Page 24

BLOOD AND REBELLION

I t proudly stood against the backdrop of its brethren’s inflexible stalks. The heartbreaking beauty of the tintless orchid stole my breath. For the first time in over a hundred turns, it had flowered—had chosen this moment to bless us with its otherworldly presence as it perched precariously close to the precipice.

Sebille lunged forward, breaking my trance. A menacing, low growl rumbled across the stretch of rock between the meadow’s threshold and us. The towering flowers trembled as something moved closer to the edge. Sebille squeaked, freezing in place as I hugged the quivering golden egg closer.

The stems shivered and parted, and two flame-colored eyes scrutinized me, Sebille’s outstretched sword threatening to skewer me and its bairn, and my hands protectively cradling the egg against my heart.

A puff of glittering air sucked into a pair of bulbous nostrils that sat atop a boxy, elongated snout. With a snarl, its breath billowed out, currents of sparkles frantically spinning about the air before it.

From the dark depths, the monster inched forward. Two broad forelegs, each with three intimidating, dark claws, dug into the moss-covered stone before advancing further.

The creature was strangely beautiful and dreadfully fierce at once as it fully emerged from the edge of the meadow. My heart hammered when a hint of recollection flashed through my thoughts. I’d seen a rendering of this Surrelian being during my studies. Its existence was the stuff of frightening childhood bedtime stories.

A wyvern.

A long, serpentine body and tail propelled the beast forward, muscled forelimbs assisting its trajectory. As it came fully into view, a set of wings sprouted from its back, each as big as me. Silky, olive-green feathers covered them, blending into cerulean tips.

Suddenly, it stopped and rose, balancing on its midsection. It was as long as six adult humans stacked head to toe. With wings spread wide, it stirred the sparkling air around it. Lustrous indigo feathers encased the top of its massive form from the top of the reptilian head to a spade-shaped tail. The rest of its face and underbelly were covered in gilded scales the size of my hand.

Sebille shifted closer to me, her eyes fixed on the creature, her sword precariously close to the egg. The beast growled, baring pointed teeth.

I whimpered; my aura flickered over my body, no longer able to be contained. From my peripheral, the metallic hilt of my dagger glinted.

I scurried back, pushing against the stone with my boots. The movement caught the Draumr’s attention, and she looked at me from the side of her eye, snarling, “Don’t even think about it, Vawn.”

A tiny crack split down the front of the egg, the incessant tapping from within becoming frantic. “I think we have bigger things to worry about right now. Pretty positive that’s the mother.”

I held my hand up, cradling the egg in one arm. Sebille squinted but nodded once as I shifted and gingerly set it to my right side.

The monster shuddered, feathers ruffling, as a snarl rumbled through its gullet, scaly lips quivering against razor-sharp teeth. The fissure widened, pieces of the gold shell flaking off.

A reptilian head poked out of the crevice, squeaking in victory, aqua-colored eyes blinking in the sun. Fluffy scarlet feathers fluttered atop its head as it clawed at its confines with stubby, golden-colored forelimbs.

“It’s stuck,” I murmured, reaching to help it break free.

“Don’t you dare. It’s one of them.” Sebille nodded to the monster, slithering closer every second, her eyes fixated on it. “We have to kill it.”

My hand crept past the newborn creature, reaching for my dagger—just out of reach—as I used the other hand to help the egg fracture further.

“No, Sebille?—”

Within my next breath, everything happened at once.

Without warning, she turned, jabbing toward the egg as the little beast emerged, its teal wings unfolding.

The mother roared as its wings tucked against its body and raced toward us.

My fingers lunged, iridescent light flashing over them, beckoning to the matching liquefied mist within my dagger’s crystal pommel. It heeded the call instantly, the diamond’s swirling haze stilling and splendent as the weapon snapped through the air and into my palm. I swung it in an arch, blocking the sword’s attack as I surged forward onto my knees.

Sebille’s sword flew from her hand, the edge of her blade nicking my left forearm as I held it up to protect my body.

She fell back, screaming as fizzing liquid shot from the creature’s maw, coating her shoulder and side.

The monster’s massive tail whipped around, flinging Sebille aside as if she were rubbish. The warrior’s body crumbled and rolled to the edge of the cliff, her leather armor and uniform bubbling and disintegrating where the poison spattered—her skin angry and curdling.

The creature’s snout was inches from me. I set my dagger down slowly, holding my hands out in front of me. My ember shimmered, stroking over the wyvern’s snout. “I mean no harm to you and your baby.”

The mother’s eyes squinted, a huff of air puffing from its nostrils and tossing my curls back.

Kaden, Breena, and Rhaegar stumbled out of the meadow, weapons drawn.

“Stay back,” I demanded, my aura flaring. Thankfully, they listened, halting where they stood. They were too far away to reach me if the monster attacked anyway.

I leaned to my side slowly, gently picking at the shell, helping the newborn break free from the egg. I scooped up its wiggling form, needing both arms to hold it as it squirmed and licked my hands with a flat, black tongue. It was like trying to handle a squirming, floppy cat as I held it out. The baby mewled, sniffing and licking its mother’s snout.

A purring rumble came from the monster’s throat. It regarded me, shelf-like brows relaxing over its watchful gaze. It bowed its head to the ground, and I took that as my cue to step to the side tentatively, setting its baby on the mother’s neck. Its downy feathers tickled my arms.

Shuffling back, I showed the beast my palms, my aura evaporating. Its wings ruffled, and a pointed tail flicked back and forth a couple of times before it veered toward where it came from, slipping away into the meadow with its newborn.

I let out the breath I’d been holding, wiping my hands on my trousers and then bending to pick up my dagger. Kaden and Breena ran to my side as Rhaegar went to check on Sebille.

Kaden pulled me into an embrace and then held me at arm’s length away, inspecting my body. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Holy monster shite, woman. I almost soiled myself.” Breena sheathed her sword, swatting my arm as we went to Rhaegar and Sebille.

“She’s alive. I’m not sure how deep the poison went,” Rhaegar informed us.

“Here, let me try.” Kaden knelt next to Sebille’s motionless form. Aura shimmering, he held glowing hands over her back and shoulder. His brow furrowed as he closed his eyes in concentration.

Her exposed, raw skin bubbled as he worked, a milky substance seeping from the wounds. Once the poison was expelled, her skin slowly knit together. Kaden slumped, his energy waning. Through her ruined clothing and leather armor, all that was left of her injuries was shiny, thick scar tissue mottled with puckered ridges as if coated in melted candle wax.

“I suppose that’s what she gets for threatening you,” Breena muttered, propping her hand on her hips while studying the guard’s injuries.

“Yikes, Breena,” I scolded. Sebille was nasty, but I still wouldn’t wish such harm on anyone.

“What? No one messes with my Ryn-Ryn and gets away with it.” She shrugged, one side of her mouth quirking. I dipped my head, slightly swinging it from side to side, a muffled snort sneaking out as I touched her shoulder. She glanced at my arm. “You’re bleeding, by the way.”

“Ah, just a flesh wound.” I shrugged.

I helped Kaden stand, securing my arm around his waist. He leaned into me, accepting the assistance. “So, you can transport, huh? Like Melina,” he mumbled, putting a glowing hand on my cut. It sealed over in an instant.

I cringed, curling my fingers into my palms. “Now we know what the ring can do.” I sighed, swallowing my unease, realizing that was why the ring was familiar … because Melina had something similar.

“Once again, never a dull moment with you, my friend. That will come in real handy during the trials.” Breena chuckled.

I clenched my jaw together, nodding once. “There’s the damned orchid, by the way.”

“That’s just … just phenomenal,” Rhaegar murmured, crouching beside it. “It hasn’t released any of its petals yet.” He pressed his lips together, scrunching his brow before looking at Kaden. “Think your gift would help?”

“Let’s find out.” Kaden kneeled in front of the mystical flower, calling upon his ember, guiding it over its form. The orchid’s aura flashed silver as Kaden’s energy tried to commune with it. After a couple of moments, he pulled his power back, frowning. “That’s a no. That thing is blocking me.”

“Makes sense, considering its capabilities. Perhaps the orchid is immune to ember manipulation,” Rhaegar said. Kaden and Rhaegar stood, similar looks of puzzlement lining their faces.

My scar vibrated as I regarded the bloom. I kneeled and couldn’t help but run my fingertip gently over the dark stem. It was as if the flower was calling me, yearning for my touch. A glistening crimson drop ran down its shoot, pooling in the moss where the earth met rigid, gray leaves. I looked at my arm—the blood from my cut had dribbled down my ring and finger, depositing itself on the divine plant. I swiped my hand over my breeches.

A shiver ran down my spine and spread over my skin, goosebumps sweeping over the surface. The orchid quivered in response, its metallic aura sparkling around. Its bent stem bobbled momentarily, and then three petals released, floating to the moss. I scooped the precious gifts into my palm.

With a grin spreading wide across my mouth, I stood and presented our victory to my friends. I chortled, seeing their mouths hanging open, gently tucking the petals in my pocket. “Looks like you were right, Breena. We are the dream team.”

We carried an unconscious Sebille out of the meadow, and fortunately, the three men from her team lurked among the trees. With sheepish looks galore, they vowed to get her back to safety.

Once we retrieved our supplies, I securely wrapped the petals in a small black leather pouch, positioning its long cord around my neck. It was daunting to think of the immense power I carried. It thrummed against my breastbone with every step.

Was it wise to hand over such a gift to the Elders? Over the last few months, my distrust of them had flourished. If I was honest with myself, I had been wary of them and the Dormancy for far longer. My thumb swept back and forth over the pommel of my dagger as my thoughts spun.

With their abilities nearly reaching celestial levels, I worried how the orchid would be used. I didn’t believe for a moment that Melina, Lucan, or any of them would use it for the good of the mortal plane. I lifted my chin, stacking my spine, and took a deep breath.

“So, how do you all feel about handing these over to the Elders?” I lifted my necklace, letting it sway back and forth.

Breena puffed her cheeks, blowing a dramatic exhale from her lips. “I thought you’d never ask. I say—feck ‘em.”

Rhaegar chuckled, shaking his head as we walked.

Kaden rubbed his palm over the stubble lining his jaw, raising one brow. “You know what? I agree with Breena. Why should they have something so powerful when they already have such divine ember?”

Rhaegar’s face fell as the last of his amusement dropped to the earth. “Do you not fear accusations of treason?”

“Rhaeg, you haven’t told them?” Breena responded. My brows lifted, fingers dropping the necklace back in place. The warrior glared at her, his eyes flashing. The message was clear. And it was that he wanted her to shut up.

She did not. “Oh, bugger off. I’m appalled you haven’t broached the topic already.” He heaved a sigh, staring up at the forest canopy.

“So … do tell,” Kaden encouraged, his voice raising an octave. His fingers pushed through his hair, his eyes going back and forth between Breena and Rhaegar.

“Oh, nothing much. Just a ‘lil rebellion is all.” Breena laughed, waving her hands through the air.

Kaden’s mouth dropped and then snapped closed as he stood taller. “I’m in.”

I smacked him on the chest. “What the void, Kade? You don’t even know what she’s talking about.”

“I don’t care. If it’s to help Midst Fall and to stand against the Elders, I’m in.”

Rhaegar sighed, “All right. Yes, there is a small network of like-minded people throughout the realm—those who agree that the Elder Laws and the Dormancy are unmerited. That the Elders abuse their power. If word gets out, you know what will happen.”

“Like I said—I want in.” Kade clapped a hand on Rhaegar’s shoulder.

“Well, it won’t matter anyway … you’ll forget about this when the Dormancy ends,” I added, looking at him as if he’d eaten a bug.

“That’s where Rhaegar comes in. He won’t forget and will communicate with you through our contacts,” Breena countered, smiling smugly.

“Bloody void.” I rubbed my sweaty palms down my tunic, the soft fabric itchy and stifling.

This expedition was unfolding in ways I never imagined. My mouth clamped shut for the rest of the journey. My thoughts distracted me, and I barely paid attention to Kaden or the others.

I gripped the leather pouch around my neck, stroking the soft leather. We agreed to hide the petals. I’d hide them somewhere deep in the library or perhaps in some shadowed cranny of the palace.

If none of the teams were successful during this Weeding, it was highly probable that they’d have to allow those who remained to compete. I’m sure they wouldn’t want to upset the masses. Keeping the majority distracted and content seemed important to the Elders—at least while we were in Surrelia.

Melina and the others already held too much power. It wouldn't be an issue if I believed they had truly tried everything to help our world. But I suspected that they had not, and this nagging suspicion burned within every cell of my being. Something had felt off from the very start—I knew it in my gut. My ember constantly tried to communicate with me, but the answers were always just out of reach.

Was I ready to be a part of a rebellion? I ran my thumb over the ridges of my stone ring, thoughts whirling, trying to find the answers in shadowed corners.

It didn’t surprise me that Kaden was all in. He was always more vocal about his aversion to the Elders.

Was this the right path to help Midst Fall?

There was too much information knocking around my skull. Too many fears. Too many truths bared. Too many doubts.

Just too much.