Then came Astan’s most trusted council and guards. Finally, I reached text.
There were no symbols, no code. Nervous, I read the first line.
Once upon a time, there existed a kingdom ruled by the most beautiful and powerful of creatures, where power danced in the air like stardust. Allow me to take you there ...
Black dots wove through my vision, and I caught myself tilting forward.
“Stop,” Domino said, and I immediately rocketed my attention to him. The dots faded, and I righted. “Do not read it while fearful. The emotion opens the door to Astan’s essence, allowing it to weave a sticky web through your thoughts.”
Yes, I’d felt that. “I understand,” I told him, girding myself for the next passages.
“Continue.”
I began to read once more, my emotions on lockdown. This time, when images invaded, they didn’t take over my mind, and yet I was there. Living in the past, a time before and beyond.
In this enchanting world of worlds, there lives a radiant woman named Rose. A spirit reminiscent of the wildwoods, and a queen as cherished as she is captivating.
As Rose flutters through the lush gardens, her long, white robe sparkles with diamond dust woven into the fabric. With grace and joy, she visits tree after tree, bringing them to bloom with a captivating song that embodies the very life of the land.
When a dashing figure emerges from the shadows, she startles. His potent presence causes the very atmosphere to vibrate. Despite warnings, she is instantly intrigued. His allure is undeniable, his eyes twin orbs of molten obsidian.
“Hello, sweetness,” he calls, his voice as powerful as thunder and yet as gentle as summer rain. He appears carved from magic and stone as he unveils a smile known to make even the bravest of souls falter, for he is Astan, the land’s former king, defeated long ago by Rose’s beloved husband, Tsuri.
She is not afraid. Tsuri warned her that this being would come. The dispossessed royal cannot harm her in any way unless she steps from their territory. “You shouldn’t be here. Nor should you use such an endearment with me,” she admonishes. “It’s improper.”
Astan steps closer to the border of Tsuri’s kingdom, his grin coy, mischievous. “You’re right.” Six golden stars light his irises. “I should wait until I’ve tasted you.”
A blush stains Rose’s cheeks, and her lips curve into a smile both smug and firm. “You never will.”
Astan’s grin deepens, but there’s something more in his eyes. A silent promise, a challenge ... and an invitation. “Don’t be so sure. My determination is without equal.”
Though Rose stands resolute in her refusal, she cannot deny a hum of attraction between them. He is perfection personified.
“Stay there if you wish, but know I will be ignoring you from here on.” And so, as the sun sets on the realm of light and color, Rose continues to dance in the gardens, her song ever sweet, while Astan lingers, his desire for her blooming with fruit of its own. But her awareness of him never fades.
And so, the tale of Astan and his Briar Rose begins.
“Astan craves what belongs to Tsuri,” Domino said from beside me.
My fingers tightened on the volume, nearly tearing the pages as I recalled Cyrus’s use of the endearment “sweetness” the morning we’d kissed passionately in my cell.
“Read on,” Domino said, and once again, I obeyed, eager to learn more.
Though I quaked, I did it. A secret affair unfolded, Astan working to paint Tsuri as a monstrous husband in Rose’s eyes. When her husband warred with the other man, she fled and died. Though Tsuri poured his strength into her, bringing her back to life, she worked with Astan to destroy what remained of Tsuri. Soal meted vengeance, imprisoning Astan and those in his care.
Sympathy for Astan and his love stirred within me. He only wished to be with her.
“This is why Soal’s books are not allowed to leave the library. Astan infects everything he touches, and that infection works to distort history, making him the savior and Tsuri the monster. The reason Soalians who read this without an anchor can be ensnared.” The librarian patted my shoulder. “We must go.”
No, no. I needed to stay here. To read on and learn more. Maybe Tsuriwasa monster. Why not let Rose go? She and Astan clearly loved each other and—
“Close the book, Arden.” The firmness of Domino’s tone penetrated my awareness. “Do itnow.”
I obeyed, and the world vanished. Breathing deep, I took in my surroundings, grounding myself in the real world. Theirland. The room I shared with Cyrus. He hadn’t budged from the couch or ceased observing me. Although, he now glared.
My shallow, panting breaths carried me straight to confusion. “Why did you make me stop?”
“You had begun to welcome Astan’s whispers,” Domino said. “In this regard, he’s a grower like you, planting and watering his lies in the minds of vulnerable humans. Today, you sampled the smallest taste of his allures.”
