Divided

Chase

A/N: Hey guys, so I know that I'm uploading on a Monday which is not the day I normally post on. I was dealing with some personal things and I have every right to take a break if needed. Thankfully, everything is okay now so I will be able to keep uploading:)

Xander's POV

"Where are you going?" Athan's voice cuts through the air as I finish adjusting my black coat, the fabric heavy against my shoulders.

"Somewhere..." I reply evasively, my eyes focused on the door, unwilling to share my destination. "I don't have any duties today anyway." With that, I step toward the door.

Before he can protest, I close the door behind me, shutting out his questions and the weight of my responsibilities.

Caterina's POV

"Haha, see!" Ajia bursts into laughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she glances at Tzan. He stands stiffly, a serious expression etched across his face, a contrast to Ajia's carefree spirit.

I manage a small smile, looking down at my flat shoes worriedly. "Cat, you can't keep worrying about yesterday. Everything will be fine," Ajia reassures me, her warm hand gripping my shoulder with gentle conviction.

I nod, feeling a flicker of warmth as she returns my smile.

We stand in the castle's garden, the vibrant blooms swaying softly in the breeze, waiting for Celeste. "I will be going now," Tzan says, his voice firm as he turns to head back inside, where Alistair is undoubtedly waiting for him with a new set of tasks.

Just then, a familiar figure approaches, her silhouette framed by the golden sunlight. It's Celeste.

"We couldn't have breakfast this morning, but at least I can take you out," she says, her warm smile brightening her face. I sense a shift in her demeanor, as if the shadows of yesterday are lifting, and hope stirs within me.

Celeste extends her hand, conjuring a portal of swirling red magic that shimmers like molten glass. She nods for us to enter, and as the three of us step through, the world around us blurs and reforms, teleporting us to the heart of the Tribrid Forest.

"Tomorrow will be the day of the Red Moon," Celeste announces, her gaze sweeping over the forest, alive with vibrant colors and rustling leaves.

As we walk, a strange sensation prickles at the back of my neck, an unsettling feeling that I'm being watched.

"What is that?" I ask, curiosity tinging my voice.

"It is a day when we celebrate our supernatural backgrounds. Everyone unites and wears their traditional clothing." I glance at Celeste, nodding slowly, absorbing her words.

"It is one of my favorite holidays! It's so fun!" Ajia exclaims, her enthusiasm visible. Celeste smiles warmly at her, and Ajia beams back, the light in the air palpable.

Suddenly, a rustle from above catches my attention. I turn to see a majestic black bird perched on a low branch. Its sharp beak, reminiscent of a raven's, glistening in the dappled sunlight, and its black feathers shining in the sun.

As I lock eyes with it, I realize it is watching me intently. A sense of familiarity washes over me, though I can't quite place why.

Maybe I'm just imagining things.

I shift my gaze back to Celeste. "I know you don't have a supernatural background, but you will still wear a traditional piece," she says, a hint of surprise flickering across my face.

"The clothing is made from beads and fabrics our ancestors used to wear... you might not be used to showing much skin, Caterina, but everyone here has to wear traditional clothing on this specific day." She observes me with a knowing look, and I nod, a flicker of worry creeping in.