The Royal Archives, Palace of Avaranth
The flickering light of the lantern danced across the ancient stone walls as Lyriana descended the spiral staircase leading to the Royal Archives. The air grew colder, the scent of aged parchment and candle wax thick in the narrow passage. She pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, her heart pounding with anticipation.
The archives were a labyrinth of knowledge—maps of ancient borders, treaties sealed with wax long since cracked, and chronicles of every ruler who had sat upon Avaranth's throne. But tonight, Lyriana wasn't searching for history. She sought answers.
At the base of the stairs, Callum waited, his arms crossed over his chest. He handed her another lantern, his expression serious.
"This is dangerous," he said, his voice low. "If Father finds out—"
"He won't," Lyriana cut in. "Not unless you tell him."
Callum sighed but nodded, motioning for her to follow. They moved deeper into the archives, their footsteps echoing softly in the stillness. At last, they reached a locked iron door, its surface etched with protective runes.
Callum produced a key from his belt, but Lyriana hesitated.
"Are you sure about this?" she asked.
"No," Callum admitted. "But we need to know what we're dealing with."
The lock clicked, and the heavy door creaked open, revealing a small chamber. Inside, shelves lined the walls, filled with scrolls marked by the royal seal. In the center stood a single pedestal, atop which lay an ancient book bound in dark leather.
"The Book of Varys," Callum said, his voice reverent. "Father once told me it holds the kingdom's most dangerous secrets."
Lyriana stepped forward, her fingers hovering over the book. "Then let's see what our father is so desperate to hide."
She opened the book, the pages crackling softly. Symbols and passages in an ancient tongue filled the parchment. As Lyriana read, her eyes widened.
"It speaks of a forgotten alliance," she whispered. "Between Avaranth and... something called the Shadowborn."
Callum frowned. "Shadowborn? That sounds like a myth."
"Maybe," Lyriana said, "but the book warns of a pact made in blood. A pact that could unravel if the wrong hands learn the truth."
Callum leaned in closer. "We'll need to translate this. Carefully."
Before Lyriana could respond, a faint sound reached their ears—the unmistakable creak of footsteps on the stairs. Someone was coming.
YOU ARE READING
A kingdom of Ash and Echoes
FantasyHer heart was shattered. Now, she'll wield its pieces as weapons. Princess Lyriana of Avaranth was once the jewel of the kingdom - graceful, obedient, the image of a perfect royal. But after a cruel betrayal, the girl she was is lost forever. Rising...
