Gilded Moon: The Sapphire Star Saga

Acknowledgments

To my wonderful family. They have been an incredible support system and are always right by my side, cheering me on.

To all of you who took a chance on an unknown author and an unknown book. You stuck with me to get to book two and I am unbelievably thankful.

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Gilded Moon

The Sapphire Star Saga

A.L. Meinhold

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2015 A.L. Meinhold

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Author Notes

"Five daughters of elemental powers possess

Gifts born under the falling blue star

Will be fates just sword in war

Two brothers, both alike

One whose soul is born in light

And one who’s soul is black as night

Five daughters who triumph over evil and circumstance,

Will restore the kingdom to the rightful prince"

Chapter One

Lillian

So much had happened since the giants had attacked the castle. Just over a month had passed and building ruins still littered the castle grounds. Lillian strolled casually around the training yard. Large piles of crumbled stone laid off to the side, remnants of the once intricate carved archway that led to the field she was circling. Ava insisted it was the first thing cleared away.

It was probably for the best. They needed the training at that time, more than ever before. Lillian was one of five daughters, which were born under a magical sapphire star. Each of whom possessed a magical power of the elements. Hers happened to be Earth. She had found comfort in helping to rebuild and clear the grounds of the damage done during the battle. The giant foot shaped holes were easy enough to erase, it was as if they were never there.

The complex system of tunnels that ran underneath the castle was another story. Just when she had thought she patched up the last unstable support wall, another cave in would crush her spirits. Someone said hello to her in passing. Absently she mumbled a polite greeting in return as she glanced away from the steady pace of her feet, stopping at the gate of a large vegetable garden.

Admiring her hard work, she smiled for the first time in days. Rows upon rows of leafy vegetables grew large and would soon be ready to harvest. There was nothing quite like working the earth with her hands. Sure, she could have used her power to speed things up, but she never felt more connected to her element then the moments she spent in the garden. It was therapeutic and helped her to cope in the days after losing Ryhan. A plump gray haired woman smiled warmly at her and Lillian waved as she passed by.

Resisting the urge to get her hands dirty was always a challenge, so she moved quickly past the gate. She had somewhere to be and she did not think the council would appreciate her tardiness. Quickening her pace she laughed a little to herself at the thought of Garrel getting himself all worked up when the others showed up before her. Garrel was the leader of the magical council. They were a group of magical beings, which banded together, after a long and bloody war had left the land decimated. It was their job to protect Watreon from ever seeing a war like that repeated.

According to the prophecy of a seer, Lillian and the other daughters were a big part of that. They were the world’s protection from some great war between twin princes. However, they weren’t exactly sure how they were going to defeat Axiom. Especially since Ryhan had left them. Lillian made her way to a chamber deep in the dungeons of the castle. Typically, the council met in a secret chamber protected with charms, through the underground tunnels. With the frequent and unpredictable cave in’s safety became a concern, so they created a temporary chamber.

She understood why it needed to be hidden and protected, but she dreaded the descent into the damp dungeon and wished they could find somewhere less creepy to hold their meetings. Tugging on her thick brown braid, she hastened her steps, eager to reach her destination. Catching a large iron door just as it was about to close, she startled the pretty girl who had just passed through it.

The curvy raven-haired beauty smiled and exclaimed, Lillian! I thought I was late. I hate walking down here alone.

Me too, it gives me the creeps. And I am pretty sure we are late, Lillian said to her and grabbed her hand in a hurry, Come on it’s not much further.

They raced down an increasingly narrowing corridor and made a couple turns before reaching a huge circular room. It was ablaze with hundreds of torches. Squinting from the sudden light, she rubbed her eye and had a brief thought of what might happen if Ryhan lost her temper. Then she remembered sadly that she would not be there. Losing Ryhan wasn’t something she could forget easily and it was difficult adjusting to their life without her. She was a part of them, just as much as they were a part of her, and every moment she was gone they all felt the emptiness of her absence.

They were all very powerful. Lillian especially had a much firmer grasp on her powers, but they still were not complete without Ryhan. Which was why the council was meeting, to discuss what to do about her betrayal. She disliked the fact that they tossed around that word so casually. Betrayal. As if, Ryhan herself had ordered the giants to attack. It bothered her that Garrel could just dismiss their entire journey and every hardship Ryhan had endured to reach them. Lillian thought how unfair it was, to any of them, to ask that they be so impeccably allegiant.

She imagined it was probably a terribly difficult decision for Ryhan. As hard as it was without her, Lillian couldn’t fault her for choosing Gavin. However, a little anger rose up at the thought of her selfishness every so often. As they approached a large U shaped table, her thoughts cleared when she realized that they were the last ones there. She and Alex took their seats next to Evangeline and Victoria, but not before Garrel stood and called them out on being late. His thunderous voice boomed across the room and her cheeks flushed as she tried to disappear into her chair.

We all know why we are here. Now that everyone has arrived, He paused and stared at them dramatically, then continued, Let us begin.

An enchanting woman, with long white hair stood and spoke, Garrel, I really don’t see why this meeting is necessary. We know where Ryhan is, and there is no way to retrieve her.

Ah yes, well, bringing her back here is really not the reason for this meeting. No no, we are meeting to discuss her fate as a member of our community. Even if she is found, she will no longer be welcomed here, Garrel spat.

What? Lillian stood, outraged she added, You can’t do that, we need her!

The others stood as well, agreeing with her.

You have all seemed to manage your powers well enough without her. I see no need to risk further damage to our efforts. We will have a difficult enough time as it is. Axioms forces grow by the day. It is only a matter of time before he leads a full assault against Bastriean. She is not worth our time, Garrel said.

Let’s not be rash, Ava said calmly, and then added, We have no reason to believe she would put us in danger. Perhaps this decision should be put on hold until a time when it is relevant.

Lillian watched as a few council members nodded their heads in agreement, while most sat stony faced, and untouched by Ava’s words. They had went through a great deal during the attack. Gavin deceived them, Thad betrayed them, and Samhelia, the seer who foretold of the war between Axiom and Ayden, went missing. It was easy to understand their anger and hesitation. She couldn’t blame them, but she believed everyone deserved a chance to atone their mistakes. No one was perfect and nothing was black and white.

In fact, the world around her was becoming grayer by the day. The council voted three times, each verdict the same as the last. With Samhelia missing, there were only twelve members and it was a split vote. Hope lingered in the air. She felt it buzz around her for the first time in weeks. It didn’t last long, but it at least made for a pleasant dinner. After which she set off toward the stables. Assigning chores was the one thing the council had done that she agreed with. It kept people busy and their minds on something productive.

At first, her body had protested. With the hours of intense training they received every day, and the labor expected of them on top of that, she was exhausted every single night. It didn’t take long for her aching muscles to toughen and her resolve to harden. Now she practically soared through training and chores. Actually, her chores were what she looked forward to most. There were not many horses in the stable. Aside from light fieldwork, they rarely had need for them. As she expected, Lord Byron was waiting in the stables.

He was the only one, besides her, who would venture near the animals.

Surprise, surprise, she said sarcastically.

He said nothing, only smiled at her knowingly.

If I didn’t know any better I would say you were hiding out in here, Lillian said as she picked up a brush and led a chestnut mare out of her stall.

Taken aback he shifted his feet several times before he said, Why would you say that?

Laughing she responded, Relax, I was only joking.

She noticed the tension leave his body and relief wash over his face. He took another brush and helped her with her task. Ignoring the fact that he actually was hiding, she hummed quietly to herself. Evangeline had fallen for him and practically lost all her senses when he was around. Which was very unlike her, but Lord Byron was aware of her affections and avoided her often. She could see why Evangeline had taken a liking to him. He was quiet and reserved most of the time, never speaking out of place and treating everyone with respect.

Most girls would consider him handsome. He had one tooth that stuck out between his lips ever so slightly. It was only noticeable just before he smiled and gave his face character, which she liked. At first, she thought him stuffy and boring, but when she found out he was a knight of the Old Order, she realized that he just took his vow very seriously. At just six years old, Lord Byron had been one of the youngest boys selected to train for the old king’s Imperial Guard. They were a special class of knights that showed exceptional talent with a sword and intense dedication to the crown. Once their training was complete, the king’s personal guard recruited new members from the Imperial Guard. His father was one of the highest knights of the order. He and his father escaped after the king’s death, along with several other knights.

Together they created a secret order when Axiom disbanded the Imperial Guard and outlawed the training of new knights. Technically the Imperial Guard no longer existed, but Lord Byron trained as a knight his whole life and he intended to uphold their ways for future generations. When she tried to ask him about his father, he changed the subject and she never brought it up again. After that conversation, they rarely spoke, but she liked it that way. It was a comfortable silence. At first, he only showed up at the stables once or twice a week, but eventually started to come every night.

She could not help but wonder if it was to avoid Evangeline and wanted to ask, but thought better of it. There was a reason he needed the peace the animals gave him, just as she did, so she decided not to question his motives. When she finished, she bid him goodnight and headed to their room to wash away the grime from that day. The others were already bathed and relaxing for the evening. As usual, Victoria and Alex were lying together, talking, and laughing in hushed whispers. It was difficult to watch them in moments like that, so happy and disconnected from what was happening in the world around them.

Victoria’s blonde hair swooped low over her eyes, and Alex brushed her bangs to the side as she kissed her lightly. Lillian turned away and watched as Evangeline sat cross-legged at the foot of her bed, hovering slightly in the air. Since the attack, and her growing affections for Lord Byron, Evangeline had taken to meditating every night. She claimed it helped her to stay in control of her powers, but from what Lillian observed, her powers were waning more every day.

Talking about it only agitated her, so Lillian spent most nights in the room alone, even though there were three others present. The steamy bath worked its wonders as she sunk down and let the water cover her head. When she exited the washroom, the others were already sleeping. She had not realized how long she had soaked her troubles away. Climbing into bed, she wished that she could find it in her to cry, or scream, anything to release the sorrow and loneliness she felt, but like always, nothing came.

Sleep won out and she drifted into another dreamless night. Screams pierced her slumber just as morning was shining through the single slated window in their room. It took her several seconds to realize the Victoria was crying over a limp Alex. Rushing to her side, Lillian placed her hands on Alex and relief washed over her. She was alive and sleeping. Relief left her just as quickly as she realized something was very wrong.

Chapter Two

Victoria

She had finally convinced Alex to get some sleep. Adaro had become more than just a nightmare. Alex had stopped sleeping, afraid that he would break through the limited protection the amulet offered her. Apprehension had taken over their lives, and Alex had become paranoid. Weariness shown on her beautiful face and Victoria was seriously worried that Alex’s fear was doing more harm than Adaro ever could.

Victoria had been fortunate enough to avoid meeting Adaro, but she knew all about his disgusting obsession with Alex and witnessed firsthand how he tried to trap her in her dreams. He was an evil creature, half incubus half elf, more powerful than they had realized. He wanted Alex as his own, and used his dream walking ability to play games with her, while his incubus half wait for the chance to consume her and devour her soul.

Every time Victoria thought about it, it made her shudder with abhorrence. When Alex did manage to sleep, she would often pull Victoria into her dreams. They would sit in the dim candle lit room and talk about everything from how to defeat Adaro, to their dreams and desires after they were free from their obligation to the prophecy. All the while avoiding the enchanted bed that had made them lose their inhibitions and act on their desires.

Thoughts of that night never left her, though it seemed like it had happened in another lifetime. It had taken every ounce of control she had, to stop herself from making love to Alex that night. It was both a wonderful and painful memory. Since then they had avoided being alone together. The only exception was dreams they shared, and even then, they did not dare to touch. They found ways to show their affections, but usually in the presence of others. An act that reassured they would keep their promise to save their virginity, until they were both ready to make that step.

In the month following the attack on Bastriean, Alex grew weaker by the day. Her training suffered from lack of sleep and she became consumed with the idea that Adaro was closer to capturing her. Victoria did her best to reassure her that she was safe, but it was becoming abundantly clear that she had never been more wrong. Something had felt off the night before.

As they drifted to sleep, Alex whispered, I am so tired V. I don’t think I can fight him anymore.

Sssh, it’s okay. I am here. Just get some rest. You are safe, I’ll protect you, Victoria reassured her.

What if I never wake up? What if I get lost? Alex asked her.

Then I will come to your dream and find you. There isn’t a place in this world I wouldn’t follow you to keep you safe, Victoria said as she kissed her on the forehead.

Alex held on to her tightly and Victoria waited until she felt her body relax before falling asleep herself. She knew something was not right as soon as she woke and tried to wake Alex, becoming frantic when she wouldn’t rouse. For a moment, she thought that Alex was dead and let out a desperate scream. Lillian rushed to her side and asked what was happening. Victoria did not respond as she continued trying to wake Alex. It was clear that Alex was in a deep sleep, but Victoria could sense that her mind was gone and her body an empty shell.

Evangeline