Chapter 1

Zenon was studying maps with his governess, Mrs. Finch. She had a tight bun, with decorative pins clinging to her hair. Her face resembled a mouse, precise and prim. Large round glasses sat on her small nose. “Arroyo is drifting towards Feadan, perhaps a spell to leave it in place?” Her timid voice was soft and crisp. “I believe so.  If you could notify Adair and have the Mages’ Guild take a look?” Zenon’s education showed through his speech. He bowed to Mrs. Finch. His white hair brushed his faced as he regained his posture. Zenon wore a white tunic with baggy sleeves. Over that he wore a long navy blue vest with a silver trim. A belt clung to his waist bearing a dagger and a sword. His silver blue eyes lingered to a nearby bookshelf. Zenon rolled a map and threw it up in the air. The map folded itself into a bird and flew to it’s shelf. 

Other books fluttered between shelves. Aquamarine bookcases spiraled to the ceiling. The books leaked outward to the walls, twisting like a labyrinth. Tables were scattered amongst the infinite rows of knowledge and secrets. Suddenly, something tiny came through enormous doors. It was the small, glowing, yellow pixie. Rena frantically looked for Zenon. Pixies had the ability to smell where a creature was. She took a big whiff of air. The 4th level at table 392. Rena’s wings were much larger than her body. She flew up to Zenon and Mrs.Finch with ease. However her landings weren’t nearly as graceful. She flew right over Mrs.Finch, taking a pin with her. Rena squealed as she plopped down in a pile of paper birds. She ducked as they fluttered away. Mrs.Finch was furious, “Bloody pixie! Give that back!” Rena picked up the pin and returned it to Mrs.Finch’s outstretched palm. She turned to Zenon. 

“I’m sorry for the disturbance Mr. Ara, but your father has summoned you.” 

“This early in the day? Did he say anything else?” 

“No sir, he just said it was urgent.” 

Zenon leaped out of his chair. His six wings spread wide as he flew out of the library. Rena turned several flips as the air blew her away. Zenon rushed towards his home in the clouds. 

The fear began growing in Zenon as he arrived swiftly through the great crystal door. He entered the Palace of Light. Shining, composite pillars grew to a rounded ceiling. White etchings of wings littered the walls. Through the hallway, everything was in suspended in mid-air. Rooms were made of frosted gemstones. Floors were made of glass, the clouds below were filled with pixies, harpies, and other angels. Each floor of the mystical palace was an open balcony that was stationed in the clouds. Zenon took a sharp left to see huge, frosted, doors. They were arched and regal looking, fit for a king. Zenon’s nerves twisted and turned, and his mind fighting against horrible possibilities. He descended in front of the iridescent blue blue doors. He landed softly, pausing to see his beloved Aries standing outside the door.  “What’s going on?” The small angel flew into Zenon's arms, he checked her for scratches or scars. His hands cradled her face, “Why has Father summoned me from the middle of my study?” Aries placed her hands on his. 

“Zenon, can we step out to the balcony?” The pair carefully stepped outside onto a large balcony. It overlooked all of Zivot. Aries took Zenon’s hands; he was petrified by fear. “What is so important?” Aries looked as if she had lost her best friend. “Zenon, your father is dying.” His heart shattered. Zenon's eyes stared into a world that wasn’t there. Despair masked his face. No, this can’t happen... Aries hugged him as he began to sob. He buried his face in her shoulder. Tears stained Aries’ delicate white cloak. Zenon rubbed his eyes and murmured, “How long?” Aries plush hand cupped Zenon's  cheek. “We don’t know…” Her voice trailed off. Megan - another angel - carefully stepped out of his father’s room. The door carefully clicked behind her. She met the couple on the balcony. “The Conroy, he wishes to see you and Aries.” Zenon took Megan’s hands and thanked her. 

They slowly entered. Just inside the room, Orion lay on a giant circular bed. The headboard grew up the wall and twisted into a canopy. Blood red crystals were scattered through the silver frame. Heavy, velvet, drapes were tied to the bedposts. “Zenon. Come here.” The Conroy wheezed. Zenon gently pulled Aries by the hand. They stood together at Orion’s right side. His subtle gaze fell upon the couple. “My dear son, are you ready to be a Conroy?” Zenon swallowed the lump in his throat. “Yes, sir.” His heart sank. Zenon was 17 and was going to rule an Island of Nexus- Zivot. “You and Aries are to be married in two days, a conroy must be married. We are lucky that you are at the appropriate age.” He pulled Aries close. Her delicate blue hair was intertwined with his soft fingers. “It will be my pleasure.” The young man would be happier than anything in the world, if it was under a different circumstance. Zenon’s father slowly propped himself against luxurious pillows. 

Orion had long, untangled, silver hair, his eyes were a deep blue. His head held a circlet, silver bands were pointed slightly below his widow’s peak. His broad shoulders looked weak. Zenon steadied him as he rose. He looked to Aries and spoke. “Aries, could you come here for a moment?” She slowly and peacefully seated herself on the conroy’s bedside. “Zenon there is a box on top of my dresser, will you grab it?” Zenon shuffled over to the dresser. The box was a little dusty, but it’s silver trim glistened. He took the box down from it’s perch, and carried it across the room. Orion extended his hands, palm’s upturned. He sat the box on his lap. His finger pressed a button, the sounds of gears gently echoed through the room. 

Inside were two necklaces. The first necklace contained a blood red crystal, shaped like a tear. Gold wires twisted around the crystal, embracing it delicately. From there the wires twisted upward, latching onto a long gold chain. The second necklace was a thin rectangular shape, flat rigids covered it’s surface. Silver wires grew over the pale blue crystal, just as the first. The couple extended their palms. The two necklaces unwound and floated to each angel. “They’re beautiful.” Aries was enchanted by the gift. “Put them on.” Orion said. 

Zenon's  slender fingers clasped the chain around his neck. He tenderly placed his fingers on Aries wrist. “Allow me.” The girl blushed and handed him the necklace. He took the stone and carefully reached around her neck. Her hair was soft as it swept through his hands. He silently fastened the clasp. “Thank you.” They turned back to face the conroy. “Place them together.” Aries reached out for Zenon. As they brought the stones together they began to glow. “When you are together they will be warm. But, as you get farther away they will freeze. Aries, I need a moment with Zenon.” Aries bowed. “Thank you.” The girl sadly smiled then glided into the hall. 

“What is it father?” Zenon’s boots barely made a sound on the black marble floor. He stood and looked at his dying father’s face. It was pale and tired. The old man’s mouth released an airy sound. 

“As heir to the Council, you will be taking great responsibility for these islands.”

“I know, but I have faith because I have been taught well.” 

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“I appreciate your enthusiasm. Aries is going to make a beautiful companion for you.”

“Indeed.” 

Orion hacked and wheezed. Zenon took his arm and carefully helped him back in the bed. “I’ll be fine, please go to Aries.” By now he knew not to argue with his father. Zenon uneasily glared at his father before leaving the room.

Orion waited until he knew Zenon and Aries were taking a flight, far away from his room. A small piece of glass laid on his ruby nightstand. He propped himself up with ease. He reached for the glass. “Show me Blanche.” Blanche was the Conroy of Onding- Land of Ice. His frosted face appeared in the frame. “The plan worked, you know what to do.” Blanche eerily smiled. “Yes sir.” Orion set the glass back on his nightstand. 

The tall, old man glanced painfully at an old painting sitting to the side.. What was love? He thought. Her aroma, her smile, her laugh, it was all there in that room. How she danced at the window on happy nights. A mirror hung next to the door, Angelonia brushed locks of her white hair. Feelings, memories, images, seeped from the Orion’s mind. It was plastered in the room. Oh how her eyes sparkled! “I took that away!” He screamed. “I didn’t protect her!” He gripped his bejeweled pillow tightly, the gems leaving a deep, red imprint on his desperate hands. “I killed her!” The conroy throw it across the room shattering a vase. Water puddled at the floor. The flowers in the vase were her favorite, hydrangeas. Those flowers were always in her hair. His breath grew heavy. Every small detail was on replay in his head, over and over. A volcano of pent up feelings erupted. He tore at his skin, grasping his head. His delicate silver eyes, were consumed with darkness and turned black as night. Veins popped out of his neck as he ripped the drapes. He hesitated, painfully gazing at left side of the bed. Angelonia had Zenon there. That’s right, it was his fault. The black wings, the cur-. A knock at the door broke the silent rage. He grew eerily calm, and strided to the window. “Conroy Orion, you’re needed at the council.” An armoured harpy stood just outside the chamber doors. “I will be there in a moment.” His black eyes poured back into the depths of his soul. Orion leader of angels, was like a small child weeping because of a broken toy. “My dear, Angelonia… you will have vengeance.” The loathing conroy regained his composure and put on more formal wear. He then strode to the door, making sure Zenon and Aries were still nowhere in sight. 

Orion was escorted by 2 guards to the Hexadic Tower. This tower was like a beacon, it could be seen anywhere from Zivot. A mystical light shone at the top. Other leaders of Nexus gathered in this sacred place. There were six seats matching each leaders islands. Siren Adair’s throne resembled the changing of the tides from Arroyo. Birk of Feadan was a centaur. His throne was covered with what appeared to be vines. A stump replaced the spot where a cushion should lay. Across the circle from Birk, creature Fulki blazed, as she was the Leader of Fury. Her throne was black, and lavastone flowed through fissures of the regal chair. Opposite of Fulki, icicles enveloped Blache’s throne. He was the head of Onding, island of ice. Orion had one of the two biggest thrones; his was made of chiseled quartz lined with gold, and angel wings curled into the arm rests. The last throne was Azrael’s. It had skulls in between stones. Liquid obsidian flowed throughout the cold seat. In the middle of all, a glowing sphere hovered just above its base. It molded into the ideas of a current speaker. 

“Welcome Orion.” Birk shook hands as he walked into the room. “The Conroy shows himself.” Adair wasn’t ever a fan of Orion, as something was always off about him. After greetings, Orion stood and spoke. “I fear we may have a terrible problem.” The sphere grew, it glowed yellow. It generated an image of Zenon. “Your son?” Adair questioned the loved Conroy. “You all remember the beast that ripped the Realm of Nexus apart. I fear my son has the same blood in his veins.” Fulki stood. “You cannot kill your own son.” Her eyes always glowed white, but now they were white flames. Adair stepped in. “If you try to kill him, I swear on my life he will be taken away and protected.” Orion’s guards listened closely. The sphere changed again. It morphed into the shape of Aries. “This is his fiancé. They are to be married in 2 days. Blanche, I want you to send assassins to kill her.” Birk towered above them all. “Orion, you can’t be serious! After what you went through with Angelonia?” “Angelonia has nothing to do with this!” He smirked. “Zenon already thinks I’m dying. What’s the matter with a simple test?” The room was stunned. Orion continued. “What about the Dagger of Serf?” A gasp rose from the room. “Even you would not dare to use that blade.” Adair said accusingly. “Shall I prove my commitment to you? After Aries is killed by the dagger, her soul shall belong to Death itself, a slave. Unless Zenon rescues her from her own fate.” Adair challenged Orion. “What shall happen if Zenon fails?” 

The conroy sat down. “Then I have no heir.” Birk cleared his throat, “I think we’ve had enough for today. Meeting adjourned!” Birk rose and exited, Adair and Fulki just behind. They wandered down the gloomy hall. They made sure to be out of earshot from Orion and Blanche. “I sense a war coming. May we be allies?” Adair asked. Fulki nodded in agreement. Both sets of eyes lingered to Birk. “Birk?” He stopped and turned. “My legion has your back.” “Tell no one. Understood?” The group shook hands and teleported back to their nations. Unknowingly, they were being watched by one of Orion’s guards, Redmund.

Meanwhile, the couple was enjoying their last moments together. “Over here!” The innocent, darling, angel stood on the balcony. Aries had her head thrown over her shoulder. In the dawning light of clouds, her glacier blue eyes twinkled. A gentle breeze swept through her frosted blue hair. Her wings were wide open. She stood softly at the edge of the open-air balcony. Zenon was mesmerized by her elegance. Aries lifted her hand in the peaceful air. The young man sprinted down the hall and leapt into a swift glide. Their hands laced together, and over the balcony they went. They danced in the peaceful air and dusk’s gentle glow. “Let go!” Aries tore through the crisp air, Zenon by her side in a dive. Magical, distant worlds hovered below them, clouds were puffy and light. Spinning in circles, the couple expanded their wings fluttering like leaves into the wind. Zenon flew below the girl, Aries upside down as their eyes met. Zenon grabbed Aries’ warm palms as they hung in mid-air. “You’re beautiful, my dear Aries.” He gently pressed her head to his chest in an embrace. “It’s getting late. Shall we return to the palace?” Zenon nodded and released his grip. 

They drifted like a feather to the balcony. “Can you take me to my chambers?” Aries looked up to her protector. Zenon held out his hand, the darling angel took the invitation. “Are you nervous?” Zenon answered honestly. “When I take your hand I will take head seat in the Council of Hexadic.” A short walk took Aries to her traditional angelic themed room. She softly let go of Zenon's  hand, “You will be the best conroy this island has ever seen.” Her glacier blue eyes, sparkled like icicles. Her mouth was warm and curved into a cheerful smile. Zenon's silver eyes peacefully laid upon hers. His arms were outstretched for Aries to come. "Your beauty is greater than the silver moon in the heavens, and my love for you stretches across the endless ink black sky." Zenon gently kissed the girl's forehead. "Grant my wish and say good night to the stars for me." Tenderly, she turned the door knob until it clicked. Pulling open the door, and a chilled mist ensnared Zenon. He reached for his sword, “Aries get behind me. Keep this handy.” He handed her his dagger. As Zenon entered the regal room, he noticed a window was left wide open. The air grew bitterly cold, not the same air they had once danced in. The curtains swayed in the wind, and the window began to freeze. Snow? Zenon thought. “What’s wrong?” Her innocent face looked upon the man. “Wraths! Go to my room, quickly! When you get there lock the door and grab my Claymore.” “But-” Aries hesitated. “Do as I say! Go!” The hallway was dim, the same feeling fell upon Aries. 

She ripped through the darkness. Zenon's chamber wasn’t too much farther. She scrambled, desperately reaching for the door. The paranoia was growing as every shadow was an enemy. Grasping the handle, she fumbled to open the door and silently slipped in, quickly locking the door. She searched in Zenon's  room for the Claymore. She observed the safe room. On Zenon's bedside was the sword. The cold handle settled in her palms. It was a perfectly balanced, silver, blade. Her necklace was cold, not frozen. “Aries open the door!” She jumped and dropped the blade. The innocent angel rushed to the door. Click, the door unlocked. Zenon was nowhere to be found. An iced monster stood in the doorway. It was just one large mouth, no eyes, no nose, no ears. Ice spikes grew from where the creature’s ear should be. The monster took a swing at Aries. She was too quick and leaped for Zenon’s Claymore. But the monster made a swift motion, impaling the innocent angel with the special blade Orion provided. Aries took a final breath, her glacier blue eyes frozen wide open. Her pure white dress was now stained red. The limp corpse sunk to the floor. The necklace turned black, lifeless just like the girl. A cold hand lay inches from the sword that could have saved a soul. 

Zenon realized the ice began creeping out of the room. It twisted among the door frame. He screamed, his necklace bit at his chest. Zenon fell to his hands and knees. His eyes shot open, Aries… Pulling himself from the floor Zenon spread his wings and blew through the door. Tears blurred his vision, just the thought of losing someone so dear to his heart. He remembered the night they first meet; it played constantly in his head.