When I was four, I would wake in the night and wish for the sun. The darkness worried me; my imagination supplied many beasts with grotesque jaws lurking beyond the range of my vision.

My mother convinced me to embrace it. She taught me to find comfort in the darkness, to let my eyes adjust to the shadows and to see the beauty in the stillness. I learned to love the way the moon cast long, eerie shadows across the landscape, and the way the stars twinkled like tiny diamonds in the sky. I loved the way the air felt cool and crisp, and the way the world seemed to slow down just a little bit during the quiet hours of the night.

She taught me to feel as comfortable with the shadows as I was with my fire. As I realized the power I held at my fingertips, I was trained to control the fire. It surrounded everything, mercilessly devouring everything in its path. It abided by my every command.

After Zion whisked me back clandestinely, he took his place again outside my door, leaving me a precious few more hours to sleep. Regrettably, those hours were consumed by my nightmares - relentless, repeated flashes of my last kill that echoed in my subconscious. The events of the past few months have been taunting me constantly.

"What brings you here?" My query was directed at a girl my age, as much of an intruder as I was a defender.

"I was playing with the prince, he is a brother to me; we were hiding from each other and, and..." Her stutter faded into the void, fresh tears sparkling in her eyes as she hiccupped. "I lost my bearings. I am so sorry! This won't happen again."

I paused. The prince? Looking at my mother expectantly, she shook her head.

"She's weaving a web of deception, my dear. She's a Nightrealm spy, who can anticipate what she has observed or learnt?" My mother's words were a silken veil of tranquility amongst the storm.

"You won't fool me, Nightborne." I proclaimed, my voice barren of emotion. Of course it was a lie. No one has seen the king since my mother had killed him. This would mean he would have a son, but nothing coming from that realm could be trusted. "And him?" I turned my attention to a young man whose eyes were wide and filled with fear.

"Your majesties," he bowed, his voice quivering at first. "Punish me, not Inara. Please, I beg you." His voice was steel, vibrating through our realm with a sense of power. I cocked my head. He was not just a villager; I could tell by the confidence he bore. "I am Silas, prince of the Nightrealm, you must obey my realm, or you will feel our wrath!"

My mom laughed darkly. "Ever since your realm had allowed the Reverie into our world, Alyanthi has learned not to trust your kind."

I bit the insides of my cheek at her statement.

"The Goddesses have chosen to protect us! Not you! Why do you think they granted us the shadows that cover our lands?" He must have hit a nerve as my mother's eye twitched as she fought to contain her rage.

"Aurora, kill her." Her demand held no word for negotiation as I looked back at Inara.

"Please! Promise me mercy!" Her cry tore at me, a wrenching appeal that was hard to ignore. But if my mother was to be trusted, letting her go was a risk we couldn't afford.

My mother's frown reached me as I hesitated. The pressure of her gaze was like a physical weight, urging me to refocus on the girl. Any further delay would be considered defiance. I had been groomed to lead, my purpose being to safeguard my realm at all costs. My mother had often reminded me how arduous killing was, and how to ease the burden, she advised that I close my eyes. Her kindness I mistook for not making me witness death up close.

Inara's scream of agony began as a sharp stab, progressively imprinting itself into the recesses of my mind, becoming a permanent resident there. Her pleas for mercy were cut short as I made her departure swift, as painless as I could manage. Charging my fire with a volatile potency, her life was extinguished on contact, blue flames blazing fiercely as a testament to her demise.

Roused from my dream, I screamed in unison with Inara, my body jolted awake. Sitting up, I instinctively hugged my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around them. Clearing away the track of dried tears on my cheeks, I steadied my breath, slowly shutting my eyes and regaining control.

I knew that Zion had been aware of my screams during countless night terrors, but he respected my privacy and refrained from intruding. Although his presence couldn't heal the wounds of my past, I sensed a tinge of guilt within him for not being able to offer more assistance. Not being able to prevent the Queen's anger from spiraling out of control or intervene when I pleaded with her to spare another innocent life, he must have felt powerless.

I had never expected there to be so much darkness. It was all my fault--her soul was destroyed by my hands, she was an innocent child, too curious for her own good. I had to be better for the few people I cared about. For Zion. For Coda. For Inara.

My mother threatened me with my own secrets. She assured me that if anyone ever found out that my abilities derived from all three realms, I would be blasted off the face of Alyanthi for good. Even Hedrick wasn't fully aware, although I knew as his spell continued to hold more power over her, his spell only got stronger over the years. It wouldn't be long before he got every detail. Perhaps that would be better, after all. To live in some other dreadful world out there, burdened as I am with these Gods' *gifts*, as my mother called them.

"Kings have bowed before me. Even the very Goddesses kneeled at my feet. What makes you think you can refuse me much longer?" Her menacing laughter echoed off the concrete walls, up the stairwell and into my room. Glancing toward the wide-open door, I sighed. I knew she would call for me soon to finish the job. But today, I wouldn't let her win.

My stomach churned at the thought of the innocent Alyanthi she was terrorizing this time.

My room was supposed to be my safe space, but it didn't feel like that anymore. Our palace was built upon red bricks made from lava, and I could feel the heat emanating from the flickering blazes of candles that lit up the room.

It was decorated with vibrant red, orange, and golden accents, symbolizing the flames of our realm. The walls were adorned with woven silk tapestries that showcased each realm. There were three of us in total, all split across Alyanthi. Centered was the Firerealm's tapestry, full of oranges and reds that depicted historical scenes of ancient volcanic eruptions and Alyanthi sacrifices performed by our ancestors.

Next to it was the Icerealm's tapestry, which was woven with threads of Hedrick's of blue, silver, and white to depict its frigid landscape. It showcased a large crystal ice castle with soaring turrets, surrounded by frozen lakes and dense forests full of snow-cloaked evergreen trees. If you got close enough, you could see the ice crystals glittering in the light. I had never been allowed to set foot in the Icerealm, but a few times I snuck out to witness the creatures that roamed through swirling snowflakes. My favorite were the horses. Their icy white coats, thicker than those of the horses that roamed our realm, almost blended into the snow, and their manes and tails caught sparkling flecks of snow like diamonds.

The third tapestry depicted the Nightrealm. According to the stories, they were the most powerful of all of us. But I didn't fully believe that. It was simply too convenient to portray the Nightbornes in such broad, dark strokes. Sinister and majestic, it was woven with dark shades that depicted a shadowy realm with a stark black forest, and eerie trees surrounded by an impenetrable mist. A dark castle loomed in the center of the tapestry, with pointed spires and large windows, all dark and unlit. Many observers would get a shiver looking at it, but I was entranced by it. I was drawn in particular to the sky—a display of celestial light, shimmering and rippling with green and purple hues that danced across the sky in surreal ribbons. I wanted nothing more than to witness this light for myself.

The Nightbornes were considered dangerous creatures They seldom graced us with their presence during our summit meetings, where we convened in the neutral territory of the Sun and Moon Realm. This sacred location served as a gathering point for realms seeking to pay homage to the revered Sun and Moon Goddess.

The Nightrealm was more or less self-secluded. No one would even say their name unless it was the only option; and no one would willingly pass through its borders, in or out. No one even knew who ruled the Nightrealm. Their most recent King, intent on living out the remainder of his days within the anonymous obscurity of his shadows, entered into the minds of each Alyanthi and scoured his own name from collective memory.

I had heard that the sky there was blanketed in darkness, not even a star visible, but I didn't believe that. The tapestry I had painted was exactly how I envisioned the realm to be. I didn't blame others for creating their own versions of what they thought the realm looked like. After all, anyone who approached their territory was never seen again. They were the cruelest of the realms, but I was certain my own realm wasn't much kinder.

After all, I am part Nightborne myself, so it can't be all evil--especially since Firerealm is corrupt as well. My mother doesn't allow me to visit the other realms, although I am sure the Icerealm queen wouldn't approve either until I married her son, but when I am able to find time here and there, I sneak out to see the horses.

If it were just my abilities, it wouldn't be so bad. But I was marked by my appearance too. I wasn't a normal Fireborne. I pulled my strength from the Moon Goddess, Riona, and it was obvious from the looks of me. Whether this was a curse or a gift, the light strands of my hair reminded me of moonlight. My hair shimmered like quicksilver as it flowed to my waist in gentle waves. Neither of the other realms had one of silver hair and eyes.

Of course, not everyone fits the picture of their realm. That was where the lineage-revealing runes displayed across our skin came in. My rune, reminiscent of a crescent moon with intricate, flowing lines, was etched into my fair skin. It was perfectly placed, nestled against my collarbone. The lines curved and arced, capturing the essence of the moon's gentle glow. The edges were slightly jagged, and delicate swirls cascaded off of the rune, resembling moon rays. Over the years it began to grow along with my abilities, but for now, I was hoping it was complete. The pain was indescribable when it branched out.

More than my hair, the fact that I didn't have a traditional Fireborne rune set me apart. Normally, the rune is the color of your realm, but mine encompassed only some of them. The golden edges around the design suggested my Fireborne heritage. Shadows rippled across the rune, and when I used my abilities, a golden light emanated from it. Only an Iceborne's rune glowed. Most people didn't pay too much mind to their runes, but for heirs to a realm, runes were incredibly important. Lineage was everything. Runes were one of the ways Alyanthians could ensure there was no miscegenation among the realms. Even though it is a law, it isn't strictly watched over. Since most Alyanthians want to make the strongest children they can to move up in their social status, it is wise for them to stick to their own.

Only my best friend, Coda, and my mother knew about the truth regarding my rune. If word got out, armies of the Icerealm and Nightrealm would be sent for my head. The Queens and King want a strong realm, but they will never allow an Alyanthian to surpass their strength for fear they would be competed with. My mother knew this more than anyone and wanted that leverage over me. She hadn't always been so cruel. When I was younger, we were attacked by the Nightrealm King and his army to try to kill me, and since then, she answered with violence. She had always believed that the sun and moon Goddesses would rain down their fire on her enemies, if she only pleased them with her acts of power.

Like clockwork, my best friend entered the room. Even though my shoulders relaxed, I couldn't bring myself to smile. I couldn't remember the last time I had. His toffee eyes betrayed his true self. When my powers rampaged out of control, Coda was able to immediately calm me and douse the flames before I burned down all of Alyanthi. I was surprised that she allowed him to stay in her realm, but I didn't want to bring it up in fear that she would change her mind. His rune, an abstract snowflake with intricate branching patterns and sharp, angular edges, was hidden on his waist, so no one saw it unless he wanted them to, although most Fireborne's in our realm knew he was an Iceborne without seeing the rune for themselves.

I ignored Coda, trying to look at everything but him. I was excited for the chance to escape today, but I knew it wasn't my life on the line if we failed. It was his. I had tried talking him out of escaping with me, but it wasn't just my chance at freedom, it was his, too.

Taking a deep breath, I said goodbye to the room I would never see again. A spacious bed was adorned with velvet and silk bed linens in shades of gold. Glancing at the favorite gift I had ever received, my eyes laid on the beautifully crafted bedside crystal oil lamp Coda had gotten for me many years ago, when I yearned to travel. To see the other realms in more detail, but I would have to be welcome there to do that. My desire to travel had never gone away, but I knew if I stayed here, I never would get the chance to see what Earth had to offer.

I stared up at the plastic glow-in-the-dark stars I plastered above my bed. My mother always scolded me for having them, and tore them down herself once she realized I would not comply with her demands to rid of them. Awareness of my fear of darkness was not lost on her; she understood that darkness had never provided me solace. She frequently told me that if I allowed this fear to linger, it could ultimately become my downfall. That was when Hedrick, her husband, had begun to throw me in the dungeon, letting the darkness consume my very being for hours on end. Instead of fixing my fear, it had only made it worse.

Coda had gone to Miakoda, a large city on the other side of the Firerealm to retrieve the stars. Only I was able to see them from the shadows I cast over them this time. It had helped make me feel not so alone, to remind me that I didn't have to let the darkness consume me. Glamor and trickery was a Nightborne's ability, ones that I wish I had, but I was lucky to even have control over the shadows.

"It is the last time," Coda broke the silence with a promise.

"I know," I whispered. Hopping off my bed, I walked to the mirror on the other side of the wall. Gripping the syringe filled with Iceborne blood, courtesy of Coda, I stuffed it in my shoe for safekeeping. It was the one weapon I knew would work to make my mother or Hedrick unconscious, temporarily.

The front pieces of my hair were braided and pinned back by a sharp, broken arrow, the one weapon I could hide no matter the prim outfits I was forced to wear. After all this time, I wasn't sure what made me keep the arrow that my mother had gifted me. Other than sharpening the other end of the arrow into a blade, I reforged it and made it my own. It reminded me of how I had reforged myself and created my own path. My mother wasn't in charge of my life, not anymore. I wore a striking red, flowing gown adorned with embroidery and gems that complemented the silver gleam of my hair as molten silver stared back at me with a sudden intensity. I wore a moon-shaped pendant in honor of the moon goddess, Riona, who cursed me.

I snagged the crown on the nightstand and rested it on my head. It was surprisingly lightweight, but there was nothing I would rather do than burn it and never see it again. It reminded me of what Hedrick stood for. The other realms weren't much better. The Firerealm was feared by most. My mother proclaimed that the moment we weren't feared was the day our realm would be vanquished. The Icerealm's queen was rather a distant stranger to me, although her son had tried courting me on numerous occasions when we used to gather on the full moons for the Alyanthian Moon Festival. And last I heard, Hedrick had promised the Icerealm queen that he would personally set up an arranged marriage for her son and I.

"Aurora, we need to get going if we want our plan to work, we need to be gone by dusk." Coda snapped me out of my thoughts.

I nodded. "We can't go, not yet." I admitted with a frown. My mother was expecting me downstairs, if we went now, it wouldn't give us much time before she sent guards to find me.

We had today, and then we would be free. I nodded, taking one last look around my room before closing the door softly behind me. We were going to finally escape Alyanthi. No more realms, no more killing, and—best of all—I would no longer be heir to the Firerealm.

There were numerous portals scattered around Alyanthi. There was one in each realm that led to Earth, and numerous on Earth that led to Alyanthi. Nightbornes were known for their special gifts that allowed them to change the location of the portals, so Zion gave me a few tips for my escape.

My mother or Hedrick would not guess I would go to Earth. If anything, I was sure she would assume that I'd run to the Icerealm. I had never been allowed to set foot in the Icerealm, but a few times I snuck out to witness the creatures that roamed through swirling snowflakes.

Besides, the Icerealm queen was more flexible with her reign, and even though no realm was allowed entry to Earth since the war except for a few select soldiers every century to gather a few things on Earth and bring them to the Queens, you wouldn't get killed for it by the queen in that realm. Even though my mother didn't give me the luxury of learning about what items soldiers brought back, she would throw the useless items away. It was how I had found the movie Tangled and had Coda watch it with me.

Although, no one that I have met has even wanted to take the risk to portal to Earth. There were countless stories of the torment Alyanthians have had to go through to finally be safe from humans, especially now that most have forgotten about us. But I had nothing to lose by leaving Alyanthi.

Taking another glance at Coda, I nodded at the backpack he had strapped to him. It had everything we could think of needing for the journey. The biggest was the currency in America, we had been planning long enough that we were able to negotiate with others around the Nightrealm who were able to still freely travel to Earth. It took many moons to find someone willing, but I had enough ties to negotiate just about anything that an Alyanthi could ever dream of having. The one thing we didn't know was the attire and what to expect clothing-wise, but I figured we could get something on Earth to fix that.

Trudging down the eerie set of stairs, I held my chin up high, playing my part as I fixed the lopsided crown on my head. The weight of the gown trudged down the stairs behind me. "About time," my mother remarked as she noticed me. "Aurora, take notes," she said as dancing flames manifested in a conflagration of sparks in her palms.

Taking the last step down, I didn't even wince as I watched her hands burn off his flesh, the stench mingled in with the smoke. It was a nicer death than many of the others. I shivered at the thought of someone caught mingling with an Iceborne. It was the most painful death someone could go through, and thankfully only happened once every few moon cycles. "He stole a loaf off the cart, didn't he?" My voice was shallow.

A sinister, crooked smile displayed on my mother's lips, her eyes flashing green. "You can have the honor," she motioned to him. I furrowed my brows, looking at my palms. Every ounce of my being told me to run now, but I knew the wrath I'd face if I did. I could still feel the burn of the lashes on my back from the last time I disobeyed. "Now!" she snapped. I flinched. This was my only chance of freedom.

I shook my head, unable to meet her gaze. I had killed an innocent once, Inara, the memory that clamored the most intensely in my night terrors. The guilt that ate at me every day was numbing.

I knew what would come next, bracing myself for impact. When nothing followed, I raised my chin to meet her irate gaze. "What are you waiting for?"

"Clearly your new punishments aren't working," Hedrick let out a loud sigh, emerging from the shadows. His presence alone seemed to cast a dark cloud over the room, and I couldn't help but feel a tremor of fear that crept up my spine. Standing tall, he cut an imposing figure, his frame lean and angular, lacking any warmth or compassion.

His dark eyes bore into my soul with a chilling intensity. There was a cruel glimmer in them, a spark that seemed to delight in the suffering of others. I found it difficult to hold his gaze for too long, fearing what I might see reflected at me.

His lips, thin and tightly pressed together, curled into a disdainful smirk far too often. It's a twisted expression that sent a wave of unease through me, as if he's reveling in the torment of those around him.

And then there's his voice, a venomous hiss that drips with arrogance and superiority. Each word that escaped his lips carried a sharpness that cut through the air, leaving a lingering sense of foreboding in its wake. It's a voice that left no room for kindness or empathy, only a ruthless command of power.

I wasn't sure what made my mother listen to him. I couldn't help but wonder if she was as afraid of him as I was. His new punishment he had tried was forced isolation, but Coda somehow managed to write notes to me, making it a bit less lonely. It was better than the alternative. "Coda, come here now." Hedrick ordered.

Eyes downcast, he obeyed.

"Hedrick, don't!" I growled, taking a step forward, but my mother raised a hand to stop me.

"You get the choice. I get to burn your friend here, or he makes it out unscathed and you burn the thief." I gulped, glancing back and forth between Coda and the thief. They both knew my answer as the thief silently pleaded with me. His large, dark eyes loomed over his thick lashes, afraid of what was to come. "You have five seconds and counting." Hedrick rocked his head back and forth, counting down as the seconds ticked by. I knew this was all a game in his head. It always has been—ever since I had woken. A saccharine smile stretched across my mother's red lips, but it didn't reach her eyes.

She didn't have to order the others in the room to turn away. Everyone knew how possessive she was over me, how secretive. No one has ever been allowed to observe me wielding my fire. Besides, the mystery gave people nightmares. Their twisted minds scavenged for the possibilities, stretched desperately toward a knowledge of what I might be capable of, such that the Queen would sequester my wrath behind closed doors.

"Okay!" I shouted as Hedrick's flamed hand edged closer to Coda. Walking towards the trembling thief, two guards grasped him by the arms, immobilizing him. "I am so sorry," I whispered. I closed my eyes, placing my hands gingerly on his temples. I had promised myself I wouldn't kill again. Using an ability from the Nightrealm, I poured all my energy into his mind, creating images and sensations that he would believe to be real. I made him imagine a horrible death, and made him feel it. It was the only way to make sure he played the part.

The man shut his eyes with me as his scream echoed off the walls. His head went limp in my hands. Peeking an eye open, I noticed his stomach still rise and fall with his breathing, but it was dark enough that I would hope no one else noticed. The guards immediately let go and his body crashed to the floor in a heap.

"Nice job, Aurora." My mother clapped. I wasn't sure if she saw through the scheme I created, but I knew she would not tell Hedrick if she saw through it. She did what she could to protect me, even if it was very little. "Now, bring forward Claire Denworth." Her voice rang with authority as the guards stepped outside the door to grab a woman. She screamed and clawed at the guards' strong hold, to no avail.

I glanced towards Coda, who had taken a few steps back so that he now lurked in the endless shadows the castle provided. Our eyes clashed, and I knew our plan was still in place. We had tried escaping Alyanthi in the past, but this time we'd had months of preparation. It was time for us to finally get to Earth.

I wasn't the daughter she wanted me to be. I never would be.

I took a deep breath, allowing the calmness to wash over me, and set on to the task ahead. I heard the crackling of flames, but I didn't dare look towards what torture my mother and Hedrick was about to deploy on Claire. As Hedrick focused on the woman the guards were bringing in, I slipped by my mother and into Coda's direction. I was afraid that if I looked back I wouldn't be able to keep moving.

Keep moving.

Keep moving.

Keep moving.

I kept repeating the words in my head, my eyes glued to the side door in front of me.

"Aurora," boomed a familiar voice from behind me as I reached to push the door open. Only inches from my escape. We needed to reach a portal today, and even though we weren't planning on leaving until nightfall, I needed to leave. I couldn't bring myself to go through yet another death. I felt as if I were mere inches away from the freedom my soul desperately yearned for. My tongue became as dry as sandpaper. I turned around, not daring to mutter a sound. "Where do you think you are going? Did you want a turn with Claire?"

I was ready to fight if it came to it.

Spinning on my heels I faced Hedrick, my mother standing in the back with wide eyes. I cautiously studied his every breath.

He smirked. Within a blink, hot flames licked against his fingertips and spread up his arms. I could see the fire dance in his eyes.

"I don't belong to you," I asserted.

"That's what you think," he laughed lightly.

White hot anger seared my belly. "I won't let you hurt me this time," I spat.

"I would never hurt you," he gasped, appalled. He placed a hand over his heart as if he were capable of sincerity. I gulped, my hand automatically reaching my face, the intentional burn scar that barely missed my eye proved otherwise. "You are the closest thing I have to my own daughter."

I rolled my eyes at the lies escaping his lips.

"Riona, if you don't make her listen to me, I will." Hedricks's voice was as sharp as a sword.

My mother stepped forward, opening her mouth to speak as her eyes were wide with compassion. I shook my head at her.

"Don't do this. Don't act like you care. You have shown me my whole life that you don't want to be my mother." A part of me wanted my words to affect her, to make her feelings change for me. I still wanted her to love me.

She took a step forward, the flames dissipating from Hedrick's arms. "Aurora, I do love you. You are my daughter, after all."

"But the defect you wear upon your face is just proof of the weakness that our realm will be if you get to rule." I winced at her words, unable to stop my nonchalant mask from slipping. A smile grew upon Hedricks's face as he saw my insecurity for what it was. Roaring flames flew at me as he saw me falter. I managed to stick my hand out to block it from hitting my face. The warmth burned, but it was a pain I could tolerate. Her words hurt a lot worse.

I wanted nothing more than to just disappear into the uncomfortable coldness of the wooden floor beneath me.

Zion had suddenly reached me from behind, setting a firm hand on my shoulder to stop me from making another move. It made me pause, and that mere second cost me any chance I had of getting Hedrick with the syringe I had in my shoe, prepared to knock him or her. My mother was possessive, not wanting me to leave the Firerealm castle, but Hedrick craved showing displays of his power. I wasn't sure what happened when I was asleep, but based on the scars I had seen on my mother, she was his target first. Ever since I had woken, Hedrick turned his attention to me. But Zion was right. I needed to wait for a better opportunity.

"You saw how the Princess has hesitated in the past few kills, right, Your Majesty?" I kept my head low but immediately bristled at Zion's question. Why remind her?

"Continue, Zion." She sighed, clearly displeased that others had noticed the weakness.

"I believe we need to remind her of the First War. I will see to it that she reads the book over and over until she will never again hesitate." I rolled my eyes, even though no one could see. If my mother thought simply reading a book would fix my morals, she was dumber than I thought.

"Hmm. Maybe a reminder wouldn't hurt. I will meet with you tonight, Aurora." I winced at her words, knowing exactly what they meant. I could feel each slice upon my back, scars that have tried healing over the years but never given the chance as new ones have always emerged.

I hung my head, wanting to shrink into myself as the eyes penetrated through me from all the nearby guards whose whispers carried on throughout the walls. My eyes were set on Zion's shoes as we made our way to the library, feeling the weight of my mother's expectations on my shoulders. I didn't have to look behind me to know Coda was following.