Chapter of the Melding Girl

By Allen Hudson

The second short story in the Sylcaan series focuses on the life of Ralain. Princess Gloas revealed a life-changing secret: that Ralain can meld into other objects. This realization forces Ralain to visit her mysterious grandparents in Herdein. While there, she may finally conquer her obsession with Ardain and seize her chance at happiness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312950788

Book preview

Chapter of the Melding Girl

Chapter of The Melding Girl

By

Allen Hudson

~In Telldein~

Ralain panicked. Her arm trembled and her agony rose with every second that passed. Someone unexpected might visit and see her. She could not let her curse be known when she had hidden it since birth.

She had the ability to meld with other objects. When she touched a wooden post, her hand would go through it. On occasion, her arm would become wood. When it happened was random but there seemed an emotional connection to the ability.

Memories flashed through her mind too clearly. Someone had slid into her and she'd torn out his heart. Thinking of the heart being squeezed in her hand raked her nerves. Being stressed made the melding worse.

Gloas walked through the back door. The Telldein princess had been outside drinking tea for five minutes. She had waited for Ralain to get biscuits from the oven.

Oh, you burned the railing, Gloas said. This further proves that flyrame is too powerful to use. She snickered and assessed the problem.

Only Gloas knew about Ralain's curse. The princess was a close friend and she'd never tell the secret. However, Ralain had wished she hadn't told Gloas. Talking about it made the melding girl wish to tell others.

Gloas tried to pry Ralain's hand off with brute force. Really, you should try to practice this more often.

Ralain shook her head frantically. She wasn't going to have fun with it! You're insane!

The cursed girl was dragged further into the railing. Her arm had gone between spindles of a railing. Her limb had turned to a dark gray metal; there was no pain but it was concerning. If she didn't get out soon enough, it would consume her whole and she'd lose her fleshy state. She'd never done that; would it kill her?

Being sad usually makes it stop, Gloas said with puzzlement. Don't you feel intense sorrow?

Ralain growled in fury. That's the problem! I'm angry, not sad! This is stupid! I'm too old to put up with this!

Gloas grew suspicious. What's this about, Ralain? It's incredibly unlike you to be so negative.

The cursed girl turned away. She wasn't going to tell Gloas about petty jealousy.

But Gloas was good at manipulation. If you don't, I'll call you Rainy.

Ralain glared stubbornly for a few moments but her determination was drained by fatigue. She longed to pour out her problems to her best friend. Ardain dumped me for Princess Crialyn!

You're joking, was all Gloas could manage before becoming silent to suppress a laugh that put pressure in her throat.

I am not! He was going to ask me to marry him before that princess flaunted herself about!

Gloas rolled her eyes. Ardain never made you believe that. There are plenty of other men in Telldein.

Ralain mocked them heartlessly. Those aren't real men! The only ones left are immature boys.

Ralain, I know that's not it. Let the past go. Killing that boy was not your fault.

Ralain felt her anger drain away