Final Loss: Card Holders, #3

By Kaitlyn Legaspi

The Card Holder tournament is no more.

 

A year after the tragedy that befell the Queen of Hearts Domain, Neela finds herself living an alternate life of ease and happiness, a life where all her memories of pain, suffering, and loss didn't exist.

 

After being thrust back into her cruel reality, Neela discovers the truth behind the harrowing events of the past year. Most importantly, she learns of her disturbing connection to the crimson-eyed rogue leader and assumes her role in a development far more momentous than the Card Holder tournament could ever be.

 

The pressure within Neela builds as she struggles to accept her position in a branched prophecy. Balancing the physical and mental burdens constantly assaulting her is seemingly impossible as the tragedies of the past continue to fill her heart with sinking trepidation. 

 

One more devastating loss can either send her over the edge or strengthen her resolve in yet another grand inevitability.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kaitlyn Legaspi
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215896686

Kaitlyn Legaspi

Kaitlyn Legaspi is the self-published author of the Dark Irregular Trilogy, a young adult fantasy trilogy she wrote in middle school. Writing passionately on a daily basis, she plans on adding more to her repertoire in the near future. Now a third-year business undergraduate student at the University of Florida, in addition to writing, Kaitlyn enjoys singing, studying in the nearby boba tea shop, and reading whatever has caught her interest. Currently, she is working on publishing the second book of her Card Holders series, Two More Lives.

Book preview

Chapter 1

June 12

In the next three weeks, the people of the fifty-two domains will be grieving. People will be preparing to mourn those who died in the tragedy that devastated an entire domain. We will all be partaking in the first anniversary of the destruction of the Queen of Hearts domain. My older brother and I will be mourning the death of our father: Brochan Cordis.

N. Cordis.

I sighed and clicked my pen, staring down at the words  I’d just written. I scanned my eyes over it again and again, examining those crooked black lines that made up my writing... my own bleak words.

It’d almost been a year since the tragedy that befell the Domain of the Queen of Hearts, where my father took his last stand along with his fellow bound and unbound soldiers in defending the core against the sudden outbreak of dark creatures called the Vain. Since that day, the entirety of the domain had become a wasteland, with only the dark creatures and the devious rogues roaming its lands freely. Unfortunately, that’s all the information the remaining fifty-one Card Holders had managed to acquire.

What a nice thing to write on my birthday. I placed my white ribbon on the crease between the pages and closed my journal, saving my spot. As I slipped the black book into my backpack, I took a glance at my digital watch. It’s twelve forty-five. The bell is about to ring.

The melodic ringing from the clocktower echoed throughout the campus. Zipping my bag up, I stood and heaved it over my shoulder, feeling the weight of my textbooks, notebooks, and laptop

Last class of the day, then I can go home. I ignored the unusual bustle and chatter of the other students walking around me. There was a rather large group of people that had signed up for the summer courses this year. Maybe I can visit the library first on the way home. I have to return a book anyway. I’m sure Nino wouldn’t mind much... then again, he’s never home for too long... why would he mind if I came home a bit late?

I held back a shiver when I entered the campus’s main  building, rolling back my bare shoulders, trying to shake off the cold. I headed for my hellish class: organic chemistry.

I really am not a science person. I knew I should’ve majored in English. I held back a sigh and turned a sharp corner into the chemistry wing. When I turned, I felt as though I’d walked into a brick wall, because a second later, I found myself square on my ass in the hallway, shaking my head clear of my daze. I could hear people laughing a bit at me in the background. Just great, I got noticed. Who is the guy I just had to run into?

Sorry about that. I heard a deep, baritone voice rumble above me. I looked up and saw a calloused, outstretched hand only a few inches from my face. I trailed my gaze up higher to see shining eyes.

Honey-brown... I lifted my bag off the floor and slipped it over my shoulders, ignoring the hand and standing up on my own. It’s no problem.

So, uh—

Sorry, I interrupted, but I have a class to get to, and I hate being late.

Yeah, sorry, he apologized again. The guy rubbed the back of his neck, further disrupting his already messy black locks. Well, see you, I guess.

I raised an eyebrow at this, and the guy walked past me without another word. Looking over my shoulder, I saw him turn the sharp corner and disappear.

What a strange dude, I muttered. Shrugging, I resumed walking towards my class. Was he actually trying to make conversation with me? No one ever does that... then again, I don’t really have room to speak... I hardly try to talk to anyone else unless I have to. Now, what’s today’s lab about again?

~ ~ ~

So much for going to the library. He just had to assign us a lab report on the third day. I sighed for the umpteenth time that hour. And he just had to require lab partners! Mine doesn’t even look like she knows what she’s doing. Why did she decide to take chemistry? Hell, why did I decide to take chemistry?

As I approached a crosswalk, I stopped and took in my surroundings. The area was empty. Only the occasional car passed by, and nobody was on the sidewalks. It was the perfect setting to travel my way.

It’s been a while, so... One step forward, and that was all it took to accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in under two seconds.

If there was one thing that made me smile without fail, it was speed. It provided an escape of the world’s stresses, and it took my mind off things for a bit. Then again, there was one issue with traveling as fast as I do. The journey doesn’t last long at all. What was supposed to be a thirty-minute walk for a normal person became about a one-minute run for me. The sight of the front of my large house merely signaled the end of that minute of euphoria.

I frowned at the sight of my wrought iron-fenced home before unlatching the gate. The iron bars slid open with a low groan, and I stepped through, letting the gates close and lock behind me. As I approached the front door, I fished the key out of my back pocket and quickly unlocked it, inviting myself into the extravagant home.

I guess I should consider myself lucky because of my living circumstances. It was a big house, with cream-colored tile flooring and light gray walls. There were numerous expensive pieces of china lining bolted shelves, and in just about every room, there were leather couches and hand-crafted mahogany furniture. It was a nice space, really, but it was just too big for two people and the occasional housekeeper called in to clean it.

My brother was always out doing some kind of work. I would usually fall asleep around the time he came home, so I only saw him for a few minutes in the morning and a few minutes at night each day. Rarely would I ever see him otherwise.

And it looks like it’ll be that way tonight, too. I dropped my backpack on one of the couches before heading towards the kitchen. I was starving.

Right when I stepped into the dining room, I immediately sensed another person in the house. It was then that I heard the sizzling of some sort of food in a pan and smelled a delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen.

I don’t remember Nino saying that a housekeeper was going to cook today. It’s too early to cook dinner anyway. It’s only four. Curious, I stepped up my pace and poked my head into the kitchen. I felt my eyes widen at the rare sight. Standing above a pan full of fried rice, with his work shirt sleeves rolled up and an apron draped over his neck, was my older brother.

I blinked a few times, closing my eyes for a second before opening them. Sure enough, that platinum blond head of hair didn’t disappear, and neither did those concentrated, bright, emerald green eyes. My brother was really in the kitchen cooking my favorite food.

Nino? I hesitantly said.

Hmm? A hint of surprise crossed his eyes before a glinting happiness replaced it. He was smiling at me. Hey, squirt. I didn’t hear you come in.

I’m nineteen now. Why does he still call me that?

When did you get back from work? I asked, entering the kitchen. I thought you had some important things to attend to, important people to meet.

Well, the meetings went a lot faster than I’d originally planned, which is good, of course. He turned off the stove and placed a lid on the pan. He took off his apron and set it on the countertop. I wanted to come home early and celebrate my little sister’s birthday, and I guess I got my wish granted. Now, is there a wish you wanted to make?

No, I shook my head and tackled him in a hug, my wish has already been granted.

I see... Nino wrapped his arms around me and gave me a light squeeze. I’m sorry for not being at home as much as I should, squirt.

I understand, I said, pulling away. You are the Card Holder of the King of Diamonds domain after all. It wouldn’t do if you slacked off just for the sake of me. Hell, I bet you couldn’t even miss a single day.

Yeah, that’s right. Nino laughed. Well, aren’t I a lucky brother?

Then, he took something out of his bag on the counter and tossed it to me. I caught it with ease and examined the object. It was a small box wrapped in dark blue paper and topped with a light blue ribbon.

You know you didn’t have to get me anything. I pouted. You spoil me too much.

I can’t spoil my own little sister? Nino sighed slightly, Just think of it as an apology as well as your birthday present. It’ll definitely shock you.

He never makes such confident claims. I gave him a look and began to tear at the wrapping paper, seeing a spot of velvet. Whatever he got me must be something big.

The wrapping paper revealed a hinged, velvet jewelry box. It was unusually heavy for jewelry. I lifted the lid and gasped at what I saw. Glistening brilliantly from the light of the kitchen was a transparent cube of pure, natural crystal.

Nino, this is... I trailed off.

Yes, it is a cube of pulsing crystal, and yes, it is yours, my brother said with a smile.

But, I’m not ready to have my own pulsing crystal. I put the lid back on the box and stared at it, I... I just started my training on a platinum card a few weeks ago. It hasn’t even been two months yet; I’m nowhere near mastery.

Yes, but you’ve made swift progress ever since I’ve given you that card. Nino reached out and ruffled my head of black hair. You haven’t mastered using it, that’s true; however, you’ve essentially been teaching yourself how to use it, rejecting most of your superiors’ help whenever it comes to training. Even though your skills with it are self-taught, your progress exceeds those receiving expert instruction. In no time, I’m sure you’ll be using it with ease. That is why I’m giving you this crystal now, so that when you do master using that platinum card, or at least come close to it, the crystal will already be saturated with your unbound aura. By that time, you’ll immediately be able to make it into your Heart Stone. Don’t lose it.

Do you think... do you think Dad would be proud of me? I asked slowly. I know he had high hopes for the both of us, but... I’ve always been a few steps behind you, so...

I’m sure Dad is more than proud of the progress you’ve made. Nino assured me, giving me a bright smile. I’m sure he’s delighted to see his little girl becoming so strong so quickly.

Such high praise... I opened the box again and stared at the glowing cube of transparent crystal, feeling a small smile tug at the corners of my lips. Thank you so much, Nino.

Happy birthday, Natalle.

~ ~ ~

I never liked my name much. I don’t know why, but whenever people called me by it, it felt wrong somehow. It’s like I was used to being called something else. I just didn’t know what. Even hearing my name from Nino sounded wrong, and he’s my older brother.

The only time I ever felt... right... was when I was asleep. In my dreams, people called out to me, saying they needed me to return, to come back. They called me something that made me feel like me. Every time I heard them beckoning to me with their voices, I found myself wanting to run toward them, needing to hold onto the name they knew me by. Of course, I always forgot by the time I woke up.  It’s like I was never meant to remember.

Or... something was keeping me from remembering.

Chapter 2

Ugh, I groaned as I dropped my pen. I proceeded to bang my head against my mahogany desk before I sat back and slouched in my rolling chair. Laying a hand on my pulsing forehead, I sighed heavily.

I hate my scatter-brained partner with a passion! I thought. She tells me she’ll have her part of this lab report done by today, and then today, at eight at night, she texts me saying that she’s been out of town for the past two days with her loaded boyfriend in the Domain of the Ace of Spades!

Crossing my right leg over my left, I glared daggers at the digital clock on my wall. The innocent red numbers read ten o’clock sharp.

Nino should be home soon... I glanced at my blinding laptop screen. Well, at least I have only the conclusion to do. My professor better give individual credit, because she doesn’t deserve a thing!

Holding back another exasperated sigh, I dug through my backpack and pulled out a notebook titled General Politics. I flipped through the pages and opened it to my most recent lecture. Though I knew most of the basics thanks to Nino, it didn’t hurt to review, especially if it meant keeping my mind off of chemistry.

Let’s see... I skimmed through the bullet points, listing them off mentally, The Card Holder, leader of defense in the fifty-two domains. Though, in the face card domains, they also hold the highest political office, like president. It is also within these domains that they have the most authority, with the Ace of Spades being the most highly regarded, even by those of the numbered cards. Below the Card Holders are their unbound council, consisting of their most trusted and skilled platinum card users, an optional advisor, and an optional war strategist. Holding the same power in terms of rank are the council of bound officials, who become less compassionate towards unbound the lower the rank of the card.

I grunted and slapped my notebook shut, disappointed in my attempt to quash my irritation. I’d only gone from one source of it to another.

Damn it, just thinking about the power dynamic between the bound and the unbound is sickening. Why do the bound insist on mistreating the unbound... using them as disposable pawns during wartime? Despicable!

Just then, I heard the front door open downstairs.

I jumped out of my chair and wrenched my bedroom door open. I approached the carved, wooden staircase and jumped, landing perfectly poised on the mahogany rail. I mentally complimented myself as I successfully slid down the wooden rail. Despite my steady balance and quick reflexes, I’d usually end up falling off the railing whenever I tried sliding down. Fortunately, thanks to those same reflexes, I always ended up landing gracefully on the main floor, and was able to act as if I hadn’t magnificently failed a few seconds prior.

I heard a quiet chuckle as I launched off the rail, landing on my feet with a light thud. Wow, you did a good job this time.

Oh, shut up. I smiled and crossed my arms over my chest. I thought rather than you coming up to my room like always, I’d actually come greet you at the door this time.

Yeah, you’re usually in bed by now. Nino shrugged off his blazer and hung it on one of the hooks on the wall. Is something keeping you up?

Chemistry lab report, I grumbled. My partner bailed on me last minute, telling me she didn’t do her half of the lab because she was off on a ‘vacation’ with her rich boyfriend.

Ooh, so you’re experiencing this type of thing already, Nino said, walking into the kitchen. I followed him and hopped up onto the kitchen counter. I watched as he pulled the leftovers from that night’s dinner out of the fridge.

Yep. I sighed. It’s not too big of a deal. I mean, all that’s left is the conclusion. Still... I was hoping for a more reliable classmate.

I’m sure you’ll find the perfect partner soon, squirt. The smell of chicken alfredo pasta filled the kitchen as the dish heated up in the microwave. I mean, out of all the people in your class, there has to be a few hard workers.

Hopefully. I opened a cupboard and pulled out a tall glass. I tossed it to my brother, and he caught it without giving it a glance and filled it with water. All of the partner and group projects I’ve had have been miserable. I swear, the day I find the perfect team is the day I can finally say that I may have real friends.

Oh? Nino pulled a steaming plate of pasta out of the beeping microwave. Any particular reason for that?

Mm... I don’t know. I slid off the counter and opened a drawer, getting a fork and handing it to my brother. Then, when I think about it... I’d want to put all my trust into my friends, so why not work together with them on a group project?

I guess that’s one way to think about it, Nino mumbled through a mouthful of noodles. Speaking of which, remember that we’re supposed to oversee the training of a group of unbound fighters tomorrow. You remember where?

Arena B, a few minutes away from the library.

Don’t get lost. Nino joked.

Oh, whatever. I pressed my palm into the side of his head, pushing him away. They’re supposed to be around my age, right? And they’re eligible to become an elite squad in the special operations division... that’s pretty impressive.

As individual fighters, they don’t hold a candle to you, but as a group, they are very much in sync with each other, Nino commented, sipping his water. They really do make a great team. Their collaboration is among the best I’ve seen.

You speak so highly of them. I smirked. I’m looking forward to watching them train.

Who knows, maybe they’ll become good friends of yours.

I highly doubt it. I scoffed. Now, I don’t know about you, but I have a torturous lab report to finish and a heavenly bed to leap into.

Alright, squirt, goodnight. Nino ruffled my long, black hair. I’ll see you in the morning.

Night.

~ ~ ~

Oh my gosh, that was the worst! I thought. The bell rang, and I immediately stuffed my textbooks into my backpack and zipped it shut, ready to escape my horrid chemistry class. Next time, I’m asking Josh to be my partner. I’ll never ask Amy to work with me on a project again. Then again, this is the only lab where our partners will be chosen for us. I’ll get to choose my partner next time.

Hey, Natalle. I stopped mid-way down the wide staircase of the semi-circular lecture room and turned to my left. I held back the urge to cringe at my peppy yet unreliable partner, Amy.

Amy, uh... what’s up? I asked quietly, gripping the strap of my backpack.

I am so sorry for making you do my half of the report, she said in a fake, apologetic tone. Honestly, her acting was just as poor as her reliability. When my boyfriend said we’d be going to the Domain of the Ace of Spades, I couldn’t say no. I’ve always wanted to visit that place. Plus, we haven’t been spending much time together, and the small trip was a great way to make up for lost time...

Alright, that last part may be genuine. I mentally sighed after catching a glimpse of glee in her eyes after mentioning her time with her boyfriend. I can’t really fault her too much for that.

It’s alright. No worries. I got it done in time. I shrugged. I’m just happy we won’t be forced to do another lab ever again. I don’t think I can handle any more.

Yeah, no kidding! Amy giggled, tossing a few strands of curly, brown hair behind her back. You and I both. Thanks again, Natalle. I really appreciate it.

I smiled in response before continuing my descent down the stairs. Well, that was unexpected.

When I reached the bottom, I sped out of the classroom, through the hallways, and into the fresh outdoors. As I stepped into the natural light, I slowed down and took in a deep breath, exhaling slowly. The sun beat down on the back of my head, but that didn’t bother me much. I’d take the heat over the freezing cold any day.

Since it’s a Friday, and I have about two hours to kill before I meet Nino at headquarters... I began my trek with a bounce in my step, library time!

When I turned a corner, I collided with what felt like a brick wall... again. This time, I didn’t fall, but I did stumble back a step or two. Shaking my head and readjusting the strap of my bag, I looked up to see the same guy who had crashed into me a week ago.

You again... I muttered under my breath.

Heh, sorry, he said. He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment, tousling the black strands of hair that peeked out from the bottom of his gray beanie. Guess I should be more careful, huh?

Same here, I slowly replied. Anyway, I’ve got somewhere to be, so...

Oh, sorry... again. He let out a small laugh before stepping past me. He gave me a half smile as he slipped his hands into his pockets. Somehow, it accented the scar on the side of his chin. Have a good one.

I resisted the urge to raise an eyebrow at his strange behavior, watching his back as he casually walked away as if he hadn’t just spoken to me. Talk about a strong case of déjà vu. Oh well, library time for me.

~ ~ ~

Yes! Time for two hours of sweet, fictional release, I whispered as I skidded to a stop. I smiled up at the large stone building that housed the Domain of the King of Diamond’s massive library.

When Nino took me to the library the first time, right when I stepped onto its carpeted floors and stared up at the bookshelf-clad stone walls, I immediately fell in love with it. The library had just about every book on any topic anyone would want to study. Fortunately for me, it also had one of the best collections of fiction any of the fifty-two domains had to offer. From the first time I visited the place, I just knew the library was going to be my quiet haven.

I pulled the glass door open and stepped inside, slightly shivering at the cold air that crept down my neck. I smiled, though, as my feet padded rhythmically on the velvet carpet. My eyes were instantly greeted with a treasure-trove filled with books just waiting to be read, and that elevated my mood even further.

Hello, Natalle, a sweet voice said. Long time no see.

I bounded up to the front desk and casually leaned my elbows on the dark wood, letting a bright smile spread on my face. Hi, Mrs. Parker. How’ve you been?

I was just about to ask you the same question, sweetie. The young, green-eyed woman giggled. I haven’t seen you in about a month. How are your summer classes?

They’ve all been really great so far. Then I added, Well, all of them except chemistry.

Ah, you’re not a science person, are you? she asked.

Nope, not at all. I shook my head slightly and sighed. I don’t even know why I have to take chemistry in the first place. I guess I just wanted to test the waters a bit before choosing a major.

And I bet you won’t be diving into the ocean of chemistry anytime soon, huh? Mrs. Parker laughed.

Yeah, nope. I smiled. Well, enough about me. How are you?

I’m doing alright. Will’s been out on long trips for the past six months, so I never see him much anymore. She sighed with a grim smile on her face. The sparkle in her bright green eyes dulled slightly. That happened every time we spoke, regardless of the topic we talked about. Well, despite that, I’m just glad he comes home safely. He’s been chosen to lead all of these dangerous confidential missions into the Queen of Hearts Domain. I can’t help but worry if he’s going to come home.

That sounds... really stressful, I mumbled, leaning my head on my hands. I can’t even begin to imagine.

Well then, don’t. Mrs. Parker’s smile magically brightened again. You’re still too young to be thinking about hardship. Don’t do it unless you have to.

I can’t promise you that, but I’ll try. I pushed myself off of the desk and gave her a small wave. Well, I’ll be spending the next hour or so in the fiction section. Do you have any suggestions for me today?

Nope. Mrs. Parker shook her head. Not that I would want to try anyway. Every time I try to help you, I end up giving you a book that hardly grabs your interest.

True... I trailed off, smiling sheepishly.

Just explore, Natalle. I know you’ll find something that will catch your eye eventually. She jumped a bit when the desk phone started ringing. I have to take this. You enjoy yourself.

I know I will. I sent her one final smile before making my way to the very back of the library where the fiction novels were kept. As I neared it, I slowed down and scanned my eyes over the titles inscribed on the spines seated on the shelves. Many of them I had already read, and the rest didn’t catch my attention in the least.

This is what I get for being a bookworm... I pouted as I passed through an entire aisle, disappointed that there wasn’t a single title that piqued my interest. Why do I have to be so picky with what I read? Ugh...

Hmm? Just as I turned a corner, gold lettering glittered in the corner of my eye. I turned my head and tilted it so I could read the title. ‘The Queen of Hearts’ by A.G.

I’ve never heard of this title... or its author for that matter. I thought. Is this a debut novel?

I walked up to the book and stood on the tips of my toes, trying to slide it out of its spot on the shelf. Ugh, curse my short height.

After about a minute of fumbling, I managed to grab a hold of the bottom corner with my finger nails and pulled it out that way, letting the book fall into my hands without a sound. I took a look at the front corner, which was peculiarly colored. Auburn streaks ran through a pitch-black background. Dead center was a white-backed card with a pentagon on the top corner. Lighting it up from behind was a blue lightning bolt.

A Naturalist card? Forget that, this cover’s color-scheme is pretty funky. Which company published this book? I flipped through the first few cream-colored pages and found no information whatsoever. There was no publication date, no publishing company, nothing. All I found was a page with the title and the author’s initials underneath it. That’s weird...

I flipped to the back of the book to see the author’s biography, but there was nothing there. There weren’t even comments from critics, other writers or magazines.

Sighing, I closed the book and stared at the front cover for a few seconds before shrugging. I don’t think this one's for me, but since I pulled it off the shelf, I may as well read it.

Hugging the hard-cover book to my chest, I made my way over to a nearby sofa and plopped myself onto it. I curled myself into a ball, pulling my knees close to my chest and laying the book on