Page 24 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

This. This is what I have suffered the last few days for.

“We made it,” I whisper to Hadeon as I reach the edge of the trees.

A glimpse through, the narrow opening within the orange tree tells me I made it.

I slowly step through, careful not to trip or drop him.

“We made it, Hade,” I repeat, knowing he likely isn’t awake. After passing through the threshold, I smile. I smile truly for the first time in a long time. I gently set him down once more, taking a breath.

But, now, my vision gets spotty. “Oh no.” My voice trembles out, barely audible. I quickly look around, assessing my surroundings when I spot the large group of beings in front of us. I stop, placing my hands on my knees to lean forward for a fuller breath. Then, a man steps forward— no. Not a man. A fae, a King rightfully. His build is similar to, if not slightly larger than, Hadeon’s. He’s close enough for me to see his familiar eyes.

Dark eyes that look onyx stare back at me. His face showing nothing as his eyes trail over every inch of Hadeon and myself— while I, barely stable, take a step in front of him protectively.

When his eyes twitch and narrow, I know it. I’m going to die and the King Eryx of Khyrel is going to be the one to do it.

But, I cannot fight them.

Thankfully, my vision goes black and I fall to the soft mossy forest floor, unconscious.

Chapter 11: Waiting

Eryx

As I stumble into my room, the first thing I notice is the imposing four post bed at its center. The black sheets and pillows match the dark wood frame while swirls of purple and gold add a touch of opulence. Against the back wall, a door leads to my personal bathing chambers, a luxurious space with matching dark walls accented by splashes of gold and hints of vibrant purple that remind me of my younger days. On the opposite wall, a large wardrobe full of a king’s array of clothes stands next to a grand desk and chair, fit for royalty. This room exudes wealth and extravagance in every detail, a true reflection of my status.

As I make my way toward the bath, my mind already weary from the day’s events, a sudden sense of alertness strikes through me. My hands instinctively flare out, casting shadows around me as I turn to face the balcony. In the distance, a woman stands with her back to me, her gaze fixed upon the shimmering aurora borealis dancing across the night sky. Her pale hair billows in the wind, almost blending in with the wispy green and pink lights above. Drawn by a strange pull, I walk toward the open doors and step onto the balcony, feeling a gentle breeze brush against my skin and playfully tousle strands of my hair. The air is crisp and cool, carrying a hint of floral scents from the garden below. In this moment, everything else melts away and all that exists is the beauty before me.

“This is possibly the dumbest thing you could do.”

The sound of my voice echoes through the empty room, but she acts as if she can’t hear me. I take a hesitant step forward, crossing over the threshold of the doorway and onto the cold, cemented balcony that overlooks the city. “Hello? Are you deaf?” I ask, my hand reaching out to grab her shoulder and turn her toward me.

Just as my fingers brush against her skin, she gasps and whirls around. But before I can catch a glimpse of her face, my eyes fly open and I’m awake. The memory of the dream fades away, leaving nothing but a lingering sense of longing and unanswered questions.

I rest on my throne, heart beating from my chest as I’m now staring at the empty room before me. It feels cold but not from temperature. The sky is dark outside, allowing the cast of moonlight and colored streaks from our aurora borealis to dance across the floors of any room with an open wall. Of course, my predecessors had to make it their entire personality, making the throne room an entire open concept. It’s practically a giant balcony.

When I was younger, I was very fond of it. The magical feeling it gave, letting me believe I could be anyone or anything.

What a lie.

The dream wasn’t a surprise. It’s been recurring for years and I’ve learned to stop questioning it.

Hands snake up form behind me, a dangerous task in itself. But I know them, much to my dismay.

“Not tonight, Alyra.” I tell her, already feeling disgusted by her touch. Her manicured hand continues and I snatch it, twisting her in front of me. “Not. Tonight.” I know my eyes darken with fury and she sees it, “Let me remind you that disobeying your king is an act of treason.” She jerks her hand from mine and scoffs, even with the fear radiating off her.

“You can’t do anything to me, Your Grace, respectfully. My father is one of your higher lords on the council and I am his only daughter.”

I stand, stalking closer to her, in all her smirking glory. “You mistake me for someone who gives care toward your fathers influence. Let me assure you, I do not,disrespectfully.” I speak with arrogance dripping off the lastword and her face drops before she huffs and stomps away like a child as I roll my eyes.

I stare ahead, awaiting my adopted brother to respond to me telepathically. As my second in command and my army General, he has a telepathy connection with me through magic, something we’ve used while he’s been away on a solo mission.

“You know, this is why everyone believes you to be unhappy.” My sister walks into the room, admiring the sky with her careless mannerisms, the dress she wears trailing hastily behind her. Some of the stress fades as she enters.

My sister, Esmeray, is the middle child. Our entire lives all she has ever done is support me; aside from the bullying and just being annoying to top it off. She knew how high our fathers expectations were for me but, she was never afraid to stand up to him. I held our fathers title in my hands my entire childhood. It follows me everywhere and so did his constant attention.

Our youngest sister, Ruelle, was the sweetest creation ever made. Our father catered to her every whim and wish. Not that we can blame him. But with his attention mostly on Ruelle and I, Esmeray would get into all kinds of trouble. Whether it be boys or fighting or even just making a mess in the kitchen or all over the castle. She wanted any attention from him she could get and he almost always refused because of it. But, after he died, I gave her the chance to prove herself and she did.

Our adopted brother, Hadeon, was my second-in-command but Esmeray was my third. She did everything he would have done if he were here the past five years. She was the temporary general to my army and they respected her because she’s kicked all of their asses at least once. And while she is wild and strong and stubborn, she is a great confidant.

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