“As I reached my senior year, frustration built up inside me, similar to what you’re experiencing, and I started acting out. I kissed that guy, and we became more involved. However, as my graduation approached, things shifted, and it became clear he wasn’t the right person for me. I still had feelings for him, but something just felt...off.
“During that time, my husband—with whom I knew I had a Bond—became my closest friend. He supported me through some challenging moments, like when I lost my mother, and we shared late-night walks that cleared my mind. Over time, I fell in love with him well before The Ceremony. When Bonding day came, I silently prayed it would be him, and the gods answered my prayer.
“I often wonder if I would have experienced this love if I hadn’t taken the chance to truly get to know him. I feel incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to love him before the Bond confirmed everything for us.” She gently places her hand over mine with a warm smile. “Sometimes, it’s all about taking that leap.”
I nod, appreciating her perspective, but I still feel a bit lost. How could anyone feel what I do and think it’s a gift? After thanking her for her time, I rise and make my way back to my room. I need to meet my friends for our study group and possibly rethink exploring whatever it is between Anders and me.
“My father just messaged me and said he’s coming to visit this weekend,” Aolyn sighs, dropping back onto her bed. “I guess he’s coming for the AerBall game.”
Glancing up from my Cultural Anthropology assignment, I notice she’s already slipped into her cozy pajamas and started her nightly routine of searching The Link for the system’s juiciest gossip.
“Why don’t you sound happy about that?” I ask.
She blows out a breath, turning to face me with a slight frown. “Things at home are…complicated.” I’ve only met King Alexi once, and he never struck me as a friendly man. “My father…keep this between us?”
I nod and wait.
“Well, something is going on that he’s not telling us. He’s always tired, he’s angry, and over break, well…we had a lot of strange visitors tothe palace, but they never dined with us. I don’t know, I just wish I knew how to help.”
“I can understand that,” I reply, letting my empathy shine through. She hums, and I realize there must be more she isn’t telling me. “How is your mother?” Queen Sava has a formidable presence, though she’s always been kind during our encounters. Plus, Aolyn absolutely adores her.
With her long black hair and pale complexion, Aolyn is almost a carbon copy of her mother. Queen Sava’s features are sharper, often set in a serious, no-nonsense expression that has the ability to make you feel tiny. She’s attended many of my mother’s events over the years.
Aolyn lights up as she shares stories about her mother and the ice sculptures they’ve been working on. Her mother is an ice wielder, so it makes sense that it would be a hobby. It’s an incredible power, but I can’t imagine living with that endless bone-chilling cold.
Their palace feels like a majestic fortress perched high in the Halgan Peaks, one of the tallest ranges on their beautiful capital planet, Cryos. Nestled against the mountain’s side, it experiences a fresh blanket of snow daily.
As we discuss the dynamics within her family and the fear surrounding the royal succession if Boyce doesn’t Bond, the conversation soon shifts to her love for AerBall. I know very little, but we exchange thoughts about our favorite pro players.
By the time I drift off to sleep, my mind is flooded with thoughts of AerBall and Anders—a playful, muddy smirk he might shoot me that would make me feel like I might mean something special to him.
Even in my sleep, there’s no escaping him.
eleven
. . .
“Hey,have you heard about Micah and Alec’s breakup?” Ciara asks, a week later, as she drops into the seat beside me. Her braids are unbound today in long black waves.
Tate chuckles, lounging back in his chair. “I heard it was an epic fight. Shame I missed it,” he sighs. “Honestly, we could use some more excitement around here. It’s been a little dull lately.”
The two of them share a conspiratorial glance before she leans in, filling me in on the juicy details of the latest scandal. “You won’t believe it! Turns out Micah was involved with another guy from Specials. Plot twist!” Her face lights up with amusement that I don’t share.Yikes.
“Alright, everyone, let’s settle down,” Professor Maleka calls out, her voice strained as she strolls in, looking like she didn’t sleep a wink last night. Her tall frame is wrapped in a cozy brown sweater. Purple smudges frame her usually bright green eyes, now dull and almost gray. Her typically curly hair looks untamed and wild, pulled back into a knot at the top of her head.
“Today, we are discussing the Ancestor Isles on Demeter. Which, for those of you who don’t know your planets…” She frowns around the room as if to tell everyone how disappointed she is. “It’s one of Okenen’s, a planet rich with history and culture.” With a flick of her hand, she activates a fresh projection on the board behind her, illuminating images and maps of the Isles. The vibrant colors and intricate details of the illustrations ignite my curiosity.
Professor Maleka tries to stifle a yawn before continuing, “The Ancestor Isles claim to be one of the oldest cultures in our system, with a bloodline that traces back to the original people with a pure genetic line. To this day,” she pulls up a map of the islands, “no outsiders can reside on the Isles, but they’re open to trading and visiting Benek, the nearest city in the Opus Colony, to share their culture.”
I pull out my tablet and begin taking notes. I’ve heard whispers about the Isles, but I’ve never been allowed to study them until now. The knowledge of these Isles is safeguarded, and even the Isles themselves are shielded from boats due to the turbulent currents surrounding them like a magical barrier.
The islanders have a unique way of navigating the waters using a water creature about the size of a small transport pod. What I find truly fascinating is that only the locals can communicate with this animal, leaving scientists stumped as they attempt to study it.
The projection changes to a photo of the main island. “The main island, Elingra, serves as the hub for their small governing body,” Professor Maleka shares.
“Have you ever seen them?” Tate leans in, eyes wide with curiosity.
I shake my head, keeping my eyes trained on the board. Throughout our Ethnography lecture, we learn that every islander speaks their native language, while only a handful of their mini-government officials understand the common tongue. This communication barrier presents its own challenges for the crown, especially since the common language and technology are prohibited on the islands.
