A Storm In The Wind

By Kira F Lindon

Sometimes the calm is so terrifyingly quiet, you crave the storm.

Everyone is either gone or moved on, other than Riona. She never thought she would find herself working for the throne, let alone as the Queen's second in command. When a new threat arises and Vanaday dismisses it as nothing, Riona decides it's t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kira Lindon
• Release date: Aug 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9781739096335

Book preview

Preface

I am pain. I am trauma. And my name is Clara. I am eighteen years old and if you are reading this book, please have the decency to burn it. These words were never meant to be told, but I am a writer. I have to write.

I am a child of a Fae father and a Witch mother, at least I was. My father did not want me and my mother could not save me. At thirteen, not even yet a woman. They tossed me out into the world on my own.

Now I am isolated, not just physically, but also emotionally. I have a new home within the grounds of the Astric coven, but I am lonely. We live in a world where children experience hurt before they even know love. Do I want to love? Genuine love? Of course, despite everything, I am a person of belief. Not belief in a tale of god or ancient prophecy, but in the universe’s alignment. I believe that everyone has a person for them, whether it is love or companionship. I hope for the latter. I am not built for love.

In the past, I have been told by people long gone from my life that you just meet the wrong men. Surely if that was the case, it would mean my judgement was the issue? In which case, my suspicions are correct. I am the problem.

I have urges. I get lonely. Not only that, but I get the need to be touched, and I have a list that has welcomed the task. Am I an addict? But if I were, surely I wouldn’t be able to question it.

I have been told by men on my list that I am unlovable. I’ve been told I am just a distraction. A placeholder to be used until true happiness is found for people that are not me. I am traumatised.

PROLOGUE

JULY 2021

Have you ever experienced a land where the stars twinkled so bright it was like someone had taken to the sky with silver paint? A land where the community gathers like stars aligning in one large constellation. Each person moving around and looking for their purpose until they fall into place, finding their space in the large assemblage. This was what Dranan Shatterbranch thought the grounds of the Astric coven were like. As a half Elven and half Dwarven male, Dranan had always struggled to find a place that felt like home to him. Maybe he hadn’t found his place in the asterism yet. At five feet and six inches, he had always been too tall for the Dwarves’ liking, and going into the city of Randkerl was a nightmare as far as small doorways were concerned. As for the Elves, well, he supposed he was too normal for them. As much as he hated to admit it, the closest Dranan was to any one species was that of the humans who had invaded Truduva and were creating a massacre of the Trevidians and their home. Which would soon become the kingdom of Atrellia.

Dranan, a voice snapped, making him jump in his seat. Dranan shifted in his chair, bringing the end of his charcoal pencil to his mouth and burrowing his dark, bushy eyebrows together.

Yes Mardella? Dranan glanced down at his roughly sprawled sketches of the night sky before looking back at the woman in front of him.

Pay attention. I want to avoid wasting my own time. Mardella had been the leader of the Astric coven for longer than Dranan had known her. He had met Mardella when he was a young teenager. She had found him begging for coin and scraps of food on a street corner with his half brother, Ayre. Mardella had been on one of her trips into the city of Randkerl and hadn’t hesitated to take the two of them under her wing when she had spotted them starving and alone.

I am paying attention. The Astric coven uses seventeen of the thirty-two constellations in their magic practice; We consider those seventeen constellations gods. He looked up over the top of his notebook, shooting her a wide grin. See, I’m listening. Mardella raised a perfectly arched eyebrow at him. In the nine years which he had known Mardella, Dranan was certain that she had always looked exactly the same. She always scraped her dark black curls back into a bun at the top of her neck, with streaks of grey falling loosely to frame her wrinkled face.

No, you’re not listening. Otherwise, you would be eagerly scribbling away in that tattered old notebook of yours the information that I just spoke to you. That caught Dranan’s attention. He quickly swung his book closed and folded his arms across his chest, his eyes sparkling with intrigue.

What information? Mardella sighed, as she did most days she spent with Dranan. The two of them shut inside her small office; her behind a small frail desk and him sitting in the large leather armchair, engrossed in his lesson. Dranan had spent so much time in the small room that he now favoured the musty smell the old furniture and worn wood provided. Come on, Mardella. Don’t hold back on me now, Dranan stared at her from the other side of the desk, giving her his most pleading look. Mardella had never been able to say no to him. She had told him once that it was because of his captivating eyes. She sighed once more and sat forward in her chair, placing her palms against the desk’s surface.

There is an ancient myth which says, atop of the highest point in Truduva, there are three moons visible in our sky.

Are they our moons? Or is it like the planets I found whilst using the grand telescope? Dranan could feel the eagerness of his inner child coming free. At the age of twenty-two, Dranan had accomplished a lot. More than a lot of other half-breeds certainly had. Of course, it hadn’t been a peaceful journey to get to this point. The point where he was compiling his research in what he hoped would one day be a large novel, complete with all the information that the Truduva sky offered. Dranan tried his hardest not to dwell on the past, though, even if it riddled him with guilt for trying to forget.

It is just an old legend, Dranan. Do not get your hopes up with it being the truth. How could he not, though? He had already achieved documenting all thirty-two constellations, memorising all seventeen of the Astric coven’s gods, and crediting himself for naming the eight planets that he alone discovered. If there was anything that he had learnt, it was that he should never turn away an opportunity.

You know I will not ignore it, Mardella. This would be the perfect addition to my book. As he spoke, Dranan’s black boots shook against the floor as it vibrated beneath them and sounds that could only be compared to animals desperate to escape captivity echoed through the building. He raised his eyebrow at Mardella, but she only shrugged.

You do not even know where this legend is located,

Well, you say it’s rumoured to be at the highest point of Truduva. I shall create a device that could direct me to that. Dranan’s right leg jiggled up and down as he imagined himself not only making such a grand discovery and being able to document it in his upcoming book, but it also meant he would be able to provide others with a device that could direct them to it. How would anyone be able to resist something so spectacular?

Mardella rose from her chair and headed for the shelves filled with different jars of solutions. She stopped at the side of Dranan’s chair and moved strands of his long black hair away from his face, tucking it behind his slightly pointed ear and smiling to herself.

Very well, but at least sleep on this idea of yours. Don’t go rushing off ahead of yourself. Dranan shut his book and rose from the armchair, placing himself in front of the older woman before pulling her into a bear-like embrace.

Why do you worry about me so much? Look at me, what’s the worst that can happen? Dranan gave her the biggest grin he could and secretly hoped his eyes, which Mardella was so fond of, were working their magic.

Mardella did as he said and looked at Dranan from head to toe. His hair was long and wild, completely unkept for someone of his age. He wasn’t short like one half of his ancestors. But with the scruffy beard that covered his face, and the same coloured chest hair that peaked out from the top of his crisp, white shirt. He had certainly taken some genetic traits from the Dwarves. Mardella looked at the strands of hair that she had placed behind his ear. Those ears of his, they weren’t pointed sharply like the elven species, but they did have a slight sharpness to them. Her favourite feature of his, though, was his eyes. So bright, like a gem you would find in a jewel collection.

Just take your time, Dranan. Dranan nodded and gave her an affectionate grin before planting a kiss atop the older woman’s forehead and grabbing his things.

As he hurried through the hallways of Mardella’s large home, with his satchel tucked under his arm, he realised that the distressed screams he heard so often had disappeared.

Dranan burst through the large mahogany doors and straight into the incoming obstruction, loosing grip on his satchel and letting it fall to the white stone beneath his feet.

Watch where you are go-

I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. This is what I get for trying to walk and read. I really should be more- Dranan couldn’t make his body move as he stared into the bright blue eyes of the young woman who stood in front of him. She had her hair swept into a loose bun with mousy brown curls framing her face. He noticed tiny daisies nestled between the strands and suspected one of them had come loose when they collided. He reached up a hand to tuck the daisy back into her hair, but she quickly stepped backwards out of his reach, still staring at him with the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. Dranan should have known better than to grab at a woman who he was not familiar with, but he swore the small brush of his finger against her hair had shocked him like electricity.

Sorry, Dranan announced, just wanted to fix what I’d broken. Dranan laughed awkwardly whilst the woman quickly fixed the small flower herself and then gave him a gentle smile.

My name is Clara. Are you one of Mardella’s apprentices as well? She asked him. Her voice was soft, but in a shy way that he imagined disappeared around most people once she was comfortable.

Kind of, I’m not really sure what I am, Dranan said with a chuckle, making Clara smile widely and showing the small indents in her cheeks. I’m an astronomer, but Mardella has been helping me with my research. Dranan watched as Clara’s eyes widened, realising who she was standing in front of.

You’re Dranan? Dranan Shatterbranch? Dranan chuckled, running a hand against the side of his tied back hair.

You have heard of me? Before Clara could reply, Mardella’s voice echoed through the halls and towards where they stood on the threshold of the building.

Clara, stop dawdling and hurry up. Clara quickly shot Dranan an apologetic smile and curved round him, disappearing into the building with the door slamming shut and blocking his view from the young woman. Dranan came to a decision at that moment, he wanted Clara to be the witch who joined him on his expedition to find the three moons.

Chapter 1

Rain poured and thunder howled as Riona and Vanaday hurried through the streets of Atrellia, gripping their hoods tightly over their heads, fighting the wind as the incoming storm drew closer. The nights in Atrellia were quiet these days. Compared to the roaring nightlife, there had once been.

I appreciate you wanting to be involved in rebuilding Atrellia, V. Hauling boxes into the shelter for five hours in the middle of the spring showers doesn’t seem like something we should do, though. Riona moaned, using her free hand to wipe the rain from her face.

Vanaday let out a low chuckle.

The people of Atrellia have suffered a substantial loss, and we are personally responsible for their pain. We allowed Raven into our inner circle, trusting her with our plans and letting her play with our minds. In addition, we also destroyed half of the kingdom whilst trying to restrain her. As Queen, I have a duty to help the homeless in any way they might need me. If they want me to lift heavy boxes. Then I will lift heavy boxes. Riona sighed and nodded in agreement.

I received a report this morning from the builder in charge of the renovations of 3rd street. He says the buildings should be ready within the next month. Vanaday peered around the edge of her hood and grinned approvingly towards her second in command,

Good. It appears starting the Help Atrellia movement is going well.

Well, about that, Riona began, unsure of how to continue. She rubbed the rain from her eyes once more. There have been complaints. Some of the Atrellian’s are expressing concerns about the compulsory work commitments being unfair and are comparing it to slavery. Riona winced as she spoke, unsure of how Vanaday would take the news. Riona had watched Vanaday work hard day after day, night after night, to help Atrellia. It pained her to be the one to tell Vanaday, her brilliant initiative wasn’t going as brilliantly as she’d thought it would, but Vanaday’s expression remained unfazed.

"I am aware of the Atrellian’s feelings towards me. They think I am too strict of a Queen, and it is not news to me of the wealthy’s unhappiness with Lorcan’s removal. Or having a female Shapeshifter as a replacement, but as Atrellian’s they also have a duty to the kingdom and the people, perhaps even more than a shapeshifter does."

I understand, V. I do, but I’m worried they might decide to rebel if they don’t receive a wage they find suitable for their labour. The two of them rounded the corner towards the palace steps. The same steps haunted Riona’s dreams night after night, as she relived racing towards them to aid the wounded six months earlier.

I am not concerned. Vanaday shrugged as they climbed the last step and passed through the large wooden doors of the palace and into the foyer, where a short, brown-haired woman who Riona had yet to hear speak, waited to take their dripping outerwear. There will always be people who disagree with my actions, in this case the fortunate against the lesser, and I will always choose to use my power as Queen to help the struggling. The Atrellians would ultimately rather have their kingdom restored than a higher wage and nowhere to spend it. Riona opened her mouth to speak, but Vanaday swatted her hand, gesturing for her to be quiet as she followed closely behind, trying desperately to keep up with Vanaday’s effortless speed. "And you forget, General. They are no longer being held hostage inside these walls. They are welcome to leave when they please. As they approached Vanaday’s office, they halted and Vanaday turned to face Riona, keeping one hand firmly on the gold doorknob behind her, and smiled warmly. I dismiss you for the night, go and enjoy yourself. See your friends." Riona nodded and beamed back at her friend, the only friend she had seen in three months. It might have even been more.

Now that we have finished for the night, why don’t we go to the Tavern for a drink? I’ve heard it’s a lot nicer since the renovations.

Vanaday chuckled sympathetically, reaching out and stroking the strands of Riona’s soaked hair away from her face.

I think you must be thinking I am someone else. Riona stuttered as she tried to find the words to dismiss Vanaday’s claims, but before she could speak Vanaday shook her head, it’s been three months since the memorial, Riona. Go and see Idris. Vanaday turned swiftly towards her office and entered, looking over her shoulder and smiling at Riona one more time, before closing the door behind her.

Riona stared at the flowers engraved into the closed door for a moment, thinking back to the times when she had spent days at a time on experiments in the labs with Idris and Felix. She sighed, shutting the memory out, and continued down the corridor and towards the spiral staircase which would take her to her own room.

Riona slammed her bedroom door closed behind her and peeled off her sodden clothes until she stood in the middle of her room in only her underwear. She glanced towards the drawer at the side of her bed. Contemplating for a moment before shaking her head and turning towards the small bathroom, shedding her underwear as she walked over the threshold, longing for the hot water spraying down on top of her. As she stood inside the glass cubicle, letting the water pound down on her head and drip through her long purple hair, she debated whether to contact her best friend after so long. It had been her who had distanced herself from the rest of their little group after the memorial for Callisto, Louis, and Felix, and Riona regretted it every day, but nobody had tried to contact her either.

She brought her hands to her face and pushed the heels of her palms into her eyes as she tried to block the memory of Felix. Of him raising his eyebrow at her and Idris when they were joking around instead of working. It always ended the same way though, Felix’s eyebrow would drop, and a grin would spread across his face. The water ran cold after a while, bringing Riona back to reality. She stepped out of the cubicle and reached for the large white towel, waiting for her on the heated towel rail. She wrapped it against her body and stumbled towards the sink, staring at a blurred version of herself in the mirror as tears fell down her face. Riona took a deep breath as the mist coating the mirror evaporated, revealing her pained eyes more clearly. She stared deep into her own eyes, hating herself the more she stared, before deciding she had to make a change.

She reached for the scissors on the shelf beside the mirror and gripped them tightly in her hand, and she tried to stop the slight shake which permanently burdened her these days. She stared at them for a moment. Weighing out whether her decision was a good one, but eventually, she brought the small silver scissors to her hair and chopped, cutting it shorter and shorter until it was just below her jawline in a perfectly straight line. Riona stared at herself again, happy with her new style, and reached for a small vial of black potion, downing it in one go and watching her hair fade from purple to black. She let the vial clatter into the sink basin and took a deep breath.

Time to sort yourself out, she mumbled, stepping away from the mirror and back out into her bedroom.

Riona slumped down onto her bed and stared at the drawer in her night stand once again. She grabbed the drawer’s handle and pulled it from its place, tipping it upside down and scattering the contents on the bed in front of her. A small black box of potions stared back at her, along with a worn down copy of Moons Of The Worlds by Dranan Shatterbranch. Vanaday had asked her to give the book to Idris. Eventually, she might. Under the corner of book was her transmitter. She hadn’t picked it up in months. She tried to avoid looking at it, but it made its way into her hand and she stared down at the screen, opening the one unread transmission from the night after the memorial.

DON’T DISTANCE YOURSELF. I NEED YOU RI…

Riona couldn’t help but hear Idris’s voice as she read the transmission from start to finish, over and over. Eventually, she sighed and threw the transmitter down on the bed before reaching for the small box of potions. She used her thumb to push the small lid open, revealing the vials of different coloured potions. Four dark green potions, which she had saved for absolute emergencies only. The liquid inside each vial glowed against the light. Each shimmer tempting her fingers towards the vial. Riona thought back to the day Felix had developed the sleeping potions which had now made their way into her hands. He had been so impressed with himself at the time; he had thought he would cure insomnia. She flipped the lid back on two vials of the only remaining sleeping potions in the world and poured them into her mouth, enjoying the way they slid down her throat as she swallowed.

By the time Riona had stuffed everything back into the drawer and slammed it shut. The room began to spin, and her focus began to waver as the potions began to take their effect. She climbed into her bed, the soft pillows and blankets making her believe she was floating on a cloud. She watched the delicate patterns on the ceiling spin until eventually she fell into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.

Chapter 2

Idris shivered as he made his way over the last stone mountain, and every ounce of light disappeared. For many, The Darkside was a myth, a place told in stories around campfires to scare children. Six months ago, he watched Raven be dragged from the small cell in Atrellia and towards a portal, leading deep into the bleak darkness where the Truduva Max prison stood tall, making The Darkside a reality for him. As he tried to search his surroundings, he couldn’t see much through the thick fog and obsidian stone which surrounded him. He knew the prison towered high somewhere in the distance, but it wasn’t visible to the naked eye. Water dripped from the obsidian rock above him, splashing against his face and sliding down his cheek. At least he hoped it was water. He wanted to avoid imagining what other horror could be coating his face.

Idris jumped as a cold shiver passed over him. A dark presence moved up ahead of him. The cold through his body turned to freezing as it radiated through him. Idris remembered coming face to face with the only creatures who lived within The Darkside. Creatures who were waiting to take the souls of the criminals who had no choice but to wait out their fate inside the prison walls. A dozen footsteps scurried across the ground towards him. The quickened scraping of long talons dragged through his mind, turning his insides. Idris tried to keep his eye on his feet. He’d learnt his lesson the first time he had come. The face of the deadly creatures would do nothing to help him sleep. The eery sound of clawed footsteps stopped, a long, pointed fingernail ran down the length of his face and tangled through the hair of his beard.

Idris looked up, the shadows of three creatures on all fours, their long deer - like skeleton heads staring back at him. They wore nothing but a ragged sheet around their waist, exposing their skeletal bodies. The creature in the middle took to its two back feet, towering over Idris in height but giving Idris no choice but to stare into the dark holes where the creature’s eyes should have been. Idris had made plenty of enemies in his time, but