The Divine Shallows

Chapter 3Fang and Fire

3

Fang and Fire

Elowyn and Elyria emerged from the library; their arms intertwined as laughter escaped from their lips. They strolled down the corridors, engrossed in gossip and conversation, deliberately avoiding any mention of the impending divine Trial. Navigating through staircases and corridors, they reached the cherry-stained door of Elyria’s chambers. With a flicker of her power, Elyria dispelled the ward cloaking the door, giving Elowyn a playful wink before entering. Elowyn responded with a crude gesture of her own before following her sister inside.

Elowyn entered Elyria’s room, greeted by the soothing aroma of lilac and honey that embraced her like a warm hug. The antechamber’s walls formed a perfect square, leading her toward a recessed area with marble steps. Elowyn’s feet descended the marble steps into the spacious, immaculate room—a reflection of her sister’s refined taste.

Sunbeams streamed through a skylight, casting patterns on the marble floor where a table stood, decorated with a glass vase filled with lilacs blooming in bouquets of violet and magenta. Bookshelves lined the walls, overflowing with volumes, novels, and storybooks. A study table bore the weight of numerous spine-bound texts the walls couldn’t hold. Nearby, a crimson velvet couch, its cushions sunken, bore the marks of years of reading.

Three arched doorways led to different chambers: Elyria’s bedchambers straight ahead, her washroom to the right, and her common lounge to the left. Elowyn followed her sister through the doorway leading to the sleeping quarters.

Elyria’s bedchamber was another reflection of refinement. The vaulted ceilings stood fifteen feet tall with a splendid chandelier that centered the room. Stone arches adorned the walls, spaced between elegant pillars. To the left, stood a marble fireplace with the remnants of the morning’s fire still crackling with activity. At the center of the room was a cherry-stained four-poster bed, its wooden posts with draping organza.

The plush white mattress looked incredibly inviting and Elowyn debated on launching herself into the luxurious bed. However, she hesitated, knowing her sister’s nature would not tolerate even a crumb in her linens.

“I have a surprise to show you. You’re going to love it,” Elyria hinted.

“A surprise?” Elowyn tilted her head with curiosity.

Moving to another doorway lined with intricate gold trimming, Elyria opened the door to reveal a vast closet. Wardrobes lined the walls, their doors flung open to reveal gowns crafted from swatches of every color under the sun. Elowyn couldn’t suppress a gasp as she hurried along the racks, trailing her fingers over silk, chiffon, lace, and satin. Catching Elyria’s eye, she received a warning glance, a stern reminder not to soil the pristine garments with her enthusiasm.

The wardrobes supported gold beams from which delicate gowns and dresses hung. Elowyn caught a glimpse of periwinkle blue out of the corner of her vision and approached the dress, pulling it gently from the wardrobe to admire the craftsmanship.

The floor-length gown featured a small train with a daringly open-backed bodice. The skirt, slightly more relaxed, hugged the body in blending layers of soft blues, light purples, and pastel violets. Patterns of lilacs were embroidered along its skirt, while silver beads cascaded down to the train, resembling a stream of starlight.

Clutching the gown to her chest, Elowyn turned to Elyria, her silver eyes wide as she gestured towards the room filled with the equally enchanting attire.

“When were you going to tell me about this ?” Elowyn huffed; her tone tinged with annoyance.

“Ora helped the royal seamstress bring them in late last night. Mother apparently ordered enough dresses to clothe all of Eriden,” Elyria explained, her lips forming a thin line. “I think she wants me to wear a different gown every second of this week.”

“At least you’ll be the best dressed for all seven days leading up to the Trial,” Elowyn replied with understanding. “Mother’s feeling uneasy, isn’t she?”

“All I know is that she expects me to look immaculate every night of the Ceremony. Probably so I don’t embarrass her in front of the other six kingdoms,” Elyria confessed, her gaze fixed on her hands as she turned her thumbs in absent-minded circles.

“You are and always will be the most beautiful fey in all the seven realms—and that’s not an exaggeration. Trust me, if you were ugly, I’d be kind enough to let you know,” Elowyn teased, placing her palm over her heart mockingly.

“If I mess up or have one hair out of place, father will spurn me for the rest of the Ceremony,” Elyria continued.

Elowyn understood the weight behind her sister’s words; she knew their father’s unforgiving nature all too well. No matter how many triumphs Elyria achieved, a single misstep could overshadow them all. Raised within the confines of the castle, Elyria faced relentless scrutiny and criticism not only from their father but also from the fey of Eriden. Elowyn herself wasn’t immune to King Fangwright’s harsh judgment, but she had never felt the same hostility from their folk. Compared to the storms Elyria weathered, Elowyn’s own challenges seemed like mere rain showers.

Returning the dress to its place on the golden beam, Elowyn moved to a dresser across the room. She retrieved two white tunics made of lightweight cotton and fetched pairs of leather pants and matching boots from a nearby chest. Silently, she handed a set to Elyria, and both sisters dressed in somber silence, attempting to shake off the lingering memories of their father’s cruelty during their childhood.

“All right, enough of the gloomy chatter. Let’s have some fun,” Elowyn declared, extending her hand for her sister to grasp.

Elyria clasped her younger sister’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, expressing silent her gratitude.

The two sisters strolled out of the room, arms linked once more, making their way towards the castle grounds near the rock gardens that overlooked the expansive ranges of the Eriden mountains. Elowyn wondered whether her sister’s tendencies toward solitude were natural or a learned disposition. Elowyn understood that in the presence of their parents, Elyria did whatever it took to avoid criticism or condemnation. Despite her talent and power, Elyria was treated as an outcast by society simply because she was not moon-blessed after her birth.

Elowyn could sense that her sister was not well. Elyria’s laid-back demeanor was merely a facade, an attempt to appear strong for the challenging week ahead. The fey of Neramyr were proud and traditional, but at times, they could also be cynical and disillusioned. The memory of the last Ceremony was still painfully vivid in Elowyn’s mind. She had witnessed her sister’s radiant spirit dim under the weight of others’ cruelty until it was extinguished entirely. The memory of that ordeal still gnawed at Elowyn’s core as they wandered further within the familiar walls of their home.

After some time, the two sisters reached an open courtyard settled within the castle grounds. Elowyn inhaled deeply, relishing the fresh air. The sky stretched out in a brilliant blue canvas, adorned with playful clouds that danced across its horizon. They wandered through the gardens, following patterned brick pathways flanked by rose bushes. Every so often, they passed by ornamental trees heavy with berries and blossoms, infusing the air with a sweet fragrance.

In moments like these, Elowyn wished she could spend the rest of her days as an ordinary highborn lady of the court. She imagined leisurely strolls through the castle grounds, indulging in biscuits and tea while gossiping about royal scandals, clad in frilly gowns and carrying lace parasols to shield herself from the sun.

Yet, as the Crown Princess of Eriden, she bore the weight of duties and responsibilities far beyond her personal interests. As they walked, courtiers bowed and curtsied in deference to the two princesses making their way through the courtyard.

Their journey came to a halt as they approached a large cliff that extended from the mountain. Towering above them stood a weathered stone archway, twenty feet tall, with carvings depicting fangs, plumes of flames, and dragon scales etched into the once-smooth surface. A faint, pulsating aura emanated from the archway, growing stronger as Elowyn and Elyria drew nearer.

This stone archway, erected by the first king of Eriden, held sacred significance, and was imbued with divine magic that permitted only members of the royal family to pass beyond its pillars.

Beyond them, lay a vast expanse of rocky terrain ending in a cliff. The landscape, devoid of allure, consisted mostly of an empty stretch save for a watering trough, a handful of cavernous stables, and scant vegetation. In stark contrast to the grandeur of the archway, the cliff failed to captivate the eye.

With Elyria leading the way, the sisters crossed the threshold of the archway. As they did, their surroundings underwent a subtle transformation. Once a mundane dirt cliff, it now revealed a stone pathway leading to a series of snaking stairs ascending the mountainside. Elyria forged ahead, guiding them further up the mountain. As they climbed, the air grew thinner with elevation, yet having been acclimated to the mountains since birth, the sisters showed only a sheen of sweat as a sign of exertion. Step by step, they ascended, bridging the gap between soil and sky.

Eventually, they arrived at another rocky platform that overlooked the mountain’s edge. Across from them lay dark, deep caves burrowed into the mountainside. Scanning the area, Elowyn spotted monstrous prints pressed into the dirt beneath them. Both sisters observed the fresh tracks and exchanged a knowing glance.

Breaking the mountain’s tranquility with a melodic voice, Elyria called out, “Stryx... Bane... You can stop hiding now.”

At her word, a slow rustling sounded from the surrounding evergreens. The trees quivered and shook, then suddenly, two large, winged figures shot into the sky swift as lightning. The two forms arced back down, plummeting hues of charcoal gray and stark chalk. Just before they were about to collide with the rocky platform, their massive leathery wings spread wide, flapping rhythmically in sync.

Despite their imposing size, the two creatures landed with remarkable agility and precision, creating a gust of wind that prompted the sisters to brace themselves, anchoring their feet firmly into the ground.

The slightly smaller of the two creatures, the one with a chalk-colored coat, fixed its eyes on Elyria as it approached her cautiously. Gradually closing the distance, it stopped, extending its scaled snout to sniff her scent. Elyria stood frozen as the creature inspected her, but as it recognized her, a screech of approval escaped its lips, followed by a tender nuzzle.

“I’m glad to see you too, Stryx,” Elyria said with a laugh, her voice as sweet as honey. She gently patted the creature’s maw, eliciting a purr-like rumble of contentment as it leaned into her touch.

As Elyria continued to stroke Stryx’s head, she remarked, “It seems you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you.” In response, Stryx emitted a spirited grunt, demanding more affection, while an ethereal aura radiated from his body.

Elowyn watched her sister joyfully, reveling in her carefree behavior.

Shortly after the warm interaction with Stryx, Bane, the larger companion, began to approach Elyria. His massive form moved with a calculated grace, each step emphasized the power evident in his rippling muscles. As he neared, his towering charcoal-gray silhouette loomed over Stryx, standing an impressive thirteen feet tall.

“Hello, Bane,” Elyria greeted softly.

Bane’s demeanor was imposing yet measured, his eyes filled with watchful awareness as he sniffed at Elyria’s hair. After a moment, he emitted a deep huff, briefly acknowledging Elyria before shifting towards Elowyn, who remained rooted to her spot. Bane approached Elowyn, his eyes locking onto hers with piercing, slit-like pupils. The aura surrounding him felt unsettling as he drew nearer.

Elowyn remained still as Bane scrutinized her, extending her hand in a gesture of trust. Bane sniffed at her moon-inked skin before gently resting his maw in her palm, his gaze never leaving hers. Gradually, the tense atmosphere surrounding Bane dissipated, replaced by a sense of calm and ease. With a grin, Elowyn leaned forward, resting her forehead against Bane’s scaled snout in fondness.

Stryx and Bane were firedrakes, commonly known as fire dragons, renowned for their agility, sleek winged forms, and their fearsome ability to breathe fire. These creatures had coexisted with the Fangwrights for generations, first appearing in the New Age during the reign of Eriden’s founding king, the first of these dragons being a gift from Caena. Prior to this, their birthplace had been shrouded in mystery. Whether due to their divine origins or their inherent magic, firedrakes varied greatly in size, anatomy, and the extent of their powers.

Bane possessed scales shaped like teardrops, smooth at the base yet razor-sharp at the edges, forming a glimmering, sinister coat of charcoal, smoke, and leaden ash. He was among the largest firedrakes in Fangwright history, exuding a majestic yet bone-chilling presence. His mouth bristled with jagged fangs, while five pointed horns jutted from his skull like a crown of blades.

In contrast, Stryx, also a male fire dragon, hailed from a bloodline known for its litheness and lean physique. His scales, stark white and oval-shaped, adorned his body in overlapping patterns, smooth and uniform in color. Though initially appearing friendly and sociable, Stryx’s nature belied the potential for ferocity—only fools would underestimate a firedrake.

Elowyn recalled the moment she witnessed Stryx pin two handlers down as he ripped their limbs one by one from their body. Some found it cruel, but Stryx was not left unprovoked. The handlers attempted to thieve one of his scales and pocket it for their own. In Neramyr, dragon scales were a valuable good, a rarity to come by, as they could be used to concoct powerful potions, manipulated in powerful spells, and sold for large sums of gold. Since that day, her father ceased access to the hallowed dragon’s territory unless the individual were of royal blood.

There were only three fire dragons in total that inhabited the ranges of the Eriden mountains: Stryx, Bane, and Nerys. Fire dragons did not roam freely in Neramyr, nor did they dwell spontaneously in the feylands. The first king of Eriden was gifted a firedrake from the Moon Goddess, and all subsequent firedrakes in Eriden were procured in the divine Trial.

Only fey who demonstrate great sacrifice, honor, and integrity during the Trial of Caena were eligible to form a bond with an animus . This mystical connection transcended lifetimes, uniting the magical beast and the fey in service to one another across realms, even beyond death. In accordance with Trial principle, a fey could attempt to soul-bond with an otherworldly creature only once; if rejected, they forfeited the chance to claim an animus for the remainder of their life.

Approaching Bane, Elowyn ran her palms along his weathered hide, tracing the rugged terrain of battle scars that marked the surface. She felt the otherworldly aura emanating from him, akin to the one her father possessed.

Bane was her father’s animus , bound to him by an unbreakable connection. Throughout their lives, Bane had shown favoritism towards Elowyn over her older sister. This allegiance stemmed from the unwavering bond between Bane and their father. Even in their childhood, Bane allowed only Elowyn as a rider, never Elyria.

Stryx was their mother’s animus, and he was a companionable creature. Elyria delighted in his company, and Elowyn, too, spent countless days soaring the mountainsides with him, finding equal joy in his presence. Unlike Bane, Stryx showed no favoritism between the sisters, living in contentment and doing as he pleased. He was renowned as the fastest of the three firedrakes in Eriden, his deft features fostering great stealth.

While Stryx lacked the brute strength of Bane, he compensated with fierce intelligence, akin to a cardsharp opportunist who both amused desires and preyed on fears. Together, the two firedrakes formed a formidable pairing, much like their parents.

Nerys, a sapphire-blue firedrake, and their uncle’s animus, was rarely seen in the mountains, as their uncle had resided on the shores of the Elune Isles for the past decade.

Moving to Bane’s side, Elowyn patted his hide, prompting him to lower his body closer to the ground. With practiced ease, she hoisted herself onto his back, securing her position by gripping onto the ridged spikes that ran along his spine. Sensing her stability, Bane lifted himself upright once more, ready for their journey .

“Ready for a rematch?” Elyria’s taunt echoed behind her.

Turning towards her sister’s voice, Elowyn watched as Stryx dashed towards the cliffside, leaping into the sky with Elyria in tow. With a spirited screech, Stryx ascended higher and higher, Elyria’s laughter trailing behind her as her ivory hair whipped in the wind. The white firedrake executed graceful loops and sharp arcs with breathtaking precision.

“Showoffs,” Elowyn grumbled quietly. Leaning forward, she addressed Bane in a low tone. “Let’s show them how it’s done.”

Bane turned his head towards the sky, emitting a deep rumble from his throat. His massive body began to move forward, each thundering stride shaking the ground beneath them as he gained momentum.

As Bane approached the edge of the cliff, Elowyn gripped the spikes on his back tightly, her knuckles turning white. She knew she had to hold on tightly—for her life depended on it. Ordinarily, only a fully grown male fey could handle riding Bane comfortably, but Elowyn relished the challenge. With an ear-splitting shriek, Bane propelled himself from the ground, cresting the edge of the cliff with powerful hind-legs.

Elowyn’s stomach lurched as Bane plunged down the mountainside with his wings tucked close to his body. Descending deeper into the crag, he then spread his wings in a powerful motion, causing Elowyn to recoil at the force, her stomach knotting in her throat as Bane leveled himself in the air. With each colossal flap of his wings, he surged forward, racing towards the other firedrake.

Meanwhile, Stryx and Elyria had already darted away, disappearing into the clouds until they were mere specks in the sky. Undeterred, Bane doubled his efforts, barreling towards them with fierce determination. Elowyn huddled closer to Bane, urging him onward as she felt him gain momentum with each beat of his wings, steadily closing the distance between them and Stryx .

As they neared, Elowyn sensed Stryx beginning to falter, which was uncommon for the swift firedrake. With a smirk, she admired Bane’s perseverance, marveling at how he managed to tire his swift opponent. Drawing level with Stryx, Elowyn found herself flying side by side with Elyria. She smirked again as she turned to face her sister, noticing a hint of shock and disbelief in Elyria’s expression before it settled into neutrality.

The older sister arched her brows, her voice echoing in Elowyn’s mind. “I’m impressed... Bane’s gotten faster. Have you both been holding out on me?”

“You’re probably just losing your touch,” Elowyn retorted mentally, shrugging off Elyria’s remark.

“Ouch. I would take that to heart, but even I know you don’t believe that,” Elyria countered, wearing a smug smirk.

“Goddess, your head is bigger than Bane,” Elowyn scoffed, rolling her eyes.

“Now that would be a frightening sight,” Elyria chuckled. “Nothing is bigger than Bane.”

Patting the giant beast beneath her, Elowyn conceded, “You’re totally right. Nothing is bigger than Bane.”

“And nothing is faster than Stryx,” Elyria added with a wink, her vain words echoing in Elowyn’s mind.

As if the earlier exhaustion was a ruse, the white firedrake rocketed forward, vanishing into a curtain of clouds before them.

“Hey, that’s not fair!” Elowyn exclaimed aloud this time, uselessly shouting at the empty air where her sister had been seconds before.

Now facing a wall of clouds, Elowyn grumbled as she leaned down. “Come on, Bane. Let’s get ‘em.”

Elowyn knew Bane loathed the idea of defeat, so she was confident he’d rise to the challenge. Together, they plunged into the billowing white clouds in pursuit of the other two. Amidst the clouds, their vision blurred by the dense mist, they pressed forward. Despite the obscurity, Elowyn caught sight of Stryx’s bristly tail, spurring Bane to accelerate and close the gap. As they drew nearer, Elowyn could distinguish Stryx’s form and her sister’s silhouette. She had a sense that Bane would emerge victorious today.

Just as Bane was on the verge of overtaking Stryx, the duo veered sharply upwards and vanished from view. Bewildered, Elowyn scanned the sky, her thoughts racing as she speculated her sister’s intentions—but she realized her mistake too late.

Emerging from the foggy clouds, Elowyn and Bane were met with a towering mountain ahead, mere seconds away from to crashing into it. Panic gripped her as she scrambled to devise a plan to avert disaster. Was that always here? How come I’ve never noticed it before?

Bane’s massive frame made it impossible for him to mimic Stryx’s upward arc. With the mountain looming ahead, their only recourse was to descend rapidly. But before Elowyn could react, Bane took matters into his own fate. He folded his wings tightly against his body and dove sharply downward.

The sudden descent threw Elowyn off balance, and despite her desperate attempts to hold on, she began to slip from Bane’s back. She clung to his spikes with all her strength, but the force of the drop was unrelenting. Her body gradually lifted away from him until she was left dangling in mid-air, her arms straining to keep her tethered.

Fighting against the pull of gravity, Elowyn struggled to regain her position. As Bane banked left towards a clear patch of sky, she seized the opportunity to swing her legs back around his spine and pull herself back onto his back. With a sigh of relief, she settled back into place as Bane leveled off, narrowly avoiding the mountain.

Cursing under her breath, Elowyn shook off the rush of adrenaline. Elyria’s antics bristled her. Scanning her surroundings, Elowyn spotted a streak of white bursting from the narrowly-missed mountain’s peak. Stryx emerged into view and Elyria wore a wide grin. As Elowyn watched, the mountain began to fade away, dissolving into a shimmering mirage.

“You have no shame!” Elowyn jabbed her finger accusingly at Elyria. “Summoning an illusion like that is beyond low, even for you!”

“If you paid attention, you would’ve noticed something was off. I conjured an entire mountain, for Goddess’ sake,” Elyria tutted loudly. “Anyway, Stryx and I have a finish line to reach. See you there!” With a chuckle, Elyria flew off.

As her opponents took off, Elowyn crossed her arms and muttered to Bane, “So much for integrity. I guess we’ll have to abandon ours, too.”

The two of them surged forward. Bane’s wings beat thunderously with grit, and he released an ear-splitting cry. Beneath Elowyn’s touch, the column of his throat began to rumble and grow warm. The base of his neck began to smolder with the glow of burning coals and Elowyn smiled when she realized what he had planned. Bane reeled his neck back and released a blazing pillar from his throat that shot towards Elyria and Stryx. The inferno scorched the skies, aimed directly at them.

As the fire approached, Elyria yelped and huddled closer to Stryx, who skillfully dodged the flames. Bane huffed victoriously, knowing his tactic would slow his opponents. Though Stryx was immune to fire, Elyria was not. In the chaos of shielding her, Stryx was thrown off course, providing Bane with the opportunity he needed. With a powerful thrust, Bane launched himself towards Stryx, his massive body colliding with the white dragon as he sent his competitors careening, plummeting downwards.

Elowyn cheered triumphantly with a fist thrust into the air and laughed, “Way to go, Bane!”

As Stryx and Elyria struggled to regain control, Elowyn soared past them with Bane, heading towards the Bay of Stags, leaving her sister trailing behind.

“I’ll make a deal with you,” Elowyn giggled to Bane, patting his hide proudly. “If her eyebrows are singed off, I’ll make sure the butcher serves you an extra portion of mutton tonight.”

Bane responded with a deep rumble of approval and the two of them sailed onward for a long stretch of sky.

As they soared, Elowyn checked behind her from time to time to see if Elyria and Stryx had caught up to them, but Bane’s tactic must have slowed them down significantly because they were nowhere to be found. The corner of Elowyn’s lips curved up as she took in the view around her.

There was nothing quite like soaring the mountains of Eriden on a dragon—nothing would ever come close to it.

As they approached their destination, a mountainside covered in foliage came into view. Elowyn recognized the landscape, knowing they were almost there. Elowyn could see hundreds of small sprigs rooted in the soil; their bare branches grew in patterns resembling smooth antlers. This stretch of terrain was aptly named the Bay of Stags.

Bane dipped down, aiming for an area free of branches. With a deliberate beat of his wings, he landed gently on the ground.

Filled with excitement, Elowyn jumped off Bane and rushed to embrace his chest in a hug. Her arms barely wrapped around his torso, but she pressed the side of her face against his rugged breastbone.

“We did it, Bane!” Elowyn exclaimed to the dragon with glee. “Looks like we finally beat them this time.”

Suddenly, Elyria emerged from a grove of trees behind Elowyn. “Took you long enough, I was starting to get bored waiting for you both,” she remarked flatly.

Elowyn whirled around in disbelief. “No! When did you get here?”

“A while ago,” Elyria replied, skipping towards them with an innocent smile. “My eyebrows are intact, by the way. But I think Bane deserves an extra portion of mutton regardless.”

Elowyn shook her head in betrayal. “I don’t even want to know how you heard that. And you’re a real wretch for letting me believe I won. ”

“I didn’t want to ruin your fun,” Elyria said sympathetically. “You seemed so happy.”

“I was, until now. I guess you win again, you dirty little cheat,” Elowyn declared.

“In a week’s time, I’ll be hauled away for the next seven years. Can’t blame me for wanting to show off a bit before then. I had to remind you of who the better dragon rider is while I still can,” Elyria teased.

Elowyn groaned in response. “Don’t remind me. You’re just going to make me even sadder than I already am.”

“Trust me, I don’t understand it either,” Elyria sighed, wandering further into the mountainside. She eventually found a towering pine tree, sitting down beneath it with her back against the trunk, pulling her legs up to her chest and resting her forearms on her knees.

Lost in thought, Elyria plucked a wildflower from the ground and began twirling it between her fingers, which prompted Elowyn to join her.

As the sisters conversed, Stryx emerged from behind a curtain of trees and ambled over to Bane. The two firedrakes lingered near the cliffside and nested comfortably in a patch of grass as they both lounged serenely, sunlight bathing their scales.

Years prior, the sisters had stumbled upon this secluded spot when they were younger. One evening, while riding atop Stryx in search of a sunset-viewing spot, they passed over this area. Elowyn, very young at the time, pointed excitedly at the trees below, mistaking their shadows for antlered stags.

Despite Elyria’s attempts to explain that they were just trees, Elowyn insisted on seeing for herself. Elyria, unable to deny her sister, landed, and Elowyn came to realize her mistake. Disappointed, she declared the area their sister headquarters, a secret base camp just for them. The Bay of Stags became a sanctuary away from home, a place they often sought solace.

“We both knew this was coming when my name was called seven years ago,” Elyria reminded Elowyn.

“Right…” Elowyn mumbled and then questioned, “Speaking of, have you decided what you’re going to do for the Vitus on the Sixth Day?

“I have something planned. You’ll just have to wait and see,” Elyria replied.

During the Sixth Day of the weeklong Ceremony leading up to the Trial of Caena, the seven Goddess-chosen candidates participate in a ritual known as the Vitus . It’s a display of power, intelligence, or ability for a chance to be named the primis of the current divine season.

Over the centuries, Neramyran nobility had turned the Vitus into a competition between candidates and their respective kingdoms. Like all noble courts, news traveled like wildfire. The more impressive the Vitus is, historically, the better the chance of becoming primis is. This presentation of power set the precedent for the next iteration of divine magic wielders.

“Spare me a clue?” Elowyn pleaded, pinching her thumb and finger together pitifully. “Pretty please?”

“I would, but it’s my only upper hand during this season’s Trial,” Elyria responded grimly.

“I understand,” Elowyn said, then added, “The seven realms will be shocked when you become primis this season.”

Elyria scoffed, “We’ll see. Sometimes, I wish my name was never spoken. It would be easier that way.”

“Even without being moon-blessed in the Divine Shallows, you are a royal candidate. That counts for something. Every kingdom in Neramyr understands the power behind that title,” Elowyn insisted.

“That may be, but I won’t hold my breath,” Elyria responded, stone-faced.

It troubled Elowyn to see her sister so on edge, but she understood why. The Moon Goddess had dealt Elyria a cruel hand at birth, and this was her only chance to overcome it.

Since the beginning of the New Age, children of royal blood had always been blessed by the Goddess. So, when reports of an unblessed Fangwright plagued Neramyr, the slew of speculations and conjectures concerning the Fangwright bloodline tormented the fey of Eriden. It made Elyria’s life a labyrinth of pitfalls without any means to escape. Elowyn knew that Elyria fought each day to break free of the oppressive shackles that weighed her down. With every spell she mastered, with each class of magic she excelled in, and with all the training she labored through, it was all to strip herself of her tainted reputation.

Elowyn hoped that once Elyria emerged from the Bridge Between Worlds, and she earned the ability to wield divine magic, that she would finally be able to find the happiness she deserved. Without the senseless scorn that had followed Elyria from birth, maybe she could finally be seen as more than just her cursed fate.

“I know,” Elowyn answered. “This time it’s going to be different.”

As Elyria leaned further back on the tree trunk, Elowyn moved to rest her head on her sister’s shoulder.

“I’m going to miss you, you know. For the past nineteen years, we’ve spent almost every day together,” Elyria whispered.

“It’s going to be different around here without you,” Elowyn replied glumly.

“It’s funny you say that. When you were born moon-blessed, everything changed for me. It was like all of Eriden found hope in you again after I brought the darkest era. Life became endurable, and didn’t wake up miserable every day. You became my best friend, and above all, I finally wasn’t alone anymore,” Elyria confessed.

Elowyn’s heart ached at the sincerity of her sister’s words, but what Elyria didn’t know was that she was petrified to her core. For nineteen years, Elowyn had always faced the world with Elyria’s guiding hand, and now she would have to navigate it all on her own. The simple truth was Elyria already knew what it felt like to be alone, but Elowyn never had, and she certainly was not ready to.