Seeds of Sorrow (Immortal Realms Book 1)

Aiya squealed in fear as Eden drove her toward Aurelie’s manor. The shadowy creature’s glowing eyes caught sight of them, and the same ear-splitting cry echoed. Much to Aiya’s credit, she only balked instead of tossing Eden to the ground. She was thankful because it allowed her to ride directly to the front of her friend’s home.

Dismounting, Eden knelt to the ground, and she saw a flash of someone’s face in the front window. “Get away from the window! Go to your cellar, now!” She thrust her hands in the direction of the vines of the wisteria, coaxing her magic into them. With the direct connection, it spared her the time of finding the root system in the soil.

The snarling beast didn’t hesitate to run at Eden, but she was prepared for it. She willed the wisteria to lash out, like an extension of her hand. It curled around the creature, impaling it with a growing snarl of limbs.

She realized too late that the beast had been calling for backup. Eden was tossed to the ground, on her back, and a foul-smelling maw opened wide above her, showcasing rows of razor-sharp teeth. Visions of Mynata grinning down at her flashed in her head, and she snarled at the beast.

“I’m not ready to die yet.” She called a net of wisteria vines down, which thickened until they caged the beast.

Aiya squealed, kicking out at another creature near an ancient oak tree. The roots protruded from the ground, and Eden reached for them with her magic. They snapped free from the earth and shot forward, spearing the creature.

Gasping for breath, Eden ran to the front door, coaxing the wisteria to block it. “I’m so sorry, Aurelie and Tamas . . . ” she whispered. If it weren’t for her mother, none of this would be happening. “Aiya!” Eden kissed to her, and as the mare approached, she mounted. With the threat subdued near the manor, Eden needed to get to the palace.

Griffins soared overhead, which could only mean there was a battle ensuing somewhere. As if to echo her thoughts, a rumble of thunder shook the ground, and lightning stretched across the darkened sky.

By the time Eden arrived at the palace, it was as dark as night. True night. She’d never known a sunless sky in Lucem. She soothed the puffing Aiya and rubbed her lathered neck. The guards staring up at her waited expectantly.

“Take care of her, I need to speak to the queen.” Eden didn’t wait for approval. She turned away, but the sound of beating wings gave her pause.

“My lady!” Dhriti’s low voice called to her.

Eden glanced over her shoulder to see Captain Hannelore accompanying Dhriti. She wasn’t Andhera’s lady, and after her mother’s antics, she’d be lucky if she was seen as lady anything. “Walk with me, I need to find the queen.”

“We were instructed to bring you to Midniva.” It was Hannelore who spoke this time, her broad wingspan tucked behind her. “We need to leave now.”

“And I said I need to find Alessia,” she hissed. “It’s my mother who has the book, and she took off with it.” Hannelore shared a look with Dhriti, but they didn’t try to stop Eden as she burst into the palace. There was little doubt in her mind that it was Draven who’d sent them, but he had no power over Eden, and she certainly wasn’t going to stray from the path she was currently on.

As luck would have it, Alessia was in the foyer speaking to her daughter, Brione. Gone was the gauzy gown Alessia typically wore, replaced by knee-high boots, white leather breeches, and a golden leather vest. She wore golden vambraces and a sword strapped to her back. The same silken black hair that typically hung in loose waves was held back in a tight braid.

Alessia turned her gaze to Eden, then to the harpies flanking her. “Eden! I sent riders your way. Did they not . . . ?”

Eden’s perplexed look must have said it all. She’d seen no corpses, but that didn’t mean the beasts hadn’t had their way with them.

“No, they didn’t. Alessia, I don’t know where my mother is . . . but she plans to wipe out the kings.”

Alessia hissed. her face contorted in rage. “Not without the fight of her life.”

“I expect nothing less.” Eden lowered her gaze. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for unless you plan on falling during this battle.” She inclined her head and cast Eden a challenging look. “I don’t want to deal with that hell too. So, do us all a favor and live.” Alessia nodded to the harpies, her eyes hardening. “Now, get out of here while you still can.”

“I’ll need a fresh horse. And proper attire.” Eden motioned to the sheer gown she wore, which was hardly appropriate for battle.

“Whatever you need, I’ll supply it.” Alessia glanced at Brione. “Show her where to find some armor. You can have whatever you wish, just get yourself to safety, and fast.”

The princess was nearly a replica of her mother. Golden skin, silken hair as dark as ebony, but her eyes were the same gem-like green as her father’s, and there was a softness to her features where her parents had an edge.

“Hannelore, Dhriti, meet me outside with the horse.”

“Come with me, Lady Eden, I’ll see to it that you are properly equipped.” Brione turned on her heel and led Eden down the corridor at a brisk pace.

As much as Eden often reflected on the time she spent in the palace with her father, she’d forgotten so many details. The alabaster columns stretching toward the impossibly high ceiling, the carved limestone embellishments, and the distant cries of peafowl.

Brione turned down another corridor, then pushed open double wooden doors. They opened to what looked to be a dressing room. A tall silver mirror sat in the corner of the room, and against the walls, several wardrobe doors were thrown open, empty.

The princess strode toward one, pulled out several pieces of armor, and motioned toward Eden. “Perhaps we can meet on better terms next time.” She offered a small smile. “I remember when you were a little girl, hiding by your father’s knees. You remind me of him, in your eyes.” Brione set the armor down and fetched an undershirt from the wardrobe’s drawer before returning to Eden.

That was something she’d heard a thousand times over. Although she was the mirror image of her mother, the shape of her eyes and the light within them was said to be the spirit of her father. Eden ached to hold him then. To have him whisper in her ear that all would be well.

But he was gone.

She tugged on the string at the nape of her neck, and the sheer fabric pooled at her feet. Eden took the cotton shirt and pulled it over her head, tying it at the hollow of her throat. Brione motioned for her to spin, then piece by piece, she strapped and tied the leather armor into place.

“No one wishes for you to fight, Lady Eden, but to ride into the unknown without precaution is simply asking for evil to strike.” She paused as she finished the last of the stays. “My uncle would want you safe.” Brione handed over the leather breeches, avoiding Eden’s eyes.

That was why she was in Lucem to begin with, wasn’t it? To be safe. Frowning, Eden pulled the leather bottoms on. Despite being adorned in leather, she didn’t feel weighed down, it all felt like a second skin. Something she’d grown used to in Andhera. Fresh perspiration trickled at her temple. It was still so bloody hot.

“It’s time for you to go.” Brione offered her tall lace-up boots.

Eden took them and pulled them on as quickly as she could, then worked at the laces.

A loud crack of lightning lit the sky, and Brione stared out the window as if waiting for someone. Worry etched her brow, and Eden opened her mouth to speak, but the princess turned her gaze upon her, this time sternly.

“You must leave now.” Brione strode toward the door but paused at a rack that held a short sword. “You’ll need a weapon.” She took it down and glanced over her shoulder, a small smirk tugging at her full lips. “Lady or not, I know my uncle, and I know you had training in Andhera. He’d have been a fool to not ensure that.” She tossed the sword, watching expectantly.

When Eden caught the hilt of the blade, Brione nodded in approval, and they both left the room.

 Outside the castle, the harpies waited with a fresh horse for Eden. The palomino was saddled and brought to her.

“A better choice in attire, my lady.” Dhriti’s dark eyes glimmered with approval.

Eden mounted, managing a small smile. “It reminds me of Andhera.”

Hannelore and Dhriti took to the sky, then they were off to the Veil.

Not far into the ride, a beast leaped onto the path, but Hannelore quickly swooped down, sword in hand, and beheaded the threat. Thankfully they could see, because Eden was struggling to see the lighter dirt of the road in the darkness. Without a sun, without a moon . . . there was just enough light that it was similar to Andhera’s night.

The ride to the Veil remained fairly quiet, save for a few more beasts, which were slain by the harpies. When they arrived, Dhriti lowered herself to the ground, wings folding neatly against her back, but Hannelore remained in the air.

“I must return to His Majesty’s aid. Be safe.” Hannelore bowed her head, then, with a powerful thrust of her wings, she rode the winds away from them.

As she left, Eden bit the inside of her cheek. She should have passed along a message to Draven. But what was she to tell him that he couldn’t feel? She stroked her fingers over her heart. “Just don’t die,” she whispered.

“Are you ready?” Dhriti’s feathered hair whipped in the wind.

“As I’ll ever be.”

The Veil was still, even more so than before—it sent chills up Eden’s spine. The shadows no longer writhed, and the howls were absent.

“I don’t know what awaits us on the other side,” Dhriti started, and almost seemed unsure of herself. It struck Eden as odd. Was it because she was afraid, or was it that she feared for Eden’s well-being? “But I want you to be prepared. Remember all that we’ve taught you.”

Eden’s brow furrowed. “But Midniva should be . . . ”

“Should be, my lady, but who knows.”

Their journey through the Veil was uneventful, but as they emerged in Midniva, dread filled Eden. Howls filled the sky, as did the same screeching she’d heard in Lucem. Like a knife dragging down stone, the sound penetrated Eden’s core.

“A nightmare, that is what awaits us.” Eden gritted her teeth as guilt threatened to tear her apart. Her mother had done this. She’d thrust Lucem into darkness and brought chaos to Midniva. “We have to get to King Travion.”

“Yes, but—”

“Draven isn’t here, and our choices are limited, aren’t they? Travion can’t fall in battle. I won’t have that on my conscience, Dhriti!” Eden spurred her mount forward. Dhriti’s cursing brought a brief smile to Eden’s face.

“No matter what anyone may think, you are suited to be Andhera’s queen.”

Eden snorted. Although it was a compliment, it still stung because Dhriti’s king didn’t see it that way. “Why do you say that?”

Dhriti peered down from above. “You are stubborn to a fault.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “That is bold of you.”

“I thought you’d appreciate it.” Dhriti swooped down, her talons digging into the ground as she raised her sword and lashed out at a shadowed creature. It leaped out of the way and toward Eden, who’d grabbed her sword before the beast knocked her from the saddle. She landed on her back, the breath forced from her. The creature’s teeth snapped inches from her face as she sliced the short sword through the air.

Dhriti flew above, but Eden was able to drive the blade through the soft underside of the monster’s maw. In a swoop, the harpy kicked the beast to the side. A long, lizard-like tail curled around its back end, but its shaggy body reminded Eden of a wolf.

“I should have had it,” Dhriti cursed.

“I’m fine.” No, she wasn’t, but she would pretend she was until this nightmare was through. “You can kill the next one, and the next after that.”

“Deal.”

The road to the castle was treacherous, and Dhriti made good on her word, cutting down the foes that presented themselves. Even the sea was angry with the state of the realms, for it struck against the stone barrier repeatedly. The salty wind whipped across Eden’s face, kicking dust and hair into her eyes.

Over the roar of the sea, Eden could hear shouting and the clash of swords, which didn’t inspire much hope in her that the castle was safe. Whatever hope she had diminished when they reached the top of the hill and saw soldiers fighting against a horde of beasts.

“We have to find King Travion!” Eden wheeled her horse around as it shied away from the fight.

Midniva’s soldiers poured down the hill from the castle, forming a wall—or at least they tried to. The sound of their battle cries bled into the roar of the sea as sword clashed with sword, and bellows met growls.

Dhriti grabbed the horse’s reins in a lightning-quick reflex. “No. You need to be safe.”

Frustration mounted in Eden. “I’m not arguing with you, Dhriti.” Eden wasn’t a soldier, and the combat skills she’d learned weren’t enough to save her amidst a war, but she wasn’t going to run and hide. Eden needed to warn Travion and see for herself that he was alive.

Dhriti’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll be killed if anything happens to you.”

“Then I suggest you don’t let anything happen to me.” Dhriti’s grip loosened on the reins until she released them completely. “There are plenty of things I can use here to my advantage.” The castle was surrounded by old trees which were nearly as tall as the structure, and around it, smaller trees formed a wall. Flowers, both fragile and thorned, decorated the premise. If it weren’t for the location, it would have reminded her of Lucem’s palace, surrounded by vibrant blooms.

Pressing forward, Dhriti cleared the way, until a horned beast charged Eden’s mount from the side. Fortunately, Eden had seen it coming, as did Dhriti, so as Eden leaped from the horse, Dhriti caught her and whirled her away.

The horse was impaled on impact. As much as Eden wanted to mourn and cry for the brave mount, Dhriti wasted no time in sprinting forward and leaping onto the back of the chimera.

Eden lurched and sucked in air as a quick, burning pain spread along her back. Warmth trickled down her side, but with adrenaline coursing through her, her pain faded, at least for the moment.

If she ignored it, the wound wouldn’t slow her down. That’s what she told herself.

When she spun to face her foe, she saw a woman’s youthful face staring at her. A human. Eden opened her mouth to plead with her, but as the woman lunged forward with her sword, Eden dropped to the ground and rolled out of the way. Roots sprung from the soil, lashing out at the assailant before twisting around her legs and snapping them.

Dhriti landed beside her, yanking Eden to her feet, and spun her away in another lethal dance.

Roses became instruments of death as beasts lunged for Eden. The stems grew thick, and their thorns with them, until they impaled and constricted the assailant in a gruesome death. It allowed Dhriti to continue on her search for Travion while cutting down foes.

“I found him!” Dhriti shouted above the melee.

Eden kept her eyes trained before her but walked toward the sound of Dhriti’s voice. When she glanced to the side, she saw the harpy dive in to take care of the threat attacking the king.

He glanced up and focused on Eden, bloody sword in his hand. “By the sea . . . You shouldn’t be here.”

“I belong nowhere right now, apparently.” Eden sucked in precious air and rubbed at her back where the woman had struck her. Her stomach dropped. Eden’s fingers were wet, and she didn’t have to look to know it was blood. She swallowed roughly and made a fist. Travion needed to be safe first. “Lucem is in the dark. Draven is there.”

“Draven is in Lucem?” Travion’s brows pinched together.

“Without the sun, he is able to be. My mother has the book, and we have no idea where she is!” Eden looked over Travion’s shoulder and pulled him forward just as one of the lizard-wolf hybrids leaped forward. She used the rose bushes once again, which speared through the creature.

Travion barked out laughter. “And he worries about you.”

“I’m worried for all of you.” Eden drank in precious air. Adrenaline coursed through her still, but when her reserves of energy and abilities ran out, what then? “My mother wants all of you dead.”

Travion eyed Eden, as if weighing her words, then nodded. “She has quite the battle before her then.” He grinned, but it faltered as a manticore landed not far from them. “Shit. Not another one of these. I’ll lure it away with a few of my men.” With a wink, Travion barked orders to the nearby soldiers, then disappeared into the courtyard.

Fear for Travion threatened to overwhelm her, but with a new wave of attackers, she didn’t have time to focus on it for long.