Embers to Flames (Fates Entwined #1)

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty- One

Theo’s piercing gaze follows me from where the ceiling had once been, his voice demanding my attention. “You require an axe, my sweet. Summon it to your side with your thoughts. Imagine its weight in your hand and its color. Take a deep breath and will it towards you.”

I close my eyes and envision the axe, its metal glinting in the moonlight outside the shed of the home Mikyl and I had shared. I take a deep breath and focus on the image, feeling it growing more vivid with each passing moment.

I see myself, standing in the yard, the scent of fresh pine filling the air. The sun setting, casting a warm golden glow over everything. I grip the axe tightly feeling the rough texture of the wooden handle against my palms. With each swing, the blade bites into the wood, sending splinters flying.

The memory fades, but the sensations remain. I can feel the weight of the haft, the texture of the handle in my hand. Suddenly, the axe materializes before me, solid and real, ready to be wielded.

“Well done,” Theo says, his voice a low rumble in my mind. “An impressive display of magical prowess.”

I nod, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The axe in my hand radiates power, and I can feel its energy coursing through me. I raise it high above my head, the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I prepare to strike.

With one mighty swing, I bring the axe down onto the wooden flooring, the force of the blow making my body quiver. The sound of splitting wood fills the air as the axe cracks the floorboards, each piece flying in all directions. I hit the floor again, the impact causing the dust to swirl around me like a miniature tornado.

The dust settles, revealing a small compartment beneath the floor. My heart pounds as I carefully pry it open, excitement building with each passing second. Inside lies a small chest, its contents glinting in the dim light. Ancient tomes, scrolls, and trinkets that seem to hold untold secrets are nestled within. Theo watches from above as I rummage through the chest, my eyes wide with curiosity.

I pull out a small, worn journal, similar to the one I used to write my dreams in. This one’s pages are more brittle, but still intact. Flipping through it, my heart races as I discover a series of detailed spells and incantations, each one more impressive than the last. The handwriting is elegant, a mix of ancient letters and symbols that were clearly intended for someone who knew their way around magic.

I continue turning the pages until a small piece of paper slips out and flutters to the ground. I pick it up and read: “Honey Butter Biscuits”—Meemaw’s recipe. Tears form in my eyes, blurring the words on the page as I think about how I always wanted to know how she made them—and now she’ll never get the chance to teach me. I tuck the recipe safely back into the journal.

I flip to the last page, where a single word is written in Meemaw’s handwriting:

Benalith.

I glance up at Theo, who is watching me intently. “What does this mean?” I ask him.

He furrows his large scaley brow, deep in thought. “Benalith...it’s an ancient term, referring to a child who is blessed four-fold, not only by birthright but also by the favor of the divine. Many legends speak of their extraordinary abilities and their connection to magic.”

My breath hitches in my throat, a knot forming as I try to grasp the weight of what Theo has just revealed. “But why would she write this here? How could Meemaw have known? Is this all part of the prophecy?” The silence that follows is deafening. Gooseflesh rises on my skin as I wait for Theo’s response.

“Rose, only the most powerful witches possess this kind of knowledge,” his tone, heavy with implications, echoes in me. My mind races as I realize the magnitude of my heritage and the dangerous path it may lead me down. “How many more secrets do I have yet to uncover... and at what cost?” A fierceness fills me as I meet Theo’s gaze, willing him to understand the depth of my inner turmoil.

With trembling hands, I slowly close the journal and tuck it away in the pocket of my overcoat. The weight of this revelation is not something I had expected, nor was I prepared for. But one thing was clear—this discovery would change everything.

Standing tall, I brush off the gritty remnants of ash and soot from my tattered clothes. The blackened particles swirl around me as I straighten my shoulders and set my determined gaze ahead. “We need to fly to Endia.” I say firmly.

His brows furrow in concern. “Okay… but what are you going to do?” His uncertainty seeps through his words, mirroring the doubt gnawing at my own heart.

“I must seek out someone—anyone—who can reveal the truth about who I truly am and why my path is entwined with such darkness,” I explain, determination ringing in my voice. “I must speak with the Raven Witches. ”

“The Raven Witches?” Theo asks. “They’re notorious for their unpredictability and dark magic. You can’t trust them, Rose.”

I nod, understanding the gravity of my decision. “I have to try. I need to know who I am and why all this has happened. Maybe they can help me to understand everything or lead me to someone who can.” As I stare into his massive, knowing eyes, I see a hint of concern and worry.

“I’ll be careful, I promise. We are bound to each other, Theo. You will always know how I am.”

“Wait… you mean to go alone?” Theo says. The surprise and disappointment in his voice rings clear in my mind. “What happened to us going through this… together?”

“Theo, I know you’re worried, but this is something I have to do. Alone.” I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my decision settling onto my shoulders. I reach out and place a reassuring hand onto to Theo’s muzzle. “Please understand…”

“But Rose, it’s too dangerous. I can’t possibly stand by as you traipse off to the Raven Witches by yourself.”

“I understand the risk, but I refuse to let fear stop me. I need answers, and this is the only way. You have to trust me.”

“I do trust you… I don’t trust… them.” He releases a sigh, and hot air escapes his large nostrils.

“Besides, if things go sideways, you’ll swoop in and save the day, right?” I say, half-joking.

Theo snorts, a plume of smoke curling from his nostrils. “Ah yes, because I live to be your personal Dragon-in-shining-armor. ”

I smirk, cocking my eyebrow. “Well, you do make quite the dashing rescuer.”

He rolls his big bright eyes, but I catch the hint of a smile on his maw. “One of these days, Rose, your shenanigans are going to turn my scales grey.”

“Good thing you’ve got centuries to spare,” I tease, giving his snout a playful tap.

The first rays of dawn begin to peek over the horizon, as I take one final glance at the scorched and ruined room. I commit every detail to memory, especially the contents of the chest that holds so many secrets—minus the journal, which is safely tucked away in my pocket.

Then, I climb onto Theo’s back. His massive Dragon body casting a long shadow over Eulee as he bends down to gently scoop her up in one talon. Despite his immense power, his movements are surprisingly graceful. With care and precision, he cradles her in his scaly hand. As we take flight towards our destination of Endia, Theo flaps his wings, causing the wind to whip past us as we soar through the sky.

By midday, Theo’s powerful wings are cutting through crisp winter air, propelling us over a vast, undulating landscape below. The city of Endia reveals itself like a mirage made real, its beauty surpassing even the tales that have traveled beyond its borders. The spires of ice that once seemed like distant dreams now tower above us, their surfaces shimmering with the last touch of sunlight, casting prismatic rainbows that dance across the city’s expanse.

We descend slowly, and the city’s grandeur unfolds beneath us—a tapestry of life and ancient magic. The streets of Endia are abuzz with the day’s happenings, Elves moving with a grace that speak of centuries of culture and refinement. Their gazes turn skyward as we make our approach, a mixture of curiosity and shock in their eyes.

Theo alights upon a clearing just outside the city’s main thoroughfare, his presence commanding. Eulee stirs in his grasp, her eyes wide with wonder at the sight of the elven metropolis. I don’t think she has ever left the island before today. I slide from Theo’s back, my feet touching the sacred soil—or snow rather—of Endia for the first time. The air here is different—charged with an energy that whispers of secrets and stories yet to be told. Theo transforms back into his elven form while I grab a covering from a crate nearby to use as a makeshift cloak, hiding his nakedness. I gently drape it over his broad and winged shoulders. He looks up at me with gratitude in his eyes and rewards me with a tender kiss on the forehead.

Lord Phirel welcomes us with a warm smile as he steps outside his manor, embracing us with open arms. “Princess Rose! Theo! If only I had known you were coming, I would have prepared better.” He scans our attire quickly, “but judging by your clothes, it seems this journey into our snowy lands was unplanned. Please, come inside and warm up. I’ll have some hot refreshments made ready for you.” His warm breath forms clouds in the chilly air as he ushers us inside.

The cozy foyer is decorated with potted plants and framed paintings of snowy landscapes. Lord Phirel leads us to a crackling fireplace where he has laid out a spread of hot apple cider, freshly baked bread, and hearty stew. We engage in small talk while I warm my frozen fingers and toes by the fire. I envy Theo for always staying hot no matter the temperature—perks of being a Dragon.

Filled with a sudden surge of bravery, I address Lord Phirel. “My lord, I have traveled north in search of the Raven Witches, hoping to obtain some rather valuable information.”

Phirel’s eyes dart between me and Theo, calculating and wary. “What can you hope to gain from them? You need to be certain that this is the path you truly desire. Finding them may be simple but tapping into their knowledge… it is a dangerous undertaking.” His voice drips with caution as he speaks, his gaze piercing through me with unspoken warnings.

“I believe they may hold answers to many questions. The answers to my existence, my identity, and my true purpose.” I speak with unwavering conviction, knowing they are the only ones who can provide me with the truth.

“Princess… seeking help is one thing but searching for personal and inner answers is another entirely.” With a furrowed brow, Lord Phirel leans back in his chair and taps his fi ngers on the armrest. After a moment of silence, he rises and crosses the room to a towering oak cabinet. He retrieves a dusty scroll and a worn leather-bound book, bringing them back to the table. The parchment crackles beneath his fingers and the book’s pages release a cloud of dust as he flips through them, stopping about halfway through and motioning it towards me. “I want to make sure you’re fully equipped for anything you might come across. That’s why you’ll want to read this.”

I take the text from his hand and begin reading aloud:

In the shadowed realm of whispers and willows,

Where the Raven Witches weave night into pillows,

Three trials they cast, with caution and dread,

For those who seek truths better left unsaid.

First is the Trial of Sight, where darkness prevails,

Seekers must navigate through haunting tales.

The Witches watch with eyes like coal,

For one must see no evil to purify the soul.

Next is the Trial of Sound, silence deep and hollow,

Echoes of secrets, too harrowing to follow.

The Witches listen with ears sharp as knives,

To hear no evil, one must quiet their lives .

Last is the Trial of Speech, where words are a snare,

Speak no evil or be caught in despair.

The Witches’ lips are sealed with a spell,

For truths spoken aloud can unleash hell.

Heed these trials, seeker, with heart brave and steeled,

For only through them, shall the hidden be revealed.

The Raven Witches guard knowledge like a trove,

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, in the cove.

My hands strain under the weight of the scroll and book as I lift my gaze to meet Lord Phirel’s. My heart races, knowing I must brave the challenging trials if I want to uncover the truth of my existence.

“Seekers often undergo intensive preparation, training their minds, bodies, and spirits before undertaking such endeavors,” advises Lord Phirel

I scoff and shake my head, dismissing the idea. “Time is not a luxury I have,” I reply firmly. With a careful hand, I unroll the aged parchment to reveal a detailed map of the Endia Territory. Lord Phirel leans forward, his finger pointing to a small dot just north of our current location but obscured by a terrain of mountains between us. “The temple lies here,” he explains, tracing a path that leads around the mountains. “Follow this route and you will find the Witches. Complete their trials and they will reveal what you seek.” As he steps back, Phirel’s round frame sinks into his chair once more. “But beware, if you fail... the consequences will be dire. These trials test both darkness and enlightenment, shaping you into a being worthy of the truth you desire.”

The map tremors in my hands as I consider Lord Phirel’s ominous words. Though the trials fill me with trepidation, my desire to uncover the truth about my past overwhelms any fears. I carefully roll up the aged parchment, tucking it into my leather satchel beside the heavy tome of poetry.

“Thank you for your guidance, My Lord.” I should set out at first light,” I say. Lord Phirel offers an approving smile, his wrinkled hand returning to his beard.

“Since we have some free time today, why don’t we take a stroll through the city?” Theo suggests. I readily agree, wanting to savor these last moments of peace before the challenges that await me. We make our way down the winding cobblestone path towards the city market. Even from a distance we can see the colorful banners and smell the enticing aromas wafting from the restaurants.

The marketplace is bustling with various vendors who call out to us. Their carts display vibrant fruits, rich woven fabrics, and intricate wood carvings. Theo and I pause at a quaint bakery, and he treats us to a triple-berry pie, the flaky crust melting in my mouth. My nerves settle as we lose ourselves in the hypnotic chaos of the market .

Theo suddenly pauses, entranced by the display of goods laid out before him by the skilled blacksmith. Rows of gleaming swords and axes catch his eye, their sharp edges glinting in the sunlight.

I continue to a jeweler’s stand close by, admiring the craftsmanship of the glittering gems and metals spun into elegant necklaces and bracelets. A particular necklace draws my gaze—a delicate silver chain with a pendant of carved black stone in the shape of a raven’s head.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmur, reaching out to run my fingers over the smooth curves of the raven’s beak and feathers etched into the stone.

The jeweler follows my gaze and smiles. “It suits you, Princess” The elderly man’s wrinkled face creases further as he grins. “Would you like to take a closer look?” He lifts the necklace reverently from its velvet case and starts to place it around my neck. His wrinkled hands tremble as he fumbles with the clasp of the necklace. Just as he goes to close it, Theo’s hand shoots out and grasps the old man’s wrist.

“Stop!” Theo commands, his eyes flashing. The jeweler freezes, confusion etched on his face.

Theo gently takes the necklace from the jeweler’s hands and holds it up, peering closely at the carved raven pendant. He runs his fingers over the stone, then sniffs it cautiously. His eyes widen. “Did you think we wouldn’t detect your treachery?” Theo demands. He pulls me back from the stand, placing himself between me and the jeweler .

The jeweler’s face twists in fury. “You were meant to die, Princess!” he spits. “You were never supposed to be born. It’s an abomination!”

Theo shakes his head in disgust. “Guards!” At Theo’s shout, royal elven guards rush over and seize the jeweler. As they drag the venomous traitor away, Theo turns to me, relief washing over his face. “That was close,” he murmurs. “We should return to the Lord Phirel’s estate.”

I nod, shaken, but relieved. “News travels fast in Endia,” I say with a wry smile. “I didn’t realize my heritage was already common knowledge among the Elves.”

Theo chuckles softly, his tension easing. “It seems everyone knows you’re a princess now. We’ll have to be more careful.”

Lord Phirel has provided us with a lavish bedchamber adorned with silken sheets and a sumptuous canopy bed, draped in heavy furs. I am drawn to the window, gazing out at the city bathed in moonlight, its spires a silhouette against the night sky. A heaviness settles in my chest, a mixture of eagerness and apprehension. Theo’s hands gently encircle my waist from behind, drawing me close until his arms are fully enveloping me. He plants a tender kiss just beside my ear and murmurs, “My sweet, how I wish you’d let me accompany you.”

“We’ve talked about this. I must go alone. Eulee will accompany me to the temple, but I need to face this challenge by myself,” I explain. “You and I may be destinara, but this is a personal journey I have to take on my own.” His fingers trace the curve of my jaw as he turns me to face him. His eyes lock with mine. The tenderness in those eyes of fire stir a fathomless longing within me.

He sighs, “I understand, but please promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?” I whisper, feeling his warmth enveloping me.

“Promise me you will do everything to find your way back to me.” He implores.

I feel the weight of his plea, and with a heart full of unspoken words, I nod. Our eyes meet, and in them, I see the reflection of our bond, unbreakable even by distance. He brushes his lips against mine, a gentle kiss that lingers long after he steps back, leaving me standing by the window, watching the city sleep below.

I make my way over to the bed and settle in next to Theo, with Eulee at our feet. In the stillness of the night, their bodies radiate warmth that soothes the chill in the air. My mind can’t help but wander to the journey ahead, the dangerous road that awaits me as I embark on my quest to uncover the secrets of the Raven Temple .

I drift into a fitful sleep, images swirling through my mind—the raven pendant, the temple, Theo’s tender embrace. Suddenly the images morph into something darker.

A raven caws overhead, its cry piercing and foreboding. I glance up to see its inky form circling high above before disappearing into the gloom. When I lower my gaze, a shadowy figure stands before me, face obscured by a dark cloak. Fear spikes through me. The figure raises a slender hand and beckons me forward. My feet move of their own volition until I stand directly before the stranger. A pale hand reaches out from the folds of the cloak, long nails like talons grasp my wrist. I try to wrench away but the grip only tightens.

“Do not be afraid, princess,” the figure rasps, voice hollow and inhuman. “I will show you what you seek.” The talons dig into my skin, and I gasp from the pain. Darkness crowds the edges of my vision. Just before everything goes black, the figure throws back its hood, revealing not a face but the gleaming visage of a raven’s head, eyes glinting… blood-red...

“Rose! Rose!” Theo’s voice rings in my ear as he shakes me awake. “Rose! Wake up!”

I jolt awake, Theo’s concerned face swimming into focus as my racing heart begins to slow.

“Just a nightmare,” I murmur, mostly to reassure myself. Theo brushes a strand of hair from my damp forehead, his brow furrowed.

“I’ll get you some water,” he says, pressing my hands between his before rising from the bed. I watch his silhouette disappear into the darkness. The silence of the room feels like a living entity. The dream was too real, the raven too familiar. The fear still clings to my skin, making it crawl in dreadful anticipation.

Theo returns then, water sloshing slightly within the stained glass as he carefully sits beside me. “Here,” he hands me the glass, his eyes searching my face for any sign of lingering terror.

I take a small sip, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat. “Thank you,” I whisper, noticing how his eyes soften at my words. We sit in silence for a few minutes, each lost in our own thoughts. My mind keeps circling back to the cloaked figure and its cryptic promise, ‘I will show you what you seek.’

“Rose…” Theo’s voice is insistent now.

“There were...” I hesitate, my voice barely above a whisper. “There were things... incredibly distressing images.” I swallow hard against the lump forming in my throat, remembering the raven-headed figure. “It was...” I falter, struggling to put words to the nightmarish images still lingering in my mind. “There was this figure... shrouded in a cloak, with... with a raven’s head instead of... of a human one.” The words come out in a tumble, and I can’t help but shudder as I remember the blood-red glint in those avian eyes.

Theo’s hand tightens around mine and then he moves closer, pulling me into his arms. “It was just a dream,” he murmurs into my ear. Yet beneath his calm exterior, I sense Theo’s own unease—almost as if he recognizes something from my description .

I try to shake off the unsettling feeling, focusing instead on the steady rhythm of Theo’s heart against my ear. His fingers brush lightly up and down my back in a soothing pattern that calms me down bit by bit. I feel the tension in my body slowly start to melt away as he leans in, pressing his lips to my temple in a feather-light kiss. I let out a soft sigh, feeling my body relax further into his embrace.