Page 11 of When the Moon Met the Sun

Heading outside, I came face to face with my twin. He looked even worse than when I saw him the night before, with purple circles under his eyes and his hair still disheveled. Though at least he had changed into fresh, crisp clothes.

Dimitri turned towards me as I approached him, holding his hands behind his back.

“Aviva, I… I’m sorry I couldn’t stop this,” he said, then hung his head.

In truth, part of me wanted to be angry. I wanted somebody to blame, and Dimitri was an easy target—plus, I knew he would takeit. But I also knew that wasn’t fair. He didn't control the schemes our father puts together, and blaming him for it in what could be our last moments together wouldn’t be fair. So instead, I simply stepped closer, flared my wings into a circle around us, and pulled him into a fierce embrace.

“I love you, brother. I appreciate you trying, I really do. This wasn’t your fault. Don’t blame yourself after I’m gone,” I said, desperately trying not to choke on my own words.

He wrapped his arms around me firmly, squeezing me to him like if he held on tight enough, I wouldn’t have to go. “I love you too, twin. When you look to the moon at night, remember that we’re looking up at the same one, and maybe you won’t feel so far away. And don’t forget, you’ll always belong to the sky,” he said, his voice shaking slightly as he spoke.

Just as I was about to pull my wings in, Dimitri quickly pulled out a small, rectangular box from inside his cloak and shoved it towards me. “Here, a parting gift. Viva, there’s more at play here than you know. I found this in a box of Mother’s things. Don’t open this until you’re alone, alright?” he said, sliding it into my own inner cloak pocket, close to my heart. The box was thin and went unnoticed, neatly tucked away.

I looked up at him, confused, but nodded nonetheless. “Thank you, I think,” I said, drawing my brows together in confusion.

The moment was over as quickly as it started as I pulled my wings back, and in the same motion, Dimitri and I both tilted our chins up and squared our shoulders back. Just like we’d both had ingrained in us since we were children.

Suddenly, I realized there were no Northern guards outside, or in the foyer of the castle.

Weird.

Walking towards the procession, I came upon my father and Princess Teagan speaking in hushed voices that abruptly stopped as I grew nearer.

“Hello again, Princess Teagan,” I said, dipping my head in respect to the strong female standing in front of me. I was inclined not to trust her, but I didn’t want her to know that. So playing it neutrally and with respect would be key in our interactions, especially as she’d soon be my sister-in-law.

Today, she was in brown leather gear that looked like what the North wears when riding our griffins. A stab of pain went through my chest at the thought of not being able to ride Eden again, but I kept a small smile playing on my face, not letting it show.

“Please, just Teagan. We are to be sisters soon enough, after all,” she said, and though she was smiling, it all seemed very forced.

I nodded, though I had to suppress a scoff.

“Can I have a moment alone with my father please, Teagan?” I asked, keeping my voice light.

“Of course. King Horace, we’ll be staying in touch,” she said with a nod towards my father, then headed towards the carriage.

“Aviva, I know you must have mixed feelings about this whole ordeal, but you’re doing the right thing. Your compliance in this has made things much easier for me,” Father said, with next to no emotion in his voice.

I spun on my heel to face him fully, my wings flaring slightly as I spoke. “I’m not doing this for you,Father, but for my people. They more than deserve a chance at peace.Don’tmess this up for them. They’ve sacrificed enough,” I said in a hushed yet fierce voice. Now that I knew I likely wouldn’t see my father at least for a long while, I couldn’t find it in me to fear him.

Father’s eyes widened slightly and his nostrils flared—the only sign that he was angry—but before he could even open his mouth to speak, I turned and walked away, heading in the direction I saw Teagan go.

Within a few strides, I found Teagan waiting outside the door of the carriage. Now that I was closer up, I realized just how detailed it was. It was a rich, forest green with countless gold accents. Therewere gilded vines covering the entirety of the carriage, with small thorns and flower buds sprinkled throughout. There was a wolf’s head in place of a handle, and the Southern Thorntier family crest—a wolf’s head with a silhouette of the sun behind it—on each of the wheels.

Teagan placed a hand on the wolf head handle and opened the door for me.

“You’ll be riding in here until we get to The Haven, Princess Aviva. Hopefully we’ll be there before nightfall tomorrow,” she said, seeming slightly uncomfortable with my presence. "Our group will split into two, with the wolves leading the faster one. That way we can get back to the South quickly, so we can make preparations."

From what I understood, it took roughly three days or so to make it from Hollis to Cairnyl. The fact that the giant beasts could shave off an entire day was astounding.

“You can call me Aviva, I really don’t mind. I’d prefer it, actually,” I said, trying my best to sound friendly, though I felt differently. If I were to ever have any chance at escaping the South someday, I’d have to start with gaining their trust.

Teagan shook her head slightly. “You’re to be my queen, Princess,” she said in explanation, then nodded towards the open door to the carriage, silently motioning me to get in.

I held back a sigh, then turned towards the carriage. Just as I went to step up into it, a hand shot out, offering assistance.

“Please, let me help.”

The tan, toned hand belonged to the most handsome male I think I’d ever seen. His eyes were such a rich green, they reminded me of the dense forests I’d read about the South having. The sun hit his chestnut hair just right, making it glow with red undertones, and his cheeks were splattered with freckles. The smile playing softly on his lips made my breath hitch ever so slightly. This revealed a single dimple on the right side of his face and a small scarthat marred his jaw to the left. The scar did nothing to take away from the rest of his features though, such as his strong cheekbones and straight nose. He was…gorgeous.

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