A Vow So Unbroken (Book 2)

1: The Bridge of Light

< Aria Silverwink >

I stand atop a bridge of light, magic swirling around me. Across from me, at the other end of the bridge, stands a silhouetted figure, their shadowy form illuminated by silver and blue and purple light. 

The figure inches closer to me, and a strange, beautiful voice fills my mind, dancing on a dark, dreamlike wind. “Aria. I sense your fear. Your sadness and loss, it calls to me.”

I don't recognize the female voice, but as the figure steps closer, I see gleaming silver eyes with slitted, snake-like pupils looking at me. She is a shadow with those eyes, gleaming with that beautiful aura. 

“You fear the power which lives within your veins. Yet you think you do not know me. Both of these are mistakes.”

Finally, I find my voice. “What … am I? Who are you? Where are we?”

She chuckles, the sound a soft tinkling like windchimes. “I am what you Fae and Hollows and Mortals all call Idara, Goddess of Magic and Creation.”

I can't speak, yet again, I've lost that ability. I can only stare at this figure before me. She seems to smile, the way it makes her eyes narrow a little tells me she's smiling. Idara is the Goddess who created all things, including the world of Solaris, where I live. 

“Aria, you and Asher are my Chosen. The two new living goddesses in my world. And I know this is a lot, and you're likely going to try and resist my will… but you must know that you two are blessed, not cursed.”

I swallow hard. “I've been dreaming about you each night. Is that… is this why?”

She nods. “Indeed. You have more magic and more potential than anyone, including your friends.”

“And …” I sigh and try to remain calm as I speak this next part. “What of my … mate?”

“Time will reveal it all to you, Aria.”

Suddenly, I snap awake. I'm laying in my bed, in the same bed I'd laid in with Aegramon, but this time, I'm alone. Completely fucking alone. Aegramon is dead. I'm alone. 

I get up, tears slipping down my face, and I head to the living room. As usual, Eden is lying curled up beside Asher on the couch. Asher is still unconscious, even a month and a half later. Her magic is keeping her alive, but I can sense that she is fading. 

Slowly, I sit down beside the couch and take Asher's hand in mine. She is magical, Creation itself, not just according to the others, but the Goddess of Magic and Creation too. Idara is the one I saw in my dreams, but she knows things I don't, which is obvious… but I can't stop myself from wishing she'd just fucking tell me how to save my sister. How to use my magic that I truly have awakened within myself to save Aegramon. 

I slowly stand up and walk outside, and even though it's dark outside, I sit down in the grass. Just beyond the reach of the light of the home, I sit here, staring up at the sky. And all I can do is wish for Aegramon and Asher to be with us once more. 

As I sit here, staring up at the sky, I feel a weird twinge of energy that yanks at my ribs. I turn, looking around. I'm alone, as I knew I'd be, but at the same time … I'm not. 

There is someone else here, watching from the shadows. 

“Aria …”

I flinch and stand up, following that odd and somewhat painful tug in my ribs. I am tense, but there is some kind of magical feeling which churns in the air just ahead of me. It pulls me in. 

“Aria …”

My heart stops, and I look up as soon as that energy blossoms and shimmers, turning into a light which glows yellowish amber. 

“Who's there?” I ask, my voice breathless, my heart pounding. 

“Aria, I need … help …”

It's then that I recognize this voice. My legs give out, and I collapse to the ground. “Aegramon? Is that you?”

“I need your help, Aria.” I look up as that shimmering light forms into Aegramon's silhouette. “I … I'm fading…”

“How can I save you? You're dead…”

“Help me … help … her …” 

The silhouette vanishes. And once more, the reality of his death hits. And I cannot help but scream in grief and cry, as that pain hits its dark crescendo, and I realize that once more…

I am alone.