Mystery - Tumblr Posts
Book Review: Three Blind Mice, Agatha Christie
My Review in a Tweet:
Agatha Christie's stories are a little cheesy, but despite that, they remain charming and puzzling, encouraging the reader to decipher for himself who's the culprit. This book in particular reunites delightful investigators: Poirot, Mrs Marple, Harley Quin and Sergeant Trotter.
My Full Review:
This book is another "first" for me, as my only contact with Agatha Christie's works was through the movie adaptations with Kenneth Branagh as the famous detective Hercule Poirot.
Imagine my delighted surprise when I realized the first story on this book was no other than the play in "See How They Run" (2022), another wonderful and funny whodunnit.
Since I'm not british, I don't know the tune for "Three Blind Mice", but the author was able to communicate the silliness of the murderer and the unnerving nature of all children lullabies, no matter where they are from.
The misteries in the book rely heavily on the dialogues and interviews from the investigator to the suspects, leaving descriptions of characters and places very short and a little dry.
The mysteries themselves are quite entertaining, only a couple of them were "predictable" (which I can tell if it is a good point for Agatha, for laying out the clues for the reader, or for me, being "smart enough" to solve the mystery before the reveal). Some of them felt a little rushed or solved out of nowhere, but those were only a few.
This is what I would call a nice summer reading: short stories, easy to pick up and to put down once you finish a mystery, engaging and entertaining.
8/10
My Other 2024 Readings.
Random 4 in the morning ramble but I just finished a good read and want to share it with any fellow readers who enjoy a good "Who done it" thriller:
The story's about a woman whose father was a notorious serial killer, and 26 years later it appears that a copycat is committing the same crimes.
I won't say too much about the reveal but I personally thought it was a pretty good one, and I enjoyed how the author didn't glorify the main character's dad the way some books do with serial killers. The descriptions are just straight facts and that's it. Nothing about how he's sooooo skilled and as if he's someone above other human beings and so cool and all that shit.
So yeah if there are any book worms interested it's on Kindle books or whatever the apps called (I'm too tired to remember the name idfk) It's for free if you have a prime subscription 😎👍
Ok that's all, goin to bed. 👋
Moonlit Memories: A Spookiz Tale
Chapter 1 - The Night of Reunion:
On a quiet night, Hana finds herself returning to her old school, where she unexpectedly stumbles upon Cula, a friend from a past she barely remembers. Cula, with a hint of nostalgia in his voice, says: “Hana, I’ve waited for this moment, to see you here again in our old meeting place.” As their eyes meet, memories start to trickle back into Hana’s mind. Overwhelmed, Hana responds: “Cula, your presence feels like a forgotten melody, now remembered, filling the silence of the night.”
Chapter 2 - The Echoes of the Past:
As Hana’s day unfolds, she starts to remember shared moments with Cula, each memory like a soft echo from the past. Cula, with a hopeful yet anxious tone, says: “She’s beginning to remember, but will she accept me as I am, a creature of the night?” Hana, with a sense of growing realization, responds: “Cula, these echoes in my mind, they’re shaping your image, bringing back the friend I once knew.”
Chapter 3: The Twilight Encounter
As the sun sets and twilight descends, Hana and Cula find themselves reconnecting over shared stories from their past. Cula, with a heavy heart, says: “I must leave, but tonight was a step towards understanding, a bridge between our worlds.” When Cula transforms into a bat, a symbol of his true nature, Hana reassures him: “Wait, Cula! Your secret, it’s safe with me. I won’t let fear divide us.”
Chapter 4 - The Night of Truth:
Under the starlit sky, Hana grapples with the return of her memories and the revelation of Cula’s secret. Cula, with a sense of urgency, says: “I had to do it, Hana. The risk of our worlds colliding, of our friendship causing chaos, was too great.” Hana, with a mix of sadness and understanding, responds: “But at what cost, Cula? Our shared moments, our adventures… erased like they never happened.”
Chapter 5 - The Moonlight Pact:
Under the soft glow of the moon, a symbol of their nocturnal friendship, Hana and Cula make a promise to each other. Cula, with a sense of resolve, says: “This is our moment, under the moon’s watchful gaze. A pact sealed in moonlight.” Hana, with a newfound determination, responds: “Cula, I promise to stand by you, through the night and the day, through the ordinary and the extraordinary.”
Chapter 6 - The Flight of Unity:
As Cula takes Hana on a flight through the night sky, their journey symbolizes the merging of their worlds, a testament to their unique friendship. Cula, with a sense of freedom, says: “Let’s rise above the world’s doubts and fears. Let’s show them what true friendship looks like.” Hana, filled with joy, responds: “Cula, with you, I feel like I can touch the stars, like the impossible is within reach.”
Chapter 7 - The Dawn of Coexistence:
Inspired by their love, Hana and Cula envision a world where humans and monsters coexist peacefully, a world where fear and prejudice have no place. Cula, with a visionary gleam in his eyes, says: “Together, we’ll show the world the beauty of unity, the strength in diversity.” Hana, with a hopeful smile, responds: “Cula, our love will be the light that guides them, a beacon in the dawn of a new era.”
“Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand.” ♱ ྀིྀ
story of my life
coming into peoples life just to suddenly disappear one day without a trace
The Shadow Detective
— Short Story | 1864 words
Trigger warning: murder/killing/murder, blood
Note: This was a vtuber lore that I drafted last year and I reconstructed it on the spot so there may still be plot holes here and there, and turned it into a random short story, but I hope you guys enjoy reading this!
In a world full of crime and deception, a shadow detective lurked in every city and every case that was the most difficult to solve was done by them. How do they get the cases? Simple. They hack every police department's files without the cybercrime department noticing. No one knew who they were; citizens weren't sure if the detective was a female or a male, young or old, tall or short, but that didn't matter to the detective as long as they had their work recognized rather than their appearance. Some people envied them, of course. Someone almost tried to doxx the detective, but the detective was quick and clever enough to escape.
The detective eventually became bored with the same routine. Same pattern of cases, no thrill. Not until they got involved in an intriguing serial killer case where almost all the most wanted criminals in the country are killed every other day. The detective thought it was a twisted game. Why the most wanted? Did the suspect want to show off? They would have the main lead, solving each case involved, and then all of a sudden one or two cases would ruin the pattern. Each case tested their patience, at the same time, it was making them excited.
The detective continued solving the case. From one piece of evidence to another. More citizens started to theorize who the detective was. Government officials start hunting the shadow detective. The leaders of the country have also become curious. No one believed there would be another Sherlock Holmes in the country until the shadow detective made a move. Detectives theorized that the shadow detective would show up at each crime scene where the criminals got killed, but the shadow detective was too clever, and their equipment was too advanced. They would be in very convincing disguises and hacking systems with each identity.
In one case, the shadow detective was almost caught by the authorities. Someone had seen the shadow detective unmasked, but they escaped. The detective's problems kept stacking up — a blurry face with different kinds of clothing was posted everywhere. Each poster, each digital screen. New Sherlock Holmes finally revealed?
A text was sent to the detective. Someone knew their identity. The letter reads — Welcome to the final problem, your criminal world. It would be a thrill to have the infamous shadow detective solve it. It was confusing at first, but then the detective realized when they found a bloody knife and packs of drugs on the floor. There were also unknown molded masks and information in their archive. They thought someone had found them and helped them. The cases were done not by another person but by another subconscious. Each picture of a criminal or a normal-looking citizen was all for naught when they found out the killing was done by the detective's alternate self.
It was the last thing they expected because it sounded ludicrous. They thought that what happened to their family had made them feel numb, but they didn't expect the trauma to turn into another being inside of them. Another text followed — You look tense, shadow detective. It has been a long time since you were like that. Would you welcome me? — the detective looked around, their face twitching and holding the knife firmly. A man came down from the second floor of the apartment, wearing a fitted black suit and emphasizing his physique. "Ah. My dearest sibling, you don't need to be so intense. I won't hurt you — or at least, I think I do." The man leans on a wall with his arms crossed and looks at the wall of evidence the detective made. The detective's hands start to shake, and their lips tremble. The man looked at them and laughed, "I suppose you still remember me–"
"You were dead."
"Emphasize the 'were'. I rose from the dead, but don't worry—" The man knocked on his chest "I'm real and not haunting you." The man approached the detective, and they glared at the man. "Stay where you are. I know why you're here." The man stopped and looked amused. "Really? Pray tell."
"Y-You're here for revenge. You wouldn't know where I am if it's not that." The detective seethed with a slight tremble to their breath. Stunned by the response, the man laughs uncontrollably. "Ha~ revenge. You're a real jokester, my dear sibling. No, I already forgave you after that day. I have a case for you. That's why I'm here." Approaching the detective, he picks up a black folder under a pile of files. The detective wondered how they did not notice the folder there but made their focus on the man walking near them. "While you haven't arrested — or should I say can't arrest — the main culprit of your fun serial killer case, read this." The man hands out the folder, and the detective slowly takes it. When the detective opens it, they see their families' pictures and old home.
"Remember them? Of course, you do. You wouldn't be quivering so much if you didn't."
"Why?"
"Why did I give you this case?" The man scoffs, "I believe you missed a spot in that house, and I want you to go back and clean."
"Why are you doing this?!"
"You believed I'm a good brother until the end, do you?" His smile disappeared, and looked at the detective with a sharp stare "I was. Me being a coward and good had cost their lives. It had cost our sanities. We were at a deep disadvantage in the situation. That's why I left. Fortunately, someone found me before the last minute after you tried to murder me. I want us to have our last field trip, clean the place, and say goodbye to our loving family. That's all." The detective widened their eyes and dropped the knife. Smiling, the man picked up the knife and gave it to the detective. "Good. Now you remember."
On a train, the detective looked down and wore a disguise, preventing their hands from shaking. The man is wearing a formal suit and daintily sits near the window — appreciating the view with a smile. Arriving at the last station, the man looked at the detective over his shoulder "Once you say goodbye to that person, I'll begin to help you in what you do. Even if I was not the person you thought I was, I'll try and pretend to be the good brother you deserved. I can be your alibi if you want to." The detective looked at him as he walked into the station. They were confused because they thought the brother despised every fiber of their being. How can someone like them still be forgiven after everything that's happened?
The siblings walked through the gate and saw a multitude of plants wilted, had there been no one to take care of them after a decade. The house was secluded, and behind it was an eerie forest. The detective's hands began to quiver uncontrollably, but a hand held it firmly and gently. He lets go after the shaking stops, and both enter the house. "Let's go to the crime scene." Both walked to the rooftop — small dried spots of blood were seen all over the floor, and the weapon lay in the hidden compartment where it was left.
"Wow, this place takes me back." The brother looked at his sibling with a dazed look and smiled "It's truly a wonder how you knew where I dropped our mother and father, brother dear. Care to tell me why you want us to come back here?"
"Just wanted to chat with you. After all, it's been 6 years since you attempted to kill me out of rage and 11 years since you murdered them." The sibling chortled, (Note: sibling = the detective), "I suppose you're right, but you're bringing up the trauma and anger I hid all those years. Do you want me to kill you again?"
"You're not being nice to your brother. I miss those moments when you feel happy every time I dote on you."
"That was before you left this house, you sucker. You became one of my targets that day."
"Bring them back."
"Who? Your parents?"
"Them."
"Oh, them? They're in fear in a corner, so I had to step out." The alternate grinned menacingly, and the brother remained nonchalant. "What do you want from them? To say farewell and give respect to your parents? Please. I doubt that's what you're planning." The sibling tiptoed to see their brother's eyes with intimidation and smiled "You want them to get rid of me, don't you? That's what you meant by 'missing a spot'?" The sibling laughed and walked to the hidden compartment where the weapon was hidden — it was a gun with a single bullet. "Let's see who 'cleans' this place first. You win — I can leave even if my precious detective still wants to play my games. I win — kill yourself with this gun and drop." The sibling then slid the gun between them. The brother scoffed "Deal."
Both siblings fight for their life. The brother carefully watched the siblings move every time they had a case so he knew how they fought. With training and physical therapy, his physique became so much stronger. The sibling knew each vital part of the person, but the brother was quick to dodge the attacks. The fight lasted for hours, and both movements grew slower.
With both of them down, the alternate was screaming and fighting with herself — saying 'Don't come out!' or 'Stay in the back! You're safe there!' — until it all went quiet. The brother was quietly watching, and with the alternate temporarily gone, the detective came back and cried. "Brother, help me. I'm sorry I let them out. I didn't know they had been doing awful things while I was unconscious. I'll keep them restrained for a while just tell me how to get rid of them." Eyes desperately pleading, hands trembling, disheveled hair, and blood, saliva, and sweat on the floor. The brother sits up while groaning in pain and looks at his sibling, "Kill them in your mind. They're your demon that's been haunting you for years. I know our parents did horrible things to us, but they're gone now, and learn to forgive them. Clean your consciousness and leave all the dirt in this place."
———
3 months passed after the detective embraced the shadows of their past. The detective continues to solve cases and hide. Eventually, the officials gave up looking for the shadow detective as they were doing them good with the amount of unsolved cases solved.
The brother helps her with the work. The detective grew stronger and more clever. They were given a new perspective, a new life purpose, a new experience of complete euphoria and independence. The detective was happy to be seen for their good work and not the crimes the alternative did, and they'll keep on going to solve cases to provide the people who are weak and taken advantage of the justice they deserve.
[ 12:00am ]
![[ 12:00am ]](https://64.media.tumblr.com/6d246505c5ac26702bb08c2266c86d37/12e7ba45c40ca17b-93/s500x750/d34fa7ce52415b946e9f335a4a64d261e2e137d8.jpg)
The world was ghostly-quiet except for my thought flowing like a tears. It would be an understatement if I said I was bored, but who cares.
" Well that all for today class, you may now leave"
I got all my things and left the class. My legs felt like noodles but I needed to keep up my pace with my classmates.
" Is that her "
" Yeah I think so "
" Wow she looks dead "
Whispers filled the hall an di tried to ignore it. I craved for a cigarette.
" I miss her "
All the kids where in the field moving like the sun, while I sat alone by the lemming light. But then I heard a voice. It was a girl my age. Her hair was red, just like blood. The end of hair where poison needles and her eyes where bags of bleach.
" Wow are you get alright"
" Of course i am"
But then the balls rang, as we matched out like ants making an anthills. As always the snakes waited for me outside. I simply moved passed them. Neither caring of my oblige behaviour. Walking down the white clean road, a group of kids ran passed me with sunny smiles.
" God damn it "
It started raining cats and dogs. I quickly ran under Miss Kate shop. She is the embodiment of truth. Today she looked quit glumly, it wasn't anything surprising to me.
" Hey sweetie, are you alright "
" Am good miss "
" Excuse me, could I get a bag for this "
I looked back to see a thrall behind my back. I quickly walked to the back, to wait for my turn.
" Here's your things "
It took like an hour, surprisingly to get to my turn. Lazily walking to the counter, Miss Kate stared at me with her, nurturing eyes. After having a pleasant conversation with her, I left the shop with a light headed mind.
Strolling back to my house, the stars shined on me. I wasn't even near my doors, but that didn't stop me from hearing my dad barking.
Welcomed with the smell of dead soul, some of my dad men where entangled in lust acts. My dad was no different ,he held a women by her throat. While scanning her body like a predictor. This made me wonder, how I was his offspring. He was a sadistic but who am i to judge. He's eyes where locked doors and his hair where dusty granite. The only thing that shocked me to the least was how young looking he was, but I would never trust the devil. I quickly walked to my room. Since I knew he was too busy with his disgusting deeds to notice me coming in. As soon as I entered my room, my eyes wondered to my mirror. My eyes gentle scanned the belt mark on my hand and glue on my hair, from my classmates.
" Is this really me "
I quickly looked away. I couldn't bare my reflections, my broken figure. Then and then, my doors swigged open, revealing a slander figure. It was one of my dad men.
" He want you "
Swiftly moving past him, I walked down the stairs to see my dad laying calmly on the chair.
" I want you to get us drink darling "
Cringing from beneath my stomach, I looked away from him. He never called me " darling ". Only when my mom was alive.
" But its's dark "
" Do I look like I care "
He throw the money at my face, as his men chuckled. Raging out of the house, the pokeroot dusty road consumed me as I made my way down to the shop, only to see two kids playing a game. But it was too dark to see what game it was.
" Hey, what could I get you "
Dropping the cash in front of him, I pointed at the bears behind him. He reliantly got the drinks. I wouldn't blame him, it was pretty late. Reaching into my pocket as he came back to the counter, I felt a crusty dusty cigarette.
" Can you get me a cigarette too please "
" Thank you "
Leaving with a fake smile, I walked back to my house. There a group of boys smoking.
" Could I borrow your lighter "
" Thank you "
Some people say smoker are more liable to death but trust me, nice people die early. I quietly let a sigh out as I reached my house.
" Finally guys, the bears here "
Without a thank you nor sorry from my dad or his men, I walked back to my room. For I am back to my lovely cave, only to smoke and wonder to dream land.
Within seconds, I was back here. Why you may ask, but without an answer. I sat down to listen to my teacher blubbing about our project. But suddenly I felt an ought to let a river out. Rushing to the toilet, I slammed the door. Leaving a cracking smile. One that would remain with me.
Coming out of the toilet, I looked into the mirror, my hair was red, just like blood. The end of hair where poison needles and her eyes where bags of bleach. Leaving with a cracking smile, I got my gun and bulb switch from my tights.
Walking through the halls, I used padlocks to lock all the doors, as all the teacher locked at me with suspicion and fear. I gave them a childish wave with a manic smile as my hand reached the bomb switch without losing eye contact my goals. Doors and glass shattering as screams escaped from all the classrooms. But at the corner of my eyes I noticed one of the teacher was screaming, as she had escaped her death. Just one glance at me, made her legs tremble.
" Why would you do this "
" Why- we both know why "
I really didn't want to waste time on her. As soon as I set my eyes on my gun, she flied. Doors slamming and feet's pattering as the cat and mice chased each other. Swigging my hand swiftly I landed a bullet in her head.
" Sorry miss "
Walking out of the school with a cracked smile, I happily ran down the dark road, only to hear my dad barking. But not for to long. Welcoming with a smell of deal soul, all my dad men where dead. Thank to the poison I had put in there drinks yesterday.
" How could you do this, after all that I had done for you "
Letting a manic laugh, I looked him dead in the eyes
" Why are you laughing "
He screamed like a spoiled child. But down his body went like a broken door as my bullet had claimed him head. I quietly let a satisfied sigh, I sat down on the chair. Lilting my cigarette.
" The world ghostly-quiet "
" And- cut " said the director. that was the last thing I heard before a group of applaud followed. My fellow act and actress hugged and praised me for my great acting. We all screamed with joy, for we had finally finished all shooting for the movie.
" Billie it was nice working with you"
" And it was nice working with you, Mr Dean "
" Thank you" he said with a sunny smile as I hugged him.
I think I'm gonna start reading this one next. Bring on the psychological horror!! From what I've seen others say, it's like Final Destination (I haven't gotten around to the movies yet) so I'm very interested. I love the "I know how you're gonna die" stories
Genres / Themes:
**Gore warning**
Thriller
Psychological
Survival
Girls' Love
Harem
School Life
Horror
Slice of Life
Supernatural
Mystery
Hello Everyone
So my phone is playing up and I'm anxious to release the Jacob black chapter so to make sure it's safe, I'm posting something that has nothing to do with twilight and thought cute to post cause why not, I'm pretty gay and happy so ya know.
Thought it would be nice and of course it is a small little distraction that came to mind so please thoughts would be lovely anyway.
Hope you're all having a lovely day/night and coping with the world.
The idea for this came from this little saying on Pintrest
》》♡♡♡♡♡♡《《
I open the door as red and blue lights shine through the windows. My eyes captured by emerald green with fire ginger curls held back in a bun, "Mrs Lovell?" I smile widely, opening the door wider to reveal my gown of black, pink frills and satin, falling to my feet.
"Sadly yes" I murmur when seeing her delectable lips, she bites at them. "I'm sorry to say your husband has been murdered" I smile meeting my eyes with her own, they widen when seeing me. "Oh darling, that's the best news I've heard since his heart attack" I take a step forward, my heels click on the stone.
"lucky me that it brought such a beautiful looking woman to my door" I purr and her eyes widen before she blushes and looks down, coughing into her fist. "May I come in, ma'am?" I smile "I want nothing more" I purr.
》》♡♡♡♡♡♡《《
I sit down on my lounge and look to her. "Make yourself comfortable," I say, smiling softly. She nods sitting down "I'm detective Anderson-" "first name?" I ask, she looks into my eyes again. "Amber" I smile wide, my red lips portraying perfection and white teeth reflecting poise.
"Well Amber, I have been here all night packing," I say, her eyebrows furrow. "Packing?" I nod "before my husband went wherever he usually goes, he was here arguing with me." She interlocks her fingers and leans forward, I raise a brow at the midnight shade of blue polish she wore.
"What was your argument about?" She asked I lean my head on my soft knuckles as I observe her. "We argue all the time, it's an arranged marriage you see, I was pretty and my family wanted me off, he was rich and needed to look for a bride" she nods "I wanted a divorce," I tell her, she nods. "I'm gay you see and like the rest of my family, he wouldn't accept it" her eyes look to me with sadness.
"I didn't want money, I had enough I wanted out he wouldn't allow it, saying he would be a laughing stock" she nods, I roll my eyes. "Like every argument, he stormed away from the house in anger and left, he comes back in the morning at six to get changed and go to work, then he comes home I bring it up and we argue until it repeats, he usually sleeps at Williams, his best friends" she nods.
"What time did he leave?" She asked I look at the grandfather clock across the sitting area. "He came home at six he was in his office for ten minutes before the maid brought him down to dinner we ate and then I brought it up and he stormed out twenty minutes later so roughly six-fifty" she nods.
I watch her wrist write the words elegantly, her lower lip sucked into her mouth. "You're very beautiful and graceful, detective Amber Anderson" she stops writing to look up at me. "Thank you ma'am" she murmured looking back down. "Do I get to see you at the station?" I ask, she looks up with a soft smile.
"No," she said, disappointment swells inside me. "I should be leaving" I nod and stand walking out of the room and down the hall before back to the front door, I open it and move aside.
"Do come over anytime detective?" I say, she smiles her cheeks turning red. "Thank you for your full co-operation with the LAPD" I nod. She hands me a card "please call me if there is anything else you would see as useful to us" I nod, memorised by her eyes.
"Of course, detective Amber Anderson" she blushes and walks out the door and down the steps to her car. I wave softly before closing the door and looking down at the card, my lips lifting when seeing her personal number with 'call me" scribbled beside it.
》》♡♡♡♡♡♡《《
It's small and perfect and here are the characters
Thoughts on this would be lovely
Thanks
Your writer Bethany
Mystery/maybe-fantasy fiction world building stuff for funsies
Rowena "Winnie" Hart was accepted into a prestigious fantasy school. Her primary motivation is to find the people who murdered her parents and restore justice to her family. She believes that the murderers are linked to a secret society connected with the school.
Her parents, Jacques Hart and Lorelei Hart née Preston, used to study at the school. Her parents were part of the secret society, and were very prominent, high-ranking members. Therefore, Winnie was very famous in the school. The Hart Family was a very prestigious family with good standing. The Preston Family, Winnie's mother's family, was a family of renowned Healers and Potion-brewers.
Jacques and Lorelei had a very romantic and happy love life together, but tragically died young (for a reason that I am still trying to figure out, BTW. I'm also tryna figure out the circumstances of how they died, and whether they died when Winnie was a baby, or more recently).
Lorelei also used to be the Poisoner for the secret society; she was very good at Healing, but found Poisons to be more fascinating. She therefore exercised this talent (secretly, of course; only the society knows about it and they themselves gave her that job) to take out the enemies of the society and the school (the rest of the school didn't know about it). Of course, Lorelei also used her Healing talents publicly when needed.
historical noir detective moodboard
Pre-Order is Now Availabe for The Perfect Little on Amazon.
He's from a Small Northern Community in Canada. His family gained there fortune on shady deals wirh the local communities. He on the other hand doesn't want to be anything like that. So he packs up and travels thousands of miles away from his family to start a new life.
She is from the country. Her family owns a small Cafe in town that doubles as a book club. Her dream, to become a graphic designer. Her reality, working for her family until she saves enough to go off to college.
Two completely separate lives, from two complete different environments.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D328X36J?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100
The Shadows in the Sunlight- A Helion series
Summary: Helion, the High Lord of the Day Court, is known for his charm, power, and control over light. However, when a mysterious female from a forgotten, shadowy court—a court thought to be destroyed long ago—emerges, everything he thought he knew is challenged.
A/n: Well my cookies, we meet again! This time, I am here with a Helion series that I have been thinking of for a while. I think that he is such an interesting character of whom I would love to see more of and since there are barely any posts about him, I asked myself “why not?” And just went ahead with the idea. Anyways I won’t annoy you for any longer, I hope you enjoy the story and please do leave comments if you wish to let me know of your thoughts✨
Helion loved parties, gatherings, balls and whatever else that required him to dress up, dance, drink, flirt and make stupid jokes. Attending them as a guest or the host didn't matter as long as they were fun. But most of all, he loved them because they allowed him to be free of any burdens, worries or ugly thoughts just for a day. For a couple of hours.
"High Lord, which sash would you like? The golden one or the white one with gold details?"
Helion turned his head towards his servant and looked down to the two different colored sashes.
"Gold"
Today was The Unity Ball. It was actually Kallias' idea to create this tradition after the war against Hybern. Every year, one of the courts would host The Unity Ball, bringing together all the other courts and their people in hopes of strengthening ties and improving alliances. It has been three years since the end of the war and so far, three courts have hosted this ball. Winter was first, since it was Kallias' idea after all. Then it was Dawn and just last year, it was Autumn, which honestly was more like a celebration of Beron's death and Eris' ascent to High Lordship.
Now this year, is the Day Court's turn and Helion could only hope that nothing mad ends up happening tonight as it usually does with his parties. With a final few touches to his appearance, Helion took the golden crown and put it on his head, heading out the door with his second-in-command, Maximus, right behind him.
"Who is here so far?"
"All except Spring but that isn't anything new."
Helion chuckled as they went down the grand stairs, "It surely isn't. Tamlin hasn't attended any of our gatherings. Why did we even send an invitation to him?"
Maximus sighed. "Good appearance on our side?"
Helion put his arm on his friends shoulder and laughed as they finally entered the large room filled with all kinds of guests. The moment he entered the room, all eyes turned to Helion as he smiled and headed straight for his throne. Once he got on the dais, he smiled brightly at his guests, and the other high lords with their families, and said,
"This year, I have the honor of hosting The Unity Ball which is why I welcome you all to the Day Court! Where as our saying goes, "Light Everlasting, Truth Unyielding" I hope that tonight, our everlasting light brings you joy as we join one another in friendship and company. To my dear friends, the High Lords, I am very grateful for your attendance in my ball and thank you all for taking the time off your duties to come here. I wish you well and hope you all enjoy the rest of this evening!"
Everyone clapped as Helion gestured for the musicians to begin playing and the servants to begin serving. He sat down on his throne knowing full well that he would get up in two minutes because his patience with just sitting and watching wasn't the best. He needed to interact, dance, drink, and laugh.
See, this was the difference between such formal events and his own unusual parties. There he could go absolutely wild but here, he had to stay formal because...well because he is the high lord of course. And it's not like Helion hates all of these High Lord duties and is some kind of an incompetent ruler. Definitely not. In fact, that is far from the truths. He clearly knows how to rule better than his father ever did because his people are very happy and satisfied. He knows when to be serious and when to let go.
But for some reason, these past few weeks, his past has been getting to him more and more. The monsters that he buried deep somehow managed to slip away and come haunt him. He hasn't been slacking in his job at all, in fact, Helion had buried himself in his duties to distract himself while still keeping the image of a jokester, flirty, and overall a happy male. And at night when he would hold his parties, it was this mask that led to him waking up in a bed with another female or male....or both.
He needed to distract himself more and more. The need to run away from his monsters was getting to him. He had to constantly work, lead a whole nation, party, fuck and stay far away from being alone. If he wasn't alone and instead doing something, keeping his hands and mind at work, his brain would be too busy to overthink anything.
"Uh, Helion? You feeling well?"
Helion was dragged out of his trance by Maximus' voice as he turned his head sideways and looked at his friend, giving him a smile. "Of course I am, Max. Why wouldn't I be?"
His friend just shrugged while looking at him suspiciously. "You have been silently staring at the ground for the past....five minutes. Usually you'd be up and talking with guests in two."
Helion realized his mistake and quickly got up, rolling his shoulders before going down the steps of the dais, saying over his shoulder, "Stop saying nonsense, horseface and go socialize."
His silly words clearly had an affect on Max because he just rolled his eyes with a small smile before heading in the direction of a group of officials.
Helion began chatting, first with Kallias and Thesan, then with Tarquin and Eris, and finally, his favorite, Rhysand. When he approached the high lord, his mate and their court, Helion smiled warmly as he greeted them.
"Ah, my best friend and his beautiful wife."
Rhysand smiled slightly as Feyre giggled while Helion kissed her hand before lightly patting Rhys on the shoulder. "I don't remember us ever being that close, Helion."
Helion just shrugged him off as he greeted Cassian and Nesta, "Oh, we will one day, Rhysie."
Everyone laughed at that, causing Rhysand to shake his head with a sigh. Once he greeted Azriel too, Helion looked at the one guest he had hoped to see the most tonight.....Mor.
She seems to get more and more beautiful and attractive with each time he sees her and the red revealing dress she was wearing tonight clearly wasn't helping. He must have gone silent because Mor chuckled and told him, "Close your mouth or a fly might get in, Heli."
"I am just admiring my beloved."
Azriel scoffed at that as Nesta said, "You two never fail to disgust me when you get together."
Mor just rolled her eyes at the female before smirking. "Well, Helion the idiot is always the one to start so..."
Rhys intercepted before any of them could talk more. "As fun as it is to watch you two strip each other naked with your eyes, I think we should talk of other things, no?"
Helion turned to him, smirked and sling his arm over Rhysand's shoulder before leading him outside, followed by his family. "Of course we can, Rhysie. Didn't know you missed me that much."
Feyre laughed as she said. "You have no idea."
They sat down on one of the large, white seating areas with just as white, sheer curtains hanging above. Helion ordered his servants to bring appetizers and drinks before turning to look at the Inner Circle.
"Well, friends, anything new?"
Cassian laid back on the couch, causing Nesta also to lay back due to his hold on her waist. "If you call me and Nesta creating our own training academy something new then yes."
Nesta playfully hit him on the chest. "We were supposed to tell that together, you idiot."
Everyone chuckled as Helion smiled and clapped his hands. "Well that is some news! Very well done."
But then a thought reached his mind, Helion furrowed his brows and turned to Rhys. "Where is Amren? My tiny little firecraker?"
"You know, if she heard you say that, she would probably slit your throat right on the spot, Helion." Azriel muttered as he took his drink from the table.
Helion smirked. "I would love to see her try, I love feisty ones."
Feyre chuckled "Varian wouldn't be too happy about that either."
Helion's eyes widened in realization. "Is that why he isn't here either? I did think how strange it was that he wasn't stuck to Tarquin's side like he usually was. Wait- are they together? Is that why they both aren't here?"
"Someone had to stay back and guard Velaris. Since for the past three years Mor didn't have time to attend the balls but Amren did, this year she decided to stand back because Mor said she could make it to the ball. As for Varian...well he turned out to be more obsessed with her than he lets us in on. Wherever Amren is, Varian is there too. Right beside her." Feyre said as she leaned into her mates side, putting her head on his shoulder.
Helion nodded his head before looking at Mor beside him, "I see my charm is so irresistible that you just couldn't skip my ball huh?"
Mor rolled her eyes but her lips did twitch upwards as she teased. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Heli. I came here because I had nothing else to do."
Helion smirked. "Sure you didn't, sweetheart." Then he raised his hand with his drink and said, "Now let's drink for...well for me hosting this absolutely fantastic ball!"
He heard Rhys chuckle as they drank a few more times. "Can't believe I will have to see your face and stand your antics next year in my ball."
Helion smiled brightly as he looked at everyone. "Oh yes! Next year is your turn! Oh, high lord, you best believe I will be creating chaos!"
As the night progressed, Helion spent some more time with the Night Court before moving on to socialize with others, trying his best to give everyone attention. After a couple of hours, when the ball was still very much going on, he felt Mor come up beside him near one of the large and tall columns.
"How's it going, high lord?"
He sighed. "Why did no one tell me how hard it would be to have the entire faerie realms in your court? Minus Spring of course because Tamlin is acting like an insolent child."
Mor chuckled and took a sip of her drink as they both eyed the room. "Actually, last I heard, Tamlin was slowly regaining his court back. Apparently he is building better homes for his people and doing something else to bring his own court back. Whatever it is, it seems to be working."
Helion nodded. "Good. He is finally waking up. I should pay him a small visit at some point."
Mor put her hand on his arm, causing him to turn his head sideways to look at her. She smirked back at him saying, "Well, I don't know about the spring court but...we could pay a small visit to a bedroom."
Helion's smirk widened as his eyes hungrily took her in. "You know, I had been waiting to hear that from you all night."
Mor put her drink on a nearby table and grabbed his arm. "Lead the way, high lord."
As they both began weaving their way through the crowds, something caught Helion's eyes from the corner. A small, dark shadow.
It's probably Azriel's. His mind kept telling this to him but something wasn't right. Azriels' shadows were more of a dark black in color but this little thing....it was more of a purple-like. Atleast that's what he saw before it disappeared just as quickly.
As they began climbing up the stairs, Helion suddenly paused. No, his mind was too busy with overthinking that shadow to focus on Mor right now.
"What happened?" Her question made him turn back at her to see a confused face looking back at him.
Helion looked back down the stairs towards where the shadow was and then looked back at Mor. No, he had to know. What is going on? He was too intrigued now.
"I will be back." was all he said before he quickly went down the stairs without waiting for a reply, his mind too busy with finding that little shadow.
Ignoring the guests who tried coming towards him, Helion made his way through the crowds as he followed his inner voice and headed straight towards the garden at the other side of the palace.
The Day court's gardens were far more different than any other gardens. They are suspended on multiple levels, with each terrace floating gracefully in the clouds, connected by shimmering bridges made of sunlight and gold-veined crystal. The terraces themselves are made of pale, luminous stone that seems to glow softly in the daylight, reflecting the sun's rays.
The entire garden is bathed in a warm, golden light that filters through the clouds, casting everything in a soft, almost otherwordly glow. The flora are like any other. They are larger and more vibrant, with petals that shimmer like gold foil. The trees are tall and slender, their leaves a mixture of deep green and gold, sparkling as if dusted with stardust. There are waters within fountains that glow softly with their sheen light and statues made of crystal that captures the light and refracts it in dazzling patterns.
Overall, this place is Helion's pride and joy as he was the one who designed it and brought in all the flora. This is the calmest location in the entire palace and possibly Helion's most favorite for that very reason.
But this time, he was not alone. A mysterious cloaked figure was standing near a fountain, their back turned to him. Helion didn't want to call the guards because he knew that whoever this was, he could deal with them himself. Even a tiny part of him was telling him that he shouldn't attack whoever this is.
As if sensing his presence, the cloaked figure shifted slightly but didn't turn around. Helion took slow steps towards them, keeping his eyes focused on the figure, making sure he or she doesn't pull any tricks on him.
Once he reached them, he tried looking into their face but the hood made it impossible for him to even see their side profile."Do I know you?"
No answer.
Helion warily looked between them and the water before asking, "Uhh, you do not seem like someone I have met-"
"Tell Azriel that they are all dead."
So this mysterious impostor was a she. Her cool, icy and yet smooth tone made Helion feel both drawn and slightly unnerved by her. But it was that sentence that made him pause.
"What? I don't understand. Who is dead? Who are you?"
That is when he saw that small shadow from earlier reappear once again as the female said while suddenly turning and walking away, "I have to find who was behind it. I have to stop it. I will kill them all."
Helion was completely dumbfounded now which is something that he never was. He was always a step ahead of everyone, always aware of everything, always having answers to anything and everything. But this...this was new.
He quickly followed after her as she went deeper into the gardens saying, "What are you talking about? What is happening? Do you need help? Who are you trying to stop?!"
"I don't need any help. I simply came here to lure you in so that you could deliver my message to Azriel."
"Why can't you tell him yourself? Why aren't you in the ball? Where are you even from-"
"You talk too much, high lord. I must go, just let Azriel know of the news."
"Go where?!" and then, as if his mouth moved of its own accord, Helion said the words he wasn't even planning on offering aloud, "I can help you! Whatever it is, do you need help?"
She stopped, her back still turned to him and Helion wanted nothing more than to just rip that dark cloak away so that he could see her face. He could only imagine what she looks like if her voice was this beautiful.
"I don't need any help."
Helion scoffed before taking her shoulder, intending to turn her around but once he did that, the cloak fell down, and there was no one but dark purple shadows under it. The shadows too, soon disappeared, leaving Helion in shock as to what just happened.
************
"Helion! Where were you? It's not really a good look when you leave your own ball for a prolonged time. Couldn't you wait some more before fucking someone in some corner of the palace?!" Maximus hissed at him the second helion entered the large ballroom.
Helion ignored his friend, heading straight for the inner circle. "Not now, Max. We will talk later."
"What-" but Helion just passed by Max, not giving him the time to answer. The moment he saw Rhysand, he quickened his steps as he reached the sitting area where Rhys and his court were. Mor was there, and got up immediately when she saw him.
"Where were you? What happened? Did something go wrong?"
But Helion ignored her words and just glared at Azriel, his clearly serious expression evident on his face because Rhysand immediately got up, asking, "What is it?"
"I saw a shadow earlier."
Helion saw the clear confusion written over everyone's faces, causing him to sigh and cross his arms. "At first, I thought it was one of Azriel's but then something in me told me to follow that shadow. So I found it, in the gardens...and I also found who it belonged to. Shocking information but....it wasn't Azriel."
That caused the shadowsinger to furrow his brows as Feyre quickly asked, "What? Then who was it?"
Helion tore his gaze apart from the winged male and looked at everyone. "Well, I couldn't tell, really. The figure was completely clothed in a black cloak and it's hood was covering her face but she was a female. Could tell by the voice. Anyways, I asked her who is she, what is she doing here and all those things but she didn't answer them. Instead, guess what she said,"
Helion didn't give anyone the time to respond as his eyes collided with Azriel's while saying the words, "Tell Azriel that they are all dead."
For the first time in his life, Helion saw the shadow singers stony expression change as his eyes widened, shock overtaking his features.
"Wait, wait- what?!" Cassian's voice too, was full of disbelief as he got up from the couch, staring at Helion.
Mor quickly looked back at Azriel. "What does that mean, exactly?"
Azriel also got up as his expression turned calculating. "I have no idea. Who- what- I don't understand. Who is dead?!"
They all turned to look back at Helion but he just shrugged, saying, "Well, I don't know either. She said that and then began walking away, saying over and over again that she would find who did this, stop them or kill them. I tried asking more, even offered help but the second I even touched her, the cloak fell down and there was nothing but air under it. How does one even disappear like that?"
Cassian whistled, chuckling. "Now that, is impressive."
"So a shadowy, cloaked, female appears in your garden, tells you to tell Azriel that everyone is dead, then proceeds to mutter to herself about murder and whatever else and then disappears just as mysteriously? I would love to meet her for sure." Nesta said with a small smirk overtaking her face.
Rhysand looked back at Helion, "Do we know how to find her? Where she may be? Whoever she is, whatever she is doing, it seems quite...important. Is she connected to Azriel in some way?"
Azriel shook his head. "We need to go, now. We need to get to work and whoever this is, I need to know what she means."
Feyre voiced her agreement as Rhys nodded and then looked back at Helion. "Let's inform one another if there are any leads on the matter. Get your best researchers on the job."
Helion nodded as he watched them winnow away, wondering all about the mysterious figure.
Who was she? Where was she coming from? What did she even mean?
And most importantly, why did Helion feel so intrigued by her?
Well, it's not often (actually, never) that he gets this interested and intrigued by someone but now, he was definitely curious.
And Helion was for sure not about to let go of whoever she is anytime soon.
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The Shadows in the Sunlight- A Helion series
Summary: Helion, the High Lord of the Day Court, is known for his charm, power, and control over light. However, when a mysterious female from a forgotten, shadowy court—a court thought to be destroyed long ago—emerges, everything he thought he knew is challenged.
She stood in the heart of the ruins, shadows curling around her like old friends. Once, this had been her sanctuary, a place of laughter and life. Now, only silence greeted her. Her fingers brushed against the cold stone of the shattered throne, a hollow ache spreading through her chest. It was as if the world had forgotten them, buried them under layers of time and dust. She closed her eyes, letting the memories flood back—the day she had been taken, the dark spell that had bound her, and the centuries lost in the blink of an eye. Everyone she loved, everyone she knew, was gone. All that remained was her, a ghost of a forgotten era, with only shadows for company. But she would not let their deaths be in vain. She would find the one responsible, and she would make them pay.
"Why?" she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. The shadows around her seemed to stir, as if answering her call. They whispered back, unintelligible murmurs that resonated with her pain. Marielle clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She had been a fool, so easily ensnared by the dark spell that had stolen her life. She had trusted the wrong people, believed in alliances that had been nothing more than lies. The spell had taken her away, and when she finally managed to come back, everything she knew had been turned to ashes.
She had no idea how long she had been gone. Centuries, perhaps millenia. Time had no meaning where she had been trapped. But she knew, with a certainity that burned in her veins that someone had orchestrated it all. Someone had wanted her court destroyed, her people erased from history.
Marielle looked at her shadows, her only companions left, her resolve hardening. She would uncover the truth behind the destruction of her court. With a final look at the shattered remnants of her past, Marielle turned and walked away, her cloak of shadows trailing behind her like a veil of night. The path ahead was uncertain, but she would walk it. For her people, for her court, for the shadows that never abandoned her. She would walk it until the end.
For over a month, Marielle went from place to place, hiding in the shadows and listening in on any and every promising conversation regarding the courts. It had been tough, coming back from being trapped for so long, expecting your court to be there but only finding ruins and dust. Marielle had to get used to this new world and she did, quite quickly, of course. Though her resentment for everyone did not lessen one bit.
How could everyone just forget her court? Her people? Did her people's history get wiped out so long ago that no one cares to remember anymore?
She studied the maps and read the books that she could find, though she stuck to the shadows, preferring not to reveal her face, for she could easily stand out due to her unique looks. She learned all about the new courts, the most recent wars, treaties and all regarding this new world. She even slowly began teaching herself the common language, quickly getting the hang of it due to her impressive educational background.
But she needed more, she needed to find more. And as if the Gods above heard her whispers, they dropped a very crucial knowledge right on to her lap.
The Unity Ball. Tomorrow evening.
That was her chance to see all these leaders or...high lords, as they call themselves, in one place at the same time. Her chance to secretly snoop around and gather whatever information she could find.
Marielle sighed and leaned back in her chair, staring at the board and it's contents in front of her. She had written all about the new world. Her theories, her analysis, the high lords, their families, the wars and their causes, which court could be the suspect and so on. Ronan would have laughed at her if he saw her now, possibly calling her a scrollhead for getting deeply engrossed in this. She smiled at the memory of his face and the thought of his name.
She had written and outlined in great detail about everyone who is currently an important figure. All except the Night Court. Marielle looked at the scriptures beside her. There is Rhysand, he is the high lord of this Night Court, even though during her timeline, the land was called Nythoria, filled with magic and mystery. She shook her head, bringing her thoughts back.
Then, there is the high lady, Feyre Archeron, a human-turned fae who apparently saved everyone from long years of torture. Lucky them, Marielle only wishes she could have had a savior like Feyre. Next she read another scripture about her sisters, Elain, Nesta, her mate Cassian and everyone else until all that was left from the close relations to Rhysand was one name, Azriel.
"The spymaster, the high lord's brother, raised in the Illyrian mountains together, a great warrior whatever, whatever." Marielle rolled her eyes. Since when did fae get so cocky? Everytime she reads about them, there are at least ten different lines of praise rather than actual information about the figure.
Marielle was about to close the scripture and call it a day when her eye caught onto one word.
Shadowsinger.
She furrowed her brows, a tiny sliver of hope rising within her chest.
"The shadowsinger, controlling shadows that allow him to blend in with darkness, constantly swirling beside him, one of the most rare abilities in the history of fae."
Marielle's eyes widened as she kept reading more and more about him. Yes, his parents didn't hail from her court but his powers....
This was promising. Maybe Azriel is also interested in knowing more about his powers and their history, how or why he has them? Marielle didn't know the details, the information and knowledge on this shadowsinger being very limited.
Maybe she could warn him? He possibly doesn't know of her court either. Maybe if she sent a word to him, he would get curious and began searching too? And if she secretly checked on the Night court from time to time, maybe they would be able to find something? But...the Day Court is the one most known for their libraries and knowledge, or atleast what's left of them after Amarantha destroyed most of them.
That means maybe she could get Helion on the job too? Surely he would get curious too if she told him to tell Azriel the message. Hopefully, her plan would work and she wouldn't be the only one doing the work. Hopefully, these strangers will be able to find something.
They can, right? They have all that power and resources, might as well put them to good use.
It's all set then, tomorrow, she won't only sneak around the palace to gather anything related to what she needs, but also speak with the high lord of Day. Let him know of her message that she needs him to deliver to Azriel.
********
One thing is for sure, the Day court is the most breathtaking one out of all the others. The palace itself, an architectural marvel, rises majestically with its walls of pale, sunlit stone that seem to glow warmly. Its spires and towers reach towards the sky, adorned with intricate carvings of sun motifs and celestial patterns that catch and reflect the light, creating a dazzling display of shifting shadows and highlights.
The gardens surrounding the palace are a spectacle of vibrant colors. Blossoming flowers in every hue imaginable—crimson roses, golden marigolds, and violet irises—create a stunning mosaic against the backdrop of lush, well-tended lawns. Fountains and reflective pools are scattered throughout, their surfaces catching the sunlight and adding a touch of magic with the constant play of light and water.
Inside, the Day Court's palace is equally breathtaking. The interiors are flooded with natural light, thanks to expansive windows that allow the sun to pour in uninterrupted. The grand hallways and are decorated with rich tapestries and fabrics in warm, golden tones, enhancing the feeling of warmth and radiance.
The floors are often made of polished marble or fine stone that reflects the sunlight, creating a sense of grandeur and space. High ceilings are adorned with intricate, gilded moldings and frescoes depicting celestial scenes and sunlit landscapes. The walls are lined with artworks and sculptures that celebrate the light and warmth of the Court.
Yes, this place doesn't really match with Marielle's darkness and if she were to step out into the light she would stick out like a sore thumb with her dark clothes but....for some reason this one is the only place which brought her true comfort and warmth and it's definitely not because of the sun.
She stuck to the corners, the shadows as she navigated her way through the palace. Unfortunately, she couldn't find anything useful and the libraries were very well protected. Marielle had to give it to the Day court, they knew how to protect their most powerful possessions. Her mother could take an example from them-
Her mother, is dead.
Marielle shook her head, reigning the tears in. She gave herself only a day to mourn her lost life. Only a day. Then, fury and thirst for revenge overtook her as she began gathering knowledge all about the new world.
You are the last of your people, Marielle. You can not die until you get justice for them. All of them.
"Do I know you?" That voice...it's Helion. Well, seems like the shadow she sent to get his attention did well enough. Earlier, when Marielle saw all the high lords, she only looked at them once to make sure that they are who she believes them to be. But it was Helion, the high lord of the Day Court that she couldn't stop looking at more than once.
He was very muscular and his crown of golden spikes seemed to only add to his shimmering appearance. Dark brown skin, onyx hair, a blinding smile....this male was truly the sun personified as everyone calls him.
Don't get ahead of yourself, Marielle. You hate too much brightness.
That thought brought her back from her daydream as she heard the high lord speak again, this time much closer.
"Uhh, you do not seem like someone I have met-"
He talks too much, too. "Tell Azriel that they are all dead."
That seemed to shut him up as Marielle just stared at the water, unblinking, the hood of her cloak covering her face almost entirely.
"What? I don't understand. Who is dead? Who are you?"
Alright, she did not have the patience for this. Maybe this was a mistake, she shouldn't have alerted anyone. Yes, you should do it alone, Marielle.
As she turned around and began walking away, Marielle could hear Helion's fast footsteps right behind her as he followed her. This male-
"What are you talking about? What is happening? Do you need help? Who are you trying to stop?"
"I don't need any help. I simply came here to lure you in so that you could deliver my message to Azriel."
"Why can't you tell him yourself? Why aren't you in the ball? Where are you even from-"
Mother above, when does this male stop talking? "You talk too much, high lord. I must go, just let Azriel know of the news." She had to get out of here immediately.
But Helion, it seems, just loves to blabber. "Go where? I can help you! Whatever it is, do you need help?"
That made her pause. Why would he even offer to help her? He doesn't even know her! Does this high lord just go around offering help to anyone who may be a threat to his people? She clearly misjudged him then, Helion was an idiot.
As she began gathering her powers, Marielle said her final words. "I don't need any help." And then, as if she never even was here, Marielle summoned her shadows and disappeared.
As she came back to the abandoned little cottage that was barely big enough to even hold one bed, Marielle began gathering her things. Everything was set in motion now. And she was sure that they would be looking for her too. Marielle couldn't stay here for any longer. She took all that she needed, put her other cloak back on, and left the cottage. Then, she let go of her shadows, and watched as they destroyed the already broken down cottage, leaving back no trails.
See, this was always the difference between her shadows and anyone elses. They were very crazy, having a mind of their own and if she didn't keep and iron grip on them, Marielle feared what they would do to everyone except her once they were freed.
Of course, them being crazy wasn't the only thing that made her unique. That made her stand out. But, Marielle wasn't about to explain that to anyone.
*********
After weeks of tracking down leads that ultimately yielded little, Marielle stumbled upon a new rumor—one that hinted at a hidden archive containing forgotten knowledge about ancient fae magic. This archive was supposedly located within the heart of a remote mountain range, a place whispered about in hushed tones among scholars and adventurers.
Determined to investigate, Marielle set out for the mountains. The journey was arduous, marked by treacherous paths and unyielding weather. But her persistence paid off when she discovered the entrance to a concealed cave. Inside, the cave led to a series of underground chambers that had been untouched for centuries. Her excitement grew as she uncovered ancient texts and artifacts, each one offering pieces of the puzzle she was desperate to solve.
In one of the chambers, she found a scroll describing a ritual that supposedly had the power to manipulate time—a ritual that might help her understand or even reverse what had happened with the artifact she accidentally triggered. Marielle’s heart raced as she unrolled the scroll, carefully reading the instructions. This could be the key to finding a way back to her own time, or at least gaining more insight into her predicament.
But as she continued to decipher the scroll, a sudden noise echoed through the cavern. Her instincts kicked in, and she quickly concealed herself in the shadows, clutching the scroll tightly. A group of rugged mercenaries, clearly hired to guard the archive, had discovered her presence. They moved with practiced stealth, their eyes scanning the dim light of the cavern.
Marielle knew she had to act quickly. She summoned her shadows to create a barrier, trying to buy herself some time. When the mercenaries breached her shadow defenses, she wielded her powers to form weapons from the darkness around her—shadowy swords, whips, and bows materialized at her command. She fought valiantly, her weapons striking with precision and force.
Despite her best efforts, the mercenaries were relentless. Their numbers and skill began to overwhelm her. As she fought, one of them landed a blow with a jagged blade, cutting deeply into her side. The pain was immediate and excruciating, blood pouring from the wound and staining her clothes and the cavern floor.
Even as she summoned a shadowy bow and arrows to try and hold them off, her strength began to falter. She shifted the weapons into a defensive wall of shadows, but it was clear she was running out of energy. The mercenaries pressed harder, breaking through her defenses.
In a desperate move, Marielle tried to summon all her remaining power to create a final, massive weapon—a shadowy scythe intended to clear her path and provide a means of escape. However, the strain on her injured body was too much. The spell was unstable and chaotic, the shadows flickering wildly.
The cave around her began to blur as she chanted an incantation, attempting to teleport to safety. A blinding flash of light engulfed her, and she felt herself being pulled through a vortex of swirling magic. The sensation was disorienting, her vision clouded by the chaotic magic and the agony of her wound.
When the light finally faded, Marielle found herself collapsing on the polished marble floor of a grand hall. Her vision was hazy, but she could make out the opulent surroundings of the Day Court's palace—the golden walls, intricate tapestries, and the radiant sunlight streaming through the expansive windows.
Helion, the high lord of the Day Court, was standing nearby. His golden crown gleamed brilliantly, and his expression shifted from surprise to concern as he saw her crumpled form on the floor.
Barely conscious, Marielle managed to whisper through her pain, "Maybe I do need help."
As darkness began to close in around her, she saw Helion rushing towards her with a mixture of worry and determination on his face. The last thing she felt before succumbing to the blackness was the high lord’s presence—his powerful aura and the sense that perhaps, for the first time in a long while, she might find the assistance she so desperately needed.
"In the hush of the twilight, where shadows gently play, Dreams are spun in moonlight, until the break of day. Close your eyes, my starlight, let the night unfold, In the arms of darkness, let your dreams take hold.
Stars will guide you softly, through the velvet night, Shadows dance around you, cloaked in silver light. Whispered secrets linger, where the dark meets the sky, In the veil of twilight, you will never say goodbye.
Rest beneath the moonbeam, let the night caress, In the realm of shadows, find your peace and rest. For in the darkened echoes, where our hearts reside, You are safe, my darling, with the night as your guide."
"In an age shrouded with twighlight, there was a time when the shadows danced with light." Marielle whispered as her grandmother kissed her cheek and stroked her hair.
"Good, you remember the final sentence of the song."
Marielle gigled as she said, "How could I not, granny moon?" You always sing it to all of us!"
Her grandmother laughed. "Oh my moonflower, how I love it when you call me that!"
A knock on the door came before one of the servants stepped in.
"My Noble Dowager, the Empress calls you to the throne chamber. Says it is of upmost importance."
Marielle's grandmother sighed before landing another gentle peck to her head and getting up from the bed.
"I must go see what your mother wants. Sleep now, moonflower."
Marielle watched with a small pout, as her grandmother left the room. Her granny moon was like the silver moon personified, with her silver eyes and silver hair. Marielle always wished that she would look like her but, alas, she did not.
Her granny moon always had time for her, even when her mother and siblings didn't. Granny moon even once whispered her a secret that out of all of her grandkids, Marielle was her favorite.
She did not want to let go, she did not want to leave this sweet memory. But she did. Because Marielle was now swimming in a pool of water, darkness all around her.
Her granny moon, her mother, her aunts, her sisters and brothers, her cousins, her friends, her people, they were all dead. Her home was no longer there.
What happened? Who did this?
Marielle didn't have any clue, and the only clue she had, that scroll that she found, got ripped during the attack. Now, she was swimming in an endless void-
"Hey! Please don't die on me!"
"I mean, I don't even know your name or anything so..."
Were these faint echoes of Helion's voice?!
How did she even end up in his presence again?
There was a bright light coming in from somewhere.
Marielle hated light. She hated Helion and she hated everyone else too, they ruined her life. Doesn't matter if none of them ever existed when she did, her whole court is dead while theirs is alive and well.
She felt her powers draining as her body slowly got submersed under the water. Maybe this was her final moments alive and she had to relieve her most comforting memory. See her granny moon for a final time.
She was in pain and somewhere far off, Marielle could hear more of Helion's voice but she couldn't listen anymore. She needed sleep. She needed....
Marielle closed her eyes as her consciousness too, got completely submersed underwater.
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Taglist: @rcarbo1
Thrilling Tuesday || Knives Out (2019) Film Review
Thrilling Tuesday || Knives Out (2019) Film Review
Agatha Christie! She was the very first thing that came to mind when I first watched the trailer for Knives Out. I am an Agatha Christie fan and was on my streak of rereading a few of her mystery books when the Knives Out trailer came out. Since I was in that Agatha Christie mind space, I immediately went for the theory that it’s a film adaptation or inspired by one of her books. The atmosphere,…
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A little bit about a personal project. Back in 18, I started painting a story about teenagers in a mystical village. It takes place in Grey Valley, a very ordinary village where the sisters come for the summer. But one unfortunate night, they find a strange box in their grandmother's house - letting out the devil. And then a heap of magical problems descends on the heads of all the inhabitants. All chapters are now available to read on Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coxickcomics.greyvalley Or on ichio https://iren-kharab.itch.io/ The prologue is completely free so you can decide if you like the story.
Point-Click Mystery Game (Release 11 May)
Here are some more snippets from my game which I am currently working on. Only two weeks left to play part 1 of the Flavia de Luce Mystery!
I will post the link here and in a separate post once it’s published. I’m so excited for it!
Stay tuned.
(For more infos and process follow my student blog @winonaottoblog)
Update: Public release has been set back for a private view on the 5th of June in Bournemouth where it will be playable live!