This chapter was originally 7,000 words so I just split it up into two chapters and they will be posted back to back. 

Alesandria stood outside the balcony doors, the cool morning kissing her prickling skin. Against the beauty of the morning sky was the cold blade in her hand. The jagged point of the blade pressed into her skin, drawing a small pool of blood.

"Why the hesitation?" Heather's voice rang in her head, her strong presence blocking out any of her cautious thoughts. "You promised us that you would go through with whatever plan we concocted."

"I know, but doesn't this seem a bit early? The battle just happened yesterday, and you want me to attack the emperor today? Doesn't that raise suspicion?" Alesandria questioned, earning an impatient curse from Heather. Suddenly, the knife in her hand turned towards her throat, the point of it teasing the skin of her neck.

"I didn't ask for what you thought, Alesandria. I asked you to do something and you will follow through or the Gods so help me, I will come over to the Inner Circle myself and kill you." The low rumble of her voice was non-negotiable and Alesandria nodded, a shaky sigh releasing from her lips.

"Okay! I'm sorry!" Alesandria protested, prompting for the blade to fall out of her hand. A pulsing pain settled in her head, electrifying her body with a feeling she could not shake off. "The Desert Tribes are getting ready, Alesandria. You may have Rheynoak, but we have you and Draco right where we want you to be. It's just a matter of time now before Raebar rises and avenges those who disobeyed him."

"Avenge? What do you mean?" Alesandria asked. She could practically feel the scowl on Heather's lips deepening. "Oh, don't tell me now that you are getting sympathetic, Alesandria. I can't risk that!"

"I'm just curious, not sympathetic! Nothing to worry about" Alesandria replied quickly, stooping down to pick up the blade. "Good. And keep prying information from that loose-lipped summoner they call Castrin. His infatuations seem to tower over his judgment."

Before Alesandria could even ask her one more question, the bond between the faded and Heather left her mind, leaving her completely numb and dizzy. A knock on her door sounded, bringing her back to reality and the open of the balcony. "Come in" Alesandria called out, tucking the knife into the back of her dress. She pulled her cardigan off the floor and pushed her hair off her shoulders so that it would tumble and cover her waist, concealing the weapon.

The door opened and Castrin stepped inside, his eyes meeting hers in delight. "Morning," he said in a tired voice, running his fingers through his tumbled curls. "Morning. How are you feeling?" she asked as he closed the door, locking it.

"Not as good as I should be feeling" he replied. He stepped into the pool of sunlight in her room, revealing the purple and blue bruises on his face, his swollen and eyes and split lip that still pulsed with blood. His arms were covered in shattered colors of red and blue as the bruises turned black at the ends of his fingers.

"You look terrible, Castrin!" she exclaimed, rushing over to him. He let out a dry laugh, wincing as she touched his swollen cheek. "I feel terrible as well," he said, reaching out to take her hand. "If it wasn't for Rheynoak, I would have gotten a good night's sleep."

"How is that situation going?' Alesandria asked. He gave her a subtle, nonchalant stare, answering everything she needed to know. "If I could kill him, I would, but he's someone withholding vulnerable information. I can't get rid of him yet and Yongui wouldn't let me anyway."

"Why?" the siphon asked, but the summoner shook his head, encircling an arm around her waist. "Long story. Either way, it's going to take some coaxing to get what we need from him." Alesandria nodded, pushing a lock of his hair aside. A dark cloud came over his eyes, blocking out the vibrant energy that danced within them.

"Although, Rheynoak did mention something that had me thinking," he said. Alesandria raised an eyebrow at him, crossing her arms over her chest. "And what would that be?" she pressed on in an aggravated tone.

"Well, he said something about Rashnov, Irene, and Heather manipulating you. About how you have darker intentions to harm Draco and Onyx and that you are a threat to all of us. As much as I hate to admit it, his words have stuck with me."

A disapproving glare settled on Alesandria's face, followed by a heavy sigh. "That backstabbing bitch" Heather's voice hissed in her mind, but she pushed her away, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Why would you believe anything that comes out of his mouth? He is nothing but a liar. A filthy, useless liar."

"I know, but the more I sat down and thought about it, the more I started to realize the subtle differences in your attitude. You're bolder, risqué, and witted. You're usually so reserved and respectful, but I have noticed you becoming more defiant. Even the way you dress has been more revealing." He gestured towards her barely-there nightgown that stopped just above her knee. The silk cardigan over her shoulders did nothing to conceal her legs.

"Maybe it's just me, but I can't help but feel like something is going on. Are you okay?" he asked, running his fingers through her dark locks. Alesandria pressed her lips together, but sighed, wetting her lips to contemplate her words.

"Honestly, no. Ever since it has been discovered that Onyx is the true heir to the Crojesian throne, I have been thrown to the sidelines. No one seems to care about how I am doing or what I am going through. Plans are never disclosed to me and I always must go to lengths to discover them myself. Even Draco, supposedly the kindest Inner Circle emperor, has developed a habit of isolating me and his sister seems to be driving that point home. I must go out of my way and act out of character for any of you to even pay attention to me for a single second. What about my past, my bloodline, my future? Does that not matter to any of you?

Castrin sighed, pulling her closer to him. She could feel the warmth of his body heat radiating off his clothes despite the cold draft in the room. Alesandria averted her eyes towards the floor, but Castrin tilted her chin up until their eyes met. He cupped her face in his hands, stroking her flushed cheeks.

"Of course, you matter Ales" Castrin pointed out, tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "I'm sorry on everyone's behalf if we have been isolating you for the past few months. We are trying to keep everything together ourselves and we can get lost in the chaos. I'll have a personal talk with everyone and express your feelings of abandonment. They'll surely understand."

Alesandria met his eyes and smiled, pulling him close for a hug. She breathed in his refreshing scent of ocean waves and flowers, holding him until time seemed to fade away. "Thank you, Castrin" she whispered to him.

"Don't mention it" he replied, taking her hand to plant a kiss on her knuckles. "To make it up to you, I'll fill you in on what the agenda is today. That is if you are willing to hear it."

"You better say yes, you idiot!" Heather's voice hissed in her mind.

Alesandria nodded, pulling him towards the bed until they both tumbled down in heaps of laughter. "Of course. Inform me, dear Castrin."

Onyx examined herself in the glass reflections of the front entrance of the palace. The sleek black dress she wore hugged the curves of her waist and the knee-high split allowed for easy access to her sword. A black veil hung over her head, shielding her eyes through a black net. However, the siphon was more interested in how much weight she had gained back over the past few months.

Her thin frame and gaunt face were replaced with new, thick curves that were accentuated with the thin layer of muscles she had gained, and her face was full and glowing. What she thought would never be achievable was standing in front of her. A woman who seemed comfortable and happy in the way she looked.

"Onyx, your highness." The formalities brought a sour expression on her face as she turned around to see Raiyah walking towards her, followed by Falcon and Yongui. A slick smile was on her face. "Still not used to hearing it?" she asked, stepping out of the doors and into the chilly morning air.

"It's just going to take a little time getting used to it. That's all" Onyx replied even though her quiet tone gave away her true answer. Raiyah patted her shoulder before fixing the black lace sleeves of her mourning dress. "This is one of the few dresses I own" she explained when she caught the Siphon staring at her with a puzzled look. "It feels uncomfortable."

"Duly noted," the siphon remarked. Falcon tugged at Onyx's arm, pulling her over to the front courtyard that overlooked the kingdom. Everything was dark and foggy except for a few bursts of light that poked through the fog. "Those are starlight balls. They are the strongest source of light in Elsavior and a popular choice of navigation" he explained, redirecting her gaze to the far side of the kingdom where she could see a line of starlight balls trudging up the dense hills. "We started with the farthest regions as you suggested. So far, a couple of thousand people have made it safely into Navidia and are being kept under the watchful eyes of the rulers, guards, and the people" explained, shaking his head. "We should be targeting the middle regions by tomorrow if all goes well."

"How many people live in Elsavior?" Onyx asked.

"Including the major cities, approximately three and a half million people are living in Elsavior. We are definitely on the smaller region when it comes to the population" Yongui answered, coming up behind her and resting a hand on the curve of the balcony.

"Have your niece and nephew evacuated yet?" Onyx asked, earning a disheartening smile from Yongui and a shake of the head. "Not yet. Hopefully tomorrow. We still have to arrange living quarters from Parcia and Eros since they will not be able to hide in my house forever."

"Thank you for looking after them. I know you didn't have to nor did you want to, but you did and for that, thank you." Yongui shook her head, backing away from the balcony. "Just doing my job" she responded. "We have a busy schedule today, so we have to get going with the burial. Iredine has agreed to meet us there along with Castrin. Sahara has woken up, but she's still weak so its best if she stays here?"

"What about Alesandria?" Onyx asked.

"I believe Castrin said he's with her. She'll probably tag along to meet us there." Onyx nodded and took a deep breath, smoothing her hands over the velvet material of the dress. Falcon gave her a reassuring hug, directing her back to the entrance. "Don't be nervous. Everything will be fine."

"I know, but I'm wondering if I am making the right decision" Onyx replied, looking back up at him. "I'm not exactly fit to be a ruler."

"Well, you're doing a great job at it" Raiyah called from the staircase. "Better than I ever could. Draco would be proud." Onyx's face lit up in red flames, a fighting smile on her face. Next to the emperor's sister stood Azura in a simple black jumpsuit and Orion who wobbled on her legs to stand up. He smiled when Onyx passed him a concerned look, simply waving his hand. "Don't worry about me. We immortal beings heal fast. I'll be good in no time" he said despite the painful expression written on his face when he shifted his weight to his other leg.

"Are you sure? Stay if you must. Don't put yourself in a situation you can't get out of." A sad smile passed his face, his usually cheerful eyes twinkling with a hint of sadness. "It's kind of too late for that" he replied in a hushed tone, giving her a knowing look. Onyx sucked in a breath, realizing the foolish words she had spoken.

"Right. Well, if that's all of us, we better get going" she said, signaling her wings to come to life. A strong breeze passed by and ruffled the black feathers that were molding into monstrous wings that rose high on her back. They flapped noisily, making sure everyone knew that they were present. "You sure know how to make an entrance," Raiyah said, earning a small smile from the siphon.

"Lead the way" was her reply. Raiyah's wings flourished and quickly swept her off her feet, throwing her on a course she knew too well. Onyx followed close behind, her black wings seemingly blending with the gloomy darkness of the morning.

Thunderous rain swept the swampy sidewalks and through the soft fields. The burial grounds were quiet and sorrowful as the last of the glass caskets were pushed into the earth. They landed with a soft splash in the dirty water before the men climbed out of the ditch, covered in mud and water.

There weren't many people present, to begin with. Besides Onyx and the court, a few emperors and empresses made a guest appearance along with Iredine and Castrin. Families of the victims came in small doses, most of them not staying for long as soon as they saw their deceased relative.

By the time Raiyah stood up on the podium to make a quick speech, there was barely a handful of people to pay attention to.

"Thank you all for joining us in remembering those who fought bravely in the battle and those who were unfortunate victims of the attacks. As you all know, the Inner Circle has been caught in a war with the Desert tribe and it has been affecting Elsavior as well as the rest of the kingdoms who are risking their best warriors for the sake of keeping our people safe." Raiyah's voice wavered between her words, her eyes prickling up with tears as she continued to speak. "As you all know, our emperor and my beloved brother, Draco Kelien Vaolcris was one of the victims that was hurt in this attack. Multiple attempts have been made to revive him from his coma state, but no improvements have been noted. However, this will not stop the Inner Circle from being proactive and continuously working to find remedies to cure him. Evacuation will continue to happen as we prepare to fight the forces that the Desert Tribe will attack us with, and a public announcement will be made when all is safe."

Raiyah looked up, tears streaming down her face, and smiled. She allowed the men to cover the ditch with earth and decorate it with a wall of flowers before saying a quick prayer and dismissing everyone. Her hands were shaking as she got down from the podium, wiping her face with the back of her hand. Falcon pulled her in for a hug, stroking her hair in a calming manner.

"I'm sorry," Raiyah said in a quiet voice. Falcon shook his head, pulling back to wipe the remaining tears off her face. "You have nothing to be sorry for. Your brother would be proud of you" he said, patting her on the back. Still, Raiyah shook her head and turned to Iredine who was quiet in the corner. "Please tell me you have found some sort of cure for my brother. Please."

"There is no such remedy to bring him back from his state," Iredine said in a somber tone. "There is a lot of white ash poison in his bloodstream which is suppressing his magic from healing him. Therefore, it's going to take quite a while for his body to fully flush out the poison."

"Aren't there any alternatives we can use?" Azura asked. Iredine shook her head once again. "There are only two solutions I can think of. The first one would be to make an incision where the poison entered his body and to drain a percentage of blood to remove the poison. This, however, is not a full-proof solution. The other is a sudden action that causes his body to go into a defensive mode. When this happens, his body will be overflowed with adrenaline which will flush out the poison and wake him up."

"Why can't we do the second action then?" Raiyah asked.

"Would you be willing to do it? A sudden action can be anywhere from shaking him to seriously injuring him for his body to go into defensive mode and I don't think either of you has the stomach to do that to your unconscious leader" Iredine explained.

Raiyah sighed, digging her fingers through her hair. "I don't think I can do this any longer" she breathed, pacing back and forth. "I'm going to lose my mind." Emperor Reyback, Empress Misa, and Empress Cayah stepped in to comfort the poor girl, engulfing her in a hug. "Come on. We need you at the borders to ensure everyone is getting to Navidia safely" Empress Cayah informed her, bringing her to the entrance of the graveyard.

Empress Misa followed her, leaving Emperor Reyback standing in front of Iredine. "Are you sure about this?" he asked her in a low tone, raising his brows. "Is Onyx ready to learn about her family?"

Iredine nodded, her red locks falling in front of her face. "We are trusting with the faith of the Inner Circle and possibly all of Asxairo. She's been through so much and has survived it up until this point. I think it's safe to say that she is more than capable."

"In that case, be careful. We don't know what lies in that cave." Iredine nodded, patting him on the shoulder. "I'll keep her safe."

Emperor Reyback stepped back and bowed his head in respect as he walked away, leaving Iredine with Castrin, Azura, Falcon, and Yongui. "Where is Alesandria?" she questioned, looking around for the pale hybrid. "She should be here."

"She wasn't feeling well so she is in the palace infirmary being tended to by the maids." Onyx turned around, her eyes frantic and wild. "Is she okay?" she asked in a pitched tone. He nodded with a reassuring smile. "It's nothing serious, but she looked weak, so the maids suggested for her to stay."

"In that case, we better get going" Iredine informed, looking up to the sky. "Follow me."

In the blink of an eye, she was nothing but a stream of light streaking the sky before disappearing into wispy smoke. The others followed suit, burning bright like cosmic stars before dissolving into black smoke.

A/N: And that is the end of Chapter Thirty Four!

Sorry if this chapter is a bit slow and cliff-hangers. When I finished writing this chapter, it was originally 7,000 words and it didn't sit comfortably with me so I split it up into two chapters and they will be posted back to back.

But I swear the next chapter is a lot more interesting and thrilling as we finally dive deep into Onyx's full story. 

And a surprise twist!

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