Page 29 of The Divine Shallows
Elowyn couldn’t tear her eyes away from her reflection, feeling a sense of beauty she rarely experienced—one that rivaled her mother or sister. After a moment of admiration, she reached for heraureum, fastening it to each shoulder strap of her gown.
Satisfied with her appearance, Elowyn slipped on her heels and made her way to the antechamber of her bedroom, the periwinkle gown trailing behind her.
“You look amazing,” Elyria complimented.
“All thanks to you,” Elowyn replied, beaming.
“Always,” Elyria murmured, extending her arm with an open palm. “Ready?”
“Ready.” Elowyn nodded, taking her sister’s hand.
With a surge of Elyria’s magic, a shimmering moongate to the Iron Hollows materialized before them. Locking eyes with her sister, Elowyn stepped through the moonlit portal hand-in-hand with Elyria.
The Iron Hollowsappeared far more inviting than Elowyn had initially imagined. She gazed at the inner gates of the kingdom, marveling at the natural crystalline formations protruding from the rock walls. Clusters of rich garnet stones ornamented the surface, casting a warm maroon gleam throughout the cave. Despite being deep below the surface, the kingdom was bathed in a luminous glow from floating feylight spheres suspended high above in the cavern’s vaulted ceilings, resembling twinkling stars in a midnight sky.
Elowyn attempted to locate the Bloodweaver castle, but her viewwas obstructed by iron gates. Glancing around, she found the area deserted. While the situation might have seemed eerie, she found it oddly tranquil.
“Are we running late?” Elowyn inquired, turning to her sister.
Elyria shook her head. “If memory serves, we’re not actually at the castle gates. The Bloodweavers don’t permit guests to moongate so close to their walls. We’ll need an escort.”
As if in response to their conversation, the iron gates before them began to move silently, revealing a figure stepping forward. This season’s Bloodweaver candidate emerged, offering a respectful bow. His mahogany hair partially obscured his face as he addressed them.
“Welcome to the Iron Hollows,” Sylas greeted, his sea-green eyes piercing through the amber glow of the cave.
Both Elowyn and Elyria curtsied in acknowledgment of the Bloodweaver candidate, relieved that Prince Theo wasn’t accompanying him this time.
“I apologize if you’ve been waiting long. The path to the royal castle isn’t far, but our larger vessels are currently occupied with other guests. I can only escort one of you for now, but worry not, another escort will arrive shortly,” Sylas explained.
“No need for apologies, we’ve only just arrived,” Elyria reassured.
“It would be my honor to accompany you through the Iron Hollows, Princess Elyria,” Sylas offered, extending his hand towards her. “May I?”
Elyria glanced at Elowyn, offering a reassuring smile before stepping forward and gently brushing her hand against Elowyn’s arm. “See you there,” she murmured.
Elowyn nodded, watching as they disappeared behind the iron gates. As the gates slowly closed and locked into place, she found herself alone once more.
Waiting for what felt like an eternity, Elowyn’s patience waned as the minutes passed in silence. She wandered to the cavern’s jagged walls,running her hands over the crystal and mineral formations that grew along them. Recalling her studies, she remembered the wealth of the Iron Hollows, derived primarily from mining the surrounding caves for export. These resources, including gems, ores, minerals, and natural stones, were sought after throughout Neramyr for various purposes—many being magical in nature.
Absently cradling her necklace, Elowyn wondered if the opal gemstone set in her chain originated from these very mines.
After what felt like a quarter of an hour, the iron gates began to creak open slowly, relieving Elowyn’s growing sense of boredom. Emerging from behind the gates, a tall figure sauntered into view. Elowyn sensed his presence before laying eyes on him.
Theo Bloodweaver appeared in a sleek black tunic and trousers, hisaureumclasped at one shoulder, its golden folds flowing down his right side. A haunting smile played upon his lips as he dipped into a low bow before Elowyn.
“Welcome to the Iron Hollows, Princess Elowyn.” His mischievous smile became unnerving. His ruby-colored irises glowed in the darkness. Elowyn couldn’t help but compare his affect to a predator gazing at its prey through sunless shadows. “Sylas informed me that the second Fangwright princess awaited an escort at the gates. Considering this such anotabletask, I came here as swiftly as I could.”
Elowyn’s irritation simmered. She opened her mouth to strike back, but considered the action carefully and closed it. Meeting the Bloodweaver prince’s gaze with a glare, she replied, “Thank you, Prince Theo.”
“Now, shall I escort you to the Iron Kingdom?” Theo offered, his gaze equally sinister as he extended a hand towards Elowyn.
“Lead the way,” Elowyn grated, striding towards the iron gates and pointedly refusing his hand.
With a nonchalant shrug, the Bloodweaver prince tucked his hands into his pockets and strolled after her.
As Elowyn strode through the now-open gates,she felt a pulse of magic course through her. It was jarring, as she passed the gate, it felt like a tremor rippled through her body when she crossed the threshold. The feeling lingered as she couldn’t shake or get rid of it, causing her body to stiffen in discomfort and unease.
Theo noticed her tense disposition. “These outer gates are heavily warded. The magic imbued in these barriers were constructed by the first Bloodweaver queen millennia ago. Their purpose is to safeguard this kingdom and protect its folk from creatures intending harm, wild beast or fey. You never know what lurks in the shadows,” he said with a tsk. “Only a faithful member of the royal court can escort an outsider into the innermost walls of the kingdom.”
