The Pariah Child Serwa's Descendants: The Pariah Child

By Natasha D. Lane

Once the Humans' War came to an end, Lyricans worked together to rebuild their home and the land found peace. But nothing lasts forever.

Centuries have now passed. Serwa's descendants have upheld the Alclian name and maintained their influence over the kingdom: Orisa is a respected physician known for her midwifery, Bolanile is a skilled warrior with a fondness for tinkering, and Kwento has set his desires on a seat in Parliament. But the kingdom starts falling apart when groups of refugees began disappearing and fingers start to point.

Then, an old friend leaves a Cursed One--a werewolf forced to remain in animal form--in the Alclian dungeons. Orisa, Bolanile, and Kwento know they cannot allow the creature to fall into the wrong hands.

In the third book of the Pariah Child series, loyalties, magic, and family bonds will be tested. Will Serwa's descendants survive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Natasha D. Lane
• Release date: Jul 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9780999697771

Natasha D. Lane

Natasha D. Lane is a friend of most things caffeinated, a lover of books, and a writing warrior to her core. As a believer that "the pen is mightier than the sword," she graduated from Juniata College in 2015 with hopes to become a journalist. Instead, life took her on a different path and Natasha found herself digging up a manuscript from her childhood. This dusty stack of papers would become her first novel "The Pariah Child & the Ever-Giving Stone." With one book under her belt, Natasha has gone on to write several other fantasy and sci-fi pieces including "The Woman in the Tree: The True Story of Camelot" and "Plugged In."

Book preview

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Epilogue

Chapter One

––––––––

The young man was frail. His bones trembled with his breath and his eyes were unfocused. Bolanile sat beside him. She ran her fingers along his quivering brow while shushing him, hoping her actions would somehow help him find rest. The medicine had done him no good and sleeping potions only provided temporary reprieve for the poor soul.

She ran her fingers along his cheek, then squeezed his thin hand. You’ll get through this, she whispered. You’ll get through this.

For a moment, the young man met her gaze. His soft brown eyes registered something, or perhaps Bo hoped they did. His breathing eased and the trembling stopped. He was calm, for now.

Before leaving him, Bo placed a damp cloth on his forehead. He was prone to fever when resting, yet it was the only way for him to get some peace. For any of the addicted really.

Coughs, wheezing, prayers, and whispers of White Pearl surrounded Bo. The shelter was brimming with new victims, mostly refugees. They filled the cots that lined the shelter’s brick walls. Lanterns were haphazardly placed throughout the room, and their dim light cast a yellow hue across every space not hidden in shadow.

Bo looked up toward the small shelter window, noting that the moon now hung in the sky. She sighed. Time had slipped past her again.

The sound of wet coughs, then gurgling, filled her ears. A Root of Gaia darted across the room, a vial at the ready. Two more ladies followed her. Bo remained still. They didn’t need her, and there were so many others in need of attention. She continued around the room.

She spoke with those who were cognizant, checked the pulses of those who were not, then left them with a damp cloth. Bo was not a healer. That was Orisa’s specialty, but she never volunteered at the shelters. Instead, when patients arrived at the hospital where she worked, Orisa identified any signs of addiction, then approved them for transport to a shelter. There were three in Erihall, though another was under construction—a foreshadowing that White Pearl’s grip on the kingdom was strengthening.

Bo rinsed her hands, then grabbed her cloak to depart. Closing the shelter’s door behind her, she felt an exhaustion settle over her shoulders while she climbed up the narrow stairs. She stepped onto the quiet streets of eastern Erihall and began making her way toward home. She was already late and her brother Kwento was waiting.

It was her brother’s first time planning the Union Day celebration for Parliament and the Prexarith nobility. He’d be a bundle of knots, she was certain of it, especially with the Parliament Elders tentatively agreeing to attend. The Grand Eld and Elde were not known for being as sociable as other politicians, so even a tentative acceptance was impressive.

Hooves stomped on the cobbled streets. A horse and carriage were strolling toward Bo.

Miss?

Henry?

The driver had stopped under a streetlight. He tipped his hat before jumping from his seat and opening the door for her. He shrugged. Lord Kwento figured you’d be here. Sent me out for you.

Smiling, she rolled her eyes. My brother. Forever considerate, forever prepared. Did he seem nervous when you departed?

The driver shook his head. No, Miss, not that I could tell. Best we leave before that changes.

Bo nodded and accepted his offered hand as she stepped into the carriage.

Off we go then, she said.

Soon the carriage had turned around and Henry had started the carriage toward home. The cobbled roads made driving an uncomfortable task in general, but the far eastern neighborhoods were known for potholes. Once they had traveled far enough west, the roads smoothed out. The carriage stopped at the back end of their manor.

Bo climbed out, thanked Henry, and quickly made her way inside through the wards. The path to the back door was familiar. Even in the dark she traversed it with ease.

She slipped the keys from her cloak and unlocked the door. The smell of baked bread and meat immediately slammed against her. Bo’s stomach growled as she stepped inside. Not only had she eaten little, she had had no blood all day. She’d have to ask one of the servants to bring her a glass.

The back door opened behind Bo. Orisa stepped into the small hall, taking a deep breath as she slammed the door shut. The hall lanterns shook.

Hello, Bo. I have to say, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to see you.

And why is that? Bo asked.

Because you’re late to our brother’s Union Day, she said. I won’t be the only one to receive his scowls of disapproval.

Bo raised a brow. Long day at the hospital then? You’re grumpier than usual.

Orisa scoffed. Though my mood has nothing to do with my current demeanor, yes, it was very long. I sent several to the eastern shelter today. She stood from the door and looked Bo over. I assume you were there to receive them?

I was.

Good, Orisa replied, before walking past Bo and farther down the hall.

Bo followed. At the end there was another door that led to a small stairway. Orisa hiked up her dress and took the steps two at a time.

And did any of them perish? Orisa held open the door at the top of the stairway once they had reached the second floor.

They hadn’t when I left, no, Bo replied.

Orisa drummed her fingers against her hips. Her gaze had fallen to the carpet.

Bo smiled, though it was not a happy one. I will inform you if any pass on.

Her sister nodded. "Good. I assume the Lyrican Tribune will be interviewing you and brother again about your experiences during the Humans’ War."

We have an appointment scheduled with them, yes, Bo replied.

Seems some things never change. Well, let’s prepare for the celebration. I will see you in the ballroom shortly.

Shortly for you meaning tomorrow? Bo chuckled.

Orisa ignored her. She turned right while Bo turned left, each heading toward their respective rooms.

Bo all but ripped her clothes off and hopped into a hot bath. She soaked and scrubbed until she smelled of nothing except rose and lemon. The rest of her preparation was simple. Moisturize, tie up her locs, slip on her dress, and she was ready.

Navigating around the main entrance, Bo snuck through the kitchen, into a corridor, and finally into the ballroom. Banners with the Alclian family symbol—a beautiful woman with wild hair, three daggers to guard her—hung along the walls. Even after hours of being stamped on, the floor still shone like new. There were frills and fluff, glittering and shimmering jewelry, this and that, and shiny things all across the room.

Bolanile took a deep breath, then gradually exhaled before grabbing a glass of wine from a passing servant. The tray was a bright red, meaning the drinks were mixed with blood. She took small sips. A haze formed over her head. A full day of work with no food or blood had left Bo drained. If she weren’t careful, she’d pass out and the papers would be full of speculation.

HAS THE ELDEST ALCLIAN SUCCUMBED TO ADDICTION?

HIGH-LEVEL ARISTOCRAT PRONE TO THE WHITE PEARL

BOLANILE ALCLIAN SHAMES HER DECEASED PARENTS ON UNION DAY

Her title should be stripped, Bo said to herself, gripping her hip to regain focus. The corners of her mouth turned up into a smile.

If anything, at least it’d be entertaining, though Kwe would think otherwise. He enjoyed a good challenge, yet hated damage control. If only he weren’t so good at it. This particular skill had been useful when the Alclians had to resort to more primal ways of handling those who wished them ill-will. All necessary executions, of course. One could not simply stomp around murdering whomever they saw fit. After all, Lyrica was no longer a world ruled by brute strength or barbaric antics.

It was an entirely different battlefield, as Kwe always said.

As if he could read her mind, at that moment her twin brother made eye contact with Bo from across the room. His brows, which had nearly been ready to fly from his forehead, lowered to their natural position above his eyes. A gentle grin touched his lips while his sights darted between her and the three Parliament members blocking his path.

Bo nodded, then gave a small wave. Kwe straightened his back, then tilted his head slightly.

She followed his gaze only to bite back a scoff. Instead, she pushed back her shoulders, smoothed down her gemmed golden sheath dress and overskirt, and stepped away from her corner. It was time to play the game. Union Day was only once a year. She could entertain the obnoxious characters of the supposed nobility for one night.

Various guests greeted her as she walked by them. Eager nods and wide smiles polished so brightly they could put the ballroom chandelier to shame. She returned the favors. Part of being an Alclian was maintaining allies and monitoring enemies.

Lady Bolanile, your gown is exquisite. The gold suits you well.

Thank you, Sir Calanus. She curtsied. How are you finding the evening? Have my brother’s plans met your expectations?

Exceeded them! The Alclian’s Union Day is always memorable. Your parents would be proud, I’m certain, he stated, before raising his glass to her. I shall hope to garner a dance from you at some point tonight, my lady. He gave a short bow.

Bo chuckled and allowed her gaze to waver. Finally, she said, I believe that can be arranged, Sir Calanus. Enjoy the rest of Union Day!

She continued around the room. The more Bo smiled, the louder her stomach growled. At least she hadn’t allowed Orisa to talk her into a corset again. Her style of dress did not require that torture device, thankfully. Orisa had demanded Bo wear the contraption at the last ball, and she had hardly made it through the night. If she had only been able to breathe in the damn thing, she would have had no skirmish with it.

Bo did a once over of the ballroom. She found neither Orisa nor her brother. He likely had pulled a guest aside to discuss politics. When one is seeking a seat in government, small talk and flattery were part of the game. She finished her glass and grabbed another.

Between the small talk, flattery, hoards of invitations, and firing and hiring of caterers, Kwe had been so busy planning the grandest of Union Days he hadn’t attended their own private celebration. After all, the holiday marked when their parents had united the Lyricans and renamed the kingdom Prexarith. Her father had taken the word from an old vampiric language. It meant to gather.

It was also the day the ban on discrimination against Lyricans of multiple lineages had been put into law. No matter the mix, whether they be half-vampires and half-witch like her and her siblings or any other combination, any act of bias was illegal.

Bo’s heart swelled. Then her eyes stung. She blinked the tears away. Her parents had seen their kingdom flourish. They had opened their borders, built a trade with the merpeople, and established a government not based on lineage but merit. Ironically, that very decision was why she was playing princess. Kwe’s desire for a seat in Parliament was insatiable and she had her part to play.

Music filled the room. High, delicate melodies tickled her ears as guests began pairing off. Bo ran her fingertips along the glass’s rim. She looked between the rich, dark colors of her beverage and the dance floor. She missed Evley. If he had been present, he would’ve taken Bo’s hand and spun her onto the dance floor.

Sadly, he wasn’t due back from his latest expedition for another month. Possibly two. He was a government man, after all, and the Department of Domestic & Exotic Beasts certainly kept their best man busy.

And Kwe was already escorting Lady Mencia onto the floor.

A few men eyed Bo, sending tight smiles her way, gradually angling their bodies toward her. She held her irritation. How she hated acting.

Forcing a delicate upward turn of her lips, she moved so she was closest to the most handsome of the three men. He took her hint, then her hand for a dance. The gentleman, the son of some noble, was quite good on his feet. He complimented her dress and asked after her day. Of course, Bo answered as was appropriate. When the music ended, he warmed her hand with his and requested another dance later in the evening, to which she agreed.

He left to find a drink and Bo stepped along the room’s perimeter until she stood behind the stairs. How the man had not gone deaf from her stomach’s growling, she was not sure. Once behind the stairs, she stepped into a side door and moved around into the kitchen.

The cook smiled at her. Hungry?

Always. Could I have a plate and some blood? The drinks out there only make me hungrier. Bo patted her stomach. The kitchen servants laughed.

Alright. We’ll fill you up. Let’s get these trays out first, everyone.

A young woman gave Bo a large cup of blood while she waited. She sat in the corner drinking until the cook placed a plate stacked with meat, breads, cheese, and fruits in front of her.

That should hold you over. She winked.

Bo thanked them before exiting the kitchen into a corridor. Backtracking her original route, Bo finally stepped out into the spring night.

Crickets. And the dulled sound of music. That was all she heard.

Bo inhaled deeply, then removed her shoes. She made her way toward her family’s lake with a pair of heels in one hand and the plate in another.

Though Union Day was a celebration, it was also a reminder that her parents were gone. And Aunt Sarah. She had died much sooner than both of them, leaving Uncle Skuntz to live the rest of his days alone. As for her aunties Ellen and Emma, they had left for Earth years ago. Apparently, Sarah’s stories about the non-magical world had piqued their curiosities. They sometimes had letters delivered.

Bo plopped to the ground and placed her toes in the lake. A slow sigh escaped her. There was no truer freedom than that of toes released from ballroom heels. Well, perhaps getting out of a corset too, but that was a mistake she didn’t plan on repeating.

Laughter and music found her ears from the manor. Another round of dancing must have started. Beneath all of that noise, she was certain there was the sound of clinking glasses, shoes rhythmically tapping against tile, and dull men discussing dull things. Sadly, her brother was among them. When they were children, she’d never imagined him as a politician. Then they hit adolescence, and Kwe’s natural ability to persuade developed. He could control moods and emotions, which was also why he was much better at conjuring than Bo.

Manipulation came easily to him. Once that was determined, she knew he’d find his way into politics eventually.

Bo pulled her gown up to her knees and stretched her legs. It would be cleaned whether she dirtied it or not. A few mud stains could easily be hidden by her overskirt.

Tilting her head back, she cracked her neck, enjoying the resounding pop. She ran a hand over her head, noting the crown of locs atop it. Her mother would’ve approved of both her daughters adopting the style. She had been so flattered when, as a youth, Bo and eventually Orisa mimicked her.

It had taken hours for Bo’s strands to be twisted into long locs. But in the end she’d appeared even more like her mother. Young Bo had been happy.

Until she realized the style didn’t improve her skills with elemental magic. No, those were still sorely lacking. It was one of the few traits none of the Alclian siblings had acquired from their mother, the once-queen. Yes, they could perform small bits of elemental magic like any good witch, but their abilities never exceeded that.

The night had been cloudy until now, yet as if sensing her need for a companion, the clouds parted revealing a crescent moon. Bo smiled. She and Kwe had been born under a crescent moon. Her father always said it was why she enjoyed the evenings so much, why she was always more difficult than Orisa during bedtime.

Bo closed her eyes. The water was cool against her toes and the evening air comforting on her exposed shoulders. She’d return to the party soon. But she would take her time.

The space around her shifted. Bo calmly turned and stared at the creature blending into the night. Her eyes had become that warning red and two fangs peeked over the small smirk on her lips. Very few had ever dared to trespass on Alclian land. She was curious to meet the fool who thought they could. And then kill them.

In the darkness, a pair of yellow eyes appeared. The shadows moved and the creature stepped closer. A wolf.

Bo flashed her eyes redder and hissed. The wolf paused. He took a seat on all fours and began wagging his tail. Not a single growl or a quick flash of his pearly whites. Covered in rich, dark fur, the beast yawned, exposing rows of sharp teeth. His eyes danced between Bo and her plate of food.

She closed her mouth and her hissing came to an immediate end. She pulled the red from her eyes, then leaned back to observe the creature while it observed her. Bo focused the magic in her stare but couldn’t detect anything from the wolf’s aura aside from some darkness. Whether the color was from a foul mood or some other origin she could not tell. But there were no sparks. No streaks of aggression from what he revealed to her, at least.

Bo crossed her arms. Are you shifter or were? More importantly, why do you choose to arrive in animal form?

The beast gave no physical response to her questioning. Bo arched a brow.

Hm. You’re about the right size to be a pup. Definitely not the runt of the litter though, I’ll give you that. How about this? Change back so you can tell me your name and I’ll share my food with you, hm?

The beast seemed to ponder. Its eyes darted from left to right. Bo held up a slice of ham, dangling it to-and-fro.

Do we have an agreement?

Now this is an occasion! Kwento has outdone himself, my dear. The sudden announcement was followed by a door slamming. The sound startled the beast. He hopped on all fours, then cast a quick glance at Bo before running off into the shadows.

Is someone there? Lady Bolanile, is that you?

Hush, Benjamin, a woman ordered.

Bo rose and slipped on her shoes, not taking her gaze away from where the wolf had rested moments ago. Her feet turned to follow.

Your gown is lovely, my lady, the woman said.

Bo paused. She turned to the guests, stretching a smile and excusing herself. Once she had placed some distance between herself and the couple, she stretched her magic out. The foul energy the pup had been giving off was gone. Aside from the couple and a few guards hired for the evening, no one was outside. Had one of the guests brought their child?

And where had he gone? He couldn’t have made it off the grounds. No were or shifter was that fast.

You seem to have a lot on your mind.

Bo startled. Her brother leaned against the frame of the back door with an obnoxious smirk on his face. He slanted his brows.

What? she asked.

Did you think you could actually sneak away without me noticing? Kwe replied, stepping aside so she could move into the hall.

Bo raised a brow. I didn’t think I had a reason to.

You forgot?

Forgot what?

Her brother groaned. I had asked if you’d be willing to dance with some of the lords. You agreed more than a week ago.

Oh, I...I’m so sorry, Kwe. Yes, we did agree to that. She shook her head, barely remembering the conversation. I’ve been so distracted with—

Volunteering at the shelters. He gave her a pointed look. I don’t know why you insist on spending so much time there.

Bo bit her tongue. Arguing would serve no purpose. Kwe knew he could not convince her to abandon the shelters and she knew she couldn’t make him understand why she was so dedicated to them. Instead of giving him a good tongue lashing, she tapped her chin, then strolled toward him.

Brother, I thought I was due a brief rest considering the ball is just beginning. I’ll be up all night charming your soon-to-be fellow Parliament members. Bo rested her hands and chin on his shoulder, staring up at him. Hm. I see it now.

See what?

You didn’t come searching for me to dance with a few of the nobles.

Actually, that is exactly why I was searching for you, yes.

She shook her head. No. It’s because you miss me so, isn’t it?

Kwe rolled his eyes but he did not disagree. Bo tried to hide her knowing smile. When she looked at Kwe, she saw herself. Dark tan, sharp eyes, full lips, thick hair. His jaw was wider than hers and his shoulders were broader, yet there was no doubting their relation.

She sniffled some. If this were the olden days, you’d have had me married away, hm?

He laughed. Olden days or not, let’s not pretend you do anything without choosing.

She chuckled, stepping away from him and placing both hands on her hips. A true assessment, brother. I acquired my stubbornness from Mother.

Yes, and I suppose Father gave me the diplomacy, then?

She nodded. A fair trade. Now, who would you like me to dance with?

Member Dadrien from House Ethel and Member Rao from House Kana. I’m hoping to get both men out to lunch to discuss some trade opportunities.

Fine, I’ll give them each one dance. And where is Orisa?

She appeared in full flourish shortly after you left.

I expected no less of her.

Agreed. Shall we? Kwe pinched his sister’s nose before offering his arm.

Bo looped her arm through his and beamed at her brother. "And let the