Avarice Deception: Trorain War

By Angelika Jasmine

Serena Gelsomino's life changed the moment she stepped into a yellow dress. Quickly she discovers that she is the Queen of the fifi orriee and that her subjects are victims to Prytore suppression. She embraces her destiny to save them, but how?

Deadly plots are in motion all around her. In order to save herself and those she l

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vee VirginiaMae Cogar
• Release date: Jan 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798987140697

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AVARICE DECEPTION: TRORAIN WAR

Copyright © 2023 by Angelika Jasmine. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, digital, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, or conveyed via the Internet or a website without prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

ISBN:

979-8-9871406-8-0 (paperback)

979-8-9871406-9-7 (ebook)

Printed in the United States of America

To those who bring me strength

and the encouragement to believe in my dreams.

Prologue

Every direction I turn my fellow fiorriee have fallen. Most are in agony, clinging to life. If only they could heal. Most the injuries are too extensive, purple blood is bleaching the blue soil. The animals that stand with us have scattered in the confusion. The air is foggy and difficult to breathe. My eyes are burning. Whatever this strange gas is, it is effective. Even the strongest of us will be dead soon if we stay here.

Takira! I hear a voice scream and I am no longer on my feet. The soil I was standing on is violently bursting through the air. I am tumbling down a small slope with the fiorriee that rescued me from death. He covers my head. You should not be here! Why do you not ever listen? He complains to me, causing him to glare at me while an unpleasant sensation goes through me.

I should not be here? And you should! I challenge.

I was not going to come, but this gas is concerning. We need to figure out what it is. I will not let more fiorriee die because a traitor gave them fiorriee secrets. He replies coldly.

If this was designed to break bonds, I would not feel your disapproval. I reply. This just makes breathing impossible.

He looks at me and realizes my logic is sound. But then his eyes turn to one of panic. Are they really going to kill every living thing on Trorain for minerals?

Minerals, revenge. I shrug.

You think they went to these extremes because of me! he asks, astonished.

I think they have such little regard to anyone or anything that they would destroy Trorain for both species just so we could not have it.

Takira, that is a terrifying thought. He frowns. Not all Prytores are so avarice.

Those you love might not be, but their rulers and armies most certainly are. I counter, chocking from this strange gas.

You need to leave. He tells me.

Respectfully, no, I am the best warrior you have, even the ravens think so. He glares at me. Why is it that all of you seem to underestimate the value I contribute? I ask, keeping low to the ground. I have never lost a battle and I do not plan on losing this one either.

We see the value of your tactics. He counters. We just value your life more.

It is not me you have to worry about. I counter Not anymore.

Fine, but if you die for tempting fate, I will kill you myself. He chocks. Where are the others?

Around. I reply, chocking.

Good. We need a sample of this gas from those canisters so Alexis, Keon and I can study it and counter it.

I nod and wrap my aura around me and start to move.

It is so much easier to see this way. I manage to cross the base camp, sadden but no longer surprised at the amount of death that lies in my path. Fiorriee and beasts alike lay wasted on the ground. This battle is costing too much. But if they manage to get to our main water supply, all hope is lost. We cannot lose.

1

Serena’s Living Zarla

I do not understand why my body continues to breathe. It should not bother. There is nothing to live for, not anymore. Everything I have pledged my existence to, everything that mattered, is gone. A few short months ago, I was terrified that I would not find a suitable Prytore home, a worry that proved senseless. I should have never worried about finding my Prytore home, I should have been worried about losing it.

My choosing ceremony was unusual. Most girls take the full four days to decide and may or may not go home with their choice. I took mere moments. My natural instinct as a fiorriee overthrew Prytore’s traditions and brought me to the love of my life. I take a deep breath, taking in my husband’s scent from his sheets. He should be here.

Purple tears spill out of my eyes, thinking of the happy memories we made. Him rescuing me from sabotage, his proposal, our wedding, my complete surrender. My mind falls to his secret, one he has carried for most of his life, one he only shared with me just days before. My husband is, no was, the god of panthers. The god of all gods in our religion, just as I am the goddess of ravens, which is the goddesses of all goddesses. We were leaders, meant to save our world. Meant to protect our kind. We failed. I cannot do it without him, I can barely stand.

The only reason I have not curled up in myself and died is because my Prytoree demanded me not to. My husband owns me completely, but he surrendered to her willingly, thus I surrender willingly to her too. She has no idea how much she is asking of me to keep in an upright form. It takes almost my entire energy. But she is hurting too, she loved my husband Peyton, just as I loved hers, Keon. Though Peyton returned her feelings, Keon resisted mine. It was something that we had been struggling with. I know he loves me, but he will not admit it. Not that it matters now, that he has been taken to the Trorain moon to die. I would save him if I knew how, but I feel as helpless to that effort as I do with earning his love.

I stare at the wall, wondering. Do all cultures work this way? If there were in fact life near other stars, do they have a dynamic like this? Would it be different? Could it be? I close my eyes at my silly thoughts, my Aunt Takira is right, my mind is always in the clouds. I bring my thoughts back into focus, thinking of my kind, the fiorriee. I wish I understood our old ways more. How it used to be, before the Prytores destroyed Trorain. But topics like that are forbidden on Artthemis. By piecing together the bits and pieces I think I understand, we used to have a different dynamic. Maybe just husband and wife, but I cannot be sure. I have not known that dynamic, nor have most my kind on Artthemis.

Artthemis is the true home for Prytores. They take much longer to fall in love than my kind do. But just like fiorriee, they seem to mate for life. I do not know what their dynamic was before they discovered my species on Trorain. I never bothered to ask anyone. It did not seem relevant. Nor did it seem appropriate. Prytores hold a high social status, fiorriee are meant to serve them. We thrive on submission, being denied it, in some way, can and does kill us. The Prytores know and accept this responsibility. That is why we have a choosing. We not only choose our mate, but we choose the family we will serve. It does not always work out for all of us. But it did for me, mostly.

Most Prytores treat their fiorriee with the respect we crave. They allow us to submit and thrive. They enjoy this advantage because it helps them succeed in their culture and religion. It works. Most the time. On the other hand, sometimes it is a complete failure. Some Prytore’s are cruel, like Roarick; I should know, he nearly destroyed me. Then there are others who neglect their fiorriee, which was Erland’s fate.

As fiorriee we get to choose our service. Do we crave submission part-time or full-time? The natural instinct, though mostly ignored due to the stigma of it, is full-time but it is not offered by many Prytore families. Part-time service fiorriee, only please their Prytore’s through work. This allows them to submit and succeed but does not commit them to any relation dynamics other than mutual respect. Full-time fiorriee, like myself, go through a breaking. One that usually ends up with a loving dynamic between the fiorriee and Prytore. Just as it had when Prytore Keon broke me. But I fell in love with him and he, well he always told me there was potential.

Serena. Prytoree Alexis whispers, shaking me. I do not answer her, I do not have the energy to. Serena, I know you miss him, but we cannot stay here, it is dangerous. I remain silent, not caring about the danger. Not caring about anything except the lingering scent of my dead husband on these sheets. Serena. she whispers falling into tears herself. I reach out for her and pull her to me, understanding her heartbreak all too well. Holding her makes me wonder if hers and mine relation would ever evolve into anything other than mutual respect. I dismiss the thought; we are both too heartbroken to ever consider that. I doubt either of us will recover from this. My husband is dead, hers will be within a matter of weeks. All because of me. Why she has not dismissed me in disgrace, I do not know. I wish she would, if only she would, I could curl in on myself and find peace, find my husband in the next life, and move on from this painful existence. I frown, understanding, Prytoree Alexis will never release me, this is my well-deserved punishment. This is my living Zarla.

2

Pandora’s Box

P rytoree Alexis. Zane Collegarsi, is at our secret entrance. Fakhir announces, snapping us both from our internal thoughts.

Alexis pulls away, but I do not bother to move. Peyton’s sheets still smell like him, and I will not be torn away. Alexis runs her fingers through my hair, then exits the room. I do not pay attention to her absence, nor do I care. The love of my existence is dead. One of my chosen Prytores has been sent to a toxic moon to work in the mines until he dies. All because I ate a stupid pie. Was it the pie? Or was it the fact I broke Prytore law as a teenager and submitted to another, who turned out to be the Prince of Artthemis? One whose control I broke free of by embracing my true nature. A true nature that terrifies and threatens all Prytores. I shake my head, it does not matter which reason it is, either way, it is all my fault.

Serena, my Queen. I hear Zane speak, causing me to turn to him abruptly.

I am no Queen! I hiss at him angrily, kneeling on the bed, I am a destroyer! Leave me be.

Your Majesty, he protests with hesitation from the look I give him. His fiorriee wife, Bethany, had entered the room with him and is currently cowering behind her husband in fear. Zane, however, stands up a little straighter, nodding toward my hand. I look down and realize I am holding a fireball. I put it out while glaring at him. Lives were sacrificed to get this to you, he informs me, handing me a sealed letter. Bethany slowly moves her way to her husband’s side, while I stare at him speechless, unsure what to say to that. What could possibly be so important that someone would die to give me the information? Before I could ask any questions, Alexis takes it and studies the seal. I meet her eyes. Zane, Bethany, you must excuse Serena and I for a moment. Fakhir will keep you company.

Annoyed I am being taken from Peyton’s room, I reluctantly get out of bed and follow her to the hallway. She touches my cheek, bringing us into my mind. Serena, I need you to take us where Peyton shared his secrets with you.

I do not know what you are talking about. I protest, glaring at her while crossing my arms over my chest.

Serena, this is not the time. Alexis hisses. We need to get away from technology. When I break this connection, you will take me there. As fast as you can.

I do not know where ‘there’ is. I protest, not just because it takes me away from Peyton’s scent but because Peyton did not allow me to see where we were going when he took me there.

I do. She dismisses. She proceeds to give me directions and when she breaks our connection, I pick her up and sweep her quickly to a cavern, Peyton had taken me just a few days before, though it feels like a lifetime ago. Thank you. She smiles at me when I set her down. She looks pale, so I give her a moment to regroup. She always hates to travel by fiorriee speed.

Why are we here? I ask with an edge in my tone. Anything that requires me to do more than just exist feels pointless.

To protect ourselves in case Fakhir gets hacked again. I do not want to risk getting this letter recorded. She explains, handing it back to me, You will burn this before we leave.

I hesitate before taking it. I honestly could care less, but I am in no mood for her to make me, so I take the envelope and break the seal. I reach in and find a letter, unfolding it I stare at the words on the page. The pen is in my aunt’s handwriting, but I do not understand the full meaning. The time has come for the deception to end. Confused, I hand the letter to my Prytoree who reads it then hands it back to me, I look at the words one last time before I make a fireball and burn it to ash.

What does she mean? I ask, feeling ill. What truth do I not know?

Alexis takes a deep breath before she lets it out again. Serena, you must understand.

Understand? I interrupt. You have been lying to me? About what exactly?

We have been protecting you. She defends.

Protecting me? I ask in shock. Zarla of a job you are doing! How many times have I faced my own death since I put on that horrific yellow dress! And for what! My heart is shattered into so many pieces it will never be whole! I do not want to be alive. It would have been better if you would have let them kill me already! Not that it is hard, it only takes a fiorriee attempting to mark me and I am where I want to be, with my husband and the rest of my ancestors!

Stop. She demands in a whisper, but her tone is so forceful, I find myself unable to speak or even cry.

I study her, working to calm myself. After a few moments I am able to speak my frustration. Peyton really loved you.

What does that have to do with this? She demands.

Everything. I answer. Had he not, I would be dead already but you, you have forbidden me from joining him and truth be told Alexis, I hate you for it.

There are things you do not know, things you need to understand. She responds, which does little to comfort me. Our relationships are supposed to be built on trust, and here she is telling me they are holding back from me yet again.

I hold my head up pridefully. Well go on then, what more have you been keeping?

Her eyes harden. I cannot.

Cannot or will not? I challenge. "How many more secrets are there Alexis? I have lost my husband to your King, someone whom if you ask me, seems close to you. Yet, I know so little about your relationships with other Prytores more or less your King. Honestly, I know so little about you in general."

She stares at me, for a long moment before she speaks in a very low voice. I could ask you the same thing Serena. The secrets you held back from this family. The extent in which Keon had to go through to save your life from them. She stops, taking a deep breath. Getting to know people takes time. More than the few short months you have had with us. Weeks with me. She shakes her head. I cannot tell you things I do not know or understand Serena. If you want to be upset with someone about secrets, I suggest you look at your own flesh and blood.

My eyes narrow at her. She was referring to my aunt who lied to me almost my entire life about who she was. I grew up believing she was merely my caretaker nothing more. But that turned out to be my own creation. She never denied being my aunt, she simply stopped reminding me that she was. I disowned her at a young age due to circumstances I did not understand, and she let me. She claims it was just another layer of safety, but I have a feeling guilt has a lot to play in that. You lived on Trorain Alexis; you cannot tell me you know so little about the fiorriee.

Keon and I may have lived among your kind for several lifetimes but there are things that were considered sacred, and we were not purview to their information. Your aunt is the only one who can help you.

Then get me to Trorain so I can ask her.

It is not that simple Serena. If fiorriee have managed to survive on that moon, I doubt they would welcome her with open arms, much less you. Alexis frowns.

What? Why? She is the Princess of the fiorriee, the goddess of wind. I protest.

And her brother’s signature sealed fiorriees’ fate. Without it, the fiorriee would not have been enslaved and Trorain would not have been destroyed unless the soil was soaked with so much fiorriee blood, it would have been stained purple for miles and miles across the lands.

My father is considered a traitor. I realize.

Yes, the god of Wind let them down. She confirms solemnly, Which is why some want the god of Trorain, his blood line ruled for generations. Then the moment the crown gets passed to the god of wind, all is lost. Alexis explains Erland’s beliefs. By the time of the treaty, Hollis was dead, and he had only one living heir, and that heir was a hybrid. Most rejected that idea in disgust, despite Hollis not treating Peyton any differently. Your kind turned their hope to the raven goddess to save them. She gives me a weak smile. You.

Why did my father sign the treaty?

I was witness to it, the day the decision was made, but to be honest Serena, I cannot explain their reasoning. Not like your aunt can. I give her a confusing look. Takira may have accepted Keon and I as friends, but we were never fully trusted.

I find that difficult to wrap my head around. Not with Peyton and I as your fiorriee.

Once your aunt explains, it will not be all that confusing.

My aunt is not here.

True. Alexis smiles weakly, but the next best thing is. That is if it is censored. It better be.

I am not following you.

We need to get back to the house, Zane will explain.

Zane? I ask in surprise, You trust Zane?

You do not? she challenges me.

It is not him I have an issue with.

He is not exactly happy about his chose of a mate either. Alexis assures me. But he was protecting you, remember.

I would have preferred him to choose happiness over loyalty.

How could he, when his happiness married Peyton? Alexis asks. Shock crosses over my features but I do not argue her point. She shakes her head, getting back to the subject at hand, I have no doubt that letter came with something else. Though admittedly, I am not all that thrilled about it. Still, I can see why your aunt would do it.

Do what?

Open Pandora’s box. She twists the longer strands of her hair with he hands nervously. She wants to give you, her memories. Alexis continues, less cryptically. The censored version, I am assuming. She would not do it if it were not safe.

What if it is not censored?

Then come to me, we will find another way.

Alexis, I cannot. I whisper. Peyton . . . I swallow hard, looking around the cave where my husband revealed his deepest secret, one even he kept from everyone, including Alexis. I could tell her, but what good would that do? She is hurt just as badly, if not more so from Peyton’s death. Does she really need to know that he was Trorain’s god of gods?

His were not censored. She dismisses, misunderstanding what I was about to say. Peyton had mentioned I should have Takira’s and others’ memories. I chose not to correct her. Besides, look where his over cautiousness lead. He could have shared some things. She frowns in a heartbroken whisper. You can do this, and you will Serena. You are their Queen.

How can I save my entire species when I can barely save myself? I ask as purple tears streak down my face. The idea of going back inside that house, knowing Peyton’s not there, that he will never be there. How am I to rule anyone when I can barely breathe?

Tears fill her own eyes at my words. I know my precious Serena, but you must. We must get you to Trorain, you are your kinds only hope now. I know it hurts but, you simply do not get the luxury of a broken heart. I take painfully sobbing breaths. We must save Keon, Serena, if we wallow much longer, he too will be lost to us and neither of us will forgive ourselves.

How? He is on the moon Alexis! A moon that is so well guarded that we would never get there undetected!

I am aware that getting one of us smuggled to Trorain is difficult, much less four. She frowns. It makes an impossible task, much more hindersome. Even if we could solve that, we all need to be treated from the toxic air, to stay on Trorain longer than a few months is dangerous. Those treatments are not a cure all, eventually we will have to return here to Artthemis or die there.

No pressure Alexis but it is taking an enormous amount of strength not to curl. If you want more from me, I am going to need a plan. Something solid that I can mentally hold onto. Fighting for Keon, someone I have pledged my life to helps but I do not have the how . . . I do not see a way! Last I looked, even ravens cannot fly in space.

Space. she repeats, staring at me. Keon and I traveled into space on our first trip to Trorain, with a ship! My eyes widen in horror. I know it has been replaced with a space bridge, but our first trip was by a ship.

Alexis. I reply stunned. You cannot be serious.

What? she asks, seemingly confused.

According to my studies, you two almost did not survive that trip. Between the two of you, you barely managed to keep two Prytores alive and surviving a landing onto a different atmosphere. But we are considering two different species surviving on one ship in space for how long? Months? We do not have that kind of time.

Do not be absurd, faster ships were built. But by then someone figured out how to make our space bridges and made them obsolete before they could even be properly tested.

Prototypes? I question, in terror. I shake my head, thinking of a quick argument to shut this down before she starts on this insane idea. You are not being reasonable Alexis. Did you miss the two different species part?

Believe it or not, biologically we are more similar than different. She dismisses impatiently. Choose your poison Serena. We die here on Artthemis, helpless and at the mercy of your enemy’s king or we possibly die in space, trying to save Keon and the entire fiorriee species.

I frown at her. This is a long shot and we both know it. For the record, I hate this idea.

Me too. She admits, Now, take us back to the house, we have preparations to make.

3

Allegiances

When we arrive back to the house, Alexis and I find Zane, Bethany, and Fakhir waiting for us in the sitting room. Fakhir, the houses automated life like system that I usually refer to as Wires, had given Zane and Bethany pigats, the most disgusting drink I have ever encountered but for some reason most love the stuff. They seemed to be talking about the Prytore King’s castle when we enter. Our presence causes everyone to fall silent as they wait to understand our sudden departure. Alexis stares at them for a very long moment before she speaks. Fakhir, protocol Anestin Glinas.

Fakhir’s posture changes. Second Verification.

Alexis nods her head to me. Unsure exactly what to do, I shrug before I take a wild guess, I verify, Anestin Glinas.

Invalid, must be Keon Saliva.

Override, Keon’s dead. Alexis snaps. Serena has taken the blood vow, and she is broken. She has as much power as Peyton had, whom I might add is also dead.

Protocol Anestin Glinas, activated. Fakhir replies, then disappears.

What did we just do? I ask her.

I will explain later. In the meantime, know you can speak freely, and we need to pack, tonight. We cannot stay here, it is too dangerous.

Keon’s dead? Zane asks in shock.

I am sorry. Alexis answers, not meeting his eyes.

Wait, we as in all of us? Bethany questions Alexis. Zane and I aren’t going back to the castle with a cover story? I am not surprised she thought her actions of saving Alexis’ life would somehow be overlooked. Returning to King Maleko’s castle would result in certain death. Not allow her to resume life as she knew it. For a brief moment I believed that Bethany’s willingness to smuggle Alexis from the castle was due to her growing a conscious for others. But I see now that I was wrong, the action was simply out of character for Bethany’s selfish nature. It was most likely somehow suggested by Zane’s or my influence over her. Maybe both. But it does not matter, no matter who has influence, Bethany will find a way to make it about Bethany. I give Zane a curious look. He just shrugs, obviously, he had given her as little information as possible.

There is no going back. Alexis snaps at her impatiently. Unless you want to die. She raises her eyebrow at Bethany who looks at her in complete shock. We must leave; Fakhir can be trusted but he cannot hide us here much longer. Sooner or later, he is going to get another cold.

Where are we going to go? I ask, concerned.

Alexis snaps her head to me then to Zane before she turns her attention to the fireplace.

Zane puts his pigats down on the table next to him. Alexis, surly you have a plan.

She breaks her stare from the flames and stares at him before she answers. I was hoping you did.

I wish I did. Zane answers, shaking his head. I wanted to stay on Trorain when I took Keon and Peyton there, but I could not justify it. I had to come back to Artthemis. He frowns, Even now, my presence here in the Saliva house, is dangerous. You are branded as traitors to the King. Your past success is ruined. The cover story I am using to explain my continued absence with King Maleko is thin. Soon he will realize my deception.

Not too thin. Bethany speaks up. I am sure you spent hours with him after returning from Trorain. What would you and our King talk about all that time alone I wonder? She suddenly cries out in pain as Zane glares at her. I clear my throat, causing him to snap his head to me and her to fall silent.

Do not worry, Alexis does have a plan, she is just being shy about it. I tell the room, causing her to glare at me. I hold my hands out with a shrug, Do not look at me like that. I refuse to take credit for this.

Credit for what? Bethany asks, crossing her arms over her chest, glaring at Zane while he is looking at me.

She wants us to travel to Trorain by spacecraft.

You cannot be serious. Zane protests as his confusion is replaced by apprehension.

I am afraid so. Alexis confirms. Unless anyone has an alternative plan, please by all means. We all stare at her. Yeah, did not think so. She frowns. This is not perfect. I am going to need time to prepare a ship for four, my prototypes are designed for two.

We don’t have that kind of time! If we have bounties on our head, they won’t just sit ideally by. They’re going to be hunting us and then they’ll kill us. You tinkering with old technology is going to make us easy targets. We should be running. We need to be running away! Bethany screams at her.

You will not disrespect my Prytoree with such a tone! I snap, causing Bethany to grab her head and fall to her knees.

Zane gives little regard to his wife’s correction, giving his full attention to Alexis instead. Is that even possible? he asks, With all due respect Prytoree Alexis, you and Prytore Keon barely survived when you had plenty of breathable air, but to be pushing the storage tanks by doubling the crew, while adding in all the other risk factors. He stops as she raises her eyebrow. I am just saying, Bethany and I can find a way to Trorain without risking yours and Queen Serena’s lives.

No, it is too risky. You are too valuable to fall back into King Maleko’s hands. Alexis dismisses.

Don’t you mean his bed? Bethany snaps, causing me to give her a warning glare. What I don’t agree with Prytoree Alexis assessment. Bethany defends herself, "Afterall, my husband gave up his value to your cause the day he publicly begged to be with the Prytore King. He is not loyal to fiorriee, he is loyal to his Prytore King."

Her words sting. Bethany may not be my favorite fiorriee, but she usually chooses truth over lying. Especially when the truth gives her any sort of power, no matter how small. So why did you agree to marry him? I ask with anger laced in my tone, not letting her see that her accusations are making me question someone I consider a friend.

She lifts her head up proudly. We all knew that answer, she did not have to speak it. She married Zane because she wanted the power of being so close to the Prytore King. Or is there more to it? Something no one has bothered to tell me. If you recall, he was not my first choice. She snaps, avoiding a real answer.

You are kneeling directly next to your husband, and you have the indecency to tell me that you settled? I ask, furious.

It is not her fault, she has yet to fully submit to me. Her defiance is expected. Zane defends her.

Don’t stick up for me! Bethany sneers at him. Especially to her. She got Peyton killed.

Excuse you? I demand.

Oh please, Peyton would’ve been better off with me, at least he would’ve been alive. She cries out in severe pain from my glare.

My Queen, please, do not kill her. She is not in her right mind. Zane begs me. She does not know what she is saying. I snap my eyes to him, causing Bethany immediate relief.

Get her out of my sight. I reply coldly.

As you wish. He replies, scooping up his wife and exiting the room.

I turn to my Prytoree who is clearly unhappy. Please, do not make me apologize for that. I beg of her, working to control my shaking hands.

On the contrary, I appreciate your restraint. Had I had the power to do what you do, I would not have been able to stop. Alexis replies, clearly just as upset as I am, if not more. As for the ship, Zane is right. I will have to work through some challenges. Alexis admits. But I am confident it can be done.

I trust you.

This is only going to work if all my assets have not been frozen. She warns. If they have been, I will not be able to access anything.

Just where exactly is this protype? I ask, suddenly worried.

In the business sector.

The business sector. I repeat. As in the most religious street next to the King’s castle!

That would be the one. Alexis confirms, her mind obviously working out problems as her gaze is not completely focused.

Why cannot anything ever be easy? I complain, causing her snap out of her trance.

She walks up to me and wraps her arms around me. I know all of this is overwhelming my Serena. But I need you to hang in there. This is only the beginning. She releases me with a forced smile. We will have to wait for nightfall, it is our best chance. Pack. I must get a few essential things. She starts to walk out of the room, Fakhir, keep that shallow, insignificant brat away from me. Alexis orders the house as she leaves me to gather myself.

4

In Plain Sight

The solitude is unbearable. My stomach aches. I desperately want to retreat back to Peyton’s room, but I know if I do that, I will never leave it. I want to curl on his bed and join him in the afterlife. But my fiorriee need me. Keon and Alexis need me. I cannot give into this.

It takes strength to sit down in a chair and force myself to think of the present, not the past. Needing a distraction I turn to the empty room, Fakhir, tell Zane his Queen demands his immediate presence. The house gives a chime in response and within a few moments Zane appears before me, kneeling in my presence.

You saved your wife’s life. I inform him, showing my disapproval in my face. Does this mean you have fallen for her?

Rest assured, Your Majesty, I have not fallen for her. He answers, surprising me. But I have known her for a while before our courting. She is not that bad. While she is insecure and guarded, she does have her moments. He looks up at me. Forgive me for asking Your Majesty, but were your negative attributes easily triggered during your breaking?

You could be friends with a needlerat. I complain. He gives a small smile. Peyton mentioned you went to school with the lot of that group. Yet I do believe she tells a story of instinctively offering her hand to you. How does anybody buy that garbage?

It is so rare for a female to offer her hand; it has become mythical. Most believe you cannot offer your hand until you become of age. Which is why our courting is set at the ages they are and why school ends three years prior, just in case. He explains, studying me.

She wants you for your power.

My power? He questions, raising an eyebrow. Don’t you mean my power by association?

No. I shake my head. I mean your power. I respond, closing the distance between us by leaning forward. I intentionally form a fireball so close to his face, a normal fiorriee would jump away. But he does not. Instead, he continues to keep his eyes locked on mine. You are the god of fire.

He moves his hand over my fireball and clasps his fingers in my palms, extinguishing it in response. You possess that talent, my Queen, because of an ancient marriage that merged the elements, though not everyone in your bloodline is blessed with it.

If I inherited it, then so did you. I accuse, freeing my hand, though not from discomfort of him holding it.

What makes you so certain to put a fireball in my face?

Your reaction earlier today. You did not show fear of the flame, like your wife did. Like others do.

Observant. he notes. Had you been wrong, you could have hurt me.

Please do not insult my intelligence. I frown. The Prytore King would never bring any fiorriee as close to him as he does you if you were not a god. He is as shallow as his son and thrives on the power play of it. Am I wrong? Zane does not answer me. No, of course not. The Prytore King has a god serving him, what a better way to break the sprite of an entire species.

He keeps his head down in shame. Eventually he whispers in hope to change the subject. Still had you guessed the wrong element; you could have hurt me.

No, I could not have. Peyton could not be hurt by it. He looks at me skeptically. I discovered that by accident.

Which part? The fact that he is a god? Or the fact that he was immune.

Peyton is a god? I ask, cautiously, unsure with how much he knows.

It is not a secret to most Serena. Zane replies in slight annoyance. You have been too sheltered. Though admittedly, I personally was not aware all gods were immune. He frowns. Though it makes sense.

Your family is the element of fire.

Yours is the wind, Roland’s family controls water. Peyton’s, Trorain itself. His death is a great loss, one that is irreplaceable now. He looks away from me.

I cannot think of that now. I want to. I want to get lost in it and curl in on myself from sorrow. But I do not have the luxury to do that. Not with who I am and believe me Zane, I resent it.

It is not that be easy. He frowns, dropping his gaze to the floor. Serena, if you do not submit again soon, you will die in as little as three seasons. Had you and Peyton not been monogamous it would be different, but you were.

No, we were not I have Alexis. I counter. She will keep me from curling.

Is that what you think? he asks, stunned. She is not enough. His face sours. If you do not believe me, then let me take you to the dungeons of Maleko’s castle. I can introduce you to numerous marriages like yours whose Prytores cared deeply for their fiorriee but when one fiorriee died, the other curled.

Dungeons?

I forget how sheltered you have been. He complains. It is against Prytore law for a Prytore couple to kill a fiorriee. It took me a long time to get it across to the King that the second fiorriee will curl, unless they submit to another fiorriee. He did not believe me. He has since come around, but anytime a fiorriee dies in the care of a Prytore, they must face a trial and wait in the dungeons. It is part of the treaty between us.

Treaty. I dismiss.

While suppressive to our kind, it is what governs the laws between our species Serena. You are the one breaking it with an uprising.

Am I alone in that?

I am here, with you my Queen, despite my relations to the King. You tell me.

Why did you let him get so close to you?

Why do you believe he did? he challenges, causing me to stare at him. The reason why I am close to the King is so I can protect our kind. The lengths I must go to, to achieve this can be . . . cumbersome.

So, your loyalty lies . . .?

With you and our kind my Queen, as it always has.

At least for the next few seasons. I note.

You need not die by a curl my Queen, while Prytores are not a sufficient substitute, a fiorriee is.

I will take that into consideration. I mutter, leaning back. Strangely, ever since his arrival it has been easier to ignore the curling instinct. I cannot place why though, from my understanding of it a busy mind is not strong enough to fight it off. So, what has changed and why does it get almost unbearable when he is not near? Does he notice? How do I even approach a topic like this? He could save me from my pending demise, but would he want to? I make another fireball, stare at it for a moment then put it out. So, it is all inherited?

Certain things yes, others no. He answers making a fireball of his own before closing his palm. Our Spirit animals are our own. Our responsibilities tend to be inherited.

I will not ask you your spirit animal. I have learned that is supposed to be sacred. I frown, not really liking all of Artthemis must know that I am the Raven goddess by now.

Perhaps with time, I will bless you with the knowledge. Zane replies, causing me to look at him.

Why would I be that intimate with someone who is intent on making my enemy happy?

Zane snaps his eyes to mine. She looks happy to you?

Not her. I dismiss, Your cumbersome ways of protecting the fiorriee have caused King Maleko to fall in love with you Zane. I inform him, causing him to raise his head up proudly but he looks away, suddenly content at staring at the wall. Do not dismiss it, I noticed it at the royal dinner not to mention, your petty wife just outed you in this very room.

I will not insult you by denying it. He shrugs. But I assure you, I do not return his affections, though he believes otherwise. He sighs. I look at him pointedly. I am serious, I am good at going through motions, but my heart is not involved. He shakes his head, Even if it were, it does not matter. My loyalty is not with King Maleko. I have told you where it lies.

I study him, it sounds to me that he is in denial of his own feelings. Who do you serve, Zane?

You. He answers, seriously, meeting my eyes again.

Me? I snide in disbelief.

You know who I am. he replies in a hard voice. What responsibilities I carry as a god!

Obviously.

Then you should never question my loyalty to you, my Queen. He responds coldly.

Should I not? You literally lie in bed with my worst enemy on a nightly basis! Your wife is right, your loyalty is not with me or your kind. You are more Prytore than fiorriee, my hybrid friend.

He straightens his back up proudly, breathing very heavily through his nose. If you were not my Queen, you would not survive that insult! he seethes through clenched teeth.

Deny it, deny that you do not lie with him.

I cannot, but I am a fiorriee god and this Prytore DNA is a plague that I will rid myself of, just as your late husband did. And I do not give a Zarla if it kills me to do it!

If that is true, then why! Why do you lie with our enemy?

I am a spy, Serena! I was ordered to! he hisses at me, causing me to sit up straighter in my seat.

I study his face for a long time before I ask another question. Say I believe you, how is that possible? You submit to King Maleko, Zane.

Precautions were made before I went deep undercover. I am not owned by Maleko, I assure you.

Then who are you owned by?

Someone, even your aunt trusts.

Zane.

He tosses something at me, and I catch it instinctively. You will find your answers in there, even for the questions you have not thought to ask.

What is this?

Takira Gelsomino’s memories.

My eyes flash to his, Alexis knew this was coming, still it surprises me. She knew my aunt would trust him, and Alexis seems too as well. I ponder that for a moment longer, my questions about his loyalty soothed for the time being.

Does King Maleko know you are here?

He just knows I am not in the castle. He has given me permission to search for my missing wife. Zane answers truthfully. I do not plan on returning to him.

So, he knows of Bethany’s escape with Alexis?

I had no choice but to tip him off. It was the only way I was going to get out of that castle and ensure Takira’s safe passage to Trorain.

Why did not you go with Takira?

She needed to make sure you got that.

I stare at the chip. Fiorriee died getting this to me?

Prytores too. He answers, harshly.

How many ghosts did you gain, getting this into my hands?

I did not count. Ask me after I sleep tonight. He answers, coldly.

Why did Takira give you this?

She told me that you would need it in order to embrace who you are. She wanted you to view it before you returned to Trorain. But it comes with a grave warning Serena. I stare at him. She did not censor it. If you experience her memories, you will inherit her ghosts.

I study the chip that he just tossed me, unsure if I am prepared for this kind of responsibility. Fiorriee are very spiritual creatures. So spiritual, we have a connection to all living beings. It is why our aura protects us. But there is a price for this connection, a steep price. Living on Artthemis, without animals, most my life, has given me a severe disadvantage to accepting this price. There is a risk I will not survive this. I whisper, truly scared. Curling in on myself from heartbreak seems the easier way to go.

Do you carry any ghosts at all?

Yes, my father taught me how to hunt when I was very young. I do not remember a lot about Trorain, but that is what stuck with me. Killing for food, using the entire animal to bring its spirit to rest within me. I shake my head, It was only a handful Zane. I know of Takira’s reputation amongst our kind. I am not prepared for anything like this.

If you are to lead us, my Queen, you must be.

He is not wrong in that. How can I lead a species who has been forced to murder to protect their way of life, if I do not understand or carry any of those ghosts myself? How can I murder in order to protect others, if I fear the responsibility of being haunted? Peyton refused to share his memories. He said he did not want to burden me with them.

I understand his caution. Peyton . . . Peyton lost his way after his father died and let vengeance overtake him. It is astonishing he survived. No other god, living or dead, has ever carried that many ghosts. Had he not been the only survivor of his element I am sure the sacrifices made to save him would not have been accepted. Still, it is the reason behind his memory loss. Zane explains. I am assuming you noticed?

He may have mentioned it. I reply, studying the chip as I take in this new information.

There is more to that story, all of which I am certain lies in that chip. Well, at least as a witness account. Takira and Peyton were very close. She is taking his death very hard. As you seemed to be when I first arrived, though that letter seems to have forced you to put your sorrow aside for the time being.

The letter . . . I stop myself looking at him. Can he honestly not feel this? Maybe he does not? The letter is not the reason I am upright, right now. I mean, Alexis is doing her best, but the instinct is so strong.

If not the letter, then what? he challenges, meeting my eyes. I look away from him nervously. Only to gasp and snap my attention to him when I feel his tentative fingers lightly touch my wrists. You feel it too, do you not? he asks in a whisper. I shake my head, not trusting myself to speak. He is too close. My mind has us attacking each other passionately but if I were to give into my wants, I will die. Stupid, stupid pie! I could save you from curling, if you will allow it. I swallow hard, still not trusting myself to move. He drops his hand. Forgive me Serena, but you are so important to our people, your feelings for your dead husband must not overtake you. In order to save yourself; you will need to submit to another fiorriee soon, preferably a god.

You are a god.

I will not deny my feelings, but it does not have to be me.

I stare at him with tear filled eyes. Give me time Zane, I just lost my husband and my Prytore is close to death. You and I, we have the potential to grow into something beautiful, you just have to be patient.

He is silent for a long moment before he speaks again. Time is the one luxury we do not have. When it gets too much, I or Roald will be here, waiting. He shakes his head, Peyton and Keon were true friends of mine. For what it is worth, I am truly sorry for your loss, my Queen.

I appreciate that. I answer, holding out the chip while I struggle with my thoughts. You said that Takira and Peyton were close. Does that mean you and her were close as well or just by association through Peyton?

Takira and I have our own history outside of Peyton. Zane answers, causing me to raise my eyebrow. It is complicated and out of context it will not have the same meaning. You really need to memory dive my Queen.

Takira trusts you.

She does. He confirms, coming closer but keeping a healthy distance.

Then you have my trust as well. Unless you prove my placement of it unwarranted.

He studies me. Thank you.

As an olive branch of this trust I will tell you something you cannot repeat. I warn him, causing his eyes to meet mine. Peyton is the only member of this family we have lost at this current moment, Zane. I reveal, Alexis needed to get Wires to cooperate. Though I am sure Keon’s death is only weeks away from that fate.

His face looks slightly relieved. So, there is hope.

I would appreciate you telling me more about your relationship with my Aunt, out of context or not. I push, wanting to understand.

Zane shakes his head. If I give you a crumb you will only ask me for more. And who am I to deny my Queen? I glare at him, With respect my Queen, you need those memories, not my poor story telling skills.

You are denying me then?

I am fulfilling a promise to Takira. He explains. And I happen to agree with her. If I give you any reason not to access that chip, if I allow you to use another source you will take it and you will miss valuable information. I frown at him, but he shakes his head. She was raised as fiorriee goddess on Trorain. She knows things no one else can tell you.

Things she never thought to tell me in person.

It is better this way. You will learn needed skills to survive on your home world. He points out.

You mean ghosts.

Not all of them are bad Serena. Some are very useful, very powerful. These memories will take you out of this sheltered life and show you who you really are. Not to mention, time is short, if you do not walk the path of enlightenment soon, you will lose your ability to change.

What does that have to do with this chip?

Everything. Just because you can walk the path does not mean you will earn your animal, nor does it mean you will keep your powers. Can you control the wind?

I am not on Trorain.

You do not have to be. And as you age you lose the skills, and you cannot regain them without the blessing of our ancestors.

You are saying. . .

I am saying Raven goddess or not if you do not walk the path soon all hope is lost for our kind. You not only have to get to Trorain, but you also must prepare for the enlightenment. As sheltered as you are, going to Trorain and trying to walk the path without those memories, you will die. Raven or not.

Why are you telling me this now? Peyton should not have been so cautious. I could have handled it!

He did not want you to have his ghosts, Serena, he was not against Takira doing so. Zane clarifies. She was planning on returning and connecting ears with you, for this exact purpose. But that option has been lost to us, this is the next best thing.

I look at the chip in my hand. So according to you, if I plant her memories into my subconscious, uncensored, accepting ghosts. I note, twisting it in my fingers. I will be prepared for my enlightenment?

Yes.

She should have told me about this before my courting. I complain. I should have had all the information before any of this started. Including my own name. But she chose all this deception. I have no idea what to believe, even her coming here to help with my breaking. What was lies, what was truth? I challenge, upset with all her deceit.

She was protecting you. Zane points out.

Some protection. Every day I am finding out that I know less and less.

It is irrelevant now, you have the answers you seek in the palm of your hand.

In a chip. I frown. It just feels so incomplete. She is not here to help me through the experience.

She has a bounty on her head, just as you do.

Your King does not scare me. I reply coldly, glaring at him.

He is not my King. Peyton was. Zane replies proudly.

Did you serve him on Trorain? I ask, ignoring the sudden tension between us.

Yes, and I served his father, Hollis. Zane answers, keeping his voice steady. Despite what you believe you understand my Queen, I too am a defeated warrior of our war. He adds. I fought for Trorain. I lost. Just like the rest of us.

His words strike a nerve and hot anger boils to my lips. You are not a defeated warrior, nor is any other fiorriee who chose to fight! I hiss. The war is not over Zane, we may have lost a significant battle, but I promise you, the Prytore will not keep us down forever. This is not over and we will win our home back!

He stares at my intense expression. After a moment his body relaxes. If you believe we can, you are going to have to prepare yourself. He notes, nodding toward the chip.

How does it work?

You enter the password; it will take a scan of your DNA to prove it got to the right fiorriee. Then it will crawl under your skin and enter your brain, showing you memories the exact way they were experienced. He explains, I caution you. You are going to feel disoriented. You will absorb her identity completely. You will not be able to change her words or her actions. The moment you turn it on, you are Takira, you will only be able to pause it with extreme resistance. But if you do that, it will simply start again when it retains control, even if it plays out in your dreams. The computer chip will only leave you after the memories are delivered. Accepting this, means you accept everything you do not know, even things you wish you never found out.

What happens if the password is wrong?

It self-destructs.

How long will it take?

Assuming you do not resist, you will be in slumber for five days.

We do not have that kind of time. I frown. We are leaving at nightfall.

To where?

The business district.

The . . . are you mad?! Zane asks.

We do not have a choice and we have glamours. I remind him.

There has got to be a better way. Zane protests.

It is not my fault the protypes are not kept in this monstrosity of a house.

I was hoping that was not the case. Zane frowns. But it makes sense, the king is very guarded in his control of Trorain. He is quite for a moment as his face falls. Getting to them . . . it is going to require extreme measures.

I had a feeling. I sigh, closing my hand around the chip.

You are going to have to take that before we leave. We cannot risk it falling into the wrong hands.

We do that before we get there, and I am a liability. I disagree.

Only if you sleep and you can fight that my Queen. You have proven your strength more than once. Zane points out.

Only when you are close to me. I whisper, meeting his eyes. I cannot explain it Zane, but when you are further away, it is harder to avoid curling.

There is a reason for that. He frowns.

Enlighten me.

You will discover that answer in her memories. He replies cryptically.

I do not want my Aunt’s memories to explain it. I want you to Zane.

Take the chip and I will. He challenges me. I am about to argue, but he surprises me by closing the distance between us. My breathe shakes. Zane.

Serena. I gasp for what little air there is between us, my mind is starting to cloud.

How do I take it? I ask, trying not to be overwhelmed by his welcomed scent.

May I? he asks. I nod my permission. He breaks the distance between us and works the code on the chip and it suddenly turns into a morktaven and burrows itself into my hand. I hiss as I watch it crawl under my skin and up my arm. Zane takes my hand and I squeeze it as