AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Someone cried out for help. That they were being kidnapped.”
CHAPTER 23
After seeing a healer and taking a bath, I am placed in a room and told to stay there until someone comes for me. Oryn and Xavier, the other competitor to make it to the top three, were brought into a separate room. But all I can think about is what Sloane told me and how I can try to get to the end of the bridge without the guards noticing me. And if it sits just outside where the block on Caligo shadow jumping starts, it can’t be a coincidence.
It makes me wonder how far the block goes. I’ve never been in the Caligo town, but it might cover the entire side of the mountaintop with all the Caligo homes.
It would explain why the guards, or whoever is taking these women, need to get to the end of the bridge before moving them.
I also need to go down and check on the dark creature in the cavern before my visit with the royals. Hopefully, this will all not have been for nothing and they are unaware of how corrupt and vile their Caligo guards are.
Though if they are truly unaware, it still leaves me with more uncertainty and doesn’t give me any confidence in their ability as royals.
They should know what is going on in their kingdom. They should be vigilant and able to safeguard their people.
It is a fine line between knowing and not knowing. I just hope to come out of it with some form of help from them. The Sidus town will not last much longer should we keep up the way we are going.
The door is thrown open with a flourish, pulling me from my thoughts.
Visha walks in with Isolde by her side. Both are wearing wide smiles, and each has an armful of colorful gowns and jewelry.
“First, congratulations are in order. Although you are not the first woman to make it to this stage, or become a guard for that matter, you are our favorite and, as an added blessing, a Sidus.”
I grow completely still at her words, my mind still trying to comprehend what she means.
“You think me being a Sidus is a blessing?” I ask.
“It is agift. One you should cherish,” Visha says with an intensity I do not fully understand.
I’m stunned silent by her words, but it doesn’t seem to deter either of them as they set about organizing the items they brought with them.
“I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than the light of a Sidus. It is magical,” Isolde says as she lays out the gowns, matching up jewelry with them, and then starts to choose footwear.
“I don’t understand…” I tell them. I know not all the Caligo hate the Sidus. And after spending my time in the palace, I know for certain that the prejudice stemmed more from the guards than anything else. But I never thought they would think of the Sidus and our powers as something beautiful.
Visha turns and gives me a sad look. “The guards fear what they do not understand. Your power, your light, draws people to it. It has a…” She frowns, wearing a contemplative expression.“Warmth that is pleasant. It can make those who come near it complacent.”
My back straightens. “I didn’t realize many others felt it, the warmth.”
“The minute you entered the palace, I felt it. But it disappeared, only to be felt once more again yesterday.” Visha glances down at my bracelets.
“The guards?” she asks, the question needing no further explanation.
I nod my head. “It seems they do not like that warmth.”
“No. It seems they do not. But it is their loss.” She turns and picks up a bloodred dress. “Now let’s find you the perfect dress to wear.”
“Dress?” I glance around at the array of colors and sparkles, the fabric luxurious and not something I ever thought I’d see, let alone wear.
“I don’t usually wear dresses, and these shoes are not something I’d ever choose, as the heel is too high. Though they make a good weapon should I need it.”
Visha takes the shoes off me and places them aside. “No fighting tonight.”
I share a knowing smile with Isolde.
“Here, try this one.” Visha hands me a blue floor-length tulle dress. I hide a wince at the huge layers threatening to engulf me. “Come now, I’ll help you try it on.”
“I—”
