This spell was only a threat for the few coins I have, but if it were someone ill-intended, this could have become dangerous. I can’t forget that where there’s light, there’s always darkness.
Vordak.
The thought makes my steps falter.
A wave of unease slithers up my spine. Scanning the crowd, the laughter feels too loud now, the colours too bright.
The air buzzes.
My skin prickles, and Alek appears in front of me, wearing his signature annoyed-brother look. Erasing any trace of unease.
“There you are!” He snaps, with an identical green gaze to mine, analyzing me. “Where the hell were you?”
Rolling my eyes, I brush past him. “You know where. I went to see them.”
“You’ll have all the time for petting pegasus when we turn twelve,” he mutters, grabbing my hand. “Mom’s already stressed. Can we please not make it worse?”
“But that’s in four years!” I whine, trying to shake him off. “They’re so beautiful. How can you not want to just be around them?”
“I have duties, Avilyna.” He says it with his chest raised, “One of us has to be responsible. And I’m older.”
I cross my arms and roll my eyes. “I have responsibilities, Avilyna,” I mimic in a low grumble, then add under my breath, “By five minutes.”
He smirks. “Still counts.”
Sighing, I turn to face him, “Fine. You’re right. I’ll be more considerate.”
Hand squeezing mine, Alek adds, “Thanks. And your mission is important too. Just… maybe future-important. Right now, let’s make Mom and Dad proud.”
I nod.
We walk together, side by side, through the bustle of celebration.
He glances over, his voice softer now. “Is tú an trioblóideoir is fearr liom.”
You’re my favourite troublemaker.
I smile. “Is tú mo shíochánaí is fearr leat.”
You’re my favourite peacemaker.
The language of the Gods always stirs something in me, like they’re more than just words. My dad says it gives us access to savoirs, since knowledge is power. But whatever bubble we were in, it shatters in a heartbeat.
A scream rips through the air.
Then echoes of it surround us.
I freeze, panic spreading like wildfire.
“Alek!” I spin toward him, but he’s not moving.
His eyes lock on mine, wide with fear.
Then he chokes.
Blood—thick, dark, wrong—pours from his mouth. His hands wrap around his middle before he falls.
The world tilts, and my voice rips from my lungs in a shriek that shatters everything.
