Storm's Rapture | Storms Series: Book 1 (This is a Co-Write)

Chapter 61: Cyris

AN: No Piarari Key needed this time. Be sure to drop some comments as you read. Enjoy!

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It had been two days since Rosanna's birthday and we'd had a fantastic time celebrating it! However, things for me had changed drastically. Akodic's curse was taking its toll, and it was interfering with my sleep. As I tried to fall asleep that night pain shot through my body and the terrifying screams echoed in my ears. I sat up in bed covered in sweat, unable to sleep anymore and it took everything I had not to scream. I couldn't let Rosanna know about this. She didn't deserve this stress. The pain eventually subsided and I heard a soft soothing voice.

It was singing. The gentle Piarari words of the lullaby soothed me. And I recognized it! It was the same lullaby that used to send me off to sleep when I was a boy. The melody drew me in, and curiosity got the better of me. I got up quietly, careful not to wake Rosanna, then got dressed in a hoodie, sweat pants, and sneakers. I chased the voice until I made it outside. Even then, it was loud in my ears, and it sounded like it was coming from the forest. I went to explore the woods, using the faint melody to lead my way. As I got closer, I could hear a familiar voice calling out to me. One I hadn't heard in years.

"Cyris..."

The voice was sweet, comforting, and soothing. I couldn't help but follow it and eventually found myself near a lake. A woman was standing near the water. Her wispy ghostly form was unnerving and for a moment I thought that she was another soul looking to cross over, but I didn't hear any screaming, so what was this?

"Come here, Cyris," she called out.

And once again, I couldn't help but obey. It was like something in me was hardwired to listen to this woman. But why? As I got closer, I noticed some of her features, like her golden blonde hair and light skin. But her hazel eyes were what stood out to me the most, and as I looked into them it dawned on me... My heart shattered in my chest as I finally recognized her for who she was.

"Mother?!"

"Hello, my son," she greeted me. It really was her. Nerida Castellan nee Garrison was here.

"But I...I don't understand... Why are you here? H-How can I see you?!"

"I never moved on from this plane," she explained. "My soul lingered in the castle after I died. My death allowed me to feel the pain of my children in full force and I've been watching over you and your sister for years now. As for how you can see me...your tether to Akodic allows you to see the dead, Cyris. And accepting that tether was reckless. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that."

I winced, knowing my mother was right. It was reckless. "I know..." I bit my lip. "I just couldn't live without her, Mom."

My mother nodded in understanding, and we both were silent for a moment.

"But why isn't...Dad here?" I glanced at my mother with sorrow filled eyes.

"Your father...has moved on from this plane," Mother sighed. "He loved you, Cyris, and it hurt him to leave you, but he had no choice. His soul didn't have the strength to linger. The Trillium... Your father's murder was too brutal."

I averted my eyes and let a few tears fall, quickly wiping them away before looking back at her. "You said...'pain of your children.' Mom...what happened to Circe?" I asked.

Tears welled up in my mother's eyes as she spoke. "Your sister has had a terrible childhood, Cyris. Perhaps more terrible than yours. You at least had your father for some time, but Circe...Circe grew up thinking that your father and I abandoned her...that we thought she was lesser than you because you were the heir to the throne and she wasn't." She began to cry. "And I think it's time you learned the true extent of your sister's pain," Mother continued shakily. "You two have been fighting long enough. You went after each other's lovers for goodness' sake! And I know that there is little chance of Circe listening to me... I hate to admit it, but she's far too lost for that at the moment, but I know that you'll at least hear me out."