Asra The Arcana Novels & Stories

He opened the pouch, revealing a small silver amulet shaped like a crescent moon. "Wear it. It will help stabilize your wolf. The stone is calling to you, Solana. It's trying to reconnect with its bloodline through you." Tessa stepped forward, her hand out. "Let me see that." Ambrose handed it over without protest. She examined it closely, her fingers tracing the runes. "This is old and powerful. But—" Pain spiked in my skull. I gasped, doubling over as Astraea roared to life inside me. My vision went red, then black at the edges. Claws erupted from my fingers.

“This entire narrative—your disappearance, your resurrection, her return to music, the child, the reunion—it’s all too clean.” I shook my head slightly. “What are you talking about?” I demanded. The first man stepped forward now. And placed something on the table. A folder. Thick. Worn. Labelled only with a single word: ARIA I stared at it like it might bite. Antonio didn’t look away from the men. “Don’t touch that,” he warned quietly. Mr. Nash smiled again. “Too late,” he said. I opened my mouth to speak—But the folder slid open by itself. Not physically. Digitally. A hidden device inside activated. And a voice filled the room.

Aria - The Path of Truth: Aria's path led her to the Hidden Archives, a repository of ancient knowledge hidden deep within the mountains. Here, she encountered the Guardians of Truth, enigmatic beings who tested her with riddles and illusions, each designed to challenge her perception of reality.

The Arbor of Astral Echoes, a repository of celestial wisdom, beckoned Victoria and Alexander to its sacred roots. Seated beneath the ethereal branches of the Arbor, Victoria and Alexander sensed the luminescent energies pulsating through the astral tree. The celestial guide spoke of the Arbor's unique ability to echo the astral vibrations of the universe, resonating with the harmonious currents that flowed through the cosmic tapestry. The united souls of Victoria and Alexander, now attuned to the luminescent essence of celestial enlightenment, became conduits for the astral echoes that emanated from the Arbor.

“What do I need to do?” Lysandra’s eyes glinted with something I couldn’t quite place—relief, maybe, or something darker. “You must perform the ritual to unlock the tomb. But be warned, Seraphina. Once the ritual begins, there’s no turning back. The witch’s spirit will awaken, and she will not be pleased.” My throat tightened, but I nodded. “Let’s get this over with.” Lysandra stepped closer, her hands moving in intricate patterns as she muttered an incantation under her breath. The air around us seemed to grow heavier, charged with dark energy. I could feel the magic swirling around me, brushing against my skin like icy fingers.

At that, a call from an unknown number enters my mobile. -Tell me? -Lailah?- says a familiar voice on the other line. In the background, I can hear glass breaking.- I'm Scott. I need you to come to my apartment now. He seems alarmed. -What? Why? Scott? -It's Azael. -He says worriedly. An object falling to the ground and an incoherent babbling can be heard behind his voice.- He has arrived drunk and has started breaking things and it is not that I have enough money to renew furniture, also he has already damaged my car and that already are many expenses.

I feel a slight panic rise in me, Aries catches it and snaps his head round to look at me as we enter the hall, I give him a tight smile and link our mate but am unable to get through. Azrid, can you reach Ersa? No, where is mate? "Sh!t, Aries, we have a problem." I say to him, his eyes instantly flash black as Arcane tries to take over. "Where is she?" He says through gritted teeth, I can tell he's trying to link her and to no avail, I try again too, Azrid is whimpering, tail between his legs in the back of my mind while Aries fights with Arcane to stay in control of his body still.

I don't think I have ever seen anything quite as beautiful. The professor clears her throat as she scans the room. Her gaze falling on mine just along enough to make my skin crawl. Something flashing in her eyes that I don't quite recognize as she continues to scan the room. Weird. "I am Professor Cecillia Starling. This is my bonded, Aries," she says as she gestures to the moon serpent who has now taken place alongside where she stands. She continues, "Yes, I possess gifts granted to me by Aries. No, I will not be telling you my gifts. My job is to simply teach you everything you need to know about the bonds."

The scent of old fire lingered, but the oppressive weight of it lightened. Rhea let out a slow breath. “Well,” she said. “That was… something.” Scar scratched the back of his neck. “Your family reunions are intense,” he said. Kerran looked like he might faint from sheer excitement. “I spoke to Ashar,” he whispered. “Ashar of the First Circle. I am going to have to invent a new tense for this in the archives.” Elia, who had slipped up the hill halfway through and watched from the rim, shook her head.

“The Moon Cages weren’t built by Vales. They were built by the first covenants—ashbound covenants—after an ashbound girl ended a war by burning the wrong king.” My skin went cold. “That’s a story.” Vesper smiled. “No, Aria. That’s a warning with a date.” She lifted her hand and touched the air near my wrist. She didn’t touch me, but the mark flared anyway, responding. I winced. “Hybrid,” Vesper said softly, as if tasting the word. “Wolf and ashbound. Not Luna. Not Lycan royalty. Something older.” Kieran’s voice went rough. “She’s my mate.”