WREN

His tongue was down the throat of the handmaiden when he felt his beloved's impending demise. Wren immediately pushed the servant away and clutched onto the handles of the chair as her final moments engulfed him. She was on the edge, floating between life and death. And the magical barrier that separated their realms no longer existed. His mind had fallen in line with her thoughts, her feelings, her emotions. He felt everything, from her distress and panic, to her pounding heart. Soon, his body throbbed in excruciating pain. Within seconds, he was shaking uncontrollably. He clenched his hands into fists, grinding his teeth. It wasn't long until he could not breathe. He pushed through the agony, knowing it was only a matter of time before she would give up the fight. And when it finally ended, he smiled.

Wren grabbed a glass of whiskey from the side table and knocked it back. There was no reason to mourn her loss. She would soon be in a much better place, in his arms.

"Is she...?" Zarana trailed off.

He didn't look at her, but he instantly shielded his mind. He couldn't risk her searching through his head and ruining his plans. "Yes."

"Wipe that grin off your face," Zarana chided. "She will be the death of you."

He scoffed, slamming the glass back onto the table. His eyes darted to silver-haired beauty standing against the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Leave," he commanded.

"Wren," she called out. "The prophecy is unfolding. There's a war raging outside the castle walls. Our people are dying. You need to take this more seriously!"

Wren smirked. He stared at her icy blue orbs as he made his way towards her. In one quick motion, he pulled her into him. His fingers caressed her cheek, brushing the stray locks of hair away. Before she could ask him what he was doing, his head dipped to the side of her neck. Her breath hitched almost instantly, and he knew he had her exactly where he wanted her. Slowly, he trailed his lips up her jawline, and to her ear.

"Jealousy," he whispered, "becomes you. I was growing rather bored with the good girl shtick."

"You're drunk," she sneered, immediately breaking away from his hold.

His response was quick. "Hardly."

"Unlike you," she began, "I care about this Kingdom. I care about our people. And all you care about is a human." She wrinkled her nose before turning away. "She has you by the balls and she doesn't even know you exist."

Wren grabbed onto Zarana's forearm and pulled her into him once again.

"Regardless of how you feel, I am your prince, and you will show me respect," he hissed. He couldn't believe she had the gall to insult his love as though she were nothing more than a mere peasant. It seemed like he needed to remind Zarana that living in a castle did not make her royalty. It was a birthright, and she was nothing more than an adopted stray. "Apologize, deviant."

Zarana broke his gaze and muttered under her breath.

Wren pushed her up against the nearest wall. The loose white dress she'd worn scrunched up, the material clinging onto her small waist, exposing her lean legs. She struggled against his body, but he held her in place. He was much bigger than she was, and definitely stronger. The harder she fought, the tighter his grip got. "What was that?"

"I," Zarana shot back, through gritted teeth, "apologize."

He didn't miss her glare, or that she was unapologetic, but he let her go. At once, she took a step away from him and smoothed out the newly formed wrinkles on her long dress, seemingly unfazed.

"What are you doing in here anyway?" he questioned, making his way toward the almost-empty bottle of whiskey. He held the bottle up to his face, contemplating whether another drink to drown out Zarana's voice was worth his sanity. "Haven't you heard of knocking?"

"The servant left the door open... when she ran out of your room, half-dressed," Zarana answered. "And–"

"And your poor heart couldn't take the humiliation that you had to come down to confront me?" Wren taunted, putting the bottle down. He'd drank enough. Besides there was something he had to do, and he had to be in his right mind to do it. Something that he could only do once Zarana left.

Until then he would have to keep blocking her out.

"Don't flatter yourself, Wren," Zarana retorted. "I heard you screaming. I came in to make sure you were okay."

"How kind of you," he spat, masking his surprise. "Now leave."

"That is not the only reason why I came," Zarana continued. "Where is it?"

Wren narrowed his eyes, his patience running thin. "Where is what?"

"Don't play games with me," she responded. "The Eye of Realms, where is it?"

Wren sighed. Of course she knew, she was worse than the meddling sprites. "Did I give it away?"

"No," Zarana admitted. "I can't break through your guard," she muttered, bitterly. "I overheard the guard talking to his family earlier....saying his goodbyes. He is blaming himself for its disappearance. The poor man was shaking in terror, crying! You have sealed his fate, you might as well have killed him on the spot, and saved him a lifetime of torture in the dungeons."

Wren pushed away the pang of guilt forming at the pit of his stomach. No, it would not come to that. His father had travelled to the western part of the land, in hopes to form an alliance with the Kingdom of Breath. The King had been away all week, and upon his return in the morning, he would find the relic in its place, as though it had been there the entire time.

"You really don't know how to mind your own business, do you?" he questioned.

"You are my business," Zarana retorted, as she mindlessly played with the ring on her left hand. "Whether you like it or not, you are stuck with me."

Wren glowered, his defenses crumbling. There was no way he was going through with the ridiculous agreement. He would find a way out.

"It's a spell, genius," Zarana corrected. "And there is no way out. Araminta," her voice faltered, "is gone."

"Don't!" Wren warned. "Do not read my mind, Zee. Or I swear I will...," he stopped himself short of saying something he'd regret.

"You'll what?" she pushed. But her tone wasn't challenging, it was sad.

Wren realized she was still consumed by the thoughts of the treacherous witch. Araminta's act of treason had shaken the entire Kingdom, but it had perhaps affected Zarana the most. Araminta had raised her, and she was the closest thing Zarana had to a mother. When the Key of Realms' unexplainable absence coincided with Araminta's sudden disappearance, it was not difficult for the King–or anyone for that matter–solve the enigma. And Zarana, along with the guards on duty that night, were left to face the King's wrath.

"Zee?" Wren said.

"I'm fine," Zarana answered, clearing her throat.

He took a breath. "Look, I just need to figure out where she is. Once I do, I will return the relic, okay?"

"Where is it?" she repeated. "I do not want to read your mind, Wren. Save me hassle and just tell me. Do you even know how angry the King will be when he finds out what you've done?"

The Eye of Realms was one of the most powerful relics across worlds. His Kingdom had fought tooth and nail to acquire it, and with its other half now missing, Wren knew exactly how angry his father would be. But that was only if he noticed its absence. He wasn't so dense as to take the heavily guarded relic without a plan up his sleeve. The guard's discovery was unfortunate, but he would deal with it.

"What plan?" Zarana asked. Wren glared at her. "Sorry," she quickly apologized, looking away.

"I will return it," he said, walking over to his bed. He lifted the mattress, and pulled out the trinket. He noticed Zarana staring at him in disbelief. He shrugged, holding the small dome-shaped ball up. "It's fine. Sturdy little thing."

She rolled her eyes, before shutting the door and walked over to his side.

"Levatio," he said, staring at the relic. The golden, gem-encrusted, ball trembled within his grasp. He released his tight grip, cupping his hands and allowing the relic's flat surface to rest on his open palms. The precious gemstones turned black before fluttering to life. Once the black faded, eyes took form in place.

Wren didn't waste a moment further. Now that she was no longer in the mortal world, there was nothing stopping him from finding her. He closed his eyes and with every inch of his being he thought about his soulmate. In an instant, Wren's spirit was ripped out of his physical body, and he was transported into another realm.

When he opened his eyes, his gaze fell upon the twilight sky, painted in wispy strokes, highlighting an assortment of colours. In the distance, he caught sight of a giant black gate resting on a dewy green cliff. The flat, wide cliff stretched forward, converting into a narrow pathway, leading toward a large floating rock that was separated from the cliff by a chasm. Upon the rock sat a throne, with five chairs placed to form the tip of an arrow. The blades of grass blew against the harsh wind, its edges wilting from the heat of the streams of lava, pouring down on either side of the pathway. It seemed to be falling into a body of water, but he couldn't be sure with the heavy steam floating up the gorge.

"Female," a woman's voice diverted his attention. It pulled him away from exploring further parts of the peculiar realm. His eyes shot toward the floating rock. It carried six hooded figures, five of whom sat on the chairs, and one who stood in the back, next to the figure seated on the largest chair. They were all dressed in large, black cloaks, covering themselves entirely. "Twenty. Death by suicide."

Wren grimaced. It hadn't occurred to him that her human life was filled with great misery. In hindsight, the manner in which she had died should've been an indication. It didn't matter. Once she was in his arms, he would keep her safe. He would keep her happy. Even if her happiness came at the price of his life.

He would not fail her this time.

The gate creaked open and Wren's heart began to race in anticipation. He knew she was coming, he could feel it. Before he laid eyes on her, he felt her confusion. Soon, he saw her beat-up boots, and his gaze trailed up her bare legs. His eyes were met with tattoos in the form of green and purple bruises. Her large shirt stopped right above her scraped knees, and the only piece of clothing still in tact was an oversized jacket she had wrapped around herself.

Wren's eyes followed up her small neck, memorizing every detail of her oval face. He took in her big, round eyes that sat below thick brows. Her dark orbs mimicked an endless void, but in them he caught a flicker of hope, as they unsuccessfully searched for answers in the unfamiliar place. When her search ended in vain, he saw her pout.

His heart nearly melted, and suddenly all Wren wanted to do was hold her in his arms. Shaking his head, he averted his eyes from her face and they landed on her disheveled hair. It fell below her shoulders in messy strands.

That's when Wren realized she was completely drenched. He frowned.

"Approach," the hooded woman said.

His love obeyed, walking down the narrow path. She was not fazed by the rustling wind hitting her face, the scorching heat of the lava falls, or that she was headed toward a chasm.

He watched her advance.

"Wren!" Zarana's voice rang in the distance. "Wren, come back!" He sensed the urgency in the tone but he couldn't pull away. And it wasn't just because he didn't want to leave his love. He still didn't know where she was.

He searched around the realm frantically. He could feel his spirit being dragged back into his body.

"Eira Hayes," the female said as his love stopped at the edge of the cliff. Eira, Wren thought with admiration. His Eira. "Welcome."

"Am I dreaming?" Eira asked. It was the first time since their initial encounter that Wren had heard her sweet voice. It was an octave lower than he remembered, but he was entranced all the same. She could ask him for anything and he would happily comply.

"You are not," the woman answered.

Wren saw Eira's brows furrow. Again, he was hit with a wave of confusion. "Then where am I?"

He anxiously awaited a response. He felt himself fading but he tried to hold on. He just hoped he was strong enough. He could feel his body again, and more specifically, he felt Zarana's hands relentlessly shaking him.

"You are–" Her response was cut short by Zarana's voice screaming into his mind.

The vision abruptly ended, and he was back in his body. Wren was flabbergasted, all he could see was red.

The Eye of Realms never showed the same vision twice, never continued where it left off, and never allowed the same person to use it again. He had waited so long for her, and now he would have to search all the realms until he found her.

"Do you know how many realms there are?!" Wren shouted. It took every last bit of self-restraint he had not to strangle the woman standing before him.

Zarana did not respond. Her face revealed no emotion. She took her thumb and brought it close to his face. Wren swatted it away. Zarana did not give up. She quickly used her other hand, roughly brushing it below his eyes, and lifted it to his face. His eyes were met with the sight of blood.

"I would not have died!" Wren roared, grabbing her wrist and throwing her hand down.

"You would have lost your sight," Zarana calmly countered. "You had been in the trance for nearly an hour, Wren. I waited as long as I could. But I couldn't wait once I saw blood. So punish me if you must. I did what I had to do."

Wren groaned in frustration before he punched the nearest wall to release his anger. The pain pulsed through his hand, but he ignored it.

"Leave," he seethed. "Now!"

"Wren," she pleaded, "I can help. I've read all the books in the library and," she continued on but Wren had shut her nonsense out. His blood was boiling. He had waited nearly two hundred years for this chance, for his chance, and Zarana ruined it for him.

"Why would you want to help me?" he demanded, cutting her off. "Why would you want to help me find the woman who will take your place as my Queen?"

Zarana shook her head. "Do you really believe I want to be with you for your crown? If finding her will make you happy, I want to help you, Wren."

He glared at her. "You squandered my only chance!"

"For your life! I will not apologize for that," she deadpanned. "Besides, I told you, I have read all the books, and I will do everything in my power to help. You have my word."

Wren didn't respond. There was a time he loved her, never as she wanted him to, but the compassion he held for her was irreplaceable. But that had ended the moment Zarana betrayed him.

"You don't have to trust me," she persisted. "But what's the harm in telling me what you saw? If I wanted to tell on you, I would have done so the moment I saw the relic in your hands."

As much as he hated to admit it, he was running out of options. Zarana was intelligent, and she had read nearly all the books Kingdom's athenaeum.

"I saw six figures, sitting on a throne, completely garbed in dark cloaks," he finally said. "Only one of them spoke upon her arrival."

Zarana narrowed her eyes. "I will need a little more than that. What did the realm look like?"

Wren thought about it. "Like all the elements joined forces. It was unlike anything I have seen before."

"I may be entirely wrong," Zarana started, "but there is this old journal. And I mean, really old. It was in the ancestry section of the library but it just looked like nonsense at the time. Ridiculous theories, scribbled onto parchment, I mean, the journal called it the place of all creation." Wren gave her pointed look. Zarana had a bad habit of rambling on. "What I am trying to say," she said upon taking a breath, "is that it mentioned a realm like the one you described. It was called...Ethereal. Yes, Ethereal. I could look into it? Ask around?"

"No," Wren said. If his father found out, he would be the one thrown into the dungeons. "This stays between us."

"Right," she agreed.

"What are you waiting for?" Wren questioned. If minutes in Eira's realm were hours in his, he had time on his side. But that didn't mean he wanted to waste it standing around.

Zarana pursed her lips before giving him a small curtsy, and exited the room.

Wren let out a breath, running his fingers through his hair. He knew he couldn't completely rely on Zarana. He still didn't trust her. And with Araminta's unexpected absence, he would need to find another Mystiqual to do his bidding. Fortunately, he knew exactly where their coven was hidden. It was just unfortunate that it was on enemy grounds.

But Wren was determined. She was so close, nearly within his grasp, and he would do anything to reach her, even if it meant crossing unfriendly territory. He would even march through the Underworld just to get to her.

And this time, he would not let her go.

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Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed this. The reason why it's called Chapter 0 is because it was originally the prologue (but I edited through it and changed/added things), and now I'm not entirely sure what this is; whether or not it'll be the new Chapter 1. We shall see! 

Regardless, it's still an important part of the story! If you enjoyed the read pleeeaaase do not forget to Vote! Also leave a comment... if you want to, I love reading those! Thank you <3