Page 53 of Scars and Burns

Her Mother said I could help her be at peace with the darkest parts of herself. In our few interactions I saw it. The darkness tormenting her soul. But if she is able to kill now. To let go of that and bringdeath, she is embracing her true desires.

Estelle told me what Dinalia said,

“No, I am not from around here. I was just passing by and… I don’t know, felt a sense of responsibility. No one should be taken advantage of in such a manner. All deserve to be treated with care and respect. Regardless of status. Something we are all born with but at no fault of our own.”

Her views did not surprise me in the least. Most likely feeling them in her own heart. She more than most understands that. Having lived in the most judgmental castle there is.

When Estelle told me she mentioned that Dinalia should meet me. I almost lost it. Not to mention she informed her of the billet of dwellers.

Dinalia isn’t from the Shadowlands, but of course Estelle couldn’t have known that. She just saw a young girl misplaced in the world. Thinking she was from the Shadowlands. Dinalia would have made a great addition to our ranks given her fighting and magical abilities.

Although, our main stronghold is here at the billet just outside the castle. Right under my Father’s nose. Our ranks have grown throughout all of the Shadowlands.

Aemond and Estelle often venture to the major towns to ensure information is being passed down and all are aware of the upcoming changes. They also bring with them food, water, clothing, and anything else the dwellers may need.

My people are ready for the shift. They can feel the Forest of Despair changing. Sucking the life force out of the surrounding trees that bleed into the Middle Kingdom and Celestial Realms. The dark creatures that exposed themselves becoming more and more aggressive. The other forests are no longer safe to travel through.

That’s why I am surprised Dinalia still does, somehow unharmed. Making her way into our bordering villages to kill.

Yes, I know it’s her. I do not care. Every single man she kills deservesto die. Generally soldiers of my Father’s. I didn’t know it was her at first. But after further investigation it was clear. She has a type she likes to kill. And she kills them all in the same way. Right through the heart. The same way her Mother was killed. She’s smart in her killing. Varying the towns. Always changing the time and location. No pattern to be found.

She’s an impressive killer indeed.

“I want to come with you.” Estelle says, pulling me from my thoughts of her.

“No”, Aemond replies harshly. Far too harshly for her liking.

Aemond is a formidable man himself. Demolishing anyone and demanding respect. But with Estelle he waivers. Holding his heart in her hands. No one has ever tempered him the way she has. And she makes her points clear and stands her ground in the life they’ve built together.

“I wasn’t asking.”

“If you go. Who is going to stay here and look after Lilliana?” Aemond asks.

Lilliana is their three year old daughter. Estelle was pregnant with her when Dinalia saved them. That is whom she is named after.

She takes after her Mother, however. Which is hard living in the Shadowlands. Her hair at the roots is black like Aemond’s and fades into the resounding silver of the Celestial Realm. Her eyes are identical to her Mother’s, an icy blue. The boys will be chasing after her when she is older. I can’t wait to see how Aemond handles that. He is very protective of his family. They are his whole heart. And the main reason he wants to change the world we live in now.

Lilliana is sweet and kind, young and innocent. She is only afforded protection against her mixed blood because she is Aemond’s daughter. Essentially my niece. I will not see that little girl harmed.

I clear my throat. Usually I try to stay out of these martial spats thetwo of them get into but I must intercede on this one. “Aemond is right Estelle. Lilliana cannot be left alone. If Aemond and I are both gone she will need you here as a beacon of protection.”

She huffs, “And when the fighting breaks out here? Where do you think they will come first? Who do you think they will come for first?”

Aemond and I share a look. We understand Estelle’s concern for her daughter. Though there will be far more fighting in Azaria. By the time word reaches my Father of what has happened. We will have returned to the Shadowlands.

It’s Aemond’s turn to speak, “We will be back before anyone here knows what’s happened.”

She glares at him, “And what chaos will follow you here once you are back? How exactly is Aeron going to take the throne and secure his line?”

“Estelle! You should use a title that honors the respect he deserves!”

“It’s alright Aemond.” I cut in, “You and her are the only ones whom I’m actually okay with calling me by given name. Only my given name. Well you and your Lilliana.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” He gives Estelle a warning look.

She rolls her eyes. Knowing I enjoy the commonality between us. The only people I have a resemblance of family to.

I stand and walk over to her. I place a hand on her shoulder. Trying to be as comforting and less brutish as possible. “Estelle, if anything were to fall upon you or Lilliana all you have to do is reach out to me. And I will teleport Aemond and myself to you immediately.”

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