Judgement of the Phoenix: the Blood Moon Oracle

By Sinneth Blackthorn

Elizabeth awakes in a frozen forest with no memories of who she was. Found by three hunters in the forest with dark intentions she tries to flee into the night.

Found by Nokti, she is saved from the cruel fate the three hunters had planned for her. 

Elizabeth learns this world was casted into purgatory because of her. Until she can pass judgement on the world the cycle of life and death will cease to continue.

When others learn of her, she becomes hunted by a mad king that refuses to give up his grasp on a broken kingdom, a demi god that wants her head on a pike and the goddess of ruin that will stop it nothing to have her blood.

The world will either burn in the wake of her rage, or she will sacrifice everything to save those that want to watch her burn.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sinneth Blackthorn
• Release date: Feb 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393180227

Sinneth Blackthorn

Elizabeth is a young girl that struggles in her daily life. Her father is an abusive drunk ever since her mother left. She never had any friends growing up and felt alone in the world. A small ray of hope breaks through the dark storm clouds as she is finally eighteen and is looking for a place to live on her own. The creatures that stalk the shadows at night have other plans for her. She is hit by a car crossing the street and wakes up in the afterlife. This world isn’t perfect and free from suffering. She learns that the afterlife is more complex than she ever could have imagined as she learns a war between two demi gods left this world in pieces.  To survive this nightmare that is seeking to consume her must seek out the help from others and learn the dark secrets of the soul flames.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The steel blade pierced her chest, escaping her back. The forest became deadly still; the birds perched in the thick branches high above watched in silence. A gentle breeze danced across the ground, scattering the loose leaves in its wake. 

The girl’s deep, sorrow-filled green eyes glistened from the burning tears. Her long brown hair swayed as she struggled to stay on her feet. Her body grew cold as the purity of her white dress stained a deep crimson. Her throat tightened, making it nearly impossible to breathe.

Closing her eyes, she could see the last of her memories playing in the endless darkness. Each one fading, forever drifting out of her reach. The pain that ravished her, slipped away into a sea of calmness that she so desperately desired. Her lips trembled; her throat tightened stopping her words.

The cold steel slid free from her chest, the muscles in her arms burning as she reached up touching the seemingly endless flow of blood. Her legs trembled as she struggled to stand, finally giving out, she collapsed to her knees. Her head grew heavier with each passing moment.

Each breath pierced her chest with agonizing pain as her body slouched forward. Gentle hands eased her to the ground, her agony subsiding. Dark clouds began to fill the sky, stealing the warmth of the sun from her skin. Her vision blurred making it impossible to see as her eyelids grew heavy.

The unknown hands reached out taking hers, she was grateful she wouldn’t die alone. A faint smile touched her pale lips. Her memories had faded, to the point she could no longer know who held her hand. Her own name began decaying in her mind, she desperately tried to hold onto it, lingering on the tip of her tongue before it to, slipped away.

She felt something caressing her forehead, pushing the loose stains of hair from her eyes. P-Please, the girl struggled to speak, her words barely above a faint whisper. M-My na-name. L-Let me d-die wi-with m-my... n-n.

The hand that held hers tightened. Elizabeth.

The girl tried to speak her name out loud; her strength finally depleted. The warmth of her soul faded, giving away to the endless dream that had come for her.

Snowflakes began to fall from the sky, blanketing the forest as it slipped into a deep slumber with her. Her body would soon become buried in the endless winter that encroached upon her final resting place. She would become a frozen rose, forever untouched by time. Her life cut too short, by the one who coveted her beauty.

ELIZABETH GASPED FOR air, it felt as if her lungs were on fire. Each breath felt as if tiny pieces of jagged ice assaulted her throat, embedding themselves deep inside. Green pine needles could be seen under the snow-covered branches of the surrounding trees. A playful breeze danced around their weathered trunks, gathering a trail of loose snow in its wake that swirled around her.

Elizabeth wrapped her arms around herself, desperately trying to keep herself warm. Looking around she didn’t see any tracks in the fresh snow. Her teeth raddled as her body began shaking from the cold. She wouldn’t live much longer in the blood-stained dress she wore. Closing her eyes, she prayed for a quick death, as more of her body went numb. She held back her tears; fearing they would freeze in place. In her mind, she silently pleaded for help.

A thunderous crack rippled through the silence as if a mighty tree had just fallen. Warmth washed over her like a thick, blanket of flames that caressed her body. Opening her eyes, Elizabeth let out a small gasp.

A woman wearing a similar white dress stood before her. Dancing flames arched her back, taking the shape of wings. The fire formed the tips of feathers at the edges that smoldered a deep crimson color. The snow around her melted away, exposing the bare land hidden beneath. Her skin was flawless and rich in color. Her hair held the warmth of a living flame, resting across her shoulders. Her deep, green eyes rivaled the surrounding evergreens.

The woman looked just as surprised to see Elizabeth as she was to see her. Elizabeth’s mouth hung open, refusing to close as she tried to form the endless questions that suddenly plagued her mind. The woman’s startled expression soon changed into a look of sorrow. 

I promise the pain will only last for a moment, she said, her words held an odd warmth to them, she genuinely wanted to end Elizabeth’s discomfort. The woman approached her, laying her hand over Elizabeth’s chest. Fear not, I will ensure only ash remains.

Wait! Elizabeth shouted, tightly closing her eyes as she braced herself for her death.

Wait? the woman said.

Elizabeth opened her eyes; confusion filling the woman’s gaze. Please... I don’t want to die, Elizabeth said, her voice becoming strained as tears burned her eyes. The woman’s expression softened upon seeing the fear in Elizabeth’s.

Do you remember who you are? the woman asked.

Elizabeth... Saying the name out loud didn’t feel right. A part of her resisted the urge to accept that as her name. Gaping holes began to form in her mind, fragments of places and people she didn’t recognize. It felt as if her mind was piecing together an incomplete puzzle. Do you know who I am?

You can’t stay out here, you’ll freeze to death, she said, ignoring Elizabeth’s question. The woman stood up, looking around. Nokti is stalking the forest, I don’t think she will find you in time. I can sense a small campfire nearby; I am unsure who it belongs to.

Can’t you stay with me? Elizabeth asked, fear coloring her words.

They will sense me if I stay much longer, the woman answered, sorrow riddling her words, If you truly wish to live again, you will have to make it to the camp before death lays its claim upon you.

Again?

The woman didn’t respond as she walked deeper into the woods. Elizabeth pushed herself to her feet desperately trying to chase after her; stumbling, almost burying herself into the frozen depths of the snow. The woman walked unhindered, fading from sight. Elizabeth forced herself to keep pushing forward towards the unseen camp. The warmth that cradled her had vanished, fear coiled deep within her mind, threatening to paralyze her.

ELIZABETH FELT AS IF her body would freeze over at any moment, the forest waiting patiently to reclaim her. Her body sapped of its strength, on the verge of giving in to the grasp of the awaiting icy death. The falling snow would ensure an undisturbed slumber in the end. Her foot slipped on the hidden patch of ice, causing her to collapse to the ground. Her body trembled as her flesh began turning blue, she could sense death creeping closer.

She remained motionless, unable to hold back the tears spilling from her eyes. Her body was mostly numb, refusing to move. A chilling wind picked up, biting at her, demanding her attention. The scent of burning pine lingered in its wake. A surge of determination filled her, forcing her aching limbs to move she began crawling. Clawing at the snow with renewed vigor as the scent became stronger. 

The glowing light of the fire pierced the thickness of the snowstorm, she just had to make it over the snowbank. Her lungs burned, her body crying out for rest. A startled cry escaped her lips as the ground shifted, plunging her down a steep hill. Her body was assaulted by the buried stones. 

She felt herself falling in the air for only a moment before her back slammed violently onto the ground. What little air she had in her lungs pushed out as her world spun. Rolling her head to the side she saw the fire only a few feet away from her.

Wincing in pain, she forced herself to roll on her stomach. Her arms trembling, nearly giving out as she pushed herself up, crawling towards the mouth of the cave. A roaring bonfire dominated the center of it, creating a pocketed heat source. The icicles hanging from the lip of the cave had melted away leaving behind little stubs. In the back of the cave, she could see thick furs laid out, just far enough back to not catch aflame.

The jagged cave floor tore at her dress, causing her knees to bleed. She felt too frozen to care as the heat washed over her body leaving a tense stinging sensation in its wake. She sat as close to the fire as she could pulling her legs close to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. Her chattering teeth echoed off the stone walls, mixing with the sound of the crackling flames.

Time crept past, she couldn’t tell if it had been only a few minutes or a few hours. Her mind kept wondering who the fire belonged to, and when they would be coming back. Perhaps whoever it belonged too would be willing to offer her some assistance. 

The snow had all but ceased to fall, little specs dotted the air, dancing on the faint breeze as they fell to the ground. Her torn and bloodied dress had dried; the heat of the fire starting to become too much. She begrudgingly put some distance between her and the fire.

The sound of faint laughter could be heard in the distance. Did you see the look on its face when my arrow pierced its hide? a male voice boomed. 

It took my second arrow to bring it down, a second male voice retorted. Your aim gets worse every year.

Bah you don’t know what you are talking about, a third voice said. It would have bled... his words trailing off before saying, who is that sitting by our fire? 

Three husky men wrapped in thick furs stood side by side, staring at her. The middle one carried a series of dead rabbits on a rope, hanging over his shoulder. The one on the left had a thick untamed dark beard. The last one had a set of three long scars covering the right side of his face, his eye had become a sickly grey from its brown counterpart.

Elizabeth stumbled backwards as she jumped to her feet, her heart pounding against her chest. Her back pressed up against the stone wall. I-I just needed to get out of the cold, she said, trying to hold back her fear.

What do we do with her, Gert? the bearded one asked. 

The middle one punched the bearded man in the arm, he said, shut up, Derk.

Her clothes don’t look right, the scarred one said, edging closer to her. I don’t think that is animal blood... I say we force her back into the forest from where she came.

Do you think she killed someone, Eli? Derk asked, reaching for the dagger in his belt.

Freezing to death is not a kind death, Gert said to the scarred-faced man. I wouldn’t condemn anyone to that kind of fate.

I bet she is a runaway slave, Eli said, stepping closer and stretching his arms out to catch her if she dared to run. We could sell her in the next town over.

No, you can’t! Elizabeth shouted.

Eli let out a gruntled laugh. And why not?

Nokti! Elizabeth shouted the first name that came to her mind. The three men went pale as the snow as they simultaneously took a step back, Eli nearly tripped on his own feet. Nokti is expecting me. I got lost in the blizzard, she said, praying they wouldn’t see through her lie.

What does Nokti want with you? Eli asked.

She purchased me.

I think she’s lying, Derk said, running his fingers through his thick beard, his eyes darkening as he studied her.

If she does belong to Nokti, Gert said. Then she will come for her...

The third man crossed his arms. She is obviously lying, he said.

I’ll let her stay with us for now, Gert said, dropping the rabbits on the cave floor. Nokti will find her before we leave the forest if she truly does belong to her. I’ve heard rumors, Nokti uses the blood of young girls to fuel her dark magic.

Elizabeth fought the urge to swallow the lump forming in her throat. She couldn’t get her petrified legs to respond as she considered making a run for it. Gert held her gaze in a deadlock, daring her to break it. She focused on him, holding her ground. She knew her life hung in the balance of the lie.

DERK HAD WANDERED OFF to gather more firewood as instructed, grumbling as he vanished into the dense forest. Night had fallen, filling the bitter cold sky with endless glittering stars. Gert and the third man skinned their rabbits, preparing them to be cooked over the open flames. Elizabeth sat in the corner, keeping her back against the wall as they whispered to each other, she could barely make out any of the words they were saying. It seemed they were arguing if Nokti would come to claim her. 

Derk came running into the cave, tripping, the wood he carried flew out in front of him; scrambling to his feet, he shouted, I think Nokti is here!

Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat as her breath got caught in her throat, her eyes staring out into the darkness outside of the cave. Gert stood up, walking to the mouth of the cave, his eyes surveying what little he could see of the land. A chill raced through his body causing him to shiver. What makes you think she is here? the scarred one asked. 

I saw a shadow following me, Derk said quickly, taking a deep breath. Every time I looked at her, she vanished from sight. It was like there was more than one of her stalking me.

Gert stepped back into the cave warming his body near the fire. I don’t see anything, his voice held a deep annoyance to it. The moonlight is playing tricks on your mind again.

I swear it! Derk shouted. We should send her out before Nokti comes into the cave and spills our blood!

Elizabeth swallowed hard upon hearing this. I-I’m sure Nokti would be grateful for ensuring my survival, she stammered.

Eli let out a grunt of disbelief. Are you touched in the head? he asked. Nokti isn’t the type to just let people live who don’t serve a purpose for her. I’ll be surprised if you make it past a day, locked alone in her castle with her, he said, a dark grin spread across his face. Maybe her torturing skills need a fine-tuning.

Don’t tell her that! Gert shouted. She is going to try running away in the middle of the night. I don’t think Nokti wants a frozen slave.

He doesn’t mean anything by it, Derk said with a sympathetic voice. Being a slave to Nokti isn’t as bad as serving some of the more powerful men. I never heard her taking on a slave before... but I am certain she won’t be too cruel to you.

That’s because no one ever hears from them again, Eli said. His words dropped into a low grumble, if she truly does belong to Nokti.

Enough out of the both of you, Gert said. We’ll take turns watching the girl, if Nokti shows up just hand her over. We don’t want any trouble with her.

I don’t want to be a shade again, Gert! Derk panicked, fear filling his words. I can’t go through it again!

Just calm down, Derk, Gert said in a softened voice. I won’t let that happen. 

Derk rocked back and forth on the cold ground, wrapping his arms around his legs, muttering to himself, I can’t–I just can’t. 

Derk you’ll take the last shift, Gert said, drawing his attention. I’ll take the first shift. Remember to keep an eye on her and watch for Nokti.

Eli rolled his eyes. I guess I know which shift I am taking, he said, annoyance in his words. We are all going to be shades before the sun kisses the land. 

Derk let out a whimpering cry shaking his head in a frantic manner. Gert ignored him as he cut into the rabbit, he handed a few pieces to Elizabeth. She looked down at his hand before looking back into his eyes. It’s all we have, he said. If you don’t eat meat, you are going to starve.

How come you are giving her some! Eli protested. She didn’t help catch any of these.

I don’t need her dying on us overnight, who do you think Nokti will blame? Gert snapped back.

Her rations are coming out of your share, the scarred-faced man said.

Elizabeth accepted the food. Thank you, she whispered.

ELIZABETH LINGERED on the edge of sleep; her mind unable to fully commit to a deep slumber. Every little noise made her heart pound faster. The fire still burned in the center of the cave providing her with what little warmth it could. Gert had recently switched shifts, with the scarred-faced man. Gert’s rhythmic snoring echoed around them. Curling up into a tighter ball, she did her best to convince herself she would somehow be ok.

She felt a rough hand covering her mouth, preventing her screams from filling the cave. Forced onto her feet, the scarred one squeezed her body up against his, harshly whispering into her ear, You might have them both fooled. We both know Nokti isn’t coming to claim you. I don’t know who you truly are, but I do know King Sytin will be interested in finding out who you are.

She shook her head, her words muffled against his fingers. 

You’re going to be a good girl now, he said. If you wake them, I’ll snap your neck like a twig.

I know you aren’t trying to sneak her out of this cave, Gert said, standing up with his hunting knife in hand.

You know she has been lying to us! the scarred man snapped. Derk let out a distorted snore before sitting up. Blinking a few times as he took in the situation. He jumped to his feet grabbing his own hunting knife from his belt.

The fiery winged woman stood just outside of the cave. Elizabeth stared into her eyes, silently pleading for help. The woman’s face remained expressionless as if she were observing nothing more than a mere disagreement. Calmly, she walked into the cave, ignoring the shouts of the men screaming at each other. The snow melting in the wake of her fire. She walked through Gert and Derk, neither of them acknowledging her presence. Standing before the fire, she reached out commanding the flame to dim as a chilling breeze swept through the cave.

The cave became deadly silent, Elizabeth struggled to breathe, her lungs felt as if they would burst at any moment. They all stared at the core of the fire, the faint embers flickering weakly, barely managing to survive.

I don’t like this, Gert, Derk said, his grip tightening on his hunting knife.

Nokti– 

Eli’s sentence was cut short as the fire suddenly exploded, filling the air with ash and ember. The force of the explosion slammed him into the stone wall, forcing the breath from his lungs. Gert and Derk were thrown out of the cave, half-buried in the snow.

Elizabeth had been thrown against the wall, choking on the smoke that filled the cave as she tried to replenish her lungs. The world spun as a loud ringing filled her ears, her head throbbing from hitting the wall. Using the adrenaline rushing through her veins, she forced herself off the ground, racing off into the forest. The fiery, winged woman watched her race past; her expression showing the slightest hint of concern.

Elizabeth could hear the angry shouts close behind her; the low hanging branches clawed at her, threatening to ensnare her. Her pursuers seemed hardly hindered by them.

Her lungs burned as her legs grew weaker, the thickness of the snow put her stamina to the test. A buried root hidden beneath the snow caught her foot causing her to stumble, a faint cry escaped her throat as she struck the ground. Violently rolling across the snow, she could feel every hidden branch and stone tearing at her body. Her back slammed into the trunk of a tree causing her to wince in pain, she could already feel bruises forming. 

The three men slid down the hill, Gert suddenly extended his arms keeping the other two back. Gert, Derk said in a frantic voice. That’s Nokti’s part of the forest! I saw her following us, we need to go now.

We aren’t going anywhere without that girl, Eli growled. Derk, go get her!

Derk looked at Gert with pleading eyes. I can’t die again! he whimpered.

Listen up girl, Eli said. No one comes out of Nokti’s forest alive. You got two choices, maybe only three depending on how long you live for.

Gert, Derk said, fear lacing his words. I got a bad feeling we should leave now. She is getting closer. 

Shut up Derk! Gert said in a scolding whisper. 

Eli ignored them as he continued, You can leave Nokti’s forest before she learns you trespassed on her land. Or you can stay out here and hopefully freeze to death before she finds you. His eyes darkened, his voice changing into a twisted sadistic taunt, if she finds you, you’ll die a very painful death.

Elizabeth felt the cold seeping into her bones, her mind screaming to stay away from him no matter what, swallowing the lump in her throat. I-I told you, I belong to Nokti, she said, her words wavering with fear.

We all know you don’t little girl, Eli snapped back. Come with us and I promise no one will harm you. King Sytin is a generous and kind king. He will make sure you are taken care of.

No, Elizabeth said. I don’t believe you.

Rage flickered in Eli’ eyes causing Elizabeth to press herself closer against the trunk of the tree. He reached for his knife, anger burning in the darkness of his soul. An arrow pierced the back of his shoulder. He let out a horrible scream, dropping his dagger into the snow. 

Elizabeth let out a scream, quickly covering her mouth. I think you heard her; she belongs to me. A sinister voice said from behind the men. 

The men dropped their weapons, putting their hands in the air surrendering, the scarred-faced man winced in pain as he did. I told you Gert! Derk whimpered. I told you I saw her!

A woman wearing a black cloak stepped out of the shadows. She held a long ebony-colored bow; the moon’s light reflected in the silver etched designs lining the polished wood. She pointed a sharpened arrow at the scarred-faced man’s heart. N-Nokti, we didn’t–we were going to bring her to y-you, Gert stammered.

The hood of her cloak casted her face into shadows, adding to the sinister aura emitting from her. Elizabeth could only pray Nokti didn’t believe them. Is that so? her words held a bittersweetness to them. I remember you wanting to sell her into slavery. He wanted to take her to King Sytin, and poor sweet Derk here wanted to keep her as his plaything.

I never said– Derk said, quickly catching himself.

You didn’t have to say it out loud, Nokti said, enjoying watching him squirm. I saw it in your eyes as you watched her sleep.

Listen here Nokti, Eli said stepping forward. She is ours, and we have a right to claim our property. Now are you going to let us have what belongs to us or does King Sytin need to hear about this?

Nokti remained silent, lowering her bow, Elizabeth’s eyes widened in panic. I think he does need to hear about this, Nokti said. You won’t be the one to deliver the message. Before he had a chance to move, she put an arrow into his throat. He gasped for air as he dropped to his knees, his hands reaching for his throat. He let out a faint groan as he collapsed into the blood-stained snow.

Nokti drew a second arrow from her quiver, slowly notching it as she pointed it at Derk. Now, which one of you wants to tell King Sytin of this encounter?

P-Please! Derk pleaded.

He won’t make it on his own out of these woods, Gert said, drawing the focus of her arrow. I’ll go with him to make sure he gets there.

Slave girl, Nokti shouted, causing Elizabeth’s body to jump in fear. Stand up.

Elizabeth slowly stood, realizing how cold she had become. Y-Yes? She stammered.

What is your name, slave girl? Nokti asked.

M-My name?

Yes, Nokti said, her words laced with venom. I don’t like repeating myself.

E-Elizabeth.

Nokti remained silent for a moment. Elizabeth, she said. Tell me which one should deliver the message?

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. Y-You want me to pick w-who will deliver the m-message? she asked.

I want you to choose which one is going to die.

Elizabeth felt the air vanish from her lungs; her body frozen in place. Her eyes darted between the two men as they both turned around to face her. Gert stepped forward, the sound of Nokti’s bowstring being pulled back further halted his steps. Please pick me, let my brother go, he pleaded with her. 

What do you say Elizabeth? Nokti asked.

I.... She managed to say before the arrow pierced Gert’s heart. Derk let out a shriek of fear as his brother hit the ground. 

Don’t take another step! Nokti shouted as he stepped closer to his brother’s side. You have three days to leave my forest, at which point I’ll hunt you down and put an arrow through your heart. Do you understand me? He shook his head, looking down at his dead brother for the last time, running into the woods.

Nokti watched as he disappeared into the hungering shadow, Elizabeth stood frozen in place. Let’s go, Nokti ordered. Elizabeth looked over her shoulder, pondering her chances of escaping into the night. You won’t last more than a few hours out there, Nokti said, keeping her gaze on the darkness. Elizabeth slowly made her way over to her.

Nokti removed her quiver of arrows, dropping it in the snow along with her bow. Removing her cloak, she exposed her pale body that held a bluish tint to it. She wore a tight sleeveless shirt that was riddled with claw marks. Two long silver daggers with a blue encrusted sapphire centered at the bottom of the hilts caught her eye, in the holes of her shirt she could see a fresh white bandage wrapped around her stomach, fresh blood still soaking into it. You’re injured? Elizabeth’s question came out more like a statement.

Nokti threw the cloak at her. Put it on if you want to make it through the night, she said, ignoring the question. Elizabeth managed to catch it in the air, quickly wrapping it around her shoulders. The soft fabric kept the bitter wind at bay. Elizabeth quickly picked up the dagger in the snow as Nokti grabbed her quiver and bow.

A twisted screeching erupted from the dead silence, it sounded like a dying animal with its throat being ripped out. They are already coming, Nokti said, her words filled with anger. Retrieving her bow and arrows, she drew another arrow, releasing it into the darkness. A dying cry wailed out followed by more shrieks that surrounded them.

Nokti fired a few more arrows. Run! she shouted. Adrenaline filled Elizabeth’s veins, a hidden strength surging through her body forcing her to run as fast as could. The twisted cries grew closer, she could feel the wind from Nokti’s arrows flying past her head. A shadow taking the form of a person barely taller than her rushed at her. She let out a scream stumbling in her tracks. Long, thick black claws barely missed her flesh, tearing into her shirt. She landed on the ground, cowering before the creature.

The shade stood over her body. Indents served as its eye sockets, what would have been considered its jaw pulled down creating small tears in its solid face. Its breath froze in the air as it created a horrifying song. An arrow pierced its head forcing it to fall backwards pinning it to the ground. An ear-piercing shriek erupted, Elizabeth covered her ears as she watched it kicking and squirming as it clawed at its own chest, ripping itself apart. Its movements slowed as it became lifeless.

Elizabeth couldn’t move, time slowing down around her. The trickling snowflakes almost stood still in the air; her focus blurred as she fell to her knees. Struggling to keep her eyes open as more of the shades surrounded her. Save us! their cries synced together, echoing loader inside of her skull. Elizabeth gave into hungering darkness that swallowed her whole, she collapsed into the snow.

Chapter 2

Stars dotted the endless black sky, gazing down upon the empire below. Pieces of land slowly drifted above, spiraling stone towers resting upon them. Carved into the jagged mountain, a black stone castle overlooked the land. Winged dragons flew in circles, each one on constant alert.

Heniki stood near the window, her mind wandered as she watched them. Her hair, once golden and warm as the very essence of summer, was now stained a deep crimson. Her radiant, glowing skin had vanished, paled by the sunless realm that she now claimed as her own. Her eyes, which once held the depth a powerful river, were forever stained red by the bloodshed of her lost army. The left side of her body was plagued by faint, glowing red markings. She wore a black dress that hugged her curves, showing off a modest amount of skin. In combat, she preferred to have any upper hand on her opponent she could get, not that she needed it with the power that lay dormant within her.

A hand-carved, marble hearth stood against the wall with two black engraved ebony dragons standing proudly on both sides. Two grand, deep, crimson-colored chairs, with black intricate woven designs faced the hungering fire. Shelves filled with endless books lined the stone walls. Each one of the spines held a slight glimmer from the silver runes etched into them.

A gentle rap came from the polished, dark brown door leading into her library, her thoughts settling down into the dark void of her mind. Enter, she said, her words echoed off the walls, fading into the lingering darkness above.

Two soldiers entered the room. Each one wearing a full set of dark-colored armor, a black tabard with a red dragon embodied in the center covered their chests. Their thick steel helms casted their faces into shadow. Curved blades with silver hilts rested at their hips. Heniki did not care for yellow, she had all traces of gold removed from her castle and replaced by silver.

This only deepened her resentment towards Guardian One, he long abandoned his true self since the great war. She too had abandoned her title as Guardian Sixth, unable to bear the weight of the memories that plagued her past.

Guardian One followed her guards into the room, his entire body covered in thick gold plate, only a small slit had been made for his glowing yellow eyes that burned like miniature suns against the endless black void. His white cape rolled off his shoulders. The sword at his side glimmered from the priceless jewels carefully mounted into place.

She no longer recognized the man she had once called her greatest ally; he had become twisted by his own self-righteous ideas, putting them at odds with each other.

Slamming his fist over his heart, he gave her a mock bow. The King of the Realm of Light is requesting an audience to be made, he said, his voice hollow, devoid of emotion.

Heniki turned her attention towards the window, her eyes following the dragon’s flight movements in the sky. Why, her voice cold and unwelcoming, would he send you? Does he no longer have his messenger?