by Nicole Adamz
He chuckled and leaned in with a wicked grin, “You know, I’m really enjoying the fact that you can’t argue back. I win.”
Niles feinted away from my punch, laughing uproariously. Grinning, I kicked him in the foot when he poked me in the ribs. This felt like old times. When the alpenglow sky threatened to spill into darkness, I patted Niles’s arm in good-bye.
Niles waved good-bye, yelling, “Come and visit me at my current Station!”
When I returned to Ascension, I grabbed a bowl of soup from the feast hall and entered our suite, slurping hungrily at my bowl. The sound was obscenely loud in the unusual quiet. Maewyn had readied herself for bed, so I finished eating before walking to my room.
The open tomes on my desk had not provided the usual relief most books did. Instead, both random books I had borrowed from the Great Library were illegible. Huffing, I began to close a tome when a symbol caught my eye.
I blinked, studying it. It looks like…I grabbed the second tome. Setting the two side by side, I grinned foolishly. Then, my fingers flipped through both tomes, and I noticed several similar symbols. One is clearly in Ancient Elysian, but what is the other one? Shaking my head, I climbed into bed. Tucking my pendant beneath my shift, I shifted on my pillow and closed my eyes. The soft echoes of ‘Envoy’ dissipated beneath my exhaustion.
Chapter 11
Maewyn
ARI’S BED BOUNCED MERRILY beneath my weight, waking her. Ignoring her snarling gaze, I twirled around the room while Ari irritably inched out of bed. I received my invitation from Castia yesterday! I’m going to the Autumn Feyle!
It had been months since I had heard from Castia. I had been corresponding with Davin, but there had been fruitless so far. There was no mention of the Autumn Feyle even after I asked.
Worry had eaten a slow hole through my gut. My family would not wait any longer for news of my success with Heir Talon. They didn’t care how I managed it as long as it was done. Now, I was guaranteed to meet him. I wonder what favor Castia will ask for in return for the invitation?
Ari’s dour expression didn’t dispel my happiness. “I’m performing at the Aerie and we’ll get to see the High Lord! Rumors say he’s as handsome as Aeolus. Heir Talon should be there too.”
Ari merely nodded, donning her black uniform. The pendant she tried to hide gleamed around her neck before she covered it with her tunic. I rolled my eyes. As if the True One even exists anymore. Ari was so intent on keeping her little necklace secret that she wasn’t listening to me. Annoyed, I glared at her. Why can’t she be happier for me? This is important!
I pouted, and her odd-colored eyes creased with guilt. She should feel guilty. She isn’t listening! A satisfied smile crept onto my face. “I wish we could’ve seen Pearl’s reaction. I bet she was livid!” I said gleefully.
Ari’s eyebrows rose and she tried to hide the smirk on her face while she finished dressing. True One believers claimed peaceful and loving relations with all, but it was obvious my former friend, Pearl, got under Ari’s skin. Which is fine by me after the way Pearl betrayed me when we Ascended.
Shaking off the hurtful memory, I changed the topic. “So, why haven’t you mentioned Niles?” I said with feigned innocence.
Ari tugged on her boots without looking at me and carefully shrugged. I narrowed my eyes, and her shoulders drooped. I almost laughed. Poor girl. Ari is trapped in an antiquated, suffocating—not to mention illegal—religious system. She probably doesn’t realize how delightful relationships with men can be!
A small, satisfied smile played on my lips as I remembered our kiss. Niles has spark. I wrinkled my nose at Ari’s appearance when she ruffled her frizz-prone hair in frustration. All Tyro wear uniforms, but Ari looks so plain in them. I wish she would bend the rules—for her own sake, at least.
After Ari wrote down some basic information about Niles, I made a list of things for her to purchase at the Market District. Ari glanced at her desk in distress. It was littered with tomes, scrolls, crumpled parchment, and a dried inkwell.
“I guess exams are coming up, aren’t they?” I said unhappily.
Ari nodded, smiling tightly. I sighed moodily. Ari always worries. She doesn’t realize how much freedom she has because she doesn’t have a known Talent.
“Just don’t neglect your duties as a Tyro. This is important to me.”
Ari needed to put her duties to me first, and this opportunity was too important to leave to chance. If manipulating Ari’s feelings helps remind her of what is important, I’m okay with that. While Ari gathered her materials, I hurriedly wrote a letter to my family. I started another correspondence to Davin when Ari knocked on my door, and I shoved the unfinished letter beneath some parchment.
Handing her the letter to my family I said, “Can you take this to the Courier?”
Ari barely glanced at it, nodding as she stuffed it into her satchel. I never questioned whether she would read my correspondence. Ari wasn’t wired that way. Which is why I had to ignore a sliver of remorse when I thought of my correspondence with Davin. He’s asking about Ari because she’s my Tyro. That’s all.
When Ari left, I finished my letter, added scented oil, and sealed it. Davin’s questions had become too pointed. I glanced outside, deciding a stroll in a garden terrace would lift the disquiet building in my mind. My blue gown fluttered as I stepped past the imposing doors of Ascension.
Rolling my shoulders, I stretched my wings glided to one of the multiple garden terraces around Ascension’s spherical base. The garden I chose was habitually utilized by Mate-Bonded couples because of its privacy, but it was also the loveliest. Rose bushes, in perpetual bloom due to Augment Caelum and Tyro, created semi-private alcoves for benches and tables while draping jasmine and wisteria created curtains.
Walking toward the closest alcove, I stopped at the soft sounds emanating from it. A breathy sigh slipped between the floral partition, and I stiffened when the leaves rustled. My feet reversed direction. Not that one.
Needing silence, I sought sanctuary in a different garden terrace. The twisting unease about Davin’s questions wouldn’t go away. He can’t be interested in Ari. She’s not—I paused, feeling guilty. She’s ugly. Besides, I don’t want her mixed up in my family’s plans. They would use her if they thought it was beneficial, and I need her.
The sun quietly stretched out its arms, enveloping my skin. There is no guarantee that Heir Talon will be at the Autumn Feyle, but I know the High Lord will be. Castia was assigned to him, and the family would be upset if I ruined their plan. I plucked a flower, breathing in its sweet fragrance before shredding each petal.
The family isn’t invited to the Aerie because we’re Merchant Class, so they’ll be pleased Castia and I will be there. Still, the Prelates frown on High Families Life-Bonding with lower classes because of mixed bloodlines—let alone royalty—but it’s possible to obtain their agreement. Father says the Prelates worship their pockets more than Aeolus.
A shadow fell across my path, and Pearl’s smirking face appeared. Her pale blonde hair was twisted delicately over her shoulders, and her eyes assessed me coolly. I composed my expression, waiting for her to break the brittle silence. Our unpleasant encounters were too frequent lately.
Pearl smiled thinly, “What favors did you do to get an invitation to the Aerie?”
I glanced at the Rascette Cuffs on her thin wrists, raising a brow, “I don’t use your methods, Pearl.”
“I’ve always seen you for who you truly are. A pretender. A silver haired pretty bird begging for attention,” Pearl jeered.
I stared into her hate-filled eyes. “You’ve never seen me, Pearl. If you need to project yourself onto someone, I suggest you pick a woman who fits into such a small mirror.”
Pearl hissed, raising a hand but stopped. “Greerson wouldn’t like your beautiful face marred. He has plans for you,” she snickered. When the color leeched from my skin a sickening smile spread across Pearl’s face.
“Is he why you
wear Rascette Cuffs?” I whispered in horror. Please, Aeolus, don’t let this be happening.
Pearl caressed one of the contraceptive bracelets with a thumb. “These old things?” she said with a menacing chuckle. “I’ve had them since he left. Poor thing. He needed so much comfort after the lies you tried spreading about him when you Ascended to Caelum.”
“They weren’t lies!” I burst out in anguish.
Pearl’s face hardened. “They were. You’ve never said anything but lies since that mouth of yours found its voice again. What male Caelum would force himself on you when he can have any woman? Instead Greerson chose you to Life-Bond with, and you rejected him,” Pearl sneered nastily. “No matter. He has me now, and he knows I won’t betray him like you did.”
Cruel memories threatened to squeeze me. Why can’t Greerson stay in the past? That part of my life is over. Over! He doesn’t live in Ascension anymore, so I don’t have to see him. Why does he keep haunting me?
“Imagine, the Story Weaver debasing the Second Born Story Weaver—whom he loved and wanted to Life-Bond. What a load of cockroach infested rubbish!” Pearl’s face flushed angrily, her voice rising.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about, Pearl.” I whispered harshly.
She arrogantly lifted a brow. “Don’t I? You confided in me, remember?”
“We were friends! What did I ever do to you that you’d treat me this way?” I said.
“What did you do? You existed.” Pearl said coldly. “No one could measure up to you. You’re the Second Born, from a rich family, and so beautiful and perfect at everything. Always getting what you want. Always being noticed,” Pearl’s sneer thinned. “Greerson was the best match for you. He could give you more than you could imagine, but you refused him. Fool. He has power—and now he’s mine.”
Pearl’s words slowly registered, a poisonous wasteland of hate. “He still wants me, doesn’t he? Because I’m the Second Born, and you…you aren’t Totality Claimed. You’re Fractional. That’s what it’s about isn’t it? Your own bitterness. Why did you pretend to be my friend?” I said.
Pearl’s face twitched. “You had everything.”
“You were my friend because you were jealous?” I said incredulously.
“I’m not jealous!” Pearl raged. “You have nothing I want. Nothing.”
I shook my head, staring at her. Pearl didn’t know what my life was like beneath the veneer she saw. She’d lost herself to bitterness. She didn’t know I would gladly switch places with her, a Fractional Caelum, for the freedom she was throwing away with Greerson. “No, Pearl. You have nothing I want.” I said quietly, pushing past her.
Pearl grabbed my arm, sharp nails digging into my skin. “How did you get the invitation to the Aerie?” she hissed.
I jerked my arm away. “I told you. Not with your methods,” I said emphatically.
Marching toward the edge of the terrace, I jumped. I kept my wings closed, letting wind cut through me. Memories sieved raggedly through my mind. Greerson hasn’t been mentioned by the family since that incident three years ago…and I plan to keep it that way. I fell, letting death rush closer until the descent blew the unpleasant memories away.
I snapped my wings open, propelling into the sky. I need to stay focused. The Autumn Feyle is my chance to capture Heir Talon’s attention. At the very least I can spread my name as an eligible Life-Bonding candidate among the High Families. Sweeping onto Ascension’s balcony, I hurried to my suite. I would need more than a gown from Splendour to make a grand appearance at the Feyle.
Making another list of supplies for Ari, a thought struck me. Even if I have a magnificent outfit, Ari will be standing next to me in one of her hideous uniforms. Castia wouldn’t make an ensemble for Ari, but I could commission a piece from another seamstress.
Hmmm, I’d have to get Ari’s measurements, and she wouldn’t agree since it breaks Ascension rules for a Tyro. My stylus tapped gently against my pursed lips while I worked through potential scenarios. I settled on writing a letter to the tailor shop where Ari had purchased her uniforms.
If anyone questions the order, I’ll claim it’s an early gift for Ari’s Ascension. When I finished, I glanced at the letter to Davin. I have the invitations I needed. I don’t have to answer his questions about Ari. Frowning, I dumped the sealed letter into my desk drawer, reaching for another piece of parchment.
There’s no reason to burn ties. He’s a friend of Heir Talon, and if I catch Heir Talon’s interest, I should be on good terms with him. I wrote a noncommittal response to Davin’s letter instead.
Chapter 12
Ari
ISQUINTED AT MAEWYN’S LIST, and pursed my lips while I considered the cheapest options. Maewyn had credit at Powder Keg, so purchases there would be easier. But Ash Path has unique oddities for a decent price if they can be haggled down. Making my decision, I glided toward the marketplace on the ground. Ash Path was predominantly for Anomalies, but there were plenty of Elysian looking for a good deal.
It stretched for miles under the Market District, thriving and bustling with activity at all hours of the day. The underbelly of the Market District had earned the nickname Ash Path for the shades of grey worn by Anomalies. It was an original structure of Summit’s founding but was now frequented by Anomalies purchasing goods for their owners.
I weaved past sellers yelling or singing about the quality of their wares and prices. Most of the goods were from Dweller trading caravans; making them unique. Anything crafted by Elysian wasn’t sold at Ash Path on principle. My nose twitched at the fluctuating scents of incense, perfume, food, and body odors wafting in the breeze.
I placed a hand over the tied sachet of dosh at my waist when someone bumped against me. Maewyn had given me a considerable amount of dosh for her purchases. Most citizens wouldn’t commit a crime with the skies patrolled by Warders, but there was the occasional theft.
I paused at a booth where the seller sang of crushed velvets and trinkets of the best variety. Quickly scanning the wares, I slipped back into the crowd and meandered down the street. I’m having a hard time finding something Maewyn would like, I thought with a frustrated sigh. A quiet, shaded stall provided a brief respite against the crush of bodies.
The shadowed merchant inside didn’t yell or sing but looked expectantly at me from his stool. Glancing at him briefly, I shook my head dismissively and adjusted my wings. The weather has chilled, but there are too many bodies down here. I shifted beneath the overhang of the stall.
First one, then another customer wedged beside me perusing the goods for sale. The merchant didn’t talk to them either but sat calmly in the middle of the stall. Drawn to his uncharacteristic demeanor, I watched him. Steady eyes examined the customers while they fingered trinkets on the counter, watching for thieving hands.
The dusky shade made his skin a smooth granite color. Lean muscles corded his arms and shoulders beneath the fitted tunic he wore. Pale, crystalline eyes met mine, regarding me with interest. I jerked my eyes away, a blush crawling up my face. Thank the True One for the shade. Turning my attention to the wares, my fingers traced an intricate gold brooch swirling around a large emerald like flower petals. Maewyn might like this.
“Ah, this is a pretty piece for very pretty ladies,” announced a pleasant, mellow voice.
A jolt rushed up my arm when a slender, granite hand touched mine, palming the piece and holding it for the crowd to view. Trying to drive up the price by peaking crowd interest? I glanced irritably at the merchant, surprised to find his silver eyes fixated on my hands in astonishment. Embarrassed, I hid them. I didn’t want the merchant to know my starry runes weren’t a recognized Talent.
He slid an intense look at me before turning to the few customers gathered at his booth. “Look at this piece and consider the worth of a gem cut by the finest jewel-smith in Demesne, the Dweller capital. It shines even in the shade, a refreshing oasis of spring. Lords and Ladies, this is a piece you’ll want to wear. Anomalie
s, this is a piece you’ll want to buy for your owners; they’ll be astonished at your good fortune.” The merchant drew customers closer to the stall, selling the piece in a theatrically lowered voice.
My gaze narrowed, watching him intrigue the growing crowd. The price of the brooch increased substantially before selling to a man in satin lined velvet robes. Lowering his voice drew people closer to the booth, making people wonder why customers remained there for so long. I edged toward the wall, bumping into someone who squeaked in protest.
A pair of familiar, harried grey eyes met mine. I smiled. Gladys held multiple bolts of cloth with a bulging satchel dragging across her petite frame. Her straggling hair, crooked glasses, and busy air were the same. She smiled distractedly, shifting to accommodate the heavy bag, before leaning against the wall I’d been coveting.
Resigned, I groaned. She needs the wall more than me. Gladys’s eyes wandered across the odds and ends stashed in crates behind the seller’s booth, yet to be displayed. Maybe I can find something not displayed yet. Although, I’m running low on patience and the crowd hasn’t thinned. Maybe I should move to another stall, but…these wares aren’t like the others.
“A pretty piece for a pretty lady?” the merchant parroted, walking to my side of the booth with an extended hand.
I glanced warily at the proffered string of jewels, giving him a dubious look. His pale eyes glowed with mirth and arrogance, and my skin rankled at the sly smile riding his full lips. One wing opened partially in the shade of the stall, gathering the dim light beneath the canopy into gems entwined with his feathers. His feathers were dyed an unimpressive brown, but the dark color showcased the blinking gems well.
“You’ve come to my stall seeking something you can’t find elsewhere, and I believe I have one of many items you’ll find interesting,” the merchant said.
