-ORION-Her laughter echoed through the forest, a melody that danced amidst the rustle of leaves as we sparred beneath the canopy. With each graceful movement, she countered my attacks effortlessly, her skill matched only by the mischievous glint in her eyes."Are you scared I’m going to beat your ass, Rio?" she teased, her voice a playful melody that stirred something within me.Chuckling at her banter, I couldn't resist the urge to pull her close, the wind weaving through her hair like strands of golden silk. "Rio!! We were sparring!" she protested, gently pushing me away with a playful shove.But the desire for something more lingered, a longing that tugged at my heartstrings. "Well, I don’t want to spar anymore," I confessed, my gaze locking with hers, searching for a connection beyond our friendly rivalry.
|ASTRAEA| In the quiet of the palace chambers, surrounded by the familiar faces of my family, I gathered the courage to speak the words that weighed heavily on my heart. "I'm not here to stay," I whispered softly, my voice barely above a whisper.Their smiles, though weak, spoke volumes of their understanding. "We know," my father replied, his voice filled with a quiet resignation that tugged at my heartstrings.As I gazed at them, taking in their slightly weathered faces and the subtle signs of aging that marked the passage of time, a wave of disbelief washed over me. "How long have I been gone?" I asked, my voice trembling with shock."Two years," my mother's response was barely a whisper, but it hit me like a tidal wave, leaving me reeling from the realization of just how much time had passed in my absence.And then, the question I had been dreading hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over our reunion. "W-what of Alan?" I ventured, the silence that followed deafening in it
ASTRAEA|As I walked away from Haiti, the throbbing in my head intensified, the voices growing louder and more insistent with each passing moment. It was as if a storm was raging inside my mind, threatening to consume me whole.Raeya noticed my distress and hurried to my side, concern etched on her features. "Astraea, are you alright?"I shook my head, trying to block out the voices that echoed in my mind. "I don't know what's happening. I keep hearing... things."Raeya's brow furrowed with worry as she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "We need to get you out of here, to somewhere quiet where we can figure out what's going on."With her support, I pushed through the crowd, the cacophony of voices and magic swirling around me like a whirlwind. Each step felt like a struggle, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me with every breath.Finally, we found a secluded alcove away from the chaos of the festival. Raeya helped me sit down, her expression grave as she studied me int
ASTRAEA|I jolted awake, gasping for breath as I found myself in my chamber, disoriented and confused. How did I get here? The last thing I remembered was being with Kallias, his lips on mine, the intensity of his gaze searing through me.My heart raced as I struggled to make sense of what had just happened. Kallias... I couldn't shake the memory of his touch, his scent lingering in the air around me like a haunting whisper.“Asana,” I whispered, seeking solace in the familiar presence in my mind.‘I’m lost for words,’ Asana murmured, her tone reflecting the turmoil within me.Before I could gather my thoughts, the door burst open, and Eloise rushed into the room, her expression a mixture of shock and concern.She wasted no time in crossing the room, her footsteps echoing in the tense silence. With a swift motion, she slapped my back, the sting jolting me into awareness.“Seriously?” Eloise's voice was a mix of disbelief and reproach. “You were with Kallias! Do you know how Orion reac
|ASTRAEA|I never recognized anyone. Heck I never went anywhere that I had to recognize someone. They all looked the same to me in my fathers ball parties, I would always come, greet and return back to my chambers out of boredom.My heart thumped as I stated into the mesmerizing hues of the figure’s eyes."Who are you?" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance.The figure chuckled softly, a melodic sound that echoed in the cold room. "Ah, you may not remember me, but I assure you, we are old acquaintances."My mind raced as I tried to place the voice, to recall any memories of this mysterious figure. But try as I might, my thoughts remained shrouded in darkness, the memories elusive and distant."Why have you brought me here?" I pressed on, my voice growing stronger with each word. "What do you want from me?"The figure's smile widened, revealing a glint of amusement in their eyes. "Oh, my dear Astraea, I have brought you here for a purpose—a purpose that wi
|ASTRAEA|I jolted awake, gasping for breath as I found myself in my chamber, disoriented and confused. How did I get here? The last thing I remembered was being with Kallias, his lips on mine, the intensity of his gaze searing through me.My heart raced as I struggled to make sense of what had just happened. Kallias... I couldn't shake the memory of his touch, his scent lingering in the air around me like a haunting whisper.“Asana,” I whispered, seeking solace in the familiar presence in my mind.‘I’m lost for words,’ Asana murmured, her tone reflecting the turmoil within me.Before I could gather my thoughts, the door burst open, and Eloise rushed into the room, her expression a mixture of shock and concern.She wasted no time in crossing the room, her footsteps echoing in the tense silence. With a swift motion, she slapped my back, the sting jolting me into awareness.“Seriously?” Eloise's voice was a mix of disbelief and reproach. “You were with Kallias! Do you know how Orion rea
|ORION|Haiti's smile grew wider, her eyes gleaming with malice. “She's been with Kallias. Last night. You may want to ask her about it.”My grip tightened involuntarily, my claws drawing blood. Haiti winced but held her ground, her expression triumphant. “Hurts, doesn’t it? Knowing you can’t protect her from everything?”I released her abruptly, my mind reeling. Kallias. The name alone sent waves of rage through me. How dare he? Without another word, I turned and stormed out of the gathering, leaving Haiti's laughter echoing behind me. I materialised in Kallias’ realm as my anger rose to the brim. Immediately the guards greeted paving way for me to step into his hellhole.“Orion what brings you-” I slammed my fists into his jaw, sending him flying back to the edge of his throne.|ORION|Haiti's smile grew wider, her eyes gleaming with malice. “She's been with Kallias. Last night. You may want to ask her about it.”My grip tightened involuntarily, my claws drawing blood. Haiti wince
|ASTRAEA|As I walked away from Haiti, the throbbing in my head intensified, the voices growing louder and more insistent with each passing moment. It was as if a storm was raging inside my mind, threatening to consume me whole.Raeya noticed my distress and hurried to my side, concern etched on her features. "Astraea, are you alright?"I shook my head, trying to block out the voices that echoed in my mind. "I don't know what's happening. I keep hearing... things."Raeya's brow furrowed with worry as she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "We need to get you out of here, to somewhere quiet where we can figure out what's going on."With her support, I pushed through the crowd, the cacophony of voices and magic swirling around me like a whirlwind. Each step felt like a struggle, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me with every breath.Finally, we found a secluded alcove away from the chaos of the festival. Raeya helped me sit down, her expression grave as she studied me in