8. Kellian

CHAPTER 8

Kellian

It is said, in the time of Alleron, that those possessing the great magic would act as vessels. Vessels to hold the blood of the Dragon gods. That they may be given the great honor to fly alongside the Dragon gods. Of this line shall those be chosen, destined to guard the holy land of Dragons. Not of every generation, but those worthy will be among the Gods. Serving and blessed. After great research it has been noted that this sacrifice from the Galanis line shall have another soul, tied with a soul thread, destined to meet. Destined to protect the Dragon lands.

-The Book of Niem

T WO WEEKS LATER

Kellian was half-listening to his sister. She was seemingly trying to mimic the chirp of a hummingbird as she paced around Kellian's tower. He was reviewing notes from the night before, charting the skies.

"Kellian you cannot, under any circumstance, stay hidden in this tower any longer. The rite and rituals are to take place tomorrow night!" Aura scowled. "Are you even listening to me?" She slapped her hand down, covering the page he had been writing on, no doubt smearing the edges of his last written words.

"Aura, please," Kellian grumbled. "Go back to the forest. Your energy is better used hacking at a beast than at me."

Aura scoffed. "I'll have you know, Kyeria and I tracked the beast east, towards the Lione River."

Kellian's head snapped up. "Kyeria went with you?"

"Gods above, have you not heard a single word I've said? I know you were busy—overseeing the western border for the last few nights—but please bring your mind back to your body." Aura scowled.

"Dear sister, can you not see I am making note of that trip now."

"You have been holed up here for too long, you are done now," she declared.

"Is that so?"

"Yes." Aura's arms were crossed, her face twisted in petulant annoyance. She looked like she had when they were much younger. Hated taking orders, hated being told what she couldn't do, and forced everyone to pay every ounce of their attention to her and her plans.

Kellian let out a defeated noise. "Gods, fine. Lead the way."

"Don't you huff and puff at me, brother. I know you wish to see Kyeria after your time away. Plus we have a whole ball to celebrate her," she chatted as they started down the stairs.

"It is not a ball for her , it is for the hatchling. A ritual, to honor the gods."

"Of which would not be possible if not from a certain red haired maiden." Aura's eyebrows were high, her eyes sparkling with the joy of tormenting him. Kellian knew if he rolled his eyes anymore at his sister he would simply lose one.

"Shut it," Kellian cursed, right as a certain red haired Fae woman walked around the corner with Esmie. Kyeria almost tripped over herself seeing Kellian and Aura.

"Kellian!" Kyeria squeaked. Kellian held a smile at her startled expression. Her hair was particularly wild today. She wore a loose white dress that bellowed around her hips and a green corset lined with little delicate leaves. A golden necklace sat on her neck. He recognized it, of course—it was an emerald necklace, like the ones Esmeralda loved to make.

"Kel!" Esmie burst into a smile and ran forward, throwing her arms around Kellian's middle. He let out a huff as her small body collided with his catching her before she toppled them over. Kyeria's eyes drifted to the floor.

"I haven't been gone that long," Kellian chuckled. Esmeralda, being much younger, was irrevocably attached to Kellian and Aura as if they were her own siblings.

"Long enough," she lectured. Kellian smiled down at her, patting her head.

"Kyeria." He nodded towards her. Her eyes lifted again and she bowed slightly to him.

"How was your trip?" Her voice was small and unsure—he did not care much for it as such, he was used to the blunt and brave woman who spoke her mind.

"Informational," he responded, and looked to his sister. "Aura says that the ball has been set. As a guest of honor, you should go into town. The Hollow seamstresses can fashion you something special."

"Oh that's–" Kyeria started, but was cut off with Aura waving her hand.

"Oh perfect!" his sister practically shouted, latching her arm around Kyeria and dragging her away. Esmie stayed behind.

"How far did you fly?" Esmie asked, her eyes glowing with curiosity.

"The west end, near the isles. New constellation this time of year." He smiled at her interest. "Have you been enjoying Kyeria being here?" He asked sincerely as they walked out onto a balcony overlooking the gardens.

"She's lovely," Esmie mused, "We've been studying some of the old books in the library. She knows a great deal about runes from her family. I think I have a few ways to strengthen the borders as they are, but ultimately the beast seems to be consuming the magic."

Kellian pushed a hand over his face and through his hair.

"Are you excited for the ball?" he asked, shaking off his worries and focusing back on Esmie, who more than anyone deserved a night of fun at court. She had known too much struggle in her short years.

"Oh yes!" she practically squealed. "Miss Briggs made me the lavender gown, it is to die for!" She smiled and began picking at flowers on the vines that grew up the balcony. Plucking a flower off its stem, she pushed it into her mess of black curls.

"I wonder what Kyeria will wear," she mused. Kellian's heart sped up. He knew Kyeria dressed up for a ball would surely be the death of him.