{"id":21508,"date":"2025-06-18T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/?p=21508"},"modified":"2025-06-10T09:55:52","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T15:55:52","slug":"excerpt-bloodfire-legacy-chapter-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/excerpt-bloodfire-legacy-chapter-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Excerpt: Bloodfire Legacy (Chapter 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Daughter\u2019s Dedication<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Lyra<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lyra Arion glided gracefully across the polished marble floor of Castle Caravelia\u2019s great hall, her heart racing. It seemed as if the entire court had turned out for her debut. The sight of their resplendent dazzling uniforms and gorgeous gowns made her skin tingle with awe. And yet, even among them, she stood out like a vibrant gem. Her emerald green dress shimmered in the light of the chandeliers, her black hair adorned with a delicate silver circlet that made her feel like a queen. All eyes were drawn to her, and she knew it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The musicians took up a song, and the floor filled with dancers. Lyra watched with unabashed delight, though inwardly, she felt conflicted. The ball had been thrown in her honor, celebrating her debut as a young lady of the court of King Leander. And yet, for all the wonder and joy at her coming of age, she still felt the loss of her father\u2019s murder\u2014a crime for which no one had yet been punished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His killer was someone in this very court,<\/em> she mused inwardly, even as she smiled and exchanged meaningless pleasantries. Perhaps even someone in this very room.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A portly merchant approached her with a plump, rich woman on his arm. She didn\u2019t know the man, but the woman was Lady Estelle, a lady-in-waiting of the late queen. She smiled as her husband spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLady Arion\u2014what a pleasure! We\u2019ve been eagerly awaiting your debut for some time now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra curtseyed politely. \u201cThank you, sir. I\u2019m honored to join the court.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou look positively radiant this evening,\u201d gushed Lady Estelle. \u201cThat dress brings out the lovely color in your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, milady.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour father would have been so proud to see you here tonight. He truly must be smiling down upon you now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra\u2019s heart constricted at the mention of her father. She forced a tight smile, her voice betraying none of her inner turmoil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are too kind, Lady Estelle. I only wish he could be here to share this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuite, quite,\u201d said the portly merchant, eyeing the buffet table a little too eagerly. \u201cWell, don\u2019t let us keep you, Lady Arion. May you have a wonderful evening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you as well,\u201d Lyra said, curtsying again as they parted ways. As soon as their backs were turned, she glared daggers at them. Could it be either of them? No\u2014Lady Estelle\u2019s head was far too empty to be able to hide the conspiracy for long, and as for her husband, she doubted he was of any consequence. Though if Lady Estelle had meant that comment as some sort of barb\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The arrogant Lord Haversmith simpered toward her, interrupting her thoughts. \u201cLady Arion,\u201d he purred as he bowed, \u201cyou look absolutely radiant this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMilord,\u201d she answered curtly. But the young man didn\u2019t take the hint. His gaze slid over her body, taking in every inch of her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMight I have the honor of a dance?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra covered her mouth, ostensibly in a coy laugh, but truthfully to hide a scowl. Even as a debutante, she knew how to play the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are too kind, my lord. Perhaps later this evening? I simply must rest my feet for a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He hesitated a moment before bowing stiffly again. \u201cOf course,\u201d he muttered, clearly annoyed. But Lyra didn\u2019t care. She turned away, revealing her true emotions only in the subtle twitch of her eyebrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her thoughts turned inward as she observed the whispered conversations along the edges of the great hall. There were many factions in King Leander\u2019s court, all of them vying against each other in a hundred subtle ways. Which of them was responsible for the murder of her father? Was it Lord Aldric, with his too-bright smile and overly familiar manner? Or or perhaps the stern-faced Duke Bardolf, watching from an alcove with an inscrutable expression on his face? Now that she was one of them, Lyra finally had an opportunity to investigate the murder for herself. She could hardly wait to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLady Lyra!\u201d exclaimed Lady Forsythe. \u201cHow marvelous to see you.\u201d Her voice was like a songbird\u2019s trill, high-pitched and overly sweet. \u201cYour debut has become quite the occasion for the court. That gown is simply divine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra nodded. \u201cYour dress is lovely as well,\u201d she responded superficially. \u201cAnd how fares your husband?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the mention of her spouse, Lady Forsythe launched into a seemingly endless monologue about his recent struggles with gout and the various remedies he had tried to cure it. As she prattled on, Lyra\u2019s mind wondered. Could it be her? Or perhaps her foppish son?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c…and of course, we simply must have you over for tea next week,\u201d Lady Forsythe concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra inclined her head. \u201cYou\u2019re too kind,\u201d she replied noncommittally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well. Have a lovely evening, Lady Arion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they parted, Lyra decided it couldn\u2019t be her. Lady Forsythe was far too absorbed with her own husband. Or was that just a clever ruse?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patience,<\/em> Lyra chided herself, though inwardly she wanted to scream. She would find her father\u2019s killer. She would see him brought to justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hand touched Lyra\u2019s elbow, startling her from her brooding thoughts. She turned to find herself face-to-face with a tall, gaunt man whose deep blue eyes seemed to pierce right through her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLady Arion,\u201d he said, his voice as smooth as silk. \u201cI don\u2019t believe we\u2019ve had the pleasure. Lord Blackwood, at your service.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra curtseyed, her eyes never leaving his face. \u201cLord Blackwood. A pleasure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWould you honor me with a dance?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra hesitated. Something about the man seemed off to her, but she could not refuse a second invitation without drawing unwanted attention. She forced a smile and placed her hand in his.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course, Lord Blackwood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They glided across the marble floor, joining the other dancers. Dorian moved with surprising skill, stepping smoothly as he led her with a firm and confident hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI must say, Lady Lyra, you look positively radiant tonight. The court is truly enriched by your presence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, Milord,\u201d Lyra replied uneasily. She had heard of Lord Blackwood, of course. He was a minor noble with a reputation for charm and wit. His flattery seemed a little too thick, though. She searched his face for sarcasm or malice, but found only a pleasant smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just what was it about this man that put her on edge?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou seem distracted,\u201d Dorian observed as he guided her through a turn. \u201cIs the ball not to your liking?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot at all, Lord Blackwood. I\u2019m simply\u2026 overwhelmed by the grandeur of it all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, yes. Though this isn\u2019t your first time at court, isn\u2019t it?\u201d His grip on her waist tightened. \u201cI seem to remember you accompanying your father, before his\u2026 unfortunate passing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The words hit Lyra like a physical blow. Memories flooded her mind: the pounding on the door, her grandmother\u2019s ashen face, the terrible news that had shattered her world forever. She swallowed hard, struggling to keep her composure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she managed. \u201cHis loss has been\u2026 difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy deepest condolences, Lady Arion. We have all keenly felt his absence from court these past five years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The music swelled, relieving her from having to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they continued to dance, Lyra found herself studying Dorian more closely. His charm seemed practiced and stale, his words too carefully chosen. Could he have been involved?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTell me, Lord Blackwood: did you know my father?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot as well as I would have liked,\u201d he replied smoothly. \u201cBut his reputation preceded him. Your father\u2019s skill in the arcane arts was legendary. Did you inherit any of his\u2026 talents?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The question sent a strange chill down her spine. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t know what you mean, Lord Blackwood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, come now, Lady Arion. Surely you\u2019ve felt the call of magic in your blood?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have,\u201d she answered carefully. \u201cBut I\u2019m not sure what you\u2019re implying, my lord. My training in the arcane arts is a matter of public record.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To her relief, Lord Arion dropped the question. \u201cMy apologies if I\u2019ve overstepped. I simply find you fascinating, Lady Arion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes,<\/em> Lyra thought silently as she turned her gaze from his piercing blue eyes. Just like Lord Haversmith.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final notes of the waltz faded away, and Lord Blackwood released her from his grasp. She stifled a sigh of relief, ignoring how his eyes seemed to linger. His grip on her waist had been far too possessive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you for the dance,\u201d she said, offering a curtsy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dorian bowed. \u201cThe pleasure was all mine, Lady Arion. I look forward to seeing more of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The feeling is not mutual,<\/em> Lyra thought but did not say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As she turned her back to him, she decided that Dorian Blackwood was little more than a petty womanizer. Obviously, that was the only thing that had set her on edge, for what could he have possibly gained from the murder of her father? She would have to avoid him in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She suddenly noticed the eyes of the nearby courtiers drawn to an approaching figure. Lyra turned to see Lady Seraphine, the court magician, gliding toward her with mesmerizing grace. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back, accentuating the purple lace of her gown. Her smile could have belonged equally to a face as young as five or as old as five hundred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy dear Lady Arion,\u201d Lady Seraphine greeted her with a melodious voice. \u201cHow lovely to see you this evening. You\u2019ve blossomed into such a beautiful young woman.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra\u2019s spine stiffened. Could Lady Seraphine have been involved in her father\u2019s murder? After all, she had succeeded him as court magician. Few others had gained so much from his untimely passing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, Lady Seraphine,\u201d Lyra carefully chose her words. \u201cThe pleasure is mine, though I wish my father were here to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHis passing still looms like a shadow over this court. These are trying times, Lady Lyra. The kingdom faces many challenges, both from within and without.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s that supposed to mean?<\/em> Lyra wondered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut enough about politics,\u201d the older lady purred. \u201cI suppose a young woman such as yourself must be bored half to death by matters of the court.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOn the contrary, I find such matters invigorating. There\u2019s so much to consider.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra\u2019s gaze met Lady Seraphine\u2019s, and for a moment both women took stock of each other. The older sorceress\u2019s violet eyes seemed to miss nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour father spoke of you often, you know. He had high hopes for your future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra\u2019s throat tightened. \u201cDid he?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Lady Seraphine said softly. \u201cTell me, child, have you given any thought to following in his footsteps? The gift of magic often runs in families, after all. And your father\u2019s talents were quite exceptional.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The way Lady Seraphine called her a \u201cchild\u201d made Lyra bristle ever so slightly. But she did her best to hide it, keeping her voice low and controlled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou flatter me, my lady. But I don\u2019t think I could ever hope to match my father.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sorceress\u2019s laugh was like the tinkling of crystal. \u201cOh, you underestimate yourself, child. I can see the spark in your eyes\u2014the same fire that burned in your father\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd what became of that fire, Lady Seraphine? Did someone seek to extinguish it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a fleeting moment, something flickered in the ageless woman\u2019s eyes. But it disappeared just as quickly, replaced by her mask of serene elegance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCareful, child. The line between justice and vengeance is often thinner than we\u2019d like to admit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a child,<\/em> anymore, Lady Seraphine. This very ball is meant to celebrate that fact. But tell me, how does it feel to wear the mantle of a dead man?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seraphine\u2019s eyes flashed. \u201cYour father was a great man, young child,<\/em> but your grief at his passing does not give you license to lash out blindly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd allow his killer to go unpunished?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuch talk is unbecoming of a lady. And dangerous, in these troubled times.\u201d Lady Seraphine’s face smoothed into a placid smile. \u201cNow, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I believe King Leander requires my company. Do enjoy the rest of the ball, my dear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a swirl of shimmering robes, the sorceress glided away. Lyra trembled with fury, her cheeks hot and her heart pounding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy the seven seas,\u201d Lyra muttered, \u201cI need some air.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The pale light of the moon illuminated the castle with a soft, glowing light. A salt-tinged breeze blew gently from the sea, tossing Lyra\u2019 hair and cooling her flushed cheeks. She paused to admire the view of the royal gardens below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will find the truth, Father,\u201d she whispered. \u201cI will not rest until I\u2019ve found them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A flicker of movement caught her eye. She turned and found herself face to face with a cloaked figure, his face concealed by an ornate mask. The suddenness of his appearance made her gasp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Lyra demanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The figure tilted his head inquisitively \u201cA friend, perhaps. That depends entirely on you, Lady Arion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A shiver ran down Lyra\u2019s spine. Should she call for the guards? But if he wanted to harm her, he could have already done so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She narrowed her eyes at him. \u201cI wasn\u2019t aware that I needed one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man chuckled. \u201cAnd yet, here you are, alone at the grand ball in your honor. Clearly, something else is on your mind. Are you searching for something? Or perhaps for someone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra\u2019s cheeks flushed. Did he overhear my vow?<\/em> she wondered silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you know of my search?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The figure leaned in closer, his voice dropping. \u201cThe man who killed your father is in this very castle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her heart surged. \u201cWhat do you know of him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOnly vagaries. The killer\u2019s identity is a closely guarded secret, even from me.\u201d He paused. \u201cBut your father\u2019s murder casts a long shadow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something in the way he spoke of her father made the words spill out of Lyra\u2019s mouth. \u201cHe\u2014he didn\u2019t deserve to die like that,\u201d she heard herself stammer. \u201cHe was a great man. Whoever killed him\u2026 I want them to suffer as I have suffered. As my father suffered in his final moments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs it justice you seek, or vengeance?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBoth,\u201d Lyra answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBe careful, Lady Arion. Such desires can lead down dark paths.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen so be it,\u201d she said, lifting her chin. \u201cI\u2019ll walk any path if it leads me to my father\u2019s killer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The masked figure nodded, as if coming to a decision. Without warning, he took Lyra\u2019s hand. Her body tensed, but before she could pull away, she felt him press something smooth into her palm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen perhaps this will aid you on your quest. It will guide you, if you have the will to use it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra looked down at the object. It was a small obsidian artifact, like a stone worn smooth from the ocean waves. Its surface was as smooth as polished glass. At its center, a faint light pulsed. She could sense its deep magical power, dark and rich and alluring. Its weight filled her with a sense of pure, untapped possibility, as if she held a small world in her hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut how do I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her words trailed off. The battlements were empty. The masked figure had vanished as if he\u2019d never been there at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lyra\u2019s footsteps echoed through the castle as she hurried to her apartment in the east wing. She barely managed to resist the urge to reach for the magical orb, hidden within the folds of her elegant gown. Its powers seemed to course through her, urging her to call upon its dark power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not yet,<\/em> she thought, stumbling a little as she climbed the stairs. She caught herself and reached her apartment without further incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once inside, she bolted the door and hurried over to her writing desk. With trembling hands, she retrieved the enchanted obsidian sphere, placing it ever so carefully upon the polished wood. In the soft glow of the candlelight, it shimmered with an otherworldly allure. She sank into her chair, eyes fixed on the artifact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you?\u201d she whispered, tracing a finger along its cool surface. She thought of the words of the masked figure who\u2019d given it to her. Could this orb truly help her find her father\u2019s killer? Lyra leaned closer, captivated by the swirling depths beneath its glassy surface. A faint, pulsing light emanated softly from its core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow do I use you?\u201d she murmured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy lady,\u201d a silky smooth voice purred behind her. \u201cI believe I can assist you with that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra whirled, her heart leaping into her throat. Dorian Blackwood stood in the corner of her chamber, appearing from the shadows almost like a ghost. His blue eyes gleamed in the candlelight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLord Blackwood!\u201d Lyra exclaimed, rising awkwardly. \u201cHow did you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy apologies for the intrusion, Lady Arion. It was necessary to come in secret, for reasons that will soon be clear.\u201d He glanced meaningfully at the orb. \u201cYou\u2019ve made quite the acquisition. Such a fascinating artifact, wouldn\u2019t you agree?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cWhat do you know of it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMore than you might think,\u201d Dorian answered, his eyes glinting in the candlelight. \u201cIf you wish to use it, I can give you the guidance you seek.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curiosity warred with suspicion in Lyra\u2019s heart. She was half-minded to call the guards and throw him out, but his answer made her hesitate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGuidance? What do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a fluid motion, Dorian reached into the folds of his cloak. His long fingers emerged clutching a second magical orb, identical to the one on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStars above,\u201d Lyra gasped. \u201cThere are two of them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dorian nodded. \u201cThe Serpent\u2019s Eyes. Their true powers are only unlocked when they are held by a master and an apprentice. That is why every initiate into the dark arts receives one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe\u2014the dark arts?\u201d Lyra asked, her eyes widening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes. You do wish to find your father\u2019s killer, don\u2019t you? This orb will help you unlock the gates of shadow. With proper training, you will be able to peer into the darkest corners of men\u2019s souls and bend the very fabric of reality to your will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut\u2026 aren\u2019t the dark arts forbidden?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Dorian, his smile quickly turning to a scowl. \u201cThose who cannot wield the power hate and fear those of us who can. That is why we must keep to the shadows\u2026 for now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She frowned. \u201cWho do you mean by \u2018we\u2019? Are you speaking about\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Dark Brotherhood? Yes. By taking the Eye, you have joined us, Lady Arion. Though as one of our acolytes, you need not fear our power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now Lyra\u2019s heart truly began to race. She had heard many things about the awful calamities the Brotherhood had wrought upon the world during the Time of Troubles long ago. Most people believed that they had been destroyed by their own power. But she\u2019d also heard rumors that they\u2019d merely been forced underground, biding their time until they could rise again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMost of what you\u2019ve heard about us is false, of course,\u201d Dorian continued. \u201cWe do not seek to enslave all men, but to liberate them. We seek power to build a better world\u2014much as you seek justice for your father.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra took a deep breath, her mind spinning. Part of her screamed caution, but her raw, aching need for justice drowned it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCould the dark arts really help me to find my father\u2019s killer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy dear girl, the dark arts could give you far more than that. With this power, you could make your own justice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A heady mix of emotions began to well up inside of her. \u201cI\u2019ve tried everything,\u201d she confessed, her voice cracking. \u201cBut the investigation into his death has gone nowhere. Everyone at the court speaks so highly of him, but they won\u2019t actually do<\/em> anything about his death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe foppish, preening peacocks are worse than useless,\u201d Dorian agreed. \u201cThe court of King Leander is beyond saving. Your father\u2019s untimely death is proof enough of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you know who killed him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shook his head sadly. \u201cOur influence in the court is far too tenuous, though hopefully that will soon change. But be assured, Lady Lyra\u2014your father\u2019s killer still walks these halls.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra clenched her fists, her emotions rising. Something in his words\u2014in the quiet intensity of his voice\u2014broke through the wall around Lyra\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been five years,\u201d she murmured, her eyes beginning to sting. \u201cFive awful, horrible years. I see his face in my dreams, Lord Blackwood. I hear him calling out to me. It makes me feel so\u2014so powerless.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dorian placed a hand on her shoulder. \u201cI understand your pain all too well, child. With my help, you can turn that pain into power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy would you help me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause we need you, Lady Arion. If we are to reshape the kingdom\u2014to purge it of all corruption and injustice\u2014we will need every mage who is willing to join our cause. If we had risen to power sooner, perhaps your father would still be alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She sniffed and wiped her eyes. All her life, she\u2019d been taught that the dark arts were evil. Had that all been a lie? I\u2019ve tried everything else,<\/em> she thought inwardly as her resolve began to harden. But no one else seems to care.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She lifted her chin to meet Dorian\u2019s gaze. \u201cWhen do we begin?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSoon,\u201d Dorian promised. \u201cBut remember, secrecy is paramount. The penalty for practicing dark magic is death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do whatever it takes to avenge my father\u2019s death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dorian\u2019s eyes glittered with a look of\u2026 gratification? Or was that triumph? In the dim light of the candle, it was difficult to tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have an unquenchable spirit, Lady Lyra. But you must exercise patience. Soon, the day is coming when we will be able to practice openly. But until that day, we must exercise prudence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He reached into his cloak and withdrew a small leather bound volume. Its cover and spine were non-descript, bearing no lettering at all. Muttering an incantation, he handed it carefully to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOpen it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra undid the clasp, feeling a shiver of energy run down her spine. She saw at once that it was a manual of the forbidden arts, its pages deeply yellowed with age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe spell will cause the book to burst into flames if anyone opens it other than you,\u201d Dorian explained. \u201cKeep it clasped, and show it to no one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d she said, flipping through the pages. Her heart leaped\u2014even at a glance, she could tell that the volume contained a wealth of knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI must go now,\u201d Dorian told her. \u201cIt will be at least a fortnight until I return. Until then, study the book, and learn to draw on the power of the Serpent\u2019s Eye. Let it be your teacher for now. Show it to no one, except those who belong to our Brotherhood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow will I know who they are?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey will make themselves known to you by this sign,\u201d he said, holding up his hand. Pressing his fingers together in the shape of a snake\u2019s head, he curved two of them down to make the fangs. \u201cYou must keep the Serpent\u2019s Eye on your person at all times. But show it to no one else. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyra nodded. \u201cI understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood. Now, I must go. Do not attempt to contact me. When the time is right, I will contact you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stepped back into the shadows, crossing his hands over his chest. His figure shimmered before dissipating like smoke in the air. Lyra slowly walked over to where he had been standing, carefully checking for any sign of him. But he was gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a heavy sigh, she collapsed onto her bed, still holding the obsidian orb. As she gazed into its depths, she shivered in anticipation of the power that would soon be hers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSoon,\u201d she whispered, smiling fiercely. \u201cSoon, Father, I\u2019ll have the power to make things right.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A Daughter\u2019s Dedication Lyra Lyra Arion glided gracefully across the polished marble floor of Castle Caravelia\u2019s great hall, her heart racing. It seemed as if the entire court had turned out for her debut. The sight of their resplendent dazzling uniforms and gorgeous gowns made her skin tingle with awe. And yet, even among them,… Continue reading Excerpt: Bloodfire Legacy (Chapter 2)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1818,1806],"tags":[474],"class_list":["post-21508","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bloodfire-legacy","category-sea-mage-cycle","tag-excerpts","entry"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7iXK-5AU","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21508","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21508"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21508\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21561,"href":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21508\/revisions\/21561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21508"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21508"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.onelowerlight.com\/writing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21508"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}