Eris was tired. For days now, he hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep. He was always with Selene to make sure that she was okay and slept, but once he was back in his room, insomnia would set to the point where he’d have to use a spell just to put himself to sleep.

But then the dreams came.

Day in and day out, he was exhausted. Some of him wanted to tell Selene, but she had enough on her plate with the King of Vampyres coming for her. She was stretched as thin as he was. He could see it in her eyes.

“You don’t look like you’ve gotten sleep,” came a voice. Eris spun around, sending the world spinning after him. Walking towards him was a Reborn woman with sand-colored wings, in a plain tunic and leather pants smelling like seawater, walked towards him. Once again, the feeling of familiarity washed over him.

“Um, have we met?”

“Not in this life. My brother is Uriel, and I’m Urit.”

“Oh, hello, it’s nice to meet you,” he said, shaking her hand.

“Pleasure’s all mine Eris Sintas,” she said, shaking his hand. Eris noticed she looked about Selene’s age, maybe a year older. He could see the resemblance between her and Uriel. “I’ve been back from sea for only a few hours, and already I’ve heard so much about you.”

“All good, I hope.”

“Eh, it’s mixed reviews.” She winked at him nicely enough. “I haven’t met your sister, though.”

“She’s probably with either Uriel or Ranita.”

“Interesting. There are a lot of mixed reviews about her too. I’m sure you’ve noticed that fear is a concept of the living.”

“You don’t seem so scared.”

“I spend most of my time at sea to hide. So I wouldn’t exactly call that facing my fears.”

“Urit!” Eris looked down the hall at the running Ranita. She hugged Urit tightly and pulled back, holding her at arm’s length to examine her. “My lord, why haven’t you changed yet?”

Laughing, Urit said, “I’ve only been back for a few hours. Let me have a chance to breathe before the Court air stifles me.”

“Sorry darling, but as part of the Royal Court, you must dress accordingly. Besides, if I have to suffer, so must you.” She looked at Eris as though seeing him for the first time. “Eris! I see you’ve met Urit. She’s in charge of overseas trading and is the naval commander. And the youngest in charge too! A bit too modest, if I say so myself.”

“Ranita, enough, please. I simply enjoy my position. That’s the only reason I do it so well.”

“Whatever you say. Now come, we must get you out of these sea-stained clothes. Eris, your sister is with Uriel in the Royal Guard Training Room. Just go down the hall, then turn left at the first turn. It’s at the end of the hall.” Waving goodbye, she dragged Urit, with her gold and silver hair, down the opposite direction. Again, she waved goodbye, a sublime and secretive smile on her familiar face. He listened to them as they disappeared down the hall until their voices vanished.

As Eris walked along, he felt the dizziness begin to take over. Catching his breath that had become labored, he leaned against the wall for support as his vision began to turn.

Everything was blurry at first, then blinding white, and then suddenly, he was somewhere else. Eris was in Nephilium with Nivette, whose skin sparkled like the stars despite the umbrella she carried to protect her fair complexion. She wore white lace gloves, and her hair was delicate, pulled back and under a white bonnet. Her ivory bodice was intricately sewed with little beads and lace, and her little jacket over her delicate shoulders was done just the same. The bottom of her dress barely touched the ground, and her pale pink lips were curved into a sweet smile as she stared at him. A sapphire-encrusted ring was on her finger and sparkled in the sun. She was breathtaking, and Eris realized that he loved her. He loved Nivette…

“Eris?” The voice shattered whatever memory was playing through his head. His breathing slowly returned, and when his sight followed, he saw Azelia examining him closely on her knees at his eye level.

“Azelia?”

“You don’t look well. You should go to bed.”

Eris shook his head. “I’m fine.”

“You look otherwise.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

“Eris, don’t you…what’s your true name?”

Eris looked at her confused and used the wall to help him stand. “Eris Sintas.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, my name is Eris,” he said forcefully with a tinge of more anger than he had intended. However, his rage subsided quickly when he saw her flinch. “I’m sorry, Azelia.”

“It’s okay. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Eris’ heart ached when he saw the hurt in her eyes. “No, I’m sorry I snapped at you. I just haven’t been sleeping well. I’m sorry.” He bowed his head in forgiveness. Her fingertips gently lifted his head, sending shivers over his body. Her hands were smooth, like rose petals. And the more he looked into her honey-colored eyes, the more his heart raced. Gods, she was beautiful.

“I believe you were on your way to see your sister?” He nodded, speechless. “Follow me then, Eris,” she said, returning her hand to her side. “Uriel had allowed her to be part of the training.”

“Training?”

“We’re all required to know how to handle a blade.”

“Oh boy,” he said, laughing. “Whoever goes against her is in for quite the beating.” He laughed some more, as did Azelia. His heart raced again when her hand gripped his and pulled him along.

As with the rest of the palace, the training room was large enough for a hundred people. Complete with a domed ceiling and tall windows, it let in the autumn light, giving the room warmth. Selene was not the only one there. Nivette was as well. She thought teaching the Reborns to fight off Vampyres would be amusing. Running and flying off the walls seemed to brighten her spirits. That was until she saw Eris enter with Azelia on his arm.

“Hello Eris. Azelia.”

“Pettiness is not a flattering shade on you, Nivette. Besides, I have my own duties to attend to.” She bowed, her hands crossed just above her knees. Eris stared after her, wishing she wouldn’t leave. He continued to stare, watching the sun bounce off her honey-colored wings.

“Your mouth is hanging open, Eris,” he heard Nivette say. Her arms were crossed, and she looked more than angry. She looked hurt.

“Nivette. Why—”

“Don’t ask questions about me, Eris. You know enough about me to serve as two lifetimes.” Then, turning her back to him, she walked off, returning to the center of the room. Eris looked over at his sister, who was giving him that look. He didn’t need to be a mind reader to know she was saying, “I told you so.”

“Shut up,” he said, leaning against the wall beside her.

“I didn’t say anything,” she exclaimed as she failed miserably to contain the smile on her face.

“That smirk says it all, Selene.”

Selene laughed. “Oh, you’ve always known how to read me like a book.”

“Oh, shut up.”

“I’m not saying anything! Your guilt is obviously playing tricks on you.”

Eris ignored her and watched in amusement as Reborns, younger than he, stared at Nivette in fear. Serves them right, he thought. They shouldn’t believe that they’re better than everyone else. He saw a group of aristocrats and probably fourth-born nobles, pointing and muttering. His jaw tightened.

“Ignore them,” said Selene while she fastened on her leather gloves. Selene tied her hair back into a tight topknot, then pulled out the sword sheathed at her hip. “They’re children. They don’t know any better.”

“They’re arrogant, self-righteous, pompous fools. I hate the lot of them.”

Selene snorted. “Sure you do. That must be why you stumble over yourself whenever you see Azelia.” She laughed and handed a sword to Eris, who was scowling and looked ready to tell her off. Uriel, though, cut him off when his mouth opened.

“Eris, glad you could finally join us. Your sister here has bested all of my best. If I were a betting man, I would risk my reputation and fight her.” He laughed and smiled, his usually professional demeanor gone. Selene joined him, mindlessly flexing her wrist as she laughed beside him. Had he missed something between them, thought Eris. He shook the thought away and stared at Uriel.

“Challenge me then,” said Eris. “You’ve got nothing to fear by fighting me.”

“Aye, that is true. Eris is probably just as good as me, but I always beat him.” Selene’s grin was wide, childlike

“And I always end up smeared in shades of blue and purple.” Selene laughed aloud, her loud laughter coming out like a cackle, drawing everyone’s attention. When she finally realized all eyes were on her, her cheeks turned bright red.

“Shut up,” she said, catching her brother’s teasing look. This time, he put his hands up defensively.

“I said nothing.”

“Master Uriel! Master Uriel!” Eris turned his body halfway around to stare at the Reborn calling him. One of the mutterers from across the room was approaching Uriel. He gave both of the Sintas siblings pointed looks of distaste. Selene, being above such petty behavior, ignored him, tending to her nails and digging out the dirt from under them with a small knife. On the other hand, Eris was trying very hard to contain himself. Usually, he would deal a single punch and walk away or say nothing at all, but this particular Reborn needed to be taught a lesson and be used as an example to the others.

“What is it, Calib?”

“Your sister has returned.”

“That’s right!” exclaimed Eris. “Urit stopped me in the hallway, but then Ranita snatched her away.”

Uriel laughed, and his wings bounced up and down as his body filled with laughter. “So like Ranita. I’m probably not going to see Urit until dinner.”

“Uriel, pardon my asking, but what are these two doing here. They have no place.”

“Naavah thinks we have a place here,” answered Eris obnoxiously, hoping to annoy the stupid Reborn more. “Don’t you think that should suffice, sister?”

“Indeed I do, dearest brother. Would you like to see young Reborn fool?” The Sintas siblings snickered, drawing out a sly smile for Uriel.

“Brilliant idea Selene. Calib, Eris challenged me, but I think you should take my place. How about you take my place? It’s about time someone knocked some sense into you.”

“I could best him in my sleep,” scoffed Calib.

“Brave words Reborn Calib,” began Selene.

“But they’re simply words,” finished Eris. “However, I understand if you’re scared.”

“He should be,” snickered Selene, leaning onto her brothers’ shoulder.

“Enough! Fine, I’ll spar with him,” said Calib facing the grinning Uriel.

“You really didn’t have much choice,” muttered Uriel. “Attention!” Everyone in the room immediately formed a circle, their arms straight, tightly hugging their sides, their heads high and straight. All their wings were tight together. Admittedly, Eris found it impressive.

“Calib here has challenged Eris Touched Born to fight. You all have seen Selene Sintas fight; now we see her brother. Positions!” Eris looked at his sister, who stood at the far end of the circle, her arms crossed and leaning against the wall on the heels of her feet. She winked at him encouragingly. On a ledge above Selene’s head sat Nivette, her long legs dangling back and forth in the sunlight, her skin saved by her glowing wristband. Redness rimmed her blue eyes, and her face was expressionless.

In his latest vision, she looked so happy and full of life. Now she looked dead and angry. Hapless. Looking back at Calib, he gripped the blade Uriel handed him and spread his legs, relaxing some of his muscles as he saw Calib’s grip tighten. This will be easy, though Eris hiding his smile.

“Begin.” Calib charged. Eris ducked down and thrust the sword’s hilt into Calib’s gut. He almost laughed in satisfaction as he heard Calib grunt in pain. Calib stumbled back with one hand holding his side while his other held the sword. Eris could see that, finally, Calib was studying his opponent. Toying with the shadows around him, he hoped to distract him. It worked. This was a joke, he thought, charging. Calib caught the blade and held him back. Sneering, he pushed his body’s weight into the blade. Eris pushed Calib’s blade toward him as another distraction. Kicking his foot out, he hit the side of Calib hard, swinging Calib’s blade from him, sending it clattering on the floor and placing his own blade at Calib’s throat.

“You aren’t any better than me, Reborn Royal.” Eris held his blade over his shoulder. Uriel clapped, and everyone stared at Eris, impressed.

“Congratulations Eris, you fight almost like your sister.”

“I handle myself better,” he heard Selene say.

“I enjoy my little tricks.”

“He cheated! He used his damnable Touched Born gift,” exclaimed Calib wiping sweat from his forehead.

“I never said he couldn’t,” said Uriel. “Why should you not face it? Shadowlings fight like him, Vampyres too, and in less fair circumstances. Why shouldn’t you face them?”

Calib stumbled over his words, looking away. “It wasn’t fair.”

“Life hardly is,” said Eris. He felt his sisters’ gaze bore into his head. Uriel nodded in agreement.

“Eris is right.” He pat Calib on the shoulder. “Calib, you think too highly of your skills. To have a fighting chance, you must assume that your opponents may know more than you do and know your next move. When that happens, you must quickly change your approach. Control your emotions; don’t let your anger get the better of you, or you will lose. Now get cleaned up, and we’ll talk about this later.” Calib stalked off, nearly shoving into Eris and a fellow Reborn who Eris recognized from the Council meeting. Eris waved to him, and he waved back, staying where he was. Eris was about to walk over to him as he acknowledged the respect in his eyes, but his sister was tapping his shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, glaring at him.

Eris sighed and rolled his eyes. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Something’s wrong. It was obvious when you made that comment you made. You usually don’t care. You usually go along with life. Unfair or not.”

“Fine.” Eris looked around carefully, lowering his voice. “Not here.” Eris entered the hallway with his sister close to his side. Eris leaned against the wall and rubbed his face in exhaustion; no point hiding it from her anymore. “I haven’t been sleeping well. I keep having these dreams–”

“Have you tried a Sleeping Spell?”

“Yeah.  It’s the dreams, Selene. The dreams wake me up and…I don’t want to fall asleep and dream.” Her eyes narrowed on him, studying his face, catching the dark circles under his eyes.

“I’ll make you a Sleeping draft tonight.”

“Selene, you’re not listening. Sleeping isn’t the problem; the dreaming is.”

“Okay, fine. I’ll spell the potion to give you a dreamless sleep.”

“You can really do that?”

“Eris, hello! This is me we’re talking about. If I do say so myself, I’m a brilliant witch, the most brilliant witch in this lifetime.” Smiling, she kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you later tonight.” Eris watched her run off, her hair bouncing up and down behind her. What would I do without her, he asked himself. Eris laughed at the thought. “I’d probably go insane,” he said, answering his thoughts. Ruffling his hair, he watched Selene until she vanished down the hall.