Page 25 of Scars and Burns

Sighing, I say, as calmly and sweetly as I can, “Saphrina, you are alright. The battle is dwindling. No one is coming after you. I need to go find Mom but before I do. I want to make sure you are okay.”

She’s staring at me. I’ve never once talked to her like this. We’ve always been so kurt with one another. Her being the blessed princess. Destined for greatness by our Goddess. Walking high on her instep. As if the ground was only paved for her. Loving the way everyone bows to her as she passes by. Growing into a great beauty. Embracing the spotlight.

While I, on the other hand, escape to the shadows. Hiding in the background. Never given a second glance or thought unless it’s to be gossiped about.

She’s terrified. Not having seen death before. She hasn’t left her room. But she’s heard it. Heard everyone’s screams of terror as they died at the end of a blade. Screaming from the onslaught of their fears coming to life. As the black shadow magic seeped into their minds. Ripping their souls apart. Heard the assault on her home. Hearing the fire crackling. Burning people alive.

I set my blades down. Sighing, I rest a hand on her knee. “Everything is going to be okay.” I give her my best smile.

She finally nods her head. Giving me leave to go.

I pick up my blades and begin my haste to my Mother. Pausing, I look back at her just as I am about to walk through the door. She’sstaring at me. I smile at her one last time. Giving her a quick nod before I disappear down the hall.

The castle is completely vacant of any Shadowlings on my route to my Mother’s study. Has their assault ended? Did they get what they wanted,whothey wanted?

I burst through the doors to her study. Prepared to fight. Blades up and magic ready, but it’s no use. I’m too late.

She’s gone.

19

Aeron

Iexpected a group of guards or soldiers to be the ones coming to the Queen’s aid. What I did not expect was King Elio. Alone and armed. Vengeance in his eyes.

I should leave but I am intrigued by the interaction that is about to occur. So I stayed. Listening and watching intently. Hidden away in the shadows. I take it all in.

“Hello, Freya.” King Elio begins, nothing but malice in his voice. “Been waiting a long time for this.” He smirks at her. Stalking toward her. She doesn’t move an inch.

“You’ve chosen wrong.” She states, “You believe this will bring you greatness and power.”

“Oh I know it will. Saphrina is the one chosen. The one blessed by the goddess. And with you gone and out of the way. She will finally reach her full potential.” He stops directly in front of her. Dagger at the ready.

She looks up at him and smiles.

“Blood for blood

Her starlight will glow

As his shadows grow

The Goddess has blessed one

A bond that cannot be undone

To bare her mark of

Light and Dark”

Oh my goodness. She’s quoting the Goddess’s prophecy. Known only to a few. I’ve never heard it in itsentiretybefore.

King Elio sneers at her, “You know I wanted to love you. Fuck, I did love you.” His jaw clenching as he turns his head away.

Returning his gaze to the Queen, “I’ve loved you since we were children. I loved you the way I was supposed to. We were betrothed. We were supposed to unite the realms together. And what did you do?”

His voice begins to rise, “What. Did. You. Do.” Emphasizing each word. He grips his dagger even tighter. His knuckles turning white as he does.

She doesn’t say a thing. She just keeps looking back at him, as calm as ever. Clearly bothering King Elio by her lack of worry in what he is saying. He rages on.

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