Prologue
Rayden (500 years ago)
I should've known she hadn't called my name just to find me.
Her eyes, once green like the summer forest under starlight, have become dull and lifeless.
It's as disturbing as her fragile frame and sunken cheeks. Even under that thick fur dress draping over her body, she can't hide that she's lost her robust figure. Her skin almost blends into the surrounding snow, and her brown locks could've been cut from the deceased.
Her stare hardens as she keeps the arrow aimed at my heart, prepared to let it go at any moment.
The Lydia I knew was so much more than a skeleton with the eyes of the dead. She was vigorous, with a snappy tongue coupled with laughter and kindness. Her stare was so much softer, just making eye-contact was a comfort at times.
My blood runs cold despite having my heavy, deer fur coat and my dark brown beard to keep me warm. Why is she starving? Why is she pointing an arrow at me? She loves me, doesn’t she?
What have they done to her?
“Lydia…” is all I manage. My body remains rigid under her stare.
Her trembling breath echoes my own. “You….” Tears prick her eyes. “You manipulated me.”
The words might as well have been the arrow. Manipulated her? Me? What kind of tricks have they been playing on her? “No. I-”
“Kill him,” a man snaps.
I jerk my head towards the crunching of snow. Swamp-colored eyes glare back, wavy black locks blowing in his face. “It's the only way to set you free, Lydia.”
I narrow my dark eyes. I should've known he would do something like this. “I knew you were a fool, Arthur, but I didn't think you'd go as far as to manipulate your own sister.”
“I expect nothing less of a dreamscreecher.” He stands beside Lydia as twigs break around me, revealing an army of snickering men. “Using that tongue of deceit seems to be their strong suit.”
My muscles twitch, teeth grinding together. If it weren't for Lydia, I would’ve torn off his head a long time ago. He doesn't know shit about us.
I scoff and look at Lydia. “I love you. I always have. Your brother doesn't understand how brainwashed he is.”
Lydia's stare remains sharp as the arrow stays aligned with my heart.
I suck in a breath to stop the pounding in my throat. “They don't know about what we had. I swear, I would never-”
“You tried to killme!” Her voice cracks on the last word. She bites her lip to keep from sobbing.
I put my hands up in defense. “I would never plot against you. I would die for you. I would kill for you. I'd do anything for you.”
“Sounds like something a manipulative dreamscreecher would say!” Arthur barks.
“Listen to me, Lydia.” I won't let Arthur distract me. “You can shoot the arrow if you really think I've hurt you in any way.” I close my eyes, sucking in another breath before meeting her gaze again. “I'm not afraid of death. I never have been.”
She tilts her head sideways. “Then why even try to-"
“But if you drop the arrow, I will dedicate my life to you. I will protect you from these liars that have turned you into this shell of yourself. We can figure out how to reclaim your memories and change the kingdoms for good and you can be free again.”
Her eyes narrow. “Free from what, exactly?”
“Free from these lies. Not just about me or these dreamscreechers, but about you! I remember you told me, Lydia. Every day you live a life where people judge your ability to love because you're soulmateless.”
“Kill him already! Why waste our time!” one man yells. Lydia flinches back, still clutching onto her arrow.
Different men shout from the army. “Don't you want to redeem yourself?”
