Claimed: (The Land of Schism Book 1) Epic Fantasy Novel for Young and New Adults

by Nicole Adamz

  Ignoring a stab of sympathy, I walked out the door. The flight to Ascension was as cold and blustery as the flight to the Temple, and I arrived exhausted. Maybe some hot pekoe will help. It wasn’t unusual for Rime to be harsh, but I didn’t normally feel it so much. It feels like a permanent chill has taken up residence in my body, and I’m fatigued. A lot. Walking to the suite, I frowned.

  I hesitated at the sight of the plain, manila letters tucked inside the mail bin. Scooping them up, I entered the suite; noting the plate of food Ari had left before she went to class. After eating I sipped some warm pekoe, keeping my hands wrapped around the cup. I was stalling, and I knew it.

  My gaze landed on the letters. Better get it over with. Taking them to my chamber, I firmly bolted the door. Something I hadn’t been able to do as a Tyro. Before my thoughts took a downward spiral, I struck a thumb beneath the first wax seal. The letter from my family didn’t surprise me. It was short and to the point.

  Let us know when it’s done.

  Typical. They didn’t even ask if I was okay. I sighed, irritated. Won’t they know it’s been done from the paid spies among the Prelates? Of course, they won’t know when I drink the vial.

  The second letter, however, made my blood run colder than it already was. I ran my fingers over the scratched letters. Another abbreviated and to the point letter.

  I want to meet her. Make it happen—soon.

  Why would Davin want to meet Ari? I gave him as little information as possible, and all of it was useless and boring; full of Ari’s irritating habits. Worry gnawed at me, painfully tightening my gut and threatening to spill the food I’d eaten. When I’d returned from the Ambire family meeting, I’d immediately dug up the letter to Davin I’d never posted. Our correspondence had resumed like there wasn’t an interruption. Except for one difference.

  Davin wanted a favor for the Autumn Feyle invitation. I don’t want Ari involved in this, but I must meet Heir Talon. How can I get her to agree to a meeting? I paced the room. Niles said Davin was dangerous, and father said Heir Talon has unusual interests. But…Davin is my only chance to meet the Heir. I don’t want to use Ari, but I can’t fail. An idea formed, and I bit my lip, thinking through the possible scenarios. In every single one, the outcome was favorable. This could work!

  I scratched a brief letter to my family and another to Davin. When I set the stylus down, I stretched my fingers against the chill. The low fire in the grate had died, letting cold Rime air creep into the room. I tossed more logs into the fireplace, waiting until a tiny fire began before lighting the candle on my desk. Heavy, wet drops of wax fell onto the folded parchment, and I stamped my seal into the hardening violet glob.

  Ari can deliver this one in person.

  Chapter 23

  Ari

  APRESTIGIOUS EATERY in the Inner Holding shone dully in the fading light. Hovering over the patio, I landed with an irritated snap of my wings. I wanted to growl at a nicely dressed patron—just to see them grimace—but didn’t. It’s my duty to follow Maewyn’s instruction but asking me to personally deliver a letter is an insult, I thought petulantly. I’m not an Anomaly. I huffed out an annoyed, frosty breath and tried to shake off my aggravation.

  However, if this makes her happy, then it shouldn’t be a big deal. Maewyn’s body oil wafted from the letter tucked inside my wool vest. She had assured me the recipient would recognize me, but I didn’t know who the person was. I rubbed a hand through my self-cropped hair and grinned. Maewyn was horrified when she noticed one side is shorter than the other.

  I walked to the edge of the patio, sitting at an empty table laden with fragile glassware. The cut-glass was parchment thin, and I winced at a shattering noise inside the shop. That’ll be me if I touch these things, I thought with a twinge of panic. Keeping my hands in my lap, I played with an unraveling thread on my glove and watched the landing area.

  I hope I don’t have to stay long, I thought with a glance at the snooty, overdressed patrons. A menu was thrust in my face, and I squinted up at the waiter. Frowning, I pushed it away.

  “Would you like a warm beverage?” the man persisted.

  I absently shook my head, motioning for him to leave. This must be one of those new places employing Elysian to show prestige. Straining to see around the man, I puffed out a frustrated breath when he didn’t move. Is the waiter serious? It’s obvious to anyone with eyeballs that I don’t have the dosh to purchase anything here. My frown deepened when he rolled up the menu and sat across from me.

  “Apologies, I’d hoped to get your preference before our order arrived,” he said. The man smiled, his moss green eyes holding my gaze intently. Calculation resided there. Surprised and uncomfortable, I looked away.

  “I took the liberty of ordering before you arrived,” he said, pushing ebony hair away from an embroidered scarf when an Anomaly arrived.

  The Anomaly placed a tiered metal stand laden with sweets and flavored biscuits on the table. Jams, honey, and cream in iridescent bowls sat next to it, and a covered pot of hot pekoe was placed by the cups. The man gracefully poured pekoe into the delicate glasses before nonchalantly placing biscuits on our plates. Annoyance skittered across my skin at his high-handedness. This isn’t a social visit. I’m only delivering a letter, I thought resentfully.

  As if sensing my disquiet, the man looked at me while smearing jam on a biscuit. “I was famished after the flight here and thought you might appreciate a bite too. You had a longer distance to travel,” he explained. The words were congenial, but they made me uneasy.

  “I haven’t introduced myself, have I?” he said with a toothy grin. I watched him carefully. His smile is too friendly. Like he’s meeting an old friend, but he doesn’t know me.

  “I’m Davin. Maewyn told me I would meet you today,” he said smoothly.

  Suspicious, I narrowed my eyes. I should give him the letter and leave, I thought anxiously. Standing, I reached for the inside pocket of my vest. Davin grabbed my arm, motioning to the tower of delicacies.

  “Stay. I can’t eat all of this. Although, I could try,” he chuckled.

  The subtle pressure on my arm rankled, but I inwardly acknowledged eating before the flight back to Ascension would be smart. Reluctantly, I nodded. It’s not like I need to participate in small-talk, I smirked. Removing my gloves, I picked up a small, strawberry laden pie. After Davin’s arrogance in ordering for us, I didn’t feel any guilt at eating what I wanted.

  I plopped a strawberry into my mouth, sighed blissfully, and closed my eyes at the tart flavor. My stomach greedily begged for more. I’m hungrier than I thought. Half the tart was gone before I slowed enough to glance across the table.

  Davin studiously cut a muffin into pieces before eating it. I glanced at the utensils next to my plate, feeling uncouth. Slowly lowering the pie, I reached for my abandoned spoon. Stupid etiquette. Davin gave me an amused smile.

  “I’m glad I ordered enough,” he said smoothly, wiping his fingers on a napkin.

  I forced a grin, spearing a slice of cake. His reptilian eyes assessed me again, and I swallowed hard around the food in my throat. Something is wrong. His charming manner is too calculated.

  “I’m curious. Maewyn wasn’t very forthcoming with information. So, I’ll ask yes or no questions, and we can proceed that way, shall we?” Davin said without preamble.

  What does he mean Maewyn wasn’t forthcoming with information? Uneasiness curled in my belly. My mouth flattened, and I pulled out Maewyn’s letter. Laying the letter on the table, I hoped it would bring this meeting to a conclusion. Davin glanced dismissively at it.

  “Has Maewyn mentioned our arrangement?” Davin said haughtily.

  He sipped his pekoe, steam permeating the chilled air in small, undulating waves. I didn’t feel obliged to answer, but his tone made my jaw clench. My gaze lingered on the letter. Why hasn’t he reached for it? Tendrils of discomfort strapped me to my chair. I cautiously shook my head, watching him process my answer.


  “Hmmm, maybe that’s for the best. Have you and Maewyn been paired together long?” Davin said, methodically cutting into a slice of cake.

  His small, neat bites were annoying. I shook my head, impatiently tapping my fingers. I’m not doing this for Maewyn again, I thought irritably. It feels like he’s trying to keep me here. My stomach grumbled softly. Oh, be quiet. I’m finished eating. Davin glanced at my tapping fingers with a smirk.

  “Am I keeping you from a more important appointment?” he asked solicitously.

  That mocking tone lingers beneath everything he says. He’s polite on the surface, but something else lurks beneath. My eyes narrowed when Davin poured another cup of pekoe.

  He watched me over the rim. “That expression isn’t becoming at all.”

  Reaching across the table, he planted a thumb between my brows. I jerked away, but a sickly-sweet smell lingered in the air. My nose wrinkled in disgust. Skies!

  “Much better,” Davin said smugly, “You have unusual eyes. I can’t decide which one to look at.”

  I blinked, dropping my gaze and shifting uneasily. Davin chuckled, removing a note from his ruffled vest before sliding it across the table. It sat there, disturbed by a light breeze sweeping across the patio before I deposited it into my vest. The Anomaly returned to refill the pot of pekoe, and silence fell. In the soft light of the gloaming sky, Davin’s dark, wavy hair cast shadows across his face. The image tugged at a blurred memory.

  The sensation was unsettling. I’d remember a man who oozes charm as easily as breathing air. The Anomaly cleaned our table, but when she removed my plate Davin’s mouth snapped into a frown. He grabbed her wrist.

  “Not until we’re ready to leave,” he said coldly, “I haven’t finished talking to my guest.”

  Davin smiled tightly at me, releasing the Anomalies’ hand abruptly. The Anomaly nodded, discreetly rubbing her wrist before leaving. My lips thinned angrily. He’s cruel. Davin made a disgusted noise and wiped his hand.

  “I’ll have to wash immediately. Working Anomalies all look sickly. I wish establishments wouldn’t staff them. If they’re too old to work for their families, they should stay in Larrikin. Although, I suppose it’s cheaper than paying an Elysian.”

  My brows creased in consternation at Davin’s prejudiced statement. I thought about Zora and my lips puckered in distaste. Once I’m Caelum, Zora will be more than comfortable. I’ll take care of her, so she won’t have to deal with people like you.

  “Well, I have a positive report to give, so I’ll be leaving first,” Davin said abruptly, “I’ll see you and your interesting eyes again soon, Ari.”

  He stood, placing a kiss across my knuckles before I could snatch my hand away. The overpowering scent emanating from him made me lightheaded, and the lingering warmth of his lips created weird sensations in my body. I grimaced. What’s wrong with me? I need to find the nearest wall and bash my head.

  Davin smiled, and fissures of fear ran across my nerves. There’s an unsettling darkness behind that smile. I didn’t want to examine why I recognized it. Davin sauntered away, and I clenched my hand, repulsed that his oozing charm had gotten to me for a second. He isn’t someone Maewyn should be involved with.

  Chapter 24

  Maewyn

  ISTARED AT THE SQUARE LETTER Ari had delivered a few days ago. It sat on my desk, taunting me. Reading it again, my stomach tightened. When would you like to meet Talon? Bring Ari.

  How can I convince Ari to go? Ari’s dislike of Davin was clear. My stomach clenched. I haven’t figured out a solution, but I can’t lose this opportunity. I’d scratched several responses but discarded them. Is there a way to avoid bringing Ari? This question churned in my mind all morning, and by the afternoon I was no closer to an answer.

  Ari entered the suit with a platter of food, so I quickly scratched a response, sealed it, and left it on my desk. The thought of eating was unappetizing despite the hunger gnawing at my belly. I sat at the table in the galley, waiting while Ari separated the meal. She’s making sure my plate has more food again, I thought shamefully.

  Lately fatigue and hunger plagued me, but I brushed the symptoms off as an after-effect of the tonic Aerial Prelate Ragnor had given me. I looked at Ari, feeling ashamed when I noticed the growing hollows beneath her cheeks. She’s always been tall and gangly, but now she looks like a wisp of air could blow her down.

  I brightened. Can I use health as an excuse to postpone the meeting? An image of my parent’s faces appeared, shooting down the idea. No, they wouldn’t be pleased to learn I put off meeting the Heir. A spurt of anger flashed through me at my circumstances. Mating with Heir Talon complies with their wishes, but can it give me freedom? I watched Ari, not tasting my food while I pondered.

  Her disconcerting and strangely alluring eyes glanced probingly at me. I looked at my plate. She’s involved in my family’s machinations now. Looking at Ari’s prominently displayed cheekbones, I began to wonder. Ari takes care of everything—even me. Her dedication gave me an idea, and I blinked.

  I don’t have to convince Ari to go with me. She’ll go anyway—to look after me. Before the guilt I felt at manipulating Ari’s affection consumed me, I hopped off the chair and dashed into my chamber. I returned with the sealed letter, and Ari’s expression shouted exasperation.

  “I know, I’m sorry,” I said, handing the letter to her, “But this is important.”

  A doubtful expression settled across Ari’s face, but she cleared our plates before leaving. When the door clicked shut behind her my shoulders slumped. I’m sorry, Ari, I thought. Straightening, I walked into my chamber. The vanity reflected a pale wraith. It was only because of Ari’s care that a healthy flush struggled to tint my cheeks.

  The vial Aerial Prelate Ragnor gave me caught my eye among the clutter on my vanity, and I recalled the morning I’d taken it. Uncertain of the effects, I’d waited until Ari was in class to drink it. A few minutes after ingesting the bitter, tangy contents I’d doubled over, grunting in agony. Sweat beaded my skin in burning flashes of heat until I’d released my bowels into the chamber pot. It was the longest I’d sat on it in my entire life.

  Once the contents of the vial had moved through my body, I was fine. There was no depression, misery, or moodiness accredited to the dissolution of a Mate-Bond. In fact, I felt the same as I had before: fatigued and cold. I sighed, running a finger over the lip of the small, empty vial.

  Why did I keep this? Picking it up, I opened the bottom drawer of my nightstand. Greerson’s small tome stared at me. I shuddered, but my gaze lingered. Morbid curiosity overtook me, and I picked it up.

  The small, leather cover was soft. Why would he send this to me? I opened the cover, carefully skipping the inscription in the front, and paused at the title scratched on the second page.

  Blood-Bonding

  I stared at the title for a long moment, torn between throwing the tome into the fireplace or turning the page. Hesitating, I turned the page.

  Chapter 25

  Ari

  WHEN MAEWYN RECEIVED a letter before Annul, Summit’s mid-Rime celebration, she was the happiest I’d seen her in months. She danced and hummed around the room. It almost made me smile—until she told me she was meeting Davin.

  And wants me to go with her, I huffed mentally. The insistent pounding in my mind that ‘something is wrong’ had quieted, but there was a dull hum of unease. Despite making my opinion of Davin known, Maewyn had continued her flirtation.

  An image of her clinging to High Lord Bera’s arm flashed into my mind. Her assessment of men is skewed, I thought sourly. Sighing loudly, I ignored the rustling emanating from my chamber. Maewyn’s already complaining about my refusal to bend the rules. She burst into the common room holding my green wool tunic and brown leggings.

  “Will you at least consider wearing your uniform in a manner other than the typical matching set?” she demanded.

  I raised an eyebrow and shook my head. Nope. I don’t like the man. I’
m not putting in any effort to look nice for him.

  “Come on, Ari! You looked great at the Feyle! If you’d bend the rules—even a little—I’m sure a horde of men would be at your feet.” Maewyn groaned exasperatedly.

  I smirked and batted my lashes. Sure, they would, I thought sarcastically. Everyone loves a pair of bi-colored eyes.

  Maewyn stared at me in surprise and burst out laughing, “Skies! You looked like a weird animal. Okay, don’t do that. To anyone.” She produced a flimsy, sunset colored top she’d received from Castia months ago.

  Holding it aloft, she gave it a little shake and the color gleamed, “What about this? It looks great with your coloring!”

  I rolled my eyes. Not appropriate for the season or something I’d wear. Ever. It goes against the Old Traditions, but I can’t tell you that.

  Defeat colored Maewyn’s features before she brightened again. “What about the dress you wore to the Feyle? Would you wear it again?” she said hopefully.

  I crossed my arms and stared her down. No. Way. In. Welkin.

  Maewyn huffed loudly, “Why are you being so difficult?”

  I’m being difficult? I wanted to laugh. Instead, I reclined on the couch while she raided my chamber trying to produce an outfit other than a uniform. Part of me was amused, taking great satisfaction in Maewyn’s frustration since she was dragging me along to the outing, but another part of me was bothered by her incessant proclivity for bending rules.

  I dress as a Tyro and True One believer should. There isn’t anything wrong with that. Worry gnawed at me like a worm on an apple, so I grabbed a piece of parchment and wrote “I don’t like him Maewyn. Something is wrong.”

  When Maewyn twirled into the common room with more clothes, I waved the parchment to get her attention. She slowed to a stop and frowned. My lips thinned. I wasn’t backing down. Davin was dangerous.