1. A Secret of Snow and Ruin

Chapter III

Isla Wardwell

"If the Preist doesn't see your potential, make him see it and claim your right as heir" My late husbands voice echoes in my mind. I close my eyes trying to remember every striking detail about him in that moment. I want to remember the way his hair smelled of rain or how his face contorted to show the rich emotion he felt. I want to taste his vanilla coated lips and savor how right we were for each other.

"You're right" I remember saying. I lean down to kiss him and head to the throne room to discuss such matters with my father; The High Preist of Onyx Crest.

Our coven was governed by the Goddess Sersi and our people were skilled with Psychic Gifts. Our clan symbol was of a tiger as we were known for attacking our prey headfirst with no afterthought. The Onyx Crest way of life was that we had a sacrifice season every year. We sacrificed animals depending on what Sersi had chosen to give us a new way of thinking and or expressing our power.

This year Sersi had chosen a wolf and in my eyes, I could lead our coven with an Alpha's command. But only if my father would let me. I was the first born and yet, he still didn't see my potential. Mainly due to the fact my brother has a gift that many yearned. A psychic gift, potentially strong enough to guide our clan. I controlled minds and my twin sister Orla manipulated memories.

As I open the throne room doors, I see my father staring straight at me with confusion in his eyes. My breath catches in my chest as I see Orla already there; talking with him.

"Orla? What are you doing here sister?" I smile.

Orla looks sheepishly up at me. Though we were identical our personalities were nothing but complete opposite. She was known to be reserved and intelligent and I was the confident and impatient one. "What's happening?"

"Your sister has come to me with a proposal to be the new High Preistess"

Hell no I thought. This was my decision and Orla never expressed her wishes to be be High Preistess with me before.

"But I am the first born heir. Orla is only 2 hours younger and she has no experience with the sacrifice season, father!" My sister was only experienced in the sword father gifted her when we were younger. Father said, Orla has a untame spirit that needed pampering. Orla was warm but also a focused killer who cared deeply for the community. She values family but me—I value power. That's the one thing that differs us.

Orla moved towards me and for the first time in a while, she had looked me dead in the eye with a look so determined, I thought my spot was usurped from me. "Sister do not speak to me as if I am not here. I may be younger but I believe my fighting skills and intelligence would be a great help to the coven. You value no one but yourself...let's be honest."

"You forget yourself. Drop such nonsense now or on Sersi herself, I will curse you! Unlike you I have a husband and an heir who can claim the throne after me! Sauntering around with a woman as your beloved...you couldn't take my spot...you couldn't carry out the legacy."

Orla looks ready to gut me.

With rage brimming my mind, I'm pulled from the frenzy when my father yells out, "Enough Isla!"

I am torn away from the memory and I hitch in a breath. That day started the unthinkable but it lead me to where I always belonged. I belonged as my coven High Preistess but I also belonged with my mate. A tear glides down my face in response.