Chaos Reigns: Book One in the World of Nōmth Fantasy Romance Series

Illusions

"Sera?" Hollany reached out and placed a hand on Sera's knee.

Sera jolted awake, eyes quickly finding Hollany and relaxing with relief. Hollany sat up and allowed Sera to pull her into a tight embrace. Sera placed a kiss on Hollany's forehead, but Hollany sought after Sera's lips. Sera kissed her quickly but immediately asked, "What happened? You were gone for so long, I thought you were gone for good."

Hollany frowned. "How long was I asleep?"

"It's been two days," Sera replied seriously. "Your family has all come to visit you, they've declared war on the Goblin Savannah, my golem facsimiles are preparing to fight with them right now."

"I was receiving visions," Hollany explained, rubbing her head. "Something's going on with Esinama and Sin, my sister and her curse," Hollany explained. "I think Vlatihim has something to do with it." Sera's expression darkened and fear clutched Hollany's chest. "What else has happened while I was asleep?"

Sera heaved a sigh. She looked down and then up at Hollany with regret etched into her features. "Sin tried to kill your brother, Artholl. He's been in the Sunlast infirmary almost as long as you've been here. He's been ravaged by dark magic and the healers are struggling just to keep him alive. Esinama has banished herself to the dungeons with Sin, in shame or fear of herself, I'm not sure. The reports aren't pretty. Sin is not treating Esinama well."

Hollany burst up from the cot, pulling Sera to her feet.

"No! We can't let that happen, listen it's hard to explain, but I think Vlatihim must have framed Sin for that attack. In my dreams, I saw him, and my family..." Hollany lost steam, slowing as she pictured the haunting images, but she shook her head and continued to pull Sera out of the infirmary, "we have to help her."

"Hey, sweetheart," Sera said, stopping and attempting to soothe her. "I'm listening, and I will help you, but you've just woken up from a two-day coma, I think you need to slow down."

Hollany gave Sera a pleading look. "You don't understand," Hollany choked, tears welling in her eyes. "My family needs me, they're all in danger."

Sera enveloped Hollany in a hug, whispering protectively in her ear that they'd get through this together. Hollany could only weep against Sera's chest, gripping her tighter as if she were afraid Sera might dissipate like the figures in her dream. Maybe, even, she was afraid that might happen. Hollany suddenly questioned everything around her, or even if she was still in a dream. But Sera's hand on her back patted her gently until she stopped crying and could take a deep breath.

"We'll go immediately, once you're ready," Sera promised. "I'll be by your side every step of the way."

*****

As they prepared to leave the next morning, Sera had to step out for a brief meeting with her council and her sisters. Hollany paced nervously through the castle terraces, but something at the corner of her vision caught her eye. It was a figure in distress at the edge of the field, just outside the castle gates. Hollany squinted....

Could that truly be?

Hollany rushed closer to try to catch a better look at the figure. It was Sera, limping, and calling out Hollany's name, pleading for her to come follow her and waving for Hollany's attention. Hollany felt confused, knowing Sera was supposed to be in a meeting, but didn't hesitate to go help her. She sprinted past the guards, down the stairs, through the castle doors, and into the field. But as she ran through the field, her legs suddenly began to feel heavy and something felt entirely wrong. Her body felt heavier and heavier as she moved, suddenly having to fight just to stay upright.