Twins of the Eclipse: Frozen in Time

By Christopher Woods

Sometimes, the only way to combat fear is to hold tighter to what the heart values most, shielding it from any shadow but also from any light. Nothing but love can break this seal and release what has been frozen in time. At least, that's how the saying goes…

There are actions and reactions to every given situation, ones that point the way down a road toward destiny. But what happens when the lines between right and wrong become unclear? Fate is now threatened by judgment and doubt. Anything that once held meaning is now forgotten in the shadows. The very light that was supposed to offer its guidance is now tainted with corruption.

Secrets from the past are decaying the land, whispering of a transformation that will bring forth a change in power. All new beginnings, however, have consequences that threaten to spread darkness. Before the world is turned upside down, a new path must be created, one filled with truth and perspective. Yet, time is running out. How can love melt the ice of hopelessness when all hope seems lost?

It's been ten years since Cyrus and Octavia defeated Mara that fateful night. Now commander of the Solaria Knights, twenty-seven-year-old Octavia spends her days training young recruits, including Noel, a boy who displays ice magic abilities.

Yet when clock smith Demetrius is found murdered—covered in shadow and encased in a block of ice that won't melt—Octavia begins to have her suspicions about Noel. A few days later, Demetrius' sister Rhea is found dead in the same manner.

Despite the mounting evidence against him, a nagging voice in Octavia's head tells her that there's more to this story.

Crippled with fear and self-doubt, Octavia must find it within herself to free Noel—and together they must find out who the real murderer is. But in doing so, they uncover long-buried secrets and revive people who Octavia and Noel thought were gone forever.

Twins of the Eclipse: Frozen in Time is about mystery, betrayal, and a longing for equality. Not everything is as it appears to be, and no secret can be hidden forever. Truth always has a way of revealing itself in due time.

It is a story for those of all ages who enjoy the unexpected and appreciate a tale of love and self-discovery. Each character discovers their own set of flaws, which acts as a pillar to their identity but also reacts as a barrier to their potential. They soon learn it's never too late to become who they were meant to be, despite criticism, and create their unique path in the world.

Anyone can accomplish greatness with a little faith. Fear may freeze the heart. Mistakes may shatter confidence. But love acts as a way to melt the ice of doubt and embrace one's true self—flaws and all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Oct 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798350916478

Book preview

BK90080298.jpg

Copyright © 2023 by Christopher Woods

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use

of brief quotations in a book review.

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

Edited by Kristen Corrects, Inc.

Cover art design by BookBaby

First edition published 2023.

ISBN: 979-8-35091-646-1 (print)

ISBN: 979-8-35091-647-8 (eBook)

Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Midnight

To my family—once again,

you are the reason I never lost focus on my dreams.

Sometimes, the only way to combat fear is to hold tighter to what the heart values most, shielding it from any shadow but also from any light. Nothing but love can break this seal and release what has been frozen in time.

One

N oel! There you are! Octavia’s voice thundered across the courtyard. Her garnet-colored armor jingled, muffling the sound of her grumbling as she trounced through the garden of yellow daisies. Must you be so insensitive with your training?

She stood in front of him, arms crossed, tapping her mid-calf black leather boots. Her slender but formidable physique towered over his smaller body as he rested in the shade of the tallest tree in the courtyard. Her chain mail breastplate only covered her torso and shoulders, leaving most of her arms bare. The armor transitioned into a small, reinforced skirt with a pair of shorts stretching halfway to her knees. A portion of her legs remained exposed, which, by appearance, looked capable of crushing a bear. As Octavia held her arms close to her chest, her biceps flexed revealing a well-defined muscle tone, striking fear to anyone who witnessed her anger.

Octavia stared down at the young boy. Her brow softened only once when she inhaled the sweet perfume of lilacs from the garden, greeting the arrival of spring with its uplifting fragrance. Why are you out here when you should be in the training grounds practicing your techniques?

Cyrus followed his sister outside, tracking close behind her, monitoring her every move and the unraveling situation. He rubbed the back of his head. Huh. Where have I heard that before?

She grunted, glaring at Cyrus.

Cyrus lowered his hand. Calm down, Tavi. He needed a small break. You’ve been working him to the bone.

Octavia returned her gaze to Noel.

Noel looked up at her. His brown, puppy dog eyes relaxed her withering stare. I’m sorry, Commander. His voice squeaked as he spoke.

Octavia uncrossed her arms and looked away, trying to resist his overpowering charm. Your apology is an unjustified excuse.

She noticed the wooden bow on the ground next to him. Its design appeared childish with its simple arch, but the wood, crafted from a mighty oak, gave it durability and power.

Indeed. Your skills as an archer are impressive, and you may be ahead of the rest of your class, but this doesn’t mean you can skip your lessons on a whim. These lessons should push you to the next level, to improve on your talents. How are you supposed to amount to something special with this lackadaisical behavior? Where is your passion, your reason to fight? She emphasized her words. You must remember to keep your focus. That is what you need to discover to become a true master of your craft. She paused. If you’re to remain under my tutelage, you must be fully dedicated to learning.

Noel spoke, but his voice quivered with each word. I…I am dedicated.

His response sounded like music to her ears. Octavia took a step back. Prove it. She grabbed the sword sheathed to her back and pointed it at Noel. Fight me.

Tavi, don’t be ridiculous. You’ve got the upper hand because you have a sword and Noel only has a bow. It wouldn’t be much of a fair fight.

True skill pays no attention to the weapon a person wields. If he is indeed learning by my methods, he can take a disadvantage and change the outcome to one that is in his favor. She moved the sword closer to the boy’s neck. This is the first rule I teach in my class, something you should know if you bothered to show up.

Beads of sweat appeared on Noel’s brow. His face lost all color, and his body shook from fear. Fight you? You’re the commander of the Solaria Knights. Wouldn’t that be disrespectful to engage in combat with a superior officer outside of the training grounds, especially when this altercation lacks proper cause and reasoning? He scooted up against the trunk of the tree.

Hmm. At least I know you studied the rulebook, but a rulebook won’t help you focus during battle. Octavia sighed. All right. Looking around the courtyard, she pointed past Cyrus. Grab me that apple from one of the trees.

Cyrus picked the largest red apple he could find hanging from the tree a few yards away. He shrugged. Okay. Now what?

Put it on top of your head. She grinned, turning to Noel. Since you won’t battle me, show me the extent of your training. Shoot the apple on his head with one of your arrows.

Cyrus backed away. Oh, no. Don’t use me for your target practice. He removed the fruit from his head and tossed it on the ground. It rolled over the cobblestone pavement, across the garden, and came to a stop next to Noel.

Noel picked up the apple, holding it in his hand. Sorry, Commander.

Octavia grumbled and turned her back to Noel. Pitiful. All you offer are unjustified excuses. She glanced over her shoulder at Cyrus. He reminds me of you. Two peas in a pod.

Cyrus scoffed, clenching his fists. Hey! I wasn’t that bad.

She looked over at him once more, her face void of all emotion, and raised one eyebrow.

Cyrus rolled his eyes. Okay, okay. I was that bad.

Octavia focused her attention on Noel. Do you know any magic? If so, what have you learned? Surely you possess some other skill that proves useful in battle.

I do know some magic, but… He hesitated. I was told never to use it unless necessary.

This is a necessary time. As your superior officer, I command you to show me your magic. I need to evaluate the skills you possess, or lack thereof.

Noel took a deep breath. Okay. If you’re sure. He concentrated on the apple. His cheeks shook as his gaze intensified. In a quick flash of cerulean light, a thin sheet of ice formed around the fruit.

Octavia’s eyes widened. Ice magic. A sharp pain shot across her head, causing her to flinch. Visions of the past screamed in the darkness of her mind. I haven’t seen ice magic since…her. She took a deep breath. Calm yourself, Tavi. Don’t lose focus. Don’t alarm the others. That was then. What’s done is done. There’s no connection between them. Her heart raced. She felt her face turn red. What was Father thinking? Does he know about this? He’s got to know or else he’d never have allowed Noel to enter the Chaos even with Lady April’s recommendation.

She watched the perspiration roll down Noel’s face, dripping onto his orange tunic and black vest. Octavia sheathed her sword and tossed her long ponytail over the shoulder of her garnet breastplate. Fine. She pointed at the boy. Don’t think you’re getting off the hook so easily. When you’re finished with your studies for today, the real training shall begin. I’m putting you in charge of cleaning the stables. She picked up his wooden bow and handed it to him. Come. None of this larking about. You’re late for your next lesson. Make sure you show up this time.

Noel rose to his feet, brushed the dirt off his black trousers, put the frozen apple on the ground, and adjusted the quiver on his back. He stared at the grass before granting Octavia eye contact. Yes…Commander. He put his hand in his right pocket and held on to his bow with his left.

She stopped him before he could go very far. One more thing, Noel.

He caught a glimpse of her stern face.

She crossed her arms and shifted her body weight onto her left foot. You haven’t shown anyone your magic, have you?

Noel shook his head. No. Only you.

Good. Keep it that way. If anyone asks, tell them you don’t know any.

But…Commander, that’s a lie and—

That’s also a direct order! It’s okay to keep some secrets from others. This is one of those times. She shifted her legs, kicking something under her feet. Glancing down, she found one of last year’s acorns by her boot. She bent to pick up the tiny nut, studying its brown features, rolling it between her fingers. Walking over to Noel, she handed him the acorn. See this acorn? It might seem small and insignificant next to the other trees, but it, too, has a secret. Deep inside, it has the ability to grow into a mighty oak tree. You might not think so by first looking at it, but it’s true. It’s all right there, in the palm of your hand. So, do you see what I mean? It’s okay to have a secret, Noel. One day, you could even show the world this secret, but only when you’re ready and when the world is ready. Do you understand?

Noel put the acorn in his pocket, his vision drifted away from her again. I think so.

She motioned with her chin. Okay. Now, go. Don’t be late for class.

He kicked a pebble into the garden as he walked away, fumbling with his quiver, pausing every few steps to pick up an arrow he dropped.

When Noel was out of earshot, Cyrus spoke up. Boy, am I glad that’s not me anymore. I hated being on the receiving end of your wrath. He noticed Octavia staring at an all-too-familiar tree in the middle of the courtyard. He patted her on her shoulder. Tavi? Are you okay?

She tilted her head back to look up at its magnificent stature. The morning sun trickled through its budding blossoms, warming her face. A gentle breeze sent a shiver up her spine. When her senses calmed, a pattern on the trunk of the tree caught her eye. There, on the left side, she noticed a name carved into the bark. Cyrus. Octavia reached out to touch the faded carving, causing flashbacks to dance in her mind. Her childhood. Her mother. Her last battle with…her, and…bringing her brother back from the dead. It became too much to process at once, and she almost allowed emotion to control her face.

Ice magic. Why does the very mention of those words still create so much fear? She closed her eyes and traced the notches with her finger. No. I vowed I wouldn’t lose my focus. My duty is to remain vigilant. To protect my loved ones and to prevent anyone from experiencing the kind of pain I endured. Losing focus only begets heartache. Fear never accompanies perseverance on its path to success. Or does it? A heavy pressure weighed on her shoulders, and she released a long, deep breath. It’s weird to think about how much has happened to us in these last ten years.

Cyrus stood next to Octavia. Yeah, I know. This is where it all began.

She looked at him. He wore a wrinkled ruby-and-white shirt untucked from his brown pants. His shaggy hair was a mess, as if it hadn’t been brushed in over a week. A scowl furrowed on her brow. Some things never change.

What do you mean?

You still can’t see past the end of your nose, can you? She scoffed. Where’s your uniform and the daggers you always had strapped around your calves? You have nothing to protect yourself if there’s an emergency. As the acting general of the Solaria Knights, you must set a good example. We’re not children anymore, Cy. We’re both twenty-seven years old. It’s your—

He put his hand up to stop her. Don’t even think about finishing that sentence. The clouds blocked the sunlight, casting a shadow onto his face. I know. It’s my duty. He kicked a pebble with his brown leather boots before sitting down under his favorite tree, twiddling a large blade of grass between his fingers. Speaking of growing up, that’s something else that hasn’t changed.

The breeze blew a loose strand of hair across Octavia’s face. She moved it behind her ear. What?

Your intimidating nature. He smiled at her. He’s twelve, Tavi. Go easy on him.

I never went easy on you and look how you turned out. She glanced at his choice of attire and listened to him blow his new grass whistle. She cleared her throat. Ah. I see what you mean.

Cyrus laughed. Gee, thanks. He leaned his head against the tree trunk. My point is, loosen up.

Why? That way he can just get by instead of reaching his full potential? Fat chance.

Cyrus shook his head. No. So he can be a kid once in a while.

She turned her back to him, her ponytail flicking behind her. It wasn’t my idea to create these ridiculous training curriculums. I didn’t ask for this extra responsibility. I have plenty of other things to worry about on my plate.

Cyrus put his hand on his chest. I don’t believe what I’m hearing. The great Octavia has a problem with duty?

Octavia grabbed her sword and flung it at the tree, piercing its bark inches from Cyrus’s face.

He flinched. Hey! Watch it!

She walked over, looking down at him, her right hand on her sword sticking out of the tree. Next time, I won’t miss on purpose.

Cyrus exhaled. Some people are so touchy. He paused. But…I know what you meant. He fiddled with the blade of grass. I think it’s nice that the two neighboring kingdoms opened their borders again. Now that Lady April has risen as both the new oracle and the new sovereign over the Order, she’s done a fantastic job of calming the feud between the Order and the Chaos while promoting a sense of unity. Dad even agreed to have soldiers from the Order train under our leadership, starting with Noel. It’s a great way to show that we’re willing to get along with each other.

She closed her eyes and inhaled the fresh air. I suppose it’s for the best.

I think Noel is gifted. I see a lot of potential in him. He picked up the ice-covered apple and examined it.

She opened her eyes and saw him holding the frozen fruit. Perhaps too much potential. The ice magic is what worries me. What would happen if word got out? Fear causes people to act in crazy ways. Noel could be in danger. Or worse, he could be putting us in danger. She bit the tip of her finger, wrinkling her brow. Unless that’s what he wants. To create panic and disrupt the kingdom.

Paranoid much? Cyrus laughed. Noel is the first student of this new program. There’s bound to be some wrinkles to iron out, but you know Lady April. She promised to interview all applicants prior to admittance. Noel is the guinea pig and Dad wouldn’t let a stranger he’s not comfortable with enter the Chaos. He stared at the glistening fruit. It’s just ice magic, Tavi. Ice never hurt anyone before, so calm down.

Octavia sighed and scratched her head. Maybe I’m being overdramatic. I don’t mean to be so strict with Noel. It just happens, but…I suppose the best way to get over my fear is to help him with his training. That way, I can keep an eye on him and make sure he succeeds.

There’s the Octavia we all know and love. Someone capable of yanking out a person’s potential as well as any ounce of their dignity.

She glanced at Cyrus, putting her hands on her hips. Very funny. A beam of sunlight illuminated her light brown hair. Our regimen is renowned, but it also isn’t for the faint of heart. Just because he’s a child, or recommended to learn under my care, doesn’t mean I’m going to go easy on him.

I pity Noel already. Cyrus put the apple down next to him and held the long blade of grass between his fingers. A second later, the blade caught fire, its ashes blowing in the breeze like dandelion seeds. When he stood up, he saw Octavia staring at him. What?

Octavia rubbed his head, further messing up his hair. Show off.

He pushed her arm away.

Come. None of this larking about. We’ve had sufficient resting. It’s time to get back to work.

Lead the way. Cyrus bowed and extended his arm, waiting for her to pass.

She smiled as she walked by, thanking his courteous gesture. When she turned around to make