The flyer is stark, its message as chilling as it is clear. At the top, in large bold letters, it declares, “BEWARE THE SHADOW QUEEN!” Below is an ominous warning.
“Protect our realms from the dark enchantress, Lyra Lewis. Do not be deceived by her guise of nobility. Underneath lies a heart governed by dark magic that seeks to dominate and destroy. She has already unleashed her terrifying power upon the Luminary Council, proving her willingness to slaughter those who stand in her way. We must act now to preserve our heritage and safeguard our future. Stand united against the tyranny of dark magic. Reject Lyra Lewis as queen. Protect our realm, protect our traditions!”
Beneath the inflammatory text, there’s a detailed sketch of my face wreathed in shadows, the borders traced to make the image appear even more menacing. My hand trembles uncontrollably as I take deep breaths, trying to calm the magic stirring within me, urging me to find Kaine and unleash my wrath upon him.
“What the fuck?” I utter as I read the flyer again, my gaze fixating on the sketch.
Given that few know what I look like due to my years secluded in the castle, Kaine’s actions aren’t merely inciting an uprising. He’s ensuring that everyone can identify me on sight.
Lili reaches out to steady my shaking hand with her own. When our eyes meet, she gasps, “Your eyes.” I close them quickly, praying to the gods for strength to maintain control. After a few tense moments, I open them again. Seeing Lili’s face relax, I know the black tendrils have retreated and my eyes have returned to normal.
“What is he thinking? He wants to stay regent forever? Become king of Cloudrum?” I say through gritted teeth.
“I’m afraid it’s worse than that,” Lili says, her tone grave, pulling me back from the brink of my own turbulent thoughts.
I search her face, anxiety pricking at the edges of my mind. “What could be worse?” I ask, my voice barely concealing the tempest within, ready to channel out of this place if I lose control of my magic.
“Are you sure this is the best time to talk about this? Where’s Colton or King Onyx? Maybe we should discuss this with them present,” Lili suggests, her concern palpable as she reaches over to squeeze my hand gently.
That ignites a different kind of fire in me—the frustration of being perceived as unable to control myself. “I don’t need a man here to make sure I don’t get out of line. I can handle it,” I snap sharply. Immediately, I regret my harshness, but the sentiment remains. I’m weary of being underestimated, tired of the assumption that I can’t handle things on my own.
Taking a deep breath, I try to temper my frustration, focusing on Lili’s intent rather than my own irritation. “Please, tell me,” I add, softening my tone, urging her to continue. My eyes hold hers, pleading for the truth, no matter how dire it might be.
“I think Kaine knows he wouldn’t be accepted as a permanent placement on the throne. That’s why he’s seeking other options,” Lili explains with concern. She pauses, appraising me.
“Other options?” I prompt, eager for clarity, my gaze drilling into hers for answers.
“You know, all of us here—we hear things and see things around the castle, and we’re supposed to keep it to ourselves, but people gossip, even the guards,” Lili confesses, her hands twisting nervously in her lap. My impatience mounts, ready to coax every detail out of her.
“What gossip have you heard?” I press, needing to know more.
“Kaine and his men have taken that girl out of the basement, Citlali, and they are enlisting her to help them find…Samael.”
Chapter 7
Lyra
I blink at her,my mind overwhelmed with thoughts swirling so fast I can barely catch them. “Samael,” I manage to echo back slowly, the name heavy on my tongue.
“Kaine believes, as vile as Samael may be, that he is a better alternative than you. At least with Samael the people know what they’re getting. I think he believes the realm will back him regaining control as king, while you’re a wildcard and not many know you. And now, with these flyers and the rumors spreading...”
My fists clench so tightly that I can feel my nails digging into my palms, the sharp pain a minor distraction from the surge of anger and betrayal swelling within me. I need to get out of here before I do something I’m going to regret. Quickly, I rise to my feet, and Chepi’s wings materialize as he flies into the air beside me.
“What are you doing?” Lili asks as she jumps to her feet.
“I’m sorry, Lili. I need to get away from here. I need some air,” I say, my voice strained. I scoop Chepi into my arms and pull my hood back up over my head.
“Wait, I’ll come with you. We can go for a walk around the back. The forest is rarely patrolled these days, and I doubt we’ll run into anyone,” she suggests with a hopeful tone.
Her offer tempts me. The promise of calm in the forest is appealing, but I can’t trust myself not to unravel further, especially not in her company. “No, I need to go alone and don’t think it’s a good idea for me to roam the castle grounds right now. But I’ll visit again soon,” I promise, though the words feel hollow, my mind already racing ahead to the problems that await.
“Alright then. Be careful,” she says with resignation, pulling me and Chepi into a tight hug. I return her embrace, savoring the familiar scent of lavender that clings to her, a brief respite that makes me wish I could linger.
“Thank you for looking after Chepi,” I murmur, grateful for her support. As I begin to summon my powers to channel us away, a dark wind starts to swirl around us, the energy crackling with my rising emotions.
“Of course, anytime,” Lili responds with a warm smile as Chepi and I disappear.
I channel us to the Nocturn Willow grove in the Black Forest, the only place I could think of where I was certain we wouldn’t encounter anyone. The sun is high overhead, casting a brilliant light over the scene, which is a stark contrast to the usual veil of night when I’ve seen this place. Colton was the one who brought me here before, under a blanket of darkness where the shimmering black leaves mimicked a sky full of stars.
