Page 61 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

“You’re welcome. Both of you.” Rain addressed Ivy and Julian flatly, refusing to indulge her guilt. “You can repay me by ensuring your kingdoms keep favour with mine. Specifically, the bonds we’ve forged with yours, Bash.”

Sebastian stiffened at the nickname; they hadn’t been on good terms in years.

“We honour our commitments,” Sebastian said coolly.

“Clearly,” Rain laughed, gesturing at the couple.

“I’m sorry,” Ivy said, voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to fall for someone else, but you never truly gave yourself to me. I didn’t want to hurt you. Okay—I did. I wanted you to suffer tonight, in a soul-crushing, heartbreaking kind of way. But not like this.”

Rain smiled softly and stepped toward her, taking her hand gently.

“Ivy, it’s okay. I know you better than you know yourself. And I didn’t do this for you—I did it for me. I’m selfish, remember?”

She let out a shaky laugh that almost became a sob and threw her arms around him. Rain held her, steady and quiet. Julian shifted awkwardly, rocking on his heels as they embraced. Rain nodded for him to take over, and Julian gently pulled Ivy into his arms, cupping her head tenderly.

“I still dislike you,” Julian muttered to Rain.

“I’m offended,” Rain said sarcastically, pressing a hand to his chest. “It’s fine. I still treasure our most intimate time together. Maybe we can revisitit on your wedding night. Hey—maybe I’ll even let you be spit-roasted this time instead of me.”

Both princes tensed, memories they’d rather forget flickering behind their eyes.

“Don’t you ever bring that up again, you fucking maggot,” Sebastian snapped, jabbing a finger into Rain’s chest. His eyes flicked nervously toward Snow.

“Maggot? Really, Bash?” Rain leaned in until their noses almost touched, voice dropping to a lethal whisper. “And here I thought we were all friends. Don’t worry– nobody needs to know how I choked on your dick while porking your sister, while your future brother–in–law fucked me in the ass. And of course, I’d never tell a soul how much you enjoyed your own sister suckling on your balls. Think before you lay your hands on me again. Bash.”

Sebastian’s chest pressed into Rain’s as they glared at each other, tension crackling like static.

“Ugh, there is too much testosterone out here,” Snow snapped stepping between them. Sebastian jerked back, shame radiating off him. “You,” she pointed at Rain, “no more alcohol. Your sharp tongue is getting the better of you. And you two—grow up. Ivy, have a safe journey home, but I think we need some time apart. I don’t agree with your actions. Goodnight, everyone.”

She turned and headed inside.

“One day I’ll fuck your sister and have the last laugh,” Sebastian snarled at Rain, assuming Snow was out of earshot.

Rain’s fist twitched, ready to swing but a flicker of cloud above Sebastian’s head stopped him.

Snow had beaten him to it.

A single dark cloud materialised over Sebastian, crackled once, then unleashed a torrential downpour directly onto him, soaking him to the bone.

“Over my dead body,” she snapped from the doorway before disappearing inside.

Rain burst into wicked laughter.

“Yeah, I don’t think I have to worry about that,” he said, patting Sebastian’s drenched chest with a wet slap before wiping his hand on his blazer and heading back inside.

Chapter 25

Spatters of dirty water crash over us as our horses’ gallop through puddled trenches. A light orb guides us forward, providing the only source of light through the gloomy cloud covered night. Halting at the foot of a bridge, a male jumps down from the horse in front of my own. My father. He grabs a satchel from his saddle and comes to my side. I jump down to meet him, rain pattering hard over my hood. I stare down at my glove covered hands, I am wrapped up warm, protected from the elements.

“Son. This is the key and its instruction. You must guard this with your life,” he says, hooking the satchel onto my horse’s saddle, tugging and securing it before turning his attention to me. Our hoods meet as we huddle close together, blocking out the noise of the rain. I see only his aged worn worried features now. His gloved hands cup my face proudly.

“Follow the mountains north and do not stop for longer than you must rest. You all must settle within the snow by the White Aetherchrome; make your home there. You are to reign alongside your betrothed, Ester. The Oracles have prophesied an heir will take hold by the year’s end, securing your line to the throne. Keep your kingdom deep in the snow, away from the other realms. Protect our sacred secret. Use your talents to share our story so that it sings a thousand years from now.”

He places his hands on my shoulders, tightening his grip as the weight of this task settles heavily in his wise, wrinkled eyes.

“Thank you, Dad, for entrusting me with this. It is the greatest honour,” I reply, nerves twisting through me at the road ahead, though I am willing to sacrifice anything for my duty.

“It could be no one else. Remember, your brother is the ruler of the Blue Kingdom now. You must understand he is no longer family. You must not trust anybody outside your new kingdom. Elder Riese will guide you. You are the keeper of the secret—that is your legacy. Your brother’s legacy will awaken when the darkness is no longer dormant. Until then, he and his offspring are lost to the dark current of the curse, as will we all be.”