192 lives

Prologue

703AD ~

"I love you, Ciara" mumbles Orion as he looks into my eyes. I've always loved him, since the moment I laid eyes on him. "I love you too, Orion" The small slightly slanted smile, I've always loved makes its way onto his face. He slowly raises his hand to my face, and lightly rubs his thumb on my cheek. Gazing into my eyes with all the love he has for me, slowly lowering his head to mine. His lips so close to mine but feel like a million miles away. His lips finally hit mine, as his hand goes from my cheek to the back of my neck and his other hand grabbing my hip pulling me closer. His tongue lightly pokes out, and I open my mouth a little bit wider to deepen our kiss. Knowing this might be the last time I see him for the next day, making the kiss that much sweeter. He pulls me even closer, not that there was much space left between us.

Two nights and then it's my eighteenth birthday, the night we decided to run away together. Our families never would allow us to be together. Orion was promised to Lyra the daughter of our town's healer, the one with magic blood. Their marriage was supposed to happen on the same day as my birthday, an unfortunate coincidence.

Orion and I have known each other since we were just children, we weren't always close or even really friends. It wasn't until we were about fifteen when we noticed each other. I've always liked him or at least thought he was the cutest boy around ever since I was young.

Orion finally pulls back from our kiss breathing deeply moving both his hands to my face, his eyes searching mine. Looking for something, not exactly sure what. Looking at my lips, most likely puffy from our intense kiss. Moves one of his thumbs around my bottom lip rubbing it and groaning. "I don't think I can be without you for the next day Ciara." He's searching my eyes again, I think with worry or maybe sadness. I'm not quite sure what's wrong. I smile at him, hoping to reassure him I say " It's only one day, then we will be spending the rest of our lives together. One more moon to pass alone and a million more to spend together." He just nods his head and smiles sadly at me, agreeing with me but he still has some sadness in his eyes. His lips press to my forehead, lingering for a little while but I know this is out goodbye until tomorrow night. Orion steps away, his hand slowly slipping from my face as he backs away and then slowly turns and walks back to town.

I wait back for a little bit, deciding I'll take the long way around to get home along the river. It's a slow but deep river, I've spent many days walking along it by myself, or with Orion. Over the years it's become our place. Well, it was our place, we'll find a new place in the future. It's almost dark by the time I finally arrive home, the sun just setting. My father is passed out in his chair by our fireplace, he's always resting there. I head to bed, wanting the next day of my new life to start as soon as possible.

By the time I wake it's already midday, I already packed days prior, so I have nothing to worry about. Just need to wait until tonight's party, go for a few hours then escape into the night with Orion. Lyra wanted to have a big gathering with food and drink the night before her wedding. Orion and I decided that tonight would be the best time to leave because everyone would be filled with drinks and not be on alert for strange happenings.

I crawl out of bed, deciding it's finally time to get up eat some food and get ready for tonight's gathering.

Time flies by and I'm already walking to the gathering. I can already hear the music coming from the lyre and aulos, probably a few other instruments but those I can tell right away. As I get closer I see people dancing, eating and drinking. Flowing together in harmony and happiness, I smile and wander over to the food for a bite to eat. I hear a distinct laugh behind me, I glance behind me and see Lyra. She's standing with some of her friends drink in hand, seeming happier than I've ever seen her before. A part of me hurts for her, knowing she doesn't deserve this. Lyra has never done a mean thing to me, it's not her fault her family put her in an arranged marriage Orion never wanted.