Page 30 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

My eyes narrow as I scrutinize the intricate carvings on the ancient wooden bed frame. The image of a raven, accompanied by a sinister snake, repeats itself throughout the castle. But in this room, the birds outnumber the serpents. At first glance, it appears as if the snakes are attacking or consuming the ravens. Yet upon closer examination, there is a surprising harmony between them.

Suddenly, my mind flashes back to the old witch’s words — her sneering laughter ringing in my ears. “Little bird,” she had called me mockingly. Could she have known about this symbol? About Eryx’s family crest, bearing the same snake and raven? My heart quickens with fear and realization — was Eryx the snake in this scenario? And was I meant to be the innocent bird in his grasp?

Dread settles over me like a shroud as I realize how little I truly know about this Court of Dusk and its mysterious symbols. And for the first time, I am overwhelmed by questions without answers.

Chapter 14: Trust

Eryx

“What did you say? To make her come back?” Esmeray asks, her voice full of curiosity and concern. We— my sisters, Hadeon, and myself— all sit in the office, adjacent to the throne room. The room is furnished with opulent decorations of gold, purple and blue, reflecting the grandeur of the palace. I take a deep breath before responding to Esmeray’s questions. It had been several days since we returned from the woods.

“I told her most of the truth. That’s all I’m willing to share.” My tone is resolute, signaling an end to the discussion. While my words may have convinced Verena to return with me, there was something else at play in those woods. A mysterious force that even my horse sensed. Something happened within those trees.

“I hope you know what you’re doing.” Esmeray’s concern is evident in her voice as she speaks again. I roll my eyes at her but she doesn’t back down. Her mismatched eyes, one brown and one bright blue, stare intently at me as if trying to read my thoughts. “You know what the prophecy says, Eryx.”

“Of course I know. It’s been engraved into my memory since her funeral. It doesn’t matter. It’s not happening anyway. The only reason she is staying, is so I can figure outwhyshe’s in the prophecy. Please leave me, I need to get this work done.” I say, rubbing my temples to ease the creepingmigraine. My sisters sigh in unison glancing to one another as if in some secret conversation, something I’m sure they practice, and Hadeon escorts them out before following them and closing the door.

I sit back in my chair, letting out a strong groan of frustration. I am so tired. I wish I never would’ve learned of that bloody prophecy in the first place, stupid witch.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the palace grounds, I found myself drawn back to the woods where it all began. The forest looms dark with trepidation, the rustle of leaves sounding like whispers in the wind. Determined to uncover the truth that lay hidden within those ancient trees, I grab a lantern and set off into the fading light.

The path was overgrown and twisted, as if nature itself was trying to keep me away. But I push forward, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. These woods are dangerous to those with no knowledge of them. I continue wandering, hoping to find something of meaning, praying for the witch to show her face again.

* * *

Verena

Bringing up my proposition to Eryx feels like walking on thin ice. On one hand, he had been surprisingly kind to me in the woods and I can’t help but feel drawn to him. On the other, he was the notorious Dark King— known for his cold demeanor and past tragedies. The thought of him with another woman, possibly the late princess who should have been queen, made my heart ache with jealousy. However, I push those feelings aside and try to focus on our mission.

Meanwhile, Hadeon seems to have all the inside information on Zorya’s scandals while I was left in the dark. It frustrates me to no end as we sat inthe library, attempting to learn about their culture. No matter how much I search, I can’t find a reason for their crest depicting a raven and a snake. And even though Ruelle was by my side, I couldn’t bring myself to ask her about it — she seems too kind to burden with such questions.

I have felt like a prisoner my entire life and after everything I have been through, I will not waste another second feeling the same.

“I need to speak with the king,” I start, adding “please,” for pleasantry. Ruelle, who sits with me in the library, jolts from my sudden speech.

“What of?” Ruelle asks. “I’m sure I can pass it along, he is very busy.” She tries and I smile as if it’s a welcoming idea.

“It is not something I can discuss with others. I will only speak to him about it and he will definitely want to hear it.” She purses her lips, eyebrows furrowing, before nodding.

“I’ll send a maid to see if he is available to meet with you.” I nod and continue reading, trying to ignore the burning sensation from her stare. I was not going to be embarrassed in front of a whole court again, if he said no. This will be a private conversation.

I continue reading, pretending to be calm and collected but really on the inside, I was screaming.

Part of me wants to avoid men altogether after Dryston and Hadeon. I can’t say I didn’t love Dryston. We’ve been betrothed my entire life and for most of our childhood we are close friends. But, when I think back on it, he was always fond of bullying me before he stated that it was just because he loved me.

Thought I’d have to grieve my old life but being here, it’s easy to slip into the way they live, to forget where I came from and what had happened to me. Was that a bad thing? Should I hate myself for it? In fact, I wasn’t even sure I knew what I wanted anymore.

Ruelle’s voice breaks through my thoughts, pulling me from my reverie. I stand up, letting her lead the way since I still had no clue where I was going in this massive palace. My heart pounds faster as we approach our destination — the king’s office. I hadn’t seen Hadeon since I came back, and to be honest, I was grateful for that. I wasn’t ready to face him yet and Ipray I don’t run into him now.

We come to a halt in front of an ornate door but before Ruelle could knock, I step forward and do it myself. It gives me a small sense of control in this nerve-wracking situation. Ruelle gives me a supportive smile before Eryx’s voice calls through the door.

“Good luck,” Ruelle whispers, her hand on my shoulder. “I’ll be out here waiting for you.”

Her attempt at comforting words actually work, somewhat calming my racing heart.

I take a deep breath and step through the threshold into Eryx’s office. The room matches the opulent style of the rest of the palace, but there’s also a cozy feeling to it — perhaps due to the warm lighting and comfortable furniture.

“Verena, to what do I owe this visit? It was something to discuss in private?”

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