Page 48 of Of Withering Dreams
“Not my fault I was born with all the brains,” she jested, and I snorted, picking my book up.
Throughout the morning, we read, joked, and talked about life in a way only sisters could. Spending time with Letti was a balm to my frazzled edges. Her very presence often offered comfort to everyone around her.
My eyes softened as I tipped my head to the side, studying Letti. I was so proud of the person she was. Loyal and honest. Supportive and hardworking.
She looked up from her book and stuck her tongue out, her eyes squeezing shut. Shaking my head, I laughed.
She set down the novel she was reading, her brow furrowing. “Do you think Mama and Father were khorda? I don’t,” she murmured, concentrating on the pages splayed open on the table.
There were tales throughout history of three sister Fates helping the Ancients weaken Druiks so that mortal ember would not become overwhelmingly powerful. It was believed that Druiks were born with half their soul, the other half cleaved from them and gifted to another—Druik or human.
Their mirrored soul.
Their fated khorda.
I shrugged. “Why do you ask?” I didn’t think our parents were fated, but I waited, seeing where Letti was going with this train of thought.
Letti traced over the yellowed page, her fingertip leading her. “It says here … ‘If a Druik unites with their fated through the Kollao Ceremony, their soul and ember become whole again. The aging of their bodies and lifespans tied to one another intricately.’ Downside—when one dies, the other dies not long after.” She leaned back, regarding me. “I mean, father isn’t dead. So, either Mama is alive, or they weren’t khorda. Or they never went through the ceremony.”
“Or all of the above,” I muttered, closing the book I’d been perusing. “I’ve never heard of anyone finding their other half, but I suppose in Midst Fall, most Druiks hide, go missing, or are recruited to the Akridais.” I slumped in my chair, the wood rasping beneath me. “You think Mama was a Druik?”
“It would make sense. You inherited your gift from someone, and I doubt Father has any. If he did, he’d be best buddies with the Elders.” She snorted.
A frown pulled my mouth downward. “You’re probably right. Well, I’m surprised the Fates gave us mere mortals a choice. With the Kollao Ceremony, that is.”
Letti’s face fell. “Mortals? You’ll live much longer than me if I’m not a Druik … or if I don’t undergo the ceremony with my fated Druik.” Her voice hitched, catching in her throat. We both knew the odds of finding one’s khorda were infinitesimal. Letti swallowed, tucking her golden hair behind her ears. “There’s always a choice, Ser. The Fates can bugger off.”
I tucked my lips between my teeth, words sticking within my chest. Awkwardly, I reached across the leather tombs, stretching my upper body over the table and scooping Letti into a clumsy hug. “I love you. And will always be with you, no matter which realm our souls wander.”
She exhaled, her body deflating within my embrace, and then wrapped her arms around my shoulder blades, nuzzling her face into my hair.
“You’re bloody right you will. Love you, sister,” she murmured after a moment. When we pulled apart, our eyes were shining mirrors, reflecting our bond back to one another.
19
BLOOD OATHS
“Through Dormancy, we blossom!” The frenetic chant echoed throughout the Great Hall. Those who chose to sit nearest the platform were completely enraptured with the crowd’s energy, their food and drink neglected as they pumped their fists in the air.
Their fanatical devotion was both confounding and understandable. When people were at their lowest, they leaned on those with perceived power—the loudest in the room, whether through words, actions, or intimidation—hoping they would be uplifted.
Melina raised one hand, a satisfied grin carving across her face as she stood from the grand throne atop the dais. The crowd silenced immediately. The other Elders sat on either side of her, jaws churning slowly as their teeth ground each bite of food. A long wooden table was set before them. They had started attending dinners over the last month—eating silently, glowering, or scrutinizing the assembled as if deciding which of us were prized stock.
“With only two months left until the spring equinox, I’ll go over the Winnowing Trials!” The crowd cheered, eager to receive details instead of only knowing whispered rumors. Melina scanned the room, one eyebrow raised. After everyone settled, she announced, “In a month’s time, a grand ball will be held to celebrate the upcoming spring equinox marking the Dormancy’s successful end—and to honor the chosen competitors.”
More whoops and applause rippled through the room. Breena grinned at me from across the table as she bit into a cheese wedge. She wiggled her eyebrows, plopping the rest of it onto her plate. Next to her, Letti smirked at Breena while leaning into Xeni, politely joining in with the crowd. Rhaegar, on my right, cupped his chin and mouth with his hand, his massive shoulders shaking with mirth.
“Only Druiks and Draumrs may compete—the trials are not for the fragile. You’ll need both power and strength to secure the victory,” Melina sneered, making eye contact with a group wearing white. My fingers clutched the black fabric of my skirt, looking around in confusion.Doesn’t her flock realize she’s mocking them?Sitting to my left, Kaden put his arm around me, rubbing his thumb soothingly over my shoulder.
“Failure is a one-way ticket to the Stygian Murk.” Gasps and dropped silverware permeated the air. “Can you handle being caught in limbo for what equates to several weeks—or longer? For everyone else, with the fall of the full moon, your pods will awaken and beckon your astral forms home. For those who have lingered there this entire time, or those who fail during the trials … only the Fates know where they’ll call home after the Dormancy. I’ll let you chew on that through this week.”
Breena gave Kaden, Rhaegar, and me two exuberant thumbs-up, which Kaden and I ignored, shaking our heads.
The tipped-up corners of my mouth fell as I thought of my mother and father. It was a miracle that Father had survived the Murk and returned home in previous turns. I prayed he’d do so again. If only Mama had been so lucky. My heart squeezed, and I drew in a deep breath.
I surveyed the room, wondering where Gavrel was as Melina’s voice faded out of my awareness. He’d made himself scarce since the day my ember devoured Kaden’s.
That was a couple of months ago.
