Dominique Odette Herdale's Mood Board

***

"I've decided." Dominique panted at her raspy voice.

She closed her eyes- reminiscing when flashes of memories strobe back in her thoughts. She didn't have that much, but she holds one, and she's keeping the good ones. She heaved a loud groan when an unbearable pain started to sprout at her back. She felt the thread of thorns, needles- as if being stitched while numbing the stinging sensation. Her vision became blurry, her head moves in a circle manner, and the immense amount of being excruciated in that torment feels like hell to Dominique.

"Dette, I have something- hey!" Domino grabbed his sister and shrugged her shoulder, not minding the pain she's right in. As she got startled, it abruptly disappeared.

"What happened? You're not supposed to do that!" He gritted his teeth, feeling all worried about his sister.

"I- I didn't." She shook her head. "I couldn't control it. My wings started to appear on their own."

Domino could only grunt. "It must've triggered something. For now, let it be until we'll find a cure. You're not completely healed."

She rolled her eyes. "As if I didn't know that, Delle."

Domino frowned at Dominique as always. How stubborn can she just be? They both went silent while taking their thoughts somewhere again. It's the second day, and as Elaine said, tomorrow is the enrollment of the Academy.

Dominique started cleaning the evidence of the feathers of her wings. While doing so, Domino picked up a piece of cloth and offered to treat Dominique's back, which is now bleeding because of the mark and scars of the wings.

"Dette... I've been thinking."

"Is it the faerie?" She butted in.

Domino glared at her while pressing the cloth harshly. "Ow! Hey, calm down. I'm only kidding. Besides, I have something to tell you too."

The lad grinned. "Dominique Odette, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Hah, you better be."

After cleaning her scar while gazing at the clear marks of her back, as if there were wings that were slashed, Dominique grabbed her trench coat and faced her brother while raising a brow.

"Let's spill it together."

"Certainly."

They both eyed each other and uttered the words simultaneously.

"Let's go to the Academy."

"We're not going to the Academy."

Domino frowned at her sister while giving her the most terrible glare as the lass was about to burst into laughter. Domino groaned in sheer frustration while Dominique kept teasing his brother. This is odd, very. Dominique rarely laughs nor makes fun of her brother, yet here she is, doing it.

The two of them are still staying at the hut and from the plum tree not far from their place, the faerie sat at the branch while giggling at the sight. She felt pure bliss while watching them.

Elaine sighed and leaned at the tree, until she hit a realization.

"Wait, what am I doing here? If I'm being seen, they might think that I'm following them. Oh no. I dislike that thought. I should go. As if I'm intrigued by their conversations and decision to- Ahh!"

As the faerie panicked, the branch vibrated at the energy coming from her, leading it to break as she is now rolling down.

The faerie squealed loudly as she prepared for the impact coming. She forgot she had wings and before her face could hit the ground, she sighed in relief when her wings flapped on it's own, and sat at the ground when she landed carefully.

Domino and Dominique heard the noise and the speed of something falling down. They rushed outside to see who might that be, and so much to their surprise, it's the creature they expected to see.

Elaine gasped in panic. "H-hello?"

Domino bent and offered his hand which the faerie thankfully accepted as she stood up.

"Elaine, perfect timing. My brother decided what our answer would be to your invitation."

Elaine clapped her hands like a seal while anticipating their answer. And before Dominique can butcher everything up, Domino stole her moment of ruining it and spilled the beans without beating the bush.

"We accept, Elaine," Domino simply stated sincerely.

Elaine could only flutter and giggle in delight. Dominique sighs and stops at being cranky, at least for once in a while.

"We are thankful for your invitation, Elaine, and for everything."

She waved her hand, a gesture of dismissing her statements. "No biggie! I'm astonished! Come with me, let's hurry and see the Kings."

"The Kings?!" Both of the siblings babbled.

--

They have their reasons why they considered the faerie's invitation. They were close to declining it, but they thought outside of the box. It's a blessing in disguise while crossing at the border.

Dominique and Domino were on their knees, closing their eyes, while bowing their heads. In their mind, it flashed as they entered the royal courtyard being surveyed by the guards. Such fancy chandeliers, with a truly exquisite vintage hues of rose gold and silver in the hall. There, they bowed at the throne room.

"Rise, my children."

King Caspian has a dark shade of blue and grey hair, his eyes were as cold as snow but there's something sincere about his smile. King Kindell on the other hand has a mischievous grin while looking at the siblings. He never thought that someone would cross the border. His highness analyzed the situation well. Th siblings lived in the outskirts of Berkshire, not being acknowledged by whoever is ruling that filthy Kingdom.

What a perfect timing that they stumbled the faerie who has connections. It'll lead them into trouble if they're not labeled as an official citizen in Valistia. The faded marks in their palm- rose and thorns. A sign that says that they once came from Mórdoom will now be replaced.

The two Kings bore their eyes at Dominique and Domino, studying them very closely. The two got intimidated as they stiffened in their places. Dominique felt naked, barefoot, and free.

"Show me your true form, Dominique," King Caspian commands.

She gritted her lips fighting the urge to unleash it. She doesn't know whether it's because she was ordered to do so, or it's because she feels like it's the right time to reveal herself.

Dominique growled lowly and panted as her fangs sprouted, her orbs seemed like bleeding when it glowed in such crimson red. Her fingers clinked as her claws abruptly dawn and trembled. Her pair of lovely horns were visible as it grew where she whimpered at the excruciating immense amount of mana overflowing.

Domino tensed while watching his sister in pain, but it's for the best to come out in her true form once in a while. He knows that they're in good hands as the audience are the Kings. Bless them be.

A tail appeared at her back, her coat almost shredded when scales promptly covered her ribs and arms.

Dreadful? Appalling? Frightening? Fearsome?

Dominique Odette held high while facing the Kings who are now in awe. But one thing they've noticed, her wings. Domino sighed in relief when her wings appeared at the same moment when her true form was showing. Dominique didn't suffer that much.

Just one thing... It didn't flap. A pair of dark crow wings, thick and painted with blood. As they carefully observed it, her right wing, the right part, looked torn.

"You did well, child. Welcome to Valistia."

Dominique almost fainted but King Kindell flicked his hand and her state went back to normal. Domino's arm were caressing his sister's shoulder while whispering how great she was today. He felt so proud, needless to say.

"My Kings, aren't you going to ask my brother for his true form?"

They smiled at them. "We can already see what he is."

'What did they mean by that?' she thought.

King Caspian cleared his throat and waved his hand. He stopped when King Kindell mischievously leaned and whispered something in his hear. Judging from what they were talking, King Caspian was red as his whispers became loud.

"Very fruity," Dominique says, but to her surprise, the Kings looked at her. "I a-apologize your highness. We heard and saw nothing."

Domino bumped her, warning his sister not to be careless. She was thinking out loud again for someone's sake, in front of the Kings!

"As what I was saying, I hereby declare and confirm the Faerie, Elaine Reagan Delacroix's judgement that, Dominique Odette and Domino Odelle Herdale, are now officially citizens of Valistia. Welcome, my children."

Dominique smiled sincerely even if she was hesitant about the idea. Beggars can't be choosers. Domino felt happiness that he and her sister had opened a new path- a new chapter in their life.

"Geez, loosen up Caspian, the kids might think that you're such an old geezer."

"For Pete's sake! Be professional, Kindell!"

"Now are we actually going to talk about Pete again?"

"Fine then. You sleep alone in bed."

Dominique snickered in her mind. Now would you look at that. She imagined a formal and scary Kings that might look like eating them up.

'What a bunch of cute and in love teenagers,' she kidded while thinking.

Before they were finally dismissed, the Kings welcomed them again warmly. This time, much formal, filled with grace and regal. Gone was that goofy side. It looks like King Kindell was only putting up a show to lower their guard down. Either way, the Kings wouldn't be acting carelessly like that. Strange.

"How was it?!"

Elaine was showering with glitters everywhere as she approached the siblings at the courtyard. The royal guards accompanied them to the way while closing the gates. Dominique was still looking at the peak of the tall looming gates as it sinked in her system that they just entered such magical palace.

She couldn't believe how quick it happened. It felt like just yesterday when they crossed the border, saved a faerie, and now they have their citizenship in this Kingdom. Is that what happens when you've done something good? Will Karma reward you?

"That castle never gets old, right?" Elaine says while noticing the siblings gazing at the summit of its walls.

Feeling occupied about meeting the Kings, Dominique and Domino literally forgot that they were stepping at the castle. Not gonna lie, they visioned the Kings with white hair and old men, but to their surprise, their appearance screamed like they're in their early thirties, but who knows.

"Guys! How was it?" Elaine snapped. "Oh wait, show me your nape!" Elaine kept buzzing like a bee while inspecting Dominique.

The lass hesitated but she let Elaine trace her fingers at her cold nape, making the latter muffle a scream. She then hurried at Domino and gestured to him to duck a bit as the lad did.

"What is it- Ah?" He got stunned. Without any warning, Elaine cupped his jaw and she got the same reaction when she saw what was at Dominique's nape.

"Dominique. Domino. Let me say this again. Welcome to the Kingdom of Valistia..."

--

A mark. Was it a tattoo? Dominique touched her nape where Elaine did. She couldn't see it, but she clearly felt it. She already saw Domino's and it was a marking, or a symbol. Whatever you call it, it has a visible logo of a horn and tail.

The two of them sat at the lobby of a certain Hall in Hawksley while waiting for Elaine.

"Don't sweat about it, it seems like everyone has it too. You know."

She made a face. "Of course I know."

Domino scrunched her nose and faced Dominique. "Hey, Dette. I haven't asked you personally how you actually feel about this. Are you certain? You know that we got each other's back. The two us against the world, or even this continent. If something is holding you back about this fast-paced happenings in our life, you know that I would be here right?"

She chuckled at him. "How dramatic can you be? To be frank, if there's this line on the right and left, I'm in between."

Domino could only nod his head. "I see." He ruffled his sister's hair, the white highlights being noticable. "And Dette, have you thanked Elaine sincerely? Speaking of, she's coming right here."

She sighed, thinking about what the faerie did to help them. She's not a rude brat who can't even appreciate someone's kindness.

"Elaine," she called, giving her hand to the faerie. Elaine hummed confusingly while taking it, which irked Dominique at her thought.

'Come on. I bet she's not even expecting that I'll be thanking her. Just how I hate thinking about this innocent and very sympathetic creature as someone will take advantage of her.'

She pressed Elaine's palm gently and uttered, "Thank you. For everything."

The faerie got flustered. "E-eh?!"

"You know I might act like an a-hole sometimes but I would never take advantage of your kindness. Now bless you, and accompany my brother for me?"

Dominique swiftly moved and immediately fled to the lobby at the hall of Hawksley. The enrollment is starting tomorrow and she felt honestly bewildered. She roamed her sight at Hawksley, so this is the market. Quite a fancy one, but very chaotic.

She only has a small amount of 'aurum', if that's what they call their money, and the hut is pretty far from this place. It'll be quite a hassle to come back there and vice versa. She's certain that she can't afford the inn here, and she's only looking for a tree. Just like the old days. She continues to walk at the brick part of the market while gazing subtly at the merchants and tourists everywhere. She walked stealthily and stopped tracks when she saw the Palace again.

"Damn fine castle," she muttered to herself. Never in her life she would have thought to stand closely at the Palace. So near, but too far.

"Why, thank you."

Her eyebrows furrowed and quickly turned her head at the man who is now beside her, so close.

'This mother f*cker,' she thought, clearly annoyed that she didn't notice that she was being followed, what's worse is they interacted. She's being careless again, she reminded herself to be wary and mindful at all times.

"My, you don't seem very friendly," he chirped.

"Who. Are. You," Dominique demanded.

She studied him, as the man played with his thin long braid at the tip of the nape of his midnight blue hair. His eyes squinted but his cobalt blue orbs gleamed while glancing at Dominique.

"You just called me fine earlier, milady." He bowed playfully, trying to act charming but in Dominique's perspective she wanted to grab that long braid of his, and tangle it to the nearest tree branch.

She snickered. "Castle?"

That's odd. His name is Castle. Not as odd when someone puts a second name at Dominique which literally means 'death'.

"This is the first time that I saw you. May I know your name?"

The lass scoffed. "Who cares? And how can you be so sure that you haven't seen me? As if you know every person in this Kingdom."

"Apparently I do."

She sighed. She couldn't handle any crap nor care less about everyone around. She's done for the day. "Can you leave me alone? I honestly don't care what shit you'll be talking about for the next second. Boys like you, are just flocking around, looking for their next target for girls that picks up your taste, and then what's next?"

The man's expression was cold. Gone was the playful aura of him. His fingers rose to his chin while humming. "Bold of you to generalize that word."

Dominique laughed sarcastically. "Why? Did I hit the bullseye? Now leave, before I'll skin you alive."

The man smirked. And in Dominique's view, he's completely looking like an asshole. "Oh, scary word." He pretends to shiver.

"But I know, girls like you." He paused and copied Dominique's tone, emphasizing the word as he repeated what she said. "Are all just words. You bark, but actually don't bite," he retorted and scoffed.

Dominique's blood boiled that it almost broke her fuse. Her breathing was exasperated while trying to control her emotions. She couldn't control it- she gritted her teeth as she felt her fangs, and same goes as she clenched her fist that her claws sprouted.

"You're underestimating me," she stated.

Castle hummed casually. "I mean, what can a newbie do? Someone that came from Mórdoom, and a girl like you?" He continues to play it off again.

Dominique calmed down, after realizing her mistake. But it looked like the guy was just baiting her. He must be amused, or anticipating what will be her next move.

She sighed and moved closer. "I will not apologize for my mistakes but please do pardon my behavior."

Castle shrugged and tilted his head to the right side. "Forgiven."

She smirked. "Oh please do." She threw blades of daggers that were hiding from her coat and it swiftly showered Castle that caught him off guard. "Pardon me, because I was serious when I told you that I'll skin you alive."

He blinked his eyes and shoved his fancy cape away that made the daggers come back to its owner. One blade grazed at his cheek, a small blood dripping.

"Who am I if I won't go down for a fight?"

The two of them gave each other a smug look while aiming and getting ready for their stances. The gust of the winds blew, whispering at their souls. Dominique felt something unusual in her system when Castle motioned his hand- flicked it in a circle manner as if he's writing something, and a bolt of lightning flashed in his hand. Dominique could only snicker while letting her arm out of her sleeve, a hideous claw was out with her sharp scale.

Castle jolted up and circled her with such speed and wind. Dominique stayed still and closed her eyes to let her other senses do its job. She felt the air, sensation, and the presence of Castle who's playing with her as he circled and circled with the spark that stung Dominique's skin.

Something sharp and hot. The bolt of his speed. She smirked while finally tracking Castle.

"Got 'ya." She opened her eyes and grabbed him without having any second thoughts. His arm was caught, being clutched by her claw, but before Castle could make up his move, the ground suddenly roared.

"H-hey!"

The two of them stumbled and bumped each other while almost falling to the ground.

"Oh heck, I forgot. The mystical woods."

"Excuse me?"

Castle pointed out a certain place. "That is the Forest of Driaedge, guarded and protected by the mystic of the woods. Guess it triggered when it sensed us."

Dominique formed an uninteresting 'oh' shape in her lips. She sighed, disappointed, for not skinning him alive.

"Well then, that's my cue. Over there, there's a big tree. You can use that if you want. Just show your mark at the mystics."

Dominique picked her daggers in the ground. "Geez, thanks a lot." She's not even surprised how he knew. How he knew that she's new. Is he even trailing them? Or maybe the news must have been flying around while serving it to everyone. What a nuisance.

"Anytime. I'll see you around, milady."

She only rolled her eyes and didn't face him, she couldn't feel his presence anywhere as she deduced that he's gone now.

"Aight, got the tree. Now off to fetch Odelle, tomorrow might be something uncanny," she uttered to herself.

A new beginning awaits.