7

My love,

Your gift of prose makes my heart soar. While I cannot mimic your talent, know that I mean the same things when I say I love you.

* * *

Cassia sat back, stunned. “I might not be the best with faces, but you seemed to have changed a lot since I last saw you, Micah.”

“This isn’t Micah, stupid.” Nevari crossed her arms and stared down at the boy. “Who are you?”

The boy had calmed down by now, realizing that they didn’t know where this infamous Harper was. He sat still on the bed, tear lines streaked his face.

“I’m Ewan. Harper and I… we were headed to… the place.” He grabbed his head again, wincing. “Ah, my head. It’s throbbing. I can’t remember much. All I know is that we were headed somewhere together. I think we made it. But every time I try to think of the details, something in my head starts screaming.” He looked up at them, confused. “Wait, did you say Micah? Is he here? I should be talking to him.”

Nevari looked at this boy. He didn’t seem to be much help, but if Melech was in danger, this boy might be able to tell them.

“No. He left about a day ago. He should be back in a few days and you can talk to him then.” Cassia said. “For now, you need to rest. I can try and get your head back to normal and then we can figure out what in the world is going on.” Ewan started to protest, but the Ferie girl reached into her pocket and held a blue vine under his nose. He was asleep in seconds.

“Do you really think sleeping is the best thing for him right now?” Nevari asked.

“No,” Cassia replied, brushing off her dress as she stood from the bed. “I just don’t want him roaming around and getting in my way. One of you is enough.”

“You’re unbelievable.” Nevari threw up her hands and stalked out of the room. Couldn’t Melech and the others come back sooner than five days? She would rather deal with three raging hormone teenagers and her brother for eternity than spend one more second trapped with Cassia.

She walked down the hall and into the room Cassia had reluctantly given her, and sighed. It looked like a seven year old had decorated it. The room was pink with glitter and daisies everywhere. The bed was covered in glitter and flower petals as well and no matter how hard she tried to brush them off, new ones kept appearing out of nowhere. A soft flow of music filled the room, sounding like a never ending music box. It drove her crazy all last night, making it impossible to sleep. The Ferie sure was determined to make her life a living hell as long as she was here.

Nevari headed over to the mirror that was perched on top of a crystal the size and shape of a large vanity and looked at herself. She shuddered when she saw the reflection staring back at her. Her hair was a mess; giant strands had fallen out of her braid and stuck out in every direction. The dress she had been wearing for weeks now was covered in dirt and stains. Why Melech had decided to leave in the middle of her clubbing night, she would never understand. Nevari knew she had to wear something new and burn the dress she had now, even if it meant wearing one of Cassia’s dresses. She couldn’t bear to look at this black one any longer.

She went over to the closet and looked for the least glitter infested thing she could find. A simple, white dress with minimal flower decorations hid in the back. She grabbed it and held it up to herself. Right, She thought. The dress barely reached her waist. Why did Melech have to seek refuge with a Ferie that barely reached five feet?

Nevari called for Cassia from the doorway while holding up the dress. Maybe if she squinted the dress would look less… like she was about to frolic in the meadows.

“What?” Cassia appeared in the hallway, looking annoyed.

“I’m going to take a bath, make this dress my size.” She threw the garment at her and let the vines that were hung on either side of the doorway drop, creating a barrier between them.

“I’m not doing it until you say please.” Cassia called from behind the vines.

Nevari was about to tell her to shove it when she caught her reflection in the mirror one last time. If she didn’t rip this dress off in one second she was gonna lose it.

“Fine.” The Daemon said through gritted teeth. “Please.”

After a moment of silence, Cassia thrust her hand through the leaves and handed her back the dress, which was long enough to fit now.

“Here you go.” The smug satisfaction in her voice made Nevari want to scream. She snatched the dress from her hand and walked over to the small cave that was connected to the back of her room. There, a small waterfall and pond could be found to bathe in. She peeled off her dress, set her bracelet aside, and waded into the water. Resting her head against the side of the pond, Nevari finally allowed herself to breathe. When Melech had told her of the turmoil in Motaiden, she had been concerned but she never expected he would rush her out of her home on some wild cross country quest. They have never stopped running since they left. They had to navigate through hostile Foehn, the fire Ferie nation, keep moving in Therian since there was nothing there to sustain them, and get thrown out of every town in Entropion. There wasn’t enough booze in the world for a trip like that. But, none of that compares to the literal hell she was facing living with Cassia alone. She was physically and mentally tired and her flask had run empty the other day. When Melech got back, she was making him wear one of Cassia’s dresses as punishment.

She stayed in the water until her fingers became wrinkly. Finding a towel hanging from a ledge behind the waterfall, she dried off and reluctantly put on the white dress. She left her other rag of a dress on the floor and walked back over to the mirror one last time.

Who knew how much being clean would lift her spirits? Her face had a healthier glow now that it wasn’t caked in dirt and corn dust. And, the white dress wasn’t as bad as it could have been, she had to admit. It made her violet skin seem more radiant, and it was a nice contrast from her eyes. Finally, she threw her hair up into a bun, as to not let it drip on the dress.

Much better. She took one last look in the mirror before going back into the bathroom to clean off her mud caked boots the best she could. She knew they weren’t the best choice for her new look but they would have to do. The thought of walking around barefoot like Cassia was repulsive.

As she was lacing up her boots, a shadow fell over her doorway. Nevari sighed, not bothering to look up.

“What do you want, Cassia.” The Daemon girl was startled when a boy’s voice answered her.

“Actually it’s me, Ewan.” She looked up to find the blonde haired boy parting the vines that had separated her room from the rest of the world.

“Oh, I—” Nevari shook her head and stood up. “Sorry, come in I guess.” She offered her bed for him to sit on but he shook his head, standing just in the doorway awkwardly. “How are you feeling? Do you need anything?” She was never very good with kids. Back in Motaiden, she had avoided them at all costs. There were just too many hormones and runny noses involved. While Ewan was not so much a child anymore, actually he looked just a few years younger than the others, maybe 15 or 16, she still felt like she didn’t know how to act. She’s been alive for 1,500 years, most of them spent partying in Angelbane city’s finest clubs.

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“I’m fine,” he said. “I just I came looking for you because I remembered something. Something about my time with Harper.”

“Okay, but I don’t know why you would want to tell me. Cassia has a lot of ways to help you out in remembering and feeling better I can call for her if you want—” Nevari started off the bed.

“No!” The boy shouted. Nevari sat back down, surprised. “It’s just that well, she kind of scares me.”

Nevari stared at him a moment before bursting out laughing. “Scared of Cassia? You’re telling me you are more afraid of a four and a half foot-covered from head to toe in flowers Ferie than a seven foot Daemon that carries around knives?”

“Well I hadn’t noticed the knives until just now actually, but yeah.” He mumbled, looking at his feet. Nevari could tell he was really troubled and now slightly embarrassed and stopped laughing.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh at you. I’ll make sure she doesn’t do anything to you alright? No need to be scared.” The boy nodded and moved to sit on the edge of the bed next to her. “Now, what was it you wanted to tell me?”

“I still don’t remember a lot, but I do remember where we were going now.” He was rubbing his hands together so hard they were turning red. “We were headed to the castle. The castle in Aduial Amon. I don’t remember if we had gotten there or not or what happened but I know we were headed there for some reason. Every time I try to remember Aduial Amon, I get a weird feeling. Like I knew something wasn’t right while I was there.”

Nevari stared at him. Real, true fear was on his face. He believed what he was saying. She put her head in her hands. Oh Melech, what have you gotten yourself into?

“I’m sorry ma’am.” Ewan was saying. She looked at him with a hard face. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I just thought it would be good to tell someone.”

“No, it’s alright. I’m glad you told me.” Nevari stood and headed to the door. “I need to tell Cassia though. People we know just left for Aduial Amon and from what you’re telling me, they might be in trouble.” She was about to leave when she turned around one last time. “Nevari.” The boy looked at her with confusion. “My name is Nevari, by the way.” With that, she turned and left him alone in the room.

It was harder to find the sanctuary that Cecilia had thought. She didn’t remember going through all of these hallways last night and it didn’t help that they all looked the same. She wandered down corridor after corridor until she finally found the opening to the church. Her mother had taken her here many times when she was little. She was so fond of the church and what it stood for, and while Cecilia didn’t quite understand the faith part of it, this place reminded her of the queen.

She sat in a pew close to the front and stared at the bare altar. Mostly when she remembered her mother, all she could think about was the image of her dying, bleeding out in her arms. Her voice soft when she kept repeating how much she loved her. But here, Cecilia felt at peace. She could remember more than that terrible day that haunted her. She could remember her mother smiling down at her as she sang the hymns during a service. Or her hand in hers as she helped her stand on the pew when she was too little to see over the others. Cecilia closed her eyes and held on to dear life the memory of her mother's voice as she repeated after the Knights; it was soft and clear as a bell. The turbulence inside her heart about Micah and the uncertainty about Elas’ response seemed to melt away then, and she focused on the faint smell of oils and the sound of the storm’s raindrops pelting against the glass.

She sat like that for a few minutes before she felt a presence next to her. She opened her eyes to find Melech. He gestured toward the pew and Cecilia moved aside to make room for him. He sat down next to her without a word. She didn’t know why, but Melech’s presence comforted her. He seemed grounded, like a rock she could tether herself to. He was so sure of his mission, maybe that kind of stability would be able to rub off on her.

“The last time I was here it was to plan an invasion on Foehn. This was one of the main strongholds of Aduial Amon.” Cecilia looked at Melech who was lost in thought. His face was pained, like he was reliving a terrible memory. “I planned it with your great great grandfather.”

She looked at him in surprise. “You knew him?”

“I did. He was a great friend of mine actually.”

Cecilia didn’t quite know why he was telling her this, and she was worried about the look on his face. If he was remembering his friend, why did he look so sad?

“He was a great man.” Melech continued. “He believed in a world where everyone didn’t have to be so separate. I was naive then and didn’t understand why he would want such a thing, but I see now.” He turned and looked at her then, his face serious. “Please promise me to try and accomplish what your grandfather couldn’t, Cecilia. Please try to be the leader of a new world when we have resolved the conflicts that have arison now.” She was so taken back by this request all she could do was nod.

“I’ll try.”

He looked into her eyes with a hard face for a minute before nodding himself. With that, he turned towards the front again and they sat in silence as she tried to process his request. Their first day together had given her hope that they could live together. But things were different now. Cassia was a trickster that was only looking out for herself. Nevari and Melech were nice but they only came along to fix their homes and Micah—

Well, he obviously didn’t want to associate with her anymore. They were only able to live peacefully for a few days. How would millions and millions of people be able to live together in harmony? She would try for Melech but she didn’t have much hope.

Cecilia looked up at Melech. His red skin seemed darker without the sun shining on it. His eyes were closed but he looked more at peace now. She knew she wouldn’t be able to keep her promise, but at least she could bring him some temporary peace. She hoped for him that Motaiden could restore balance and that Elas would be able to help them.

Thunder rumbled in the distance and a flash of lightning illuminated the dark room for a second. The rain started to fall harder, the sound echoing through the sanctuary. The few candles that lit the room flickered, and Cecilia tried to take her mind off of how uneasy she felt by watching them. Usually storms during the day comforted her, made her feel cozier, but all it did was remind her of the storm brewing inside her heart. She worried that this uneasiness would never subside. She wouldn’t be able to help the people who needed it just like she wasn’t able to help her parents.

Tears started to fill her eyes and her head burned from trying to hold them back. She couldn’t let Melech see her weakness, not when he had just asked her to be strong, but it was failing. Just as she thought she was going to crack, there was a pounding on the large wooden doors behind her. She wiped the tears from her eyes and moved around Melech, who had become his alert self once more. She walked to the door and opened it to a very soaked, messenger boy who was wearing the royal emblem on his chest.

“I have a message from the high priest.” he said handing it to her.

She took the scroll and offered for him to come in and dry off. He declined and went on his way, becoming invisible in the storm. She closed the door as Melech approached.

“That was fast,” he said. “It’s only been a few hours since we sent it this morning.”

Cecilia only nodded, holding the scroll tightly in her hands. This was the beacon of hope that would glue her together for another day. She looked up at Melech, eyes shining. The tears were already fading into a distant memory as she started untying the scroll. The sooner they met with Elas, the sooner she could help Melech and the others and return to avenging her parents.

She unrolled the scroll. Only one small sentence was written on the parchment:

No one shall see the High Priest.

Cecilia read the words over and over again, unbelieving. She was so sure he would allow them to see him when he realized she was alive. Did he not understand the message? Or did he not actually care whether she lived or not? Elas was the only family she had left. The last bit of hope in her heart seemed to vanish, and she sank to the floor.

“Cecilia, are you alright?” Melech asked, touching her shoulder. She shrugged him off and threw the scroll as hard as she could in response. The wooden pole connected with the marble, creating a loud boom that cascaded off the echoing walls of the sanctuary.

“That bastard.” She whispered, feeling exhausted, as if her strength had flooded out of her body. The hot pressure of tears returned to burn the back of her eyes. “He knows it’s me. He knows I’m alive and he doesn’t even care.” Her voice cracked.

“There has to be a reason he won’t see you. Don’t worry, we will find another way.” Melech said, moving to sit next to her.

Cecilia could only nod as hot tears ran down her face. While she didn’t want to admit it, Melech was right. There had to be a reason he wouldn’t see her. They would find another way.

Wiping her tears, Cecilia calmed herself and sat with Melech, listening to the rain. She would find a way to meet with Sal and get an explanation. She would find a way to help Melech and Nevari. If she was her parents' daughter, she would find a way.