CHAPTER 9
“The five horses are a gift from the Gods. Each beast matches the Gods of the Realms. They are warriors, protectors of the Realms against the darkness that is forged by the fiery pits of the Darklands. Only those worthy enough are allowed to bond with a horse. Only use the horses for battle.” - Book of Azure
“WHAT HORSE?” I STUMBLE AFTER the two brothers, my feet tapping against the staircase as I follow them down.
The chandelier above us, adorned from ice itself it seems, glints against the torches along the wall.
A scarlet rug stretches from wall to wall as soon as we make it back to the main floor.
Silver and pearlescent stone horse sculptures placed around the room, four to be exact, catch my attention as if they were created by ice.
“Raylune will be pleased to see you.” Koen's shoulder bumps Florian as they walk ahead of me. “How long has it been? Two years?”
Florian scuffs as if he is annoyed by Koen’s words. “The Queen needed me at Eekatia.”
“You mean Skie needed you.”
Florian halts in his tracks, glancing from Koen to me. Why are his eyes lingering on me? Koen notices and with tight lips he lets out a scuff, leaning closely towards Florian. “Make sure to stop staring at Serene as you are now once we get to Eekatia. Skie might get jealous.”
Koen walks ahead as Florian removes his soft gaze from my eyes and follows his brother.
My head tilts as crease lines form between my brows and I slowly take steps. What the hell was that? And who is Skie?
I catch up, my pace quickening to close the gap, and my hands slip comfortably into the back pockets of my pants.
The massive ice wall looms ever closer with each step we walk, a daunting barrier of glittering frost and frozen water, feeling as if it's miles thick.
My eyes trace its path, starting from the snow-blanket ground where the chill seems to seep into my very bones with each step I take, and traveling upwards to the smoky clouds that drift lazily above us.
Within the ice, a mesmerizing dance unfolds as golden lights twist and sparkle, casting intricate patterns that seem to climb from the base of the wall up to its towering heights.
“Are we leaving the walls?” My arms cross, rubbing them as the cold hits my bare one. “Why the hell did you give me a suit with one sleeve? It's freezing.”
Koen slows down his pace before coming to a stop. He points through an arch opening in the ice wall. “The horses are out enjoying the weather. We will whistle them in. You won’t have to go out there yet.”
Yet. Just great.
“Now for your suit…” His gaze drops to the floor, lingering as he follows the outline of my figure. “I think it fits you perfectly.”
He smirks with a cocky wink, his lips curling into a mischievous grin.
He turns to walk away but I reach out swiftly, my fingers barely wrapping around his arm.
I yank him back with all the strength I can find, feeling the muscles tense beneath my grip.
His head cocks to the side, glaring back at me.
“Yes, Serene?” he teases.
“Is this some sort of game to you?” I hiss, my fingers digging into his arm without even realizing. “Because it isn’t for me. I have been searching for someone, and you are the reason I am further away from finding her!”
His eyes glance down to the tight grip I hold before removing it with his other hand.
“You are in my mother’s suit. She would wear this when she would ride.
” He clears his throat before looking away.
“I thought you would need something to help your skin against the cold out there and I knew this protected her, so I figured it would protect you.”
My heart stops. My jaw clenches as I glance down to the onyx suit.
This whole time, I had thought this was just a piece of clothing, thrown together for a prisoner to wear.
Tossed in the room with no thought behind it.
My anger towards him has blinded me from everything else in this Realm.
It's not just any piece of clothing I wear.
It's a part of his mother, something that holds memories and emotions far beyond my understanding. I never knew my mother. I’ve never had a mother.
But if I had something from my father or my sister, right now at this moment, I would clench it as tight as I could and never let go. But why would he let me wear this?
As he stands there, looking away with a hint of sadness in his eyes, I feel like such an asshole.
Guilt washes over me like a tidal wave. But still, my veins burn with a fiery rage every time I look at him. He is a constant reminder of how far away I am from ever returning to my family.
“I had no idea, Koen.” My body shifts uncomfortably as I tuck the loose strands of hair behind my ear. “I'm sorry. I'm surprised you let me wear it.”
His eyes darken like storm clouds gathering on the horizon. “Don't think too much of it. It was the only thing that would fit you.”
My lips press together tightly, my eyes widening in response. I shouldn't be surprised by his blunt reaction. But honestly, I deserve it.
“Trust me, I wasn't thinking anything more of it.”
I move past him, my shoulder brushing against his solid form, before I leave the tense atmosphere of his presence.
In the distance, Florian begins to whistle, pressing his lips firmly against his fingers.
A soft glow radiates from the arched doorway on the ice wall.
My arms cross again, feeling a slight, chilly breeze drift from the open doorway.
I tiptoe up to Florian slowly as my eyes are glued to the open path.
His broad shoulders are arched back, his chin raised high as he waits for his horse to come through.
“Skie?” I tease him.
A soft, deep, chuckle escapes his lips before he side-eyes me. “Don’t even start.”
I throw my hands up, a small smirk tugging on the corners of my mouth. “I am not! You had never mentioned a Skie before.”
His ashy brow lifts. “You mean, I should have talked about someone from the palace while we were surrounded by shapeshifters? Or, the time we visited the elder when she is forbidden to be around…”
My lips part to speak but he interrupts me from saying a word. “Or, I should have told you while we were being chased by the sand dragons.”
I roll my eyes dramatically, trying to ignore the amused smirk spreading across his face. His lips are curved into a teasing grin.
“I was so wrong.” I shake my head, glaring into his eyes that sparkle with a mischievous glint.
His body shifts, turning directly in front of me, cocking his head to the side before his eyes widen in curiosity. “Wrong about what?”
I take a step forward, raising my chin high. “You are far worse than your brother.”
He scuffs, beaming with a smile before biting his bottom lip. “You are far wrong about that, Serene.”
We both shift our bodies, gazing at the doorway. “He isn’t so bad. I promise. He’s just been through a lot.” Florian looks over his shoulder, down to meet my eyes. “He’s a good guy. He just doesn’t allow people to see that side of him.”
A grunt startles me, and Koen appears at my side. His eyes steadily focus on the wall before us. I know he feels my eyes lingering on him.
But he doesn’t meet my gaze.
“They haven’t come?” Koen speaks.
“Not yet.” Florian crosses his arms, revealing more dragon scales along the ribside of his suit.
Koen raises his strong, muscular arm, positioning his fingers perfectly between his lips. He takes a deep breath and blows forcefully, producing a sharp, piercing whistle that cuts through the air.
The thuds on the ground begin to resonate like distant thunder on a stormy evening, causing a tremor that shakes the ground beneath our feet.
The rhythmic gallops of horses' hooves striking the snow and ice echo through the crisp, biting wind that blows through the doorway.
A relentless rumble that grows louder and more intense by the second.
Suddenly, one breaks through the glistening doorway of frost and shimmering light.
My bottom lip drops as I take a step back. My heart pounds against my chest. “What the hell is that—”
“Ah, old friend.” Florian walks up, grabbing his horse by the neck and rubbing his nose. The horse is taller than any horse I have ever seen. My eyes widen without blinking.
The horse's coat is a deep, teal reminiscent of the ocean with glowing streams of blue light twirling intricately in swirling river pathways across its skin.
Silver markings, almost like armor protecting its body, adorn its face and chest wrapping elegantly around its back and legs.
Its white, silver mane, a cascade of silken strands, flows gracefully in the breeze, each strand sparkling with soft, blue, shimmering lights that dance like stars on a clear night. This feels unreal.
Another prances out from the doorway. This one is adorned with midnight-black armor around its body.
The horse circles around Koen, its hooves lightly tapping the ground in a playful dance, almost as if inviting him into a game.
With a gentle, affectionate gesture, the horse nuzzles its icy nose against Koen's face, in a moment of connection and trust.
“Hey, Zeei.” Koen’s lip tugs into a smile, a dimple creasing in his cheek. “Been awhile my boy.”
“They are…” I pause, almost hesitant to even say the words out loud. “Made of ice?” My voice cracks with confusion. Am I even making sense?
“The gifts from the Gods.” Koen brushes along the horse. He lets out a sigh. “I guess being from Alaska, you don’t know anything about what happened centuries ago?”
Florian glances my way before clearing his throat. A softness is etched into his eyes. I am completely lost and unfamiliar with everything in this world. Is Florian finally seeing this?
“No.” I swallow, my lips tugging between my teeth before I speak again. “I told you both. I am not from here. I am not from Azure.”