Clifford's POV We hid behind the trees and bushes. Hartland and Midland warriors stood in front of our house. A couple of them rummaged inside. My little sister's shouts for help made my heart clench, but I couldn't ran to her aid. Voight crossed my line of view. Even with a swollen nose and an arm wrapped in gray bandages, the huge man moved around like he wasn't even hurt. He must really want that bounty. The mention of bounty brought someone else to my mind and I frowned. I couldn't believe she was that selfish enough to leave us hanging after everything we did for her. And to think I was starting to like her. I shook my head. We should never have rescued her in the woods that morning. The bush beside my rustled. "So what's t

Adrian's POV Today was supposed to be my coronation. Today, I was supposed to be crowned King of Hartland. Today, I was supposed to make my father proud. Instead, I was here knocking this dummy out, all because of that foolish girl! My water tentacle came down, slicing the white stuffed dummy in two halves. Sweat mixed with the drops of water on my body. I heaved out a breath, tired from pushing myself to train when my body screamed exhaustion. But it this was the only way I could vent out my frustration. The dojo doors creaked open and Mother gracefully let herself in. A crystal crown glittered in her blond curls, matching with one of her finest gowns. She'd probably just returned from o

Adrian's POV   I could feel death lurking around the corners, waiting for me to send Araknee to him. One last squeeze and Hartland will be mine.   Tightening my prey in my water snake's hold, the sight of her writhing in pain brought a smile of satisfaction to my face. So long, Lost Princess!   With a quick motion, I squeezed out the last bit of life in her. Her lifeless body slouched forward, indicating my victory. The small room in the temple filled up with applause. The council members stared in awe at the wonder I'd performed right before their eyes. The three wizards stood in their corner, clapping.   "Thank you, gentlemen." I basked in my triumph. Finally! The assurance and satisfaction I needed ran through my veins. The throne was mine and mine alone. T

Rakia's POV Hermon was a town in the Eastern Midlands named after a great healer who cured the entire town of a dreaded skin disease that killed millions of people in the 1800s. That was what Richard told me, a few hours before we got to the town. It was buzzing with life, reminding me of market days back in Hartland. Traders displayed their goods and hawked everywhere. Fruits, vegetables, jewellery, clothes, hats, cooking utensils, farming tools, weapons, upholstery, pottery, ceramics, firewood, you name it. Everything was sold here. Little children loitered around the wooden stalls and tents as traders called for customers to purchase their wares. "Is this place always like this?" I asked. "Yeah. It's the biggest trading town in the Midlands,"

Rakia's POV Two days later "This is a colossal waste of time." I propped myself up on Luca, watching in disgust as Clifford washed Marion's feet at a small nearby creek. "Tell me about it," Richard remarked, bent over and busily cleaning out his horse's hooves. I moved Luca closer to his side then jumped off my horse. "We've barely covered enough ground since we left Hermon and it's all because she keeps insisting that we stop for flimsy stuff like picking berries!" I huffed. "And the part that irritates me the most is that Clifford lets her. He lets her do anything she wants. I mean...." Frustration took my tone a notch higher. "Can't he see that Marion is a distraction?" "Nope. This is what love does to a person. It blinds out all logical sense of reasoning." Richard put Hope's leg down and straightened himself up. "Last night, wh