Kingdom of Ruins

by Jen L. Grey

  Cinder and the others hurried behind the men, making sure that they didn’t need to help with the Seer in case she woke and began causing problems.

  As they ran into the deep dark hole, Cinder worried about what they might find, but right now, it was the best option they had.

  Tapping into her phoenix, she used her far more superior vision to navigate through the dark. It was something that they hadn’t been accustomed to before the cave, but now it wasn’t nearly as harrowing as it had been.

  The dark, narrow hallway was colder and the dampness was more noticeable than last time, but it wasn’t such a surprise at this point. A lot had changed while they had been hidden away.

  Joash was only a few flicks ahead of them, and he seemed to know his way around very well. “Go take her to the holding room, and we’ll meet up with you in a few flickers.”

  “Yes, sir.” One of the guards nodded, and all of them continued their trek to the room.

  “Shouldn’t we go with them?” Cinder didn’t understand why they were stopping. She needed to get to the Seer and get some answers.

  “We’ve got to go see Aithne first.” Aidan smirked and propped himself on the cold, damp wall.

  “Why can’t she just meet us there?” Fury growled, and his eyes began to glow ever so softly, showing his phoenix was upset as well.

  Joash raised both hands in the air. “It’s just standard…”

  “Because she has to make sure we haven’t changed from the Seer’s influence.” Aidan interrupted him as he glanced at his nails.

  “You know you’re a real pain in the ass.” Joash glared at him and wrinkled his nose.

  “That’s rich coming from you.” Pele lifted her chin in the air and glanced down her nose at him.

  “So the truth comes out.” Joash smirked and glanced away from her.

  “Oh, come on.” Hestia ran her fingers through her hair and pulled when she reached the ends. “It’s not like that’s brand new information. Skatá, when they all left, I stayed with you, and you still screwed all of us over.”

  A deep sigh escaped Joash, and he ran a hand down his face. “Don’t you think I know that? Do you know what it was like to be left behind like that?”

  Hestia flinched and whimpered.

  “Don’t try laying on the guilt.” Brenton stepped in front of Hestia and pointed his finger at Joash. “That’s not fair.”

  “Oh, are you her knight in shining armor now?” Joash’s face hardened, and he stepped closer to Brenton. “She deserves someone better than you.”

  Brenton’s face turned slightly red as his anger got the best of him.

  “Stop this.” Now wasn’t the time for all of this. Cinder knew they had to get to the Seer while she was weak. The longer they spent arguing, the more time she had to recuperate. “Let’s go see Aithne. It would be rude if we didn’t anyway.” Whether they liked it or not, there were politics in place here even if it wasn’t an official kingdom.

  “Yeah, you’re right.” Joash turned, walked through the remainder of the hallway, and turned left. “She’s waiting for us in her room.”

  As they followed behind, Cinder couldn’t help but look around despite being here before. Her memory somehow had dimmed the bright sun painted on the ceilings along with the way a breeze blew despite being in a huge tunnel. The bright paints made the occupants forget that they weren’t in fact outside.

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Aidan’s raspy voice startled her.

  Great, she had let her guard down, which was something she had been taught not to do at an early age. Being trapped in the volcano had dulled some of her training. “Yes, whoever did this remembered every detail from outside.” It was strange. Aidan was usually quiet, but he’d been speaking more this volcanic cycle than he’d probably done the entire time he’d been with them.

  “Aithne is good like that.” Aidan grinned cheekily.

  “She did this?” It was true that phoenixes could live for eternity if they wanted to, but no one ever did. Over time, their minds could only hold so much, and their bodies wore away. If what he said was true, Aithne was much older than she originally thought. And if that was the case, then she probably knew almost as much as the Seer.

  “No one has confirmed that.” Joash frowned and stared at the painting.

  “Because you’re still an outsider,” Aidan said with dark wisdom. “Just like I am. It doesn’t matter how much we do and sacrifice for them, we weren’t born here.”

  And that was what bothered her the most about this cult-like group. There was a clear line in the sand that she still felt, even with Aithne’s approval. How were they supposed to overcome it? Cinder wasn’t quite sure how they all would survive if they didn’t reunite together as one.

  Chapter Six

  Fury

  Fury wished Aidan would go back to the silent and miserable persona he’d portrayed before. It seemed as if he was ready to stir the pot, and damn, there was enough going on already. “Why don’t we go meet with her so we can get this going while the Seer is still weak?”

  “I think that’s a wise move.” Pele placed one of her daggers back into its sheath but still kept one in her grip. “This isn’t really being productive right now.”

  Something is going on with my brother. Even though Hestia had left him to be their prisoner a short while ago, it was clear that she still cared for him. I can’t get a read on him.

  Neither could Fury, and that’s what worried him. We’ll figure it out. They had to.

  He gained their trust somehow, maybe… Hestia’s hope was evident in her words.

  Don’t get excited yet, Brenton interjected with disgust. Actions speak louder than words.

  They sure do. Even though Pele was engaged with the internal conversation, she hadn’t missed a bit of what was going on around them. Don’t they, Brenton?

  Fury had to hold a chuckle from escaping. That shut him up fast.

  Right now, we need to be watching everyone’s actions to determine who we can align ourselves with. Cinder motioned Joash ahead to lead the way. Don’t get involved with drama and keep your damn heads on straight.

  Maybe you guys should leave Aidan behind. Joash all of a sudden joined the link.

  And you should stay with us? Cinder lifted an eyebrow and turned her eyes on him. That’s a little ironic. And how the hell are you able to still connect with us.

  I came to realize that Fury is my true King, so I can still speak to you all. Joash bowed his head ever so slightly to Fury and began leading the others between the large houses built into the underground community.

  It was strange that Joash was able to speak to them, but Fury wouldn’t fall for his words. Joash was a great manipulator, so there was no telling what his endgame was.

  As they continued the trek, Fury stayed in the back, taking in the entire group.

  Pele glanced from side to side with her body tense. She reached out to Fury. Something feels off.

  Yes, it does. Granted, he knew most of it was due to the strangeness of the entire cycle, but he was worried about what else could go wrong. His attention went straight to the tall, sexy woman in front of him – his other half, so much so that she was the flame that lit the fire inside him. For some reason, he knew that no matter what happened, they’d figure it out… together.

  Head held high, Cinder focused her attention to where they were heading. Her long blonde hair waved down her back and bounced with each step she took. Hestia walked close on one side with all her attention locked on her brother.

  Not wanting to overthink it, Fury wanted to figure out one of the biggest mysteries. What’s with Aidan? If anyone knew why he was acting strangely, it would be Pele.

  Nothing, really. Pele glanced toward him. He has been telling me that something like this was going to happen, but I didn’t believe him. It hurt him, and he’s acting out. I’m sorry.

  He knew this was going to happen? Anger raised throughout him. It would’ve been nice to know. />
  Not what happened today but that the black phoenixes would find a way to get the Seer. Pele’s shoulders sagged, and she let out a small huff. I thought he was crazy, but yet, here we are.

  Don’t be too hard on yourself. Fury understood what it was like to live with regrets. It’s not like we know what any of these people are capable of.

  That’s the problem. Pele frowned and gripped her dagger so hard her knuckles turned white. In order to come out on top, you have to understand your adversaries better than we do. We have to get a history lesson and fast.

  Fury didn’t know how to respond to that because it was true. Then we better learn fast.

  They approached a larger building just like the last time

  Joash walked to the front of the door and knocked hard twice.

  “Come in.” The older woman’s voice was strong and clear.

  The door opened, and he noticed two larger men were standing in the corners of the room. The old woman placed her hands on the table in front of her and stood. “Ahh, my friends. Come in, come in.”

  Bright blue flames lit several lanterns, and Aithne’s long white hair reflected a blue glow.

  So, Joash is letting them use some of his magic. Cinder's matter-of-fact tone seemed louder than normal.

  “Please, come sit, and join me.” The older woman now stood before a rectangular table that had five additional chairs around it. She glanced at Aidan and motioned to one of the corners. “Good to see you again. Glad to have you back.”

  “Are you?” He stood still for a moment and crossed his arms.

  “Despite everything, I’ve grown fond of you, and it was worrying to not have you close by.” Aithne gave a small smile for a second before it dropped. “But now we must prepare for war, so we need to figure out how many sides to the story there are.”

  “I can agree with that.” Cinder stepped forward to stand in front of their crew. “Are we captive here now that we’ve come back?”

  “It depends.” The older woman’s black eyes were so large it was as if she could watch each one of them without blinking. “What side are you on?”

  Cinder

  She had to give the old woman some credit. Most people think there is a right or wrong side, but that’s not true. There are just sides; each one biased and justified in one’s own mind. “I’m on the one that saves Pyr and restores the balance.”

  “So you wish to rule over all of Pyr?” The old woman leaned back so her body was more rigid.

  “Not if it fractures the kingdom further.” Cinder moved so she was directly in front of the Seer and placed her hands on the empty chair in front of her.

  Damn if she wasn’t amazing. A sense of pride and love wafted through Fury’s words as he connected to her using their mate bond.

  “Very well.” Aithne moved slowly as she grabbed a cane and stepped from behind the table. “Then let’s go see the Seer. We can catch up afterward.”

  That really worked better for Cinder anyways. It was hard to concentrate when her mind kept running to the Ancient woman. What secrets had she been keeping? And was she the only one keeping secrets. Cinder had a feeling Aithne had one or two up her sleeve as well.

  “Follow me.” Aithne walked out the back of the building where the others had never been before.

  Fury brushed his arm against hers as he caught up to her. That went faster than I expected.

  She was just trying to get a read on us. Cinder couldn’t blame the old woman. She’d been betrayed multiple times, and they had been with the Seer for a while longer. She wanted to make sure we hadn’t sided with the Seer.

  At some point, we need an answer concerning Aidan and Joash. Something odd is going on with both of them. Fury grabbed her hand and rubbed the tips of her fingers.

  Do you have a second? Brenton’s tentative voice entered her mind.

  It depends. She really didn’t want to deal with Brenton, but whether she liked it or not, he was part of their crew.

  I’m worried about Hestia. Brenton was walking a few flickers away behind Hestia. With Joash around, I’m afraid he’s going to play mind games with her.

  That was a risk with Joash. It hadn’t taken Cinder long to figure out he was only concerned with his own agenda. Don’t worry. We’re all watching for signs he is up to his usual tricks.

  They passed by several more homes before the buildings became more and more spread out. “Why are these so far away from the others?” In their kingdom, the houses were close until they ended before the next city began.

  “It’s for our sick,” Aithne answered without missing a step. She had her cane that she was relying on and focused on taking one step at a time.

  “Do you not treat them with a healer?” Hestia’s shock clear.

  “If we were actually outside, it would be different.” Aithne’s tone hardened, and she jabbed her cane harder than before. “Remember, it may not feel like it, but we are breathing recycled air in here. If we don’t move them far enough away, we all become ill.”

  Cinder jerked back when Aithne’s words resonated with her. She hadn’t even considered that, but it made sense.

  A larger building, similar to the one they had found Aithne in, appeared. There wasn’t a large opening like all the others but a smaller one with some kind of bars over it.

  “Home sweet home, isn’t it, Joash?” Aidan chuckled at his own joke.

  “Why don’t you knock it off?” Joash grumbled and kicked at the ground. “It’s getting old quick.”

  “Both of you keep quiet.” Aithne whipped around and scolded them. “This is far too serious for you two to be acting that way.”

  Both men dropped their heads and kept their mouths shut.

  It was hard for Cinder to admit, but Aithne scared her a little. She came off old and feeble, but then she’d make a move like that. Cinder wasn’t sure which version of the old woman was true.

  It didn’t take long before they were only a few flickers away. The door was opened by one of the guards who had helped dragged the Seer there. “She’s in the backroom, secure.”

  “The spell has been performed?” Aithne hobbled through the door and didn’t pause as she headed to the back of the building.

  “Yes, no magic will work in there.” The guard’s voice was a little wary. “That includes ours, too.”

  “Of course it does.” Aithne tsked and shook her head. “Sometimes I wonder about the youth of today.”

  Cinder bit her tongue, trying not to let her laugh escape. She agreed with the wise, old woman. If you spell a room with no magic, all parties are affected. He should’ve known.

  “Should we be worried that ours won’t work as well?” Hestia played with a piece of hair and looked at Cinder.

  “No, child,” Aithne answered as the crew walked down a narrow hallway and stopped at the last door on the left. “You’ll see why.”

  Are we sure we can trust her? Brenton brushed sweat from his forehead and wiped it on his pants.

  We have no choice at this point. Pele caught up with the rest of their group and once again pulled out her second dagger. Everyone stay tight and focused. There is no telling what either woman may have up her sleeve.

  Chapter Seven

  Fury

  As they entered the room, Fury was surprised at the mere size of it. The walls appeared flimsy, not made of the rock he was accustomed to, but rather wood. The Seer was in the middle of the room, her hands still tied, but what surprised him most were her features.

  Her milky skin hung loosely from her body, and there was a large hump in her back. Before, she was beautiful with glowing skin and a magical presence, but here…

  She looked like death.

  “Hello, there, Abatha.” Aithne stepped in front of the old woman and peered down at her. “Long time no see.”

  “Ah. sister.” The Seer’s voice wasn’t musical now; it was deep and throaty. “It’s far too soon for me.”

  Did I hear them right? Brenton’s internal voice almo
st sounded like a girls.

  Shush. Cinder’s jaw ticked, which was her tell when she was feeling overwhelmed. “Don’t you think we should’ve been alerted to this little fact before we all waltzed in here?”

  Aithne’s focus didn’t stray, keeping it all on her sister, who sat in front of her. “No, it’s an irrelevant fact.”

  “Irrelevant my ass.” Fury couldn’t believe that all this time they had thought they were opposing. What had they gotten themselves into?

  “It’s true.” The Seer’s deep, dark chuckle seemed to come from every direction. “We may be sisters, but we haven’t been family in a very long time.”

  “I find it hard to believe.” Cinder pointed at Aithne. “This was information you should’ve divulged before we got here.”

  “Then, you wouldn’t have come.” Aithne tore her attention from the Seer and back toward Cinder. “I needed you here.”

  That must be Joash’s game plan. “So this is why you ‘saved’ us and brought us here?”

  Joash shook his head and lifted both hands in surrender. “No, I swear I had no clue.”

  “Yeah, right…”

  “I believe him.” Aidan’s face was a mask of indifference, and he made his way over to both elderly women. “Because she hasn’t told anyone.”

  “How do you know that?” Pele hovered close to Cinder, ready to protect.

  “Because everyone here hates the Seer.” Joash rubbed a hand over his mouth and sighed. “If they knew the two were related, Aithne would’ve been kicked out.”

  “Watch your mouth.” Aithne glowered at him. “I encouraged everyone’s hatred of her.”

  “But why?” Hestia took a step back as if she was ready to run.

  “Don’t you dare.” Aithne gave her such a cold look that a shiver ran down Fury’s back. “Out of everyone here, you should be the most understanding.”

  “Hey, what the skatá is that supposed to mean?” Brenton’s backbone seemed to be growing more and more. The probable reason why bothered Fury. Hestia was too good for him.