Page 25 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

Panic courses through my veins as I realize that Hadeon is missing. My voice trembles as I admit the truth to my companion, “He’s not responding to anything. He should have been here by now with the girl.”

Her head snaps toward me, her eyes wide with concern. “What do you mean?”

I pause, my mind racing for an explanation. “Its just silence. I always know when he’s sleeping but there’s been no communication from him since we spoke an hour ago, they were close to the border. Something must have gone wrong.”

I stand up abruptly, my heart pounding in my chest as I pace back and forth by the edge of the dais.

“Calm down, big brother.” Her long slender fingers rest on my shoulder. “We’ll go to the border, since it isn’t a far ride, and we’ll take some guards in case there is trouble. It’s Hadeon, we’re talking about.” Her voice calm, cool, and collected. I otherwise would be as well if Hadeon hadn’t been like a brother to us. When it came to family, I was tired of losing them.

“Gather who we need to take and inform Ruelle’s guard. I don’t want to wake her but in case we aren’t back before she does waken then he can let her know of our whereabouts.” I tell her before turning away and heading toward my suite to prepare myself for travel.

* * *

Our company consists of ten strong and determined men, all mounted on powerful horses. As we ride off toward the border, the adrenaline surging through our veins.

But in a cruel twist of fate, I can not simply cross over into the enemy territory without risking a full-blown war. Despite him being my brother, I can not risk such a dangerous move at this crucial moment. The unknown dangers that await us on the other side made me shudder with apprehension.

We ride fast, finally arriving after what feels like forever with the weight of his life looming over us.

I worry about Hadeon, but what about the princess he travels with? She could have easily changed her mind traveling here, turning her back on him. We know nothing about her true character. I know Hadeon has informed me of the young woman for five years, but people surprise you.

I jump off of the horse, handing the reigns to another guard, waiting formovement on the border. I feel my sisters presence next to me and we all go silent.

Hadeon has been a member of our family for as long as I can remember. My mother, known for her compassionate heart, took pity on the orphan boy. His parents were once part of our loyal guard, so we had already grown up alongside each other. Despite my father’s initial disapproval, she took him in and raised him as one of her own. It wasn’t until many years later that the king finally welcomed Hadeon into his heart- or whatever equivalent he had. He was a harsh ruler, driven by greed and a constant thirst for war.

As time passed, my father’s health began to fail. His once strong heart and sharp mind were deteriorating, and he could no longer remember that we were his family. It was a difficult time for my mother and my sister Ruelle, but Esme and I were quick to move on from our grief. Our responsibilities to Khyrel and our family takes precedence over our personal feelings. My father had always been more of a king than a father to us, but we found a way to make it work.

For the past decade, I have ruled with Hadeon and Esmeray as my trusted advisors. The kingdom has prospered under our leadership, until about five years ago when a mysterious creature appeared before us with a prophecy that would change everything.

“Your Grace!” A guard calls out, riding toward us, “I tried to stop her!” The horse in front of him was familiar. I groan in irritation and march over as they ride to a halt.

“Ruelle! What are you doing here? I told your guard to make sure you stay put. It is dangerous out here.” I scold her in my kingly voice.

“You may be king but you are my brother first and Hadeon is family to me too. You should’ve woken me.” Her tone was firm and I groan again, rubbing my hand over my face.

Stubbornness might run in our family a bit.

“Everything is under control, Ruelle. It’s fine.” Esme tells her softly, playing the mediator.

But our baby sister will have none of it. “And if that were the case, you wouldn’t be here. Something feels wrong to both of you. Do not forget Iam High Fae too.” She was too smart for her own good. She has always had the gift of empathy— mainly consisting of being able to tell what others are feeling but she has smaller gifts too. “What happened?” Before I can say anything, rustling noise comes from the threshold of the border trees and we all turn to watch.

A woman. “We made it, Hade.”

Her voice is like a gentle whisper, floating through the stillness that surrounds us. My instincts urge me to move closer to her, but I remain rooted in place. Verena carefully eases Hadeon’s limp body off her back and gently lays him on the ground, taking a moment to catch her breath. Her features are delicate and graceful, with a hint of exhaustion etched onto them. A small smile forms on her lips, accompanied by a light, airy laugh that fills the air like a sweet melody.

Her hair is as dark as midnight, a rare sight in Zorya where most have lighter locks. It is pulled back into a messy braid, revealing the elegant curve of her neck. Despite her petite frame, I can see the subtle definition of muscles beneath her tattered clothing, the black fighting leathers clinging tightly to her form.

I remind myself that this is the same woman I met only a week ago, who is now the wife of Dryston Whitewell— the same woman I sent Hadeon to find. Yet now, as I gaze at her exhausted but determined form, she seems like a completely different person. If not for Hadeon’s confirmation of her identity, I would have thought this to be another fae entirely.

My time to observe her is quickly dwindling as she leans forward, placing her hands on her knees. My instincts kick in and I start to lunge forward, hoping to catch her before she falls. However, my sudden movement causes her to stand and move in front of Hadeon, as if guarding him. How close had they become over the past five years? The question lingers in my mind as I watch their interaction, trying to decipher the dynamics between them. Her protectiveness toward him speaks volumes.

I narrow my eyes at her, trying to gauge her next move and suddenly, she’s unconscious and Esmeray and I start to move but my general tells me to stay back, pushing my chest away from their direction, and she rushesover with a few guards before picking the woman up off the ground and having them gather what looks to be a half-dead, Hadeon.

Chapter 12: The Betrayal

Verena

Water trickles down the side of my head, stirring me from slumber. I want to move, open my eyes, something. But, my body feels frozen and my eyes feel as if they are sealed shut. My throat feels no different.

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