The Silver Swan: Tales of Evermagic, Book 6

By Jessica Lorenne

Aderes’s sister, the future queen of Eale, has been chained and abused because of accusations Aderes doesn’t believe. With her escape, Aderes is now left with the burden of their kingdom. But as her sister gives in to the curse of the black swan, she comes to discover that the people she thought were her allies are now her foes. And worst of all, their leader is the man that she loves.

With the help of some strangers from another time, Aderes will relearn to love with a part of her she thought she lost and become the leader she didn’t know was hiding inside her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica Lorenne
• Release date: Aug 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311130921

Jessica Lorenne

Jessica Lorenne started writing for assignments in elementary school, but didn't begin her first attempt at a novel until the age of 12 when she was inspired by Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, which she then read along with other works by Tolkien. This first story turned into the Bearer of Power series from which other relating projects have emerged.She grew up in western Oregon where the national forest was her backyard. It became the backdrop for her stories, and fed the fantasy realm of her imagination. She started rewriting fairy tales while studying theatre, voice, and writing at Brigham Young University-Idaho, beginning with Cinderella.As a result of her constant immersion within her own imagination, she has begun to have imaginary arguments with her characters. Through these encounters she has learned about them, and begun to tame them. These meetings can be read on her blog Character Arguments on wordpress.

Book preview

A RETELLING OF SWAN LAKE

Copyright © 2014 Jessica Lorenne

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner, save for brief quotations in printed reviews without written permission in writing from the author.

All characters are fictional. Any resemblance to actual people are coincidental.

Cover design by Jessica Lorenne

Copyright © 2011-2012 by Sorkin Type Co (www.sorkintype.com),

with Reserved Font Name Metamorphous.

***

For Nanna

my sister, my ally, my confidant.

She is the Silver Swan.

Special Acknowledgment to Sunny,

Thanks for not letting me get away with anything.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

EPILOGUE

SOCIAL LINKS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CHAPTER 1

A long time ago––too many years for me to remember perfectly––I fought in a great battle to save this world. My sisters and I led our clan against a monstrous beast. We didn’t know what it was or where it came from. For a time, we didn’t even know its purpose. But it soon became clear when the kingdom’s fairy tales, myths, and stories were swallowed up by it. It had come to devour our world, and we were the only ones who could and would stop it. Even if it meant giving up our lives.

What we lost was almost worse...

Chandra, behind you! Death twirled the scythe in her hand to hook it on a shadow. It had lunged for her sister, but she managed to pull its head off with her blade. Once severed, it went spinning into dust.

Chandra whirled around in time to see the thing’s form burst into mist. And then it scurried quickly back to the monster from which it had originated. She looked back at it, her teeth clenched. 

We cannot stay in this form! It is too weak to beat that thing. She looked down at the others of their clan. All were feathered dragons or human-dragons like them. But they were struggling worse than they in this battle against a monster that simply regenerated its shadow beasts.

A third woman, Sunniva, flew up to hover at her side. Her scarlet eyes were set determined on the black thing which blocked the sky. The bit of sun that peeked around from behind it glint on her golden horns. If we break our dragon forms to take on our celestial bodies, we risk burning the earth asunder, she said. She looked up at Death then, who stared down at them with sober eyes.

This world will be swallowed up if we don’t, she said, her black wings near as pitch as the monster they fought.

Death, look out! Chandra’s silver-white wings, laced with glowing blue light, suddenly beat in one violent burst. She grabbed Death by the ankle, turned, and threw her back toward Sunniva. When Death saw the claw that reached down from the beast at her, her eyes grew wide. And then Sunniva caught her by the shoulders. In unison, they tore out of their hybrid forms to that of a dragon’s.

Chandra shook her head at them, warning them to hold back. But neither heeded her. Death wrapped her black and silver body around Chandra. And then Sunniva’s gold and red one curled over hers. A force field generated from her body just as the claw from above came crashing down around them. She winced and grit her teeth in an effort to keep the shield strong against the powerful force against her. And then she lifted her scarlet eyes at the beast. They flashed with gold as if daring the monster to hurt either of her sisters.

Give me an opening! Death roared.

Sunniva nodded, and a split shone through the shield she generated. Death slipped out, turned, and clamped her teeth over the arm that attacked them. A hissing sound came from her pointed fangs in the monster’s gooping, shadowy flesh. It retracted itself quickly, and once it was gone, Sunniva returned to her hybrid form, holding Chandra by the arm to keep her steady.

Death, still a dragon, looked back at them. Go, she said, her voice lower and growling now. Get the others far away from this place. Do not come back.

What are you going to do? Chandra asked, her voice hard and shaking as she glared up at her.

I am going to protect you, Death said with a sad though tender smile.

That is not your job, Sunniva said fiercely. It is mine. She pointed hard at herself, her brow low. I am the shield, Chandra is the cure, and you are the sword.

So let the sword do its job, Death begged. She looked down to watch their friends in battle. They were fighting valiantly. But there was no way to win against something that could reform itself after being destroyed. It had to be sealed away, but that would require all her power should she endeavor to do it alone. She lifted her eyes to meet her two sisters. The sun and moon must shine bright to guide the remnants of our clan through the devastation that will follow. But the eclipse is not a guide needed to be seen.

You are not doing this alone, Chandra said, her glowing blue eyes intense and her fangs shining with defiance. She glanced at Sunniva, who nodded and started away. The clan agreed, Chandra continued as Sunniva dove down to the battle below them. If you decided this was our only solution, then we would aid you.

You cannot know what I mean to do! Death argued.

Of course I do! Chandra said, balling her hands into fists. I am your sister. Sunniva and I knew what you would do to save the rest of us. It would kill you! Death is needed!

I will be fine! Death shouted back.

No! No, you won’t! Chandra cried, tears gathering in her eyes. She grabbed her sister’s giant face and forced it into her arms. Stop trying to be strong all by yourself. Our men are dead, and there are so few of us left. What is the point if any more of us die?

Death swallowed, emotion hurting her throat. She lifted her gaze to search the skies over her sister’s shoulder but... He hadn’t come... She shut her eyes and nodded. Fine. Have it your way, she whispered and took her face out of Chandra’s arms.

She looked past her where Sunniva flew. She was leading the rest of their clan through the shadow beasts toward her. Death nodded, and Sunniva nodded back. And then Death and Chandra turned to face the black, shapeless thing above their heads. A glow shone about them and their friends, for the dragon seal on their bodies was now broken. So, up flew the celestial beings that had descended to protect the people of the world they loved.

That had been so long ago...

Aderes woke with a start. Sitting up in bed, she bent over herself, trying to catch her breath. She could still feel the thick, dripping darkness wrap around her. It was the same as when she had aided her sisters in sealing that thing away. She put a hand to her head and swallowed. Even now they didn’t know what it was or where it had come from. She sighed, wishing the nightmare would stop haunting her dreams. Upset, she lifted her head and gazed out her window. It was still dark. She brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her as she shut her eyes.

That battle had been so long ago. No one died, but they’d been nearly depleted of all their power. But—at least it had saved the world from being destroyed. She lay back in bed and turned onto her side. When she did, she tightened the blankets around her. There, she prayed that whatever it was, it would never escape from its seal...

***

Touch me again and I will be informing my sister, Sable hissed, jerking her arm out of Charles’s hand.

The gorgeous foreign man with her stared, looking innocently oblivious. I don’t know what you mean, he said in what had always seemed to her like a forced accent. There was no light save that which came from the arch bay windows at the end of the room. But from there, the moon was so bright it bathed everything with a silver glow.

Despite her warning, he stood closer to her in the ballroom. She had come there to be alone and escape the isolation she felt everywhere there was people. Not even the servants would acknowledge her as they cleaned during these early hours. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had smiled at her. That he did only made her angry. She snarled at him and took another step away.

He sighed. I do wish you would help me understand why you dislike me so much, he said, gazing forlorn across the room at her. He wasn’t used to having this much trouble with women.

She stood under the middle and biggest window to part the sheer drapes with one hand as she stared up at the starry sky. The grandness behind her was nothing compared to those lights twinkling over her head. It is because you are engaged to my sister, she said softly, distracted by her reverent feelings for the stars. And yet attempt to woo me as if to have me also. She looked back at him. I will not hurt my sister, nor do I care much for you.

Engaged to Aderes? He asked, his brow raised and he sounding surprised. Is that what you think? He came toward her again. But he paused when she whirled around to face him, a monstrous gleam in her eyes that stopped the flow of his blood. He swallowed.

Do not toy with me. She growled dangerously. Do you love her? She asked. Charles took a step back as she took a step forward. Are you in love with my sister? She asked. He frowned, and his gaze faltered with a light of shame in his face. Sable nodded. I thought as much. She waved her hand in the giant space between them. I can feel that you love her, she said, her head raised regally. Yet she is not your goal. I sense that too. He lifted his eyes to look up at her with alarm. Be careful, sir, she warned. I have been through much to protect my sister. I am not about to let a puny little being like you be her demise.

Sable? The door to the ballroom came open then. Alarmed, Sable turned as Aderes poked her head in. A stream of yellow entered in ahead of her from the light she held in her hand as her gaze shifted between the two shadows in the room. When her eyes adjusted to the new light, she stared. Charles?

Charles turned to face her, a serious expression on his face. He bowed stiffly, remaining there as Sable passed him, creating her own wind as she went to her sister.

What is it, Aderes? She asked, coming protectively to her side.

Aderes glanced from Charles to her sister and then her gaze lowered as a frown found her face. She was hidden behind the door for being in her night dress, knowing it was inappropriate for Charles to see her in it. Even if he was her fiancé. A fact she didn’t think Sable liked very much.

I had a bad dream, she whispered. Her eyes lifted then to find that Sable was frowning.

Oh... She breathed unsteadily for already knowing what she meant.

Charles came then and took Aderes’s fingers. Why did you not come to me? He asked, his brow twisted with concern. Sable watched him. All those moments from before were lost as his true feelings came to the surface.

I... Aderes blushed and glanced at her sister. It wasn’t a dream I could talk to you about.

Charles stared a moment, his face twisting with concern and uncertainty. Aderes seemed so innocent and fragile. He couldn’t imagine what she meant, save that it might be something she was too embarrassed to talk to him about. He nodded then and kissed her fingers. Very well. I will leave you in your sister’s hands. He paused then, looking troubled. He glanced nervously at Sable, who stared at him blank faced. He sighed. I will need to speak with you later, he said, turning his gaze on Aderes again. I have a confession to make...

Aderes lowered her brow but nodded, and Charles gave a glance at Sable as if to ask her let him repent. She nodded once and he left. When he was gone, Aderes came in the ballroom in a flurry. 

I can’t stop worrying about it! She cried, her fingers clawing into her cheeks. I keep dreaming about that thing. What it did to us. Our friends. And Sun. We have to find her!

Sable put a hand on Aderes’s arm to stop her wild pacing. Calm down! She called. Aderes looked up at her, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. Sable sighed and at the sight and pulled her into her arms. Aderes was so tired. Sable knew. Their burden had become so heavy. She feared her sister might crack under the pressure, yet she remained strong. It’s all right, she said, letting Aderes cling to her. The seal on that beast cannot come off without celestial interference. Besides. It is not something you need to worry about anymore.

Aderes pulled away and lifted her eyes to meet Sable’s. What do you mean? She asked.

Sable lifted her brow, looking at her as if it were obvious. You are marrying a mortal, she reminded her. Your place is no longer by my side but his. She pushed back her sister’s silver lavender hair and pursed her lips. Not that I much like the idea of losing you to such a weak specimen.

Aderes smirked. You and your pride, she said with the shake of her head. But her amusement melted away as she pondered on what Sable said. It’s so much to give up for something as fragile as love, she whispered. She went to the wall and slid down its carpeted surface of golds and greens and the images on it to sit.

Don’t worry, Sable said. She came to rest beside her, the reflective marble floor mirroring their silhouettes. I will make sure he has a long life. When he does die, you can return to the skies, and he may remain by your side as a spirit.

A human’s life is not very long, Aderes said with a nod. I suppose it’s not so bad, though. I don’t really have to lose anything in the long run...except. A spirit of the dead is different than a fae spirit. We won’t be able to touch, she said, lifting her hand to gaze at her fingers.

Sable nodded but bit her lip as she glanced at Aderes and took her hand. She squeezed it. Just...be careful. Consider this thoroughly. I know you love Charles, but. She pressed her lips together and sighed. Aderes stared at her, waiting with a frown and knowing she probably wasn’t going to like what came next. He is a very charming man, she went on. Temptation might get the better of others.

Aderes tensed and looked away. I trust him, she said with a nod. Sable frowned at her but didn’t say anything. Anyway. I’m glad the two of you are getting along better, she said.

Sable winced but managed a nod of her own. Yes...well... She stood and straightened her skirts. I’m going to try to get some sleep, she said.

Aderes looked up at her and watched her go. And with that, Sable disappeared, so Aderes was alone for a time. But then the door came open again. Lifting her head, she noticed Charles slip in. He shut up the entrance quietly and looked back at her. Thinning her lips, she tightened the robe around her and watched him come to stand over her. He was frowning, looking sad. To see it made her lower her brow.

Charles? She asked. What is it?

Aderes... He came to stand over her, looking pensive. There is something I have to tell you about your sister, he started, a little frantic like she’d been upon first coming.

She stood and crossed her arms protectively around her, not liking his demeanor. Yes? She asked.

He put a hand over his face, his brow lowering painfully so he looked distraught. Just now. He swallowed, now pacing and raking a hand through his hair. How do I tell you this? He cried quietly, now biting his knuckle and fidgeting.

Aderes stared at him, trembling. Charles. You’re scaring me, she whispered.

He paused and looked back at her. Sable, he began on a breath. Before you came in. She was trying to seduce me, he said quietly. The moonlight brightened his deep blue eyes as if to look for any falsehood in them. But she could see none.

She looked back at him, her brow high and her eyes wide. And then she took a trembling breath that was weak and pitiful sounding. What?

It’s not the first time, and there is more! He went to her, looking desperate and sorrowful. The police. I overheard them. They are suspicious of her. They say there is evidence linking her to your parents’ death!

Aderes tensed and trembled all at once, shifting away from him as if afraid his words would scar her. I don’t believe you, she whispered, her head turned to the side as she stared at him with tears coming to her eyes.

It’s true. The council. Earlier today. He stumbled over his words, his sentences choppy as he tried to piece his thoughts together in a way that was least likely to hurt her. Dag asked me in private to tell you... He couldn’t. He shut his eyes and bowed his head. Other things have been happening. Things all linking back to Sable. Aderes. He lifted his eyes to meet hers. They think she is suffering from the curse of the black swan...

No! Aderes pushed his arms away, now backed up against the wall. She shook her head, going numb. It’s a lie! Sable would never succumb to a fairy tale’s curse, she shouted.

Charles looked down at her, his expression one of true sorrow. "I am sorry, Aderes.