.”

“Winnowing festivities?” Letti wondered, her eyes swinging behind Gavrel.

“There are various ceremonies and events to mark the end of the Dormancy. A ball. Competitions. The Elders will round everyone up to provide more information in the future,” he explained, turning at the sound of advancing footsteps.

Xeni approached Gavrel, a small smile lifting the corners of her mouth when her bronze-like eyes found Letti. Color rose in the apples of my sister’s cheeks. Her gaze flicked to everything around us but the comely, young guard.

“Commander Larkin, here are the chore assignments,” Xeni announced, handing over a crisp scroll.

Gavrel studied it for a moment and then pinned it to a tall stone pillar, marking the barracks entrance. “Thank you, Xeni. Please let the other guards know to spread the word. Make sure everyone identifies their roles within the hour.”

He turned to our group, letting us know where we were each assigned. Letti was tasked with being a palace chambermaid. She shrugged, never one to complain or shy away from hard work. Breena and Kaden would be squires to separate warrior units, their matching smirks showing their delight. My heart thumped in gleeful anticipation when I was allocated to the palace library—precisely where I wanted to be.

Kaden and Breena went with Xeni toward a group of Draumrs assembled at the far edge of the training field. Various warriors were sparring or practicing their swordsmanship, those around them cheering and catcalling.

Gavrel led Letti and me to the palace. In the foyer, he beckoned a chambermaid with dark, wispy hair. He nodded a greeting when the sweet-looking young woman approached us, her big eyes rapt on his face. “Miss Linlee, would you please show Alette around and walk her through a chambermaid’s duties?”

“Of course, Commander Larkin.” Her head bobbed energetically as she curtsied, a glow brightening her round cheeks. Letti and I said our goodbyes, and she walked off with the besotted woman.

He walked on, his mouth cutting a stoic line across his face. Apparently, he was oblivious to the chambermaid’s reaction to him.

As we strolled, I studied him from the corner of my eye. I had to admit, he was very handsome. Growing up with him over the turns, I suppose I hadn’t always recognized this. It was too easy to take familiar things—and people—for granted, to cast them to the side to be obscured within the shadows.

His nose was straight and well-defined, perfectly in proportion. It was centered between high, regal cheekbones. The muscle and skin above his jawline dipped inwards slightly, sloping toward his solid jaw.

I didn’t realize Gavrel had caught my curious examination until his dimple peeked from the side of his smirk. Kaden had the same dimple. An amused puff of air blew out of my nose as I looked forward, rubbing my lips together.

He led us through a labyrinth of winding halls on the ground floor. Numerous works of art lined the moonstone walls—a gilded assortment of otherworldly dreamscapes and Ancients in various stages of scheming. The hues were so bold that I thought the images might leap off the canvas. I did a double-take a few times, imagining the creatures in them were dancing among the paint strokes.

“Here we are,” he announced, pushing open a set of massive, curved doors.

“Pinch me. I must be dreaming.”

“Well, I suppose we all are … technically.”

I rolled my eyes, cuffing him on the arm as an excited grin swept across my face.

The elliptical library was vast. Countless columns and stacks of books covered the floor-to-ceiling walls, and rows of book-lined aisles stretched ahead of us. Two pairs of curling staircases, like contorted parentheses, stood at the entrance and back of the room, granting access to the second and third-floor balconies running along the walls. Every inch of the space was formed of glossy black stone and fluid pewter, arching protectively over stacked sections of tomes. Obsidian ladders scattered throughout the room, stretching toward the vaulted ceiling.

The bowed walls on the third level rose high into the ceiling, their arched peaks creating a diamond pattern along the center. Nestled between the pointed cutouts, a sea of crystal prisms coruscated defiantly, refracted sunlight bouncing over the room’s glossy surfaces.

I breathed in the comforting musk of the leather-bound treasures, their yellowed pages and well-loved backbones beckoning me.

An older man tottered over, interrupting my daydreams. His puffy white mustache hid his upper lip. His bottom lip was tipped downward in a displeased scowl as he grumbled with every step.

“Commander, what have you brought me?” His words were like dry gravel scraping under a boot. His back bowed with age, and the dark green of his tunic rustled as he shifted uncomfortably. He must have ember , I mused, taking in his attire.

Before Gavrel could speak, I interjected, ensuring my voice was polite and unaffected. “My name is Seryn Vawn. I’m from a village in northern Evergryn. Pleased to meet you.” I paused, holding out my hand.

He raised one bushy eyebrow, a faint brownish aura fizzling around his bent form for a moment. Well, that settles that. A gentle smile curved my mouth. He studied me, holding me hostage in an amusing staring contest. I tipped my chin up, not breaking eye contact.

He huffed and lifted a bony, arthritic hand, his grip surprisingly firm when he shook mine. “Iben Burlam. Evergryn. Eastern—bordering Haadra.”

“Seryn is to help you in the library, Mr. Burlam.”

“Fine, fine. Come this way, girl,” he demanded, shuffling toward the long tables lining the center of the aisles.

Gavrel whispered, “He’s not so bad once you wear him down, which I’ve no doubt you will excel in.” He smiled, his viridescent eyes glinting.

“Absolutely. He’s nothing but a grumpy little lamb.” I winked and followed the prickly librarian, leaving the commander chuckling as he left the library.

“Pick up the pace, girl,” the librarian chided. I smirked, considering I was already beside him. He moved slower than sap seeping down a tree.

“We get a lot of traffic in here. There isn’t much else to do. Unless you want to take your chances in the Reverie Weald or swing a sword like an imbecile.”

I bit my lip to hold in my smile. “Good to know, Mr. Burlam. How can I help?”

He regarded me as if I was an imbecile swinging a sword. “Help find books. Put away books. Organize books.” He threw up his hands. “By the Ancients, girl! It’s a library. What do you think you would do?”

“Ah, yes, of course. Well, I’ll be off to do all the book things. Let me know if you need anything.” He scrunched his face, his mouth disappearing entirely under his mustache. As I walked toward the back of the library, he muttered under his breath.

“And sweep the floors!” he called after me.

“Of course, Mr. Burlam!” I responded in a singsong. He hobbled over to a desk in the corner, a trail of grumbles drifting behind him.

Under his watchful glower, I worked for several hours—reshelving books, sweeping, dusting, and yet more reshelving.

When he seemed satisfied with my efforts, his lips buttoned together, a disgruntled huff whooshing from his nose. He nodded and then paid me no further attention. I took that as my cue to take a break.

I claimed a seat in the back of the library, far from the few people scattered throughout the space. My fingers trailed along spines as I meandered through the aisles, plucking out any title calling to me. Soon, I had collected a small stack of timeworn books, hugging them within the safety of my arms.

As I left the aisle, a faint rustle sounded behind me. I turned toward it but saw no one. Without warning, a book from an upper shelf tumbled to the ground, landing with a thud at my feet. Startled, I jumped back. A nervous laugh left me as I reached for the tome, curious how it had fallen. There didn’t appear to be anyone on the other side of this aisle. I shrugged, placing it atop my pile.

When I deposited them on the table, a stale puff of air curled around me as I settled on my seat. Choosing the book that had tried to clobber my brains out, I smirked at the name, my tongue pressing into the wall of my cheek. My fingertips traced over the gilded letters etched into bumpy leather— Ancient History: An Unabridged Bridge into Divine Yesterdays.