The Realm Protectors

Chapter 31 - Nikolina

Despite the fact that we had to spend three torturous hours in the Steinslott with Senator Darcio, the day ends magnificently. By the time we finally emerged from his nightmarish manor, the sun was setting and the city was diving headfirst into the Vakker Kveld celebrations.

"What's going on again?" Enya asks me on our way back down the winding steps to the city.

"Tonight marks the start of Vakker Kveld, the week of the new moon." I do my best to explain while making sure I don't trip on the steep stairs. "People stay up 'til dawn dancing and feasting all week."

The sky continues to darken as we descend to Den Svarte Byen and the Torget. A masterpiece of plum purples and fire oranges streaks across the sky above the ring of mountains. Pinpricks of light begin to appear as the moon rises to it's height – a mere sliver of light above our heads.

Strings of miniature bluelights have been strung across the Torget, weaving between stalls covered in assortments of food and draped in black material. A small platform has been set in the middle of the square, where musicians in black robes play various instruments. Upbeat music with a surprisingly melancholy melody can be heard as we make our way into the Torget.

"Wow," My friends breathe in admiration.

"Welcome to Vakker Kveld." I smirk.

I show them all around the stands, which ones have the desserts, the sweet fruits, the spiced meats, and most importantly – the drinks. The musicians play all night, as more and more stars appear above our heads, and the moon makes its crescent journey over our heads. Tucker disappears at some point, running off to find drinks or old friends or something of the sort.

We spin around the Torget all night, dancing with each other, alone, and with the people of my home. I laugh, never feeling such a high in my life. No Vakker Kveld has felt quite as special as this one. Spinning here with Avani and Ciana and Faris and Carter and Lyra... I've never felt so free.

Not even my mother's glaring stare can pierce this elation, and when I finally collapse in my bed back in the hotel, I sleep more peacefully than I have in weeks.

***

I blink awake and stretch, my hands brushing the headboard behind me. The sun barely peeks through the curtained windows.

"Just how I like it," I smile to myself with a sigh.

A knock at my door makes me jump and pull the covers higher. Ciana pokes her head in with a tired smile.

"Breakfast is ready," She says. "Tucker made cinnamon rolls."

"With frosting!' Avani whoops from the hallway. Ciana laughs and shakes her head.

"I'll be there in a minute." I reply. She shuts the door and I throw back the covers, stumbling over to my closet. I throw on a pair of black jeans and a comfy sweater before running my fingers through my hair. My door swings open and I jump, some kind of pitiful squeak coming out in the process. Avani stands in the open doorway, a cinnamon roll in her hand and frosting sticking to her lips. My stomach rumbles at the sudden waft of sweet, sugary smell.

"You better run if you want one." Avani says around the cinnamon roll in her mouth. "Nile and Faris are fighting for the last one."

I snort. "Alright alright, I'm coming." I follow her back down the hallway to see Nile pinning Faris to the kitchenette cabinets while his arm stretches for the last cinnamon roll on the stove. I snap my fingers, my ability rushing through my body. The lights go out and the boys cry out. I scurry over to the stove and grab my breakfast before snapping again as I settle onto the couch.