Read Online Child of Blackwen (An Artemis Ravenwing Novel Book 1) by Melanie Rodriguez - Free Book Online Page B

Clarayne dismissed her servant some time after Shadow’s visit. She didn’t want the girl around once Lords Celstian and Destrius arrived at the hall—the girl was already bothersome, and the last thing LadyClarayne wanted was for the rest of the city to learn about the full-bloods squatting within the Woodland Realm.
    Lady Clarayne heard the hall doors slam and felt tense. Lord Destrius was known for making a ruckus whenever he was around, and he made even more of a scene when angered. Oddly enough, it was perhaps the first time Lady Clarayne shared his sentiments.
    “Honestly, Destrius, do you have to be so loud all the time?” a male voice scolded. “I’m sure Clarayne has a perfectly good explanation for summoning us back to the hall.”
    “I was perfectly fine sitting at home with my wife, Celstian!” Lord Destrius snapped. “Willow be damned, we’ve
just
returned! Avilyne’s hell! Official business could wait until the morning for all I care.”
    Lady Clarayne rubbed her temples as her office door flung open. She glanced at the two Elders who stepped inside; Lord Celstian was the eldest of the three, but no one outside of the elven race would be able to make the distinction. His silvery blond hair hung past his shoulders, and he wore dark green robes that complemented his blue eyes.
    Beside him stood Lord Destrius, the youngest of the trio. Lord Destrius was well known for his fiery temper, and while it worried most of the people in the Woodland Realm, he had proved himself worthy of the Elder status time and time again during times of war.
    He stood at the door with an angered disposition; his dark blond hair was pulled away from his face, and he wore dark brown robes. His green eyes flared at Lady Clarayne.
    “What is just
so
important that it couldn’t wait until the morning, Clarayne?” Lord Destrius demanded. “As I recall, it was
you
who said you’d deal with the daily affairs while Celstian and I enjoyed our moment of peace.”
    “Yes, I’m aware of that, Destrius,” Lady Clarayne began. “However, there is a very important matter that requires a discussion. And no, it couldn’t wait until the morrow.”
    Lord Celstian made his way to one of the chairs opposite Lady Clarayne and sat down. His brow furrowed.
    Lord Destrius huffed as he sat in the remaining chair. “Explain yourself, then.”
    Lady Clarayne rubbed her temples once more. “When we returned, we learned of odd disturbances occurring within the realm. They reached almost as close as Talisa’s cottage.”
    “And we sent a messenger to Talisa to investigate,” Lord Celstian stated. “Has she already done so?”
    “Shadow was the one who went to investigate,” Lady Clarayne explained.
    “Soleil burn me,” Lord Destrius muttered. “The boy takes after you, Clarayne. He doesn’t know how to enjoy his spare time. He needs a woman.”
    “Shadow wanted to enjoy his freedom as much as the rest of us, Destrius,” Lady Clarayne scolded, as she ignored the last comment. “I don’t understand why he was the one who investigated instead of Talisa, but nonetheless, he arrived today with a brief report.”
    “And?” Lord Celstian inquired. “Judging from the urgency of your summons, it seems as if you believe we’re entering a new battle.”
    “We very well may be.” Lady Clarayne took a deep breath before continuing. “Full-bloods have been found responsible for these deaths.”
    The room went cold as the lords both shut their eyes and hung their heads.
    “What do those damned corpses want with us now?” Lord Destrius hissed.
    “Do we even know from which city or territory these particular full-bloods came from?” Lord Celstian inquired.
    “Blackwen City, according to Shadow.”
    “And it just keeps getting better, doesn’t it?” Lord Destrius roared, now rising from his chair. “We should have destroyed that city ages ago! We
had
that chance, and you two let it slip!”
    “Destrius, you are well aware of why we