Finding a family series. Chapter 14: Visions
When she arrives in her chambers the pain blossoms and crashes onto her eyes making the reader drops her toddler out of her arms.
The quiet of the castle halls amplified the gentle sound of Rowenaâs babbling as the reader carried her toddler toward her chambers. Rowena, happily oblivious to the world, tugged at her motherâs hair and muttered incomprehensible words. The reader managed a faint smile, though her temples throbbed with a dull ache that had been building steadily.
As they approached her chambers, the pain sharpened suddenly, like a knife pressed to her skull. The reader stumbled, her breath hitching as her vision blurred momentarily. She squeezed her eyes shut and took deep, measured breaths. Not now, not here. The pressure eased slightly, enough for her to regain her composure. She tightened her hold on Rowena and continued forward, but her steps were slower, more deliberate.
When she reached the door to her chambers, she fumbled with the handle, managing to push it open. The moment they crossed the threshold, the headache bloomed into a full-on assault. It was as though fire had ignited behind her eyes, radiating out to every nerve in her head. The reader let out a strangled gasp, her knees buckling under her as she fell to the floor. Her hands caught her weight, but Rowena slipped from her grasp, landing on the thick rug with a startled cry.
The toddlerâs wail cut through the haze of the readerâs pain like a blade. âRowena,â she croaked, trying to reach for her daughter, but her arms shook violently, and her vision swam with dark spots. She collapsed fully onto her hands and knees, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Her head pounded as flashes of imagery filled her mind, chaotic and disjointed.
The visions were almost too vivid, as if she were reliving the horrors of that night. The reader grunted in pain, clawing at the floorboards as though trying to escape the memories clawing at her mind.
Rowenaâs cries grew louder, a frantic wail of distress as she crawled toward her mother and tugged at her arm. âMama! Mama!â the toddler shrieked, her small hands pulling with desperate strength.
The commotion reached outside the chambers, catching Alicentâs attention as she walked down the hall. She stopped, frowning at the muffled sounds, and quickly changed her direction. Pushing open the door, Alicentâs face fell into a mask of concern as she saw the scene before her: the reader on the ground, trembling and clutching her head, and Rowena sobbing beside her.
Alicent crossed the room swiftly, her skirts rustling as she knelt beside Rowena. âShh, itâs all right, little one,â she said gently, reaching out to soothe her. But Rowena, clearly distraught, pushed Alicentâs hands away and clung to her motherâs arm, crying harder.
âRowena, please,â Alicent murmured, trying again, but the toddler was inconsolable. Alicent realized she would be of no help here and rose to her feet. âStay here, little one,â she said softly, though she doubted Rowena would move. Alicent hurried from the room, her steps quick and purposeful as she sought out Rhaenyra and Daemon.
Daemon was the first to react when Alicent burst into the room they were in, her face pale and voice urgent. âItâs Y/N,â she said. âSomething is wrongâsheâs collapsed. Rowenaâs with her, butâ
Daemon, please.â
He didnât wait for her to finish. He was already moving, Rhaenyra close on his heels. The pair moved through the castle with speed, their footsteps echoing in the quiet halls. As they neared the readerâs chambers, they could hear Rowenaâs cries, a heartbreaking sound that made Rhaenyra quicken her pace.
When they entered the room, the sight stopped them both in their tracks. The reader was slumped on the floor, her body trembling as though fighting an invisible force. Rowena sat beside her, her tiny hands patting her motherâs face as she sobbed.
Daemon was the first to act. He crossed the room in three strides, dropping to his knees beside his daughter. âY/N,â he said, his voice rough with emotion as he gently touched her shoulder. âLook at me, daughter.â
The readerâs head lolled slightly, her eyes glassy and unfocused. Her lips moved, but no words came out. Her breathing was shallow, and her body shuddered with every intake.
Rhaenyra scooped Rowena into her arms, holding the trembling toddler close as she whispered soothing words. Rowena buried her face in her grandmotherâs neck, her sobs muffled but persistent.
âSheâs burning up,â Daemon said grimly, his hand brushing against his daughterâs forehead. âGet the maesters.â
Alicent, who had followed them back, nodded and hurried off to fetch help.
Daemon gently shifted the reader onto her back, cradling her head as he looked into her face. âY/N, stay with me,â he urged, his voice low but commanding. âDonât you dare leave us.â
The readerâs lips moved again, her voice barely above a whisper. âRowena⊠they⊠they tried to take herâŠâ
âSheâs safe,â Daemon assured her, his voice fierce. âYou protected her. Sheâs here, safe and sound.â
The readerâs body gave one final shudder before going completely still. Daemon felt his chest tighten, a wave of dread washing over him. âY/N?â he called, shaking her slightly.
Rhaenyra knelt beside him, her face pale as she placed a hand over her daughterâs chest. After a tense moment, she let out a breath. âSheâs alive,â she said. âBut barely.â
The maesters arrived moments later, and Daemon reluctantly relinquished his hold, allowing them to lift the reader onto a nearby bed. They worked quickly, checking her vitals and preparing remedies for her pain and fever.
Daemon remained at her side, his jaw clenched tightly as he watched them work. Rhaenyra sat in a nearby chair with Rowena still in her arms, the toddler finally calming but still sniffling.
âIs she going to be all right?â Daemon demanded, his voice hard.
The lead maester glanced at him briefly. âSheâs stable for now, my lord, but we need to determine what caused the episode. This⊠is not a simple ailment.â
Daemonâs eyes narrowed. âItâs not an ailment. Itâs something else. She spoke of hooded figuresâvisions.â
The maester nodded, his expression grim. âWe will do all we can.â
Hours passed before the reader finally stirred. Her eyelids fluttered, and she let out a weak groan as consciousness slowly returned. The room was dimly lit now, and the scent of herbs lingered in the air.
âY/N?â Daemonâs voice was soft but insistent as he leaned over her. Relief flooded his features as her eyes met his. âThank the gods.â
The reader blinked slowly, her throat dry as she tried to speak. âRowenaâŠâ
âSheâs fine,â Daemon assured her, reaching out to squeeze her hand. âSheâs with your mother. Safe.â
Tears welled in her eyes as she nodded, the memories of the pain and visions still vivid. âI saw them,â she whispered hoarsely. âThe men who⊠who came for her.â
Daemonâs expression darkened, his hand tightening on hers. âYou donât have to talk about it now. Rest.â
But the reader shook her head weakly. âTheyâre still out there. I know they are.â
Her fatherâs face was a mask of determination. âThen weâll find them,â he promised. âAnd theyâll pay for what theyâve done.â
Y/n let out a shaky breath, her eyes drifting shut again. This time, however, she found some measure of peace, knowing her family was by her side and Rowena was safe.
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The air in the reader's chambers was heavy with silence, broken only by the soft breathing of her sleeping toddler. Rowena lay curled up on the bed, her chubby arms wrapped around a stuffed wolf, her small face serene and peaceful. The reader sat nearby, her mind anything but at ease. The visions had haunted her since the night of her collapse, and no amount of reassurances from her family or the maesters could dispel the sense of foreboding they left behind.
She knew she needed answersâanswers that the maesters couldnât provide. Something deeper was calling to her, something beyond the reach of logic and medicine. Witchcraft. The idea had lingered in the back of her mind for days, whispered to her like a beckoning shadow. She had heard of the old ways, of rituals and spells that could peel back the layers of the unseen world. If her visions were trying to tell her something, perhaps this was the way to uncover the truth.
Late one night, while the castle was cloaked in sleep, the reader slipped from her chambers. She wore a dark cloak, its hood pulled low over her face. The soft patter of her bare feet on the cold stone floors was the only sound as she made her way to the library. The ancient shelves were lined with dusty tomes, many of which were forbidden to most. It took some time, but she found what she was looking for: The Secrets of the Old Tongue and Mysteries of the Shadow Lands.
Back in her chambers, she lit a cluster of candles, their flickering light casting eerie shadows on the walls. She placed the books on the table and opened them carefully, the brittle pages crinkling under her fingers. The texts spoke of sigils, chants, and ritualsâmethods for unlocking the hidden truths of the world. It was intimidating, yet exhilarating. For the first time in days, she felt a glimmer of hope.
Her first attempts were clumsy. She whispered the incantations haltingly, unsure of her pronunciation. She drew crude sigils in chalk on the wooden floor, but the lines were uneven, and the patterns felt incomplete. Still, she persisted. Rowena often watched from the bed, her head tilted curiously as her mother murmured strange words and lit fragrant herbs that filled the room with smoke. The toddler didnât seem frightened; if anything, she was fascinated.
Weeks passed, and her efforts grew more confident. One night, as she meditated within a circle of carefully drawn runes, she felt itâa flicker of something beyond the veil of her understanding. It was faint, like a whisper carried on the wind, but it was there. She opened her eyes, her heart racing as the room seemed to grow colder. The shadows in the corners of her chambers lengthened, and for a moment, she swore she could hear faint voices.
Then, as quickly as it had come, the presence faded. The reader sat back, breathless and trembling, but triumphant. She was on the right path.
Her progress brought a new kind of determination. She scoured the tomes for more advanced rituals, ones that could help her delve deeper into her visions. Her nights were consumed by her studies, and even during the day, her thoughts lingered on the practice. Daemon noticed the change in her, his sharp eyes narrowing as he watched her during meals. âYouâve been quiet,â he said one evening, his voice low. âWhat are you hiding, daughter?â
âNothing, father,â she replied smoothly, though she could tell he didnât believe her.
Her mother, Rhaenyra, was more direct. âYouâve been distant,â she said one morning as they sat in the gardens. âYour mind is elsewhere. If something is troubling you, you can tell me.â
But the reader couldnât. This was something she had to face alone.
One night, she prepared a ritual meant to reveal the truth of her visions. She waited until Rowena was asleep and the castle was silent. She laid out her tools: a silver bowl filled with water, a black candle, and a strand of her own hair. She carved runes into the candle and lit it, letting the wax drip into the water as she chanted softly in High Valyrian.
As the final words left her lips, the water in the bowl rippled, though there was no breeze. Her breath hitched as an image began to form on the surfaceâa dark forest, the trees gnarled and looming. She saw hooded figures moving among the shadows, their faces obscured. One of them held a bloodied dagger, its blade glinting in the faint light.
Then, she saw herself. She was standing in the same forest, Rowena in her arms. The hooded figures surrounded them, their weapons drawn. The image sent a chill down her spine, but before she could process it, the water stilled, the vision disappearing as quickly as it had come.
The next morning, the reader sat in the council chambers with her family. She had called for the meeting herself, though the weight of her decision to reveal her practices pressed heavily on her shoulders. Her parents, Daemon and Rhaenyra, sat at the head of the table, their expressions curious but wary. Aemond was there as well, his intense gaze fixed on her.
âIâve been having visions,â she began, her voice steady despite the tension in the room. âSince the night I collapsed. Theyâre not dreamsâtheyâre something else. Something real.â
Daemon frowned. âWhat kind of visions?â
She hesitated, then decided there was no point in holding back. âI see the hooded figures who came for Rowena. I see them in the forest, waiting. Watching. Theyâre planning something.â
Rhaenyraâs face darkened. âAnd youâve kept this from us? Why?â
âBecause I didnât know what it meant,â the reader admitted. âI didnât want to worry you without answers.â
âAnd now?â Daemon pressed.
âNow, Iâm starting to understand. Iâve been practicing witchcraftâold rituals and spells. Theyâve helped me see more clearly.â She paused, bracing for their reactions.
Daemonâs eyes narrowed. âWitchcraft?â
Rhaenyraâs expression was a mix of concern and disbelief. âDo you have any idea how dangerous that is? The risks youâre taking?â
âI do,â the reader said firmly. âBut I couldnât just sit by and do nothing. These visionsâtheyâre a warning. The hooded figures arenât done. Theyâre coming for Rowena again.â
Aemond, who had been silent until now, spoke up. âAnd what do you plan to do with this knowledge?â
âProtect her,â the reader said, her voice hard. âWhatever it takes.â
Despite their initial resistance, Daemon and Rhaenyra reluctantly agreed to support her efforts, though they insisted on keeping a close eye on her practices. Aemond, however, surprised her. He began accompanying her during her rituals, offering his silent presence as a form of support. Though their relationship had been fraught with tension, his steady companionship was oddly comforting.
One night, as they sat by the flickering candlelight, Aemond broke the silence. âYouâre stronger than I gave you credit for,â he said quietly.
The reader glanced at him, surprised. âWhy are you here, Aemond?â
âBecause I care,â he admitted, his voice soft but earnest. âWhether you believe that or not.â
She didnât reply, but for the first time, she allowed herself to believe he might be telling the truth.
The readerâs practices finally bore fruit during a particularly intense ritual. She had prepared for days, gathering rare ingredients and meditating to focus her mind. This time, the vision was clearer than ever.
She saw the hooded figures in the forest, gathered around a fire. Their leader held a map, his finger pointing to a location she recognizedâit was near the castle. They were planning an attack, their sights set on Rowena.
When the vision ended, the reader sat back, her heart pounding. She knew what she had to do.
She gathered her family, sharing everything she had seen. Daemon immediately called for heightened security around the castle, while Rhaenyra began rallying their allies. Aemond offered to lead a scouting party to the forest, determined to find and eliminate the threat.
The reader, though exhausted from her efforts, felt a sense of purpose. She had unlocked the truth, and now, she would do whatever it took to protect her daughter.
The hooded figures would comeâbut this time, they would find her ready
The weight of the vision pressed heavily on the reader as she stood in the council chamber, her family gathered around her. The hooded figures were real, and their threat loomed closer than ever. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she relayed the final details of what she had seen, her voice steady but strained.
âTheyâre coming,â she said, her eyes moving from Daemon to Rhaenyra. âNot weeks or months from nowâsoon. The forest is their staging ground, and theyâre planning to move against us.â
Daemonâs expression hardened, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his blade. âLet them come,â he growled. âTheyâll learn what it means to cross House Targaryen.â
Rhaenyra, more measured, placed a calming hand on his arm. âThis isnât just about us,â she said. âTheyâre after Rowena. We need to be strategic, not impulsive.â
The reader nodded. âIf we act rashly, we could endanger her even more. But we canât ignore the threat. We have to prepare.â
Aemond, standing at the edge of the room, stepped forward. His face was a mask of grim determination. âIâll go to the forest,â he said. âScout the area and find their encampment. We need more
information before we act.â
Daemon bristled. âYou wonât go alone. If something happens to you, weâll be blind to their plans.â
âIâll take a small group,â Aemond replied, his tone firm. âEnough to be safe, but not enough to draw attention.â
The reader met his gaze, her lips pressing into a thin line. âBe careful,â she said, her voice softer. âWe canât afford to lose you.â
The following days were a whirlwind of preparation. Daemon and Rhaenyra coordinated the castleâs defenses, while Aemond led his scouting party into the forest. The reader spent most of her time with
Rowena, her heart heavy with worry. The toddler, blissfully unaware of the danger, giggled and babbled as her mother read her stories and sang lullabies.
One afternoon, as they sat together in the garden, Rowena looked up at her mother with wide, curious eyes. âMama,â she said, her little hand tugging at the readerâs sleeve. âBad people come?â
The readerâs heart clenched. âNot if I can help it, sweetling,â she said, pulling Rowena into a tight embrace. âMama will keep you safe.â
Rowena nodded solemnly, as if she understood. Then, with a small smile, she said, âAvy jorrÄelan, Mama.â
Tears pricked the readerâs eyes as she kissed her daughterâs forehead. âAvy jorrÄelan, Rowena.â
Three days later, Aemond returned from the forest. His party looked weary but unscathed, their expressions grim. The reader met him in the courtyard, her stomach twisting with anxiety.
âWhat did you find?â she asked, her voice low.
âTheyâre close,â Aemond said, his jaw tightening. âToo close. Their encampment is less than a dayâs ride from here. Theyâre heavily armed and well-organized.â
Daemon, who had joined them, let out a string of curses. âTheyâll regret setting foot on our land.â
Rhaenyra arrived moments later, her face pale but resolute. âWe need a plan,â she said. âIf theyâre that close, we donât have much time.â
Aemond nodded. âIâve already sent word to the watchtower. Theyâll increase patrols and set up traps along the forest paths. But we need to be ready for an attack on the castle.â
The reader swallowed hard, her mind racing. âAnd Rowena?â
âSheâll be protected,â Rhaenyra said firmly. âWeâll keep her in the safest part of the castle, surrounded by guards.â
The readerâs chest tightened. âIâm staying with her,â she said. âIf they come for her, theyâll have to go through me first.â
Night fell over the castle, the air thick with tension. The reader stayed in her chambers with Rowena, cradling the toddler in her arms as she sang softly. The wolf lay at their feet, its ears pricked for any sign of danger.
Outside, the castle was alive with activity. Guards patrolled the walls, their torches casting flickering light across the stone. Daemon and Aemond stood together in the courtyard, their swords at the ready.
The attack came just before dawn.
The first sign was the distant sound of horns, followed by the clash of steel. The hooded figures had breached the forest traps and were advancing on the castle. Daemon and Aemond led the charge,
their dragons roaring as they took to the skies.
Inside the castle, the reader clutched Rowena tightly as the sounds of battle grew closer. She could hear the shouts of guards and the clang of weapons, each noise sending a spike of fear through her chest.
Suddenly, the door to her chambers burst open. A guard stumbled in, blood staining his armor. âTheyâre inside,â he panted. âWe need to move you and the child.â
The reader nodded, grabbing a dagger from her bedside table. âStay close,â she said, holding Rowena tightly as they followed the guard through the dimly lit corridors.
The hooded figures moved swiftly through the castle, their intent clear. They were here for Rowena, and they wouldnât stop until they had her. The readerâs heart pounded as she and the guard navigated the twisting hallways, each turn bringing them closer to safetyâor danger.
They reached a hidden passageway, but before they could enter, a group of attackers appeared at the end of the corridor. The guard stepped forward, his sword raised, but he was outnumbered.
âRun!â he shouted, his voice desperate. âTake the child and run!â
The reader hesitated for only a moment before turning and fleeing down the passageway, Rowena clutched tightly against her chest. The toddler whimpered, her tiny hands gripping her motherâs dress.
As they emerged into a small courtyard, the reader came face-to-face with one of the hooded figures. The man lunged at her, his blade glinting in the pale light. She dodged to the side, her instincts taking over as she slashed at him with her dagger.
The fight was brutal and frantic. The readerâs movements were fueled by sheer determination to protect her child. Finally, she managed to drive the dagger into the manâs side, and he collapsed with a pained groan.
The battle raged on, but the tide began to turn in the castleâs favor. Daemon and Aemond fought with unrelenting ferocity, their dragons wreaking havoc on the attackers. Rhaenyra rallied the guards, her leadership a beacon of strength.
The reader, exhausted but alive, made her way back to the main hall, where her family was regrouping. Rowena clung to her mother, her face buried in her shoulder.
âThey came for her,â the reader said, her voice shaking. âThey wonât stop.â
Daemon placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. âThey wonât get another chance,â he vowed. âNot while Iâm breathing.â
In the days that followed, the castle began to recover from the attack. The hooded figures had been defeated, but the threat they posed still lingered in the readerâs mind. She knew they would return, stronger and more determined.
But for now, there was peace. The reader spent her days with Rowena, cherishing every moment of calm. She continued her studies in witchcraft, determined to uncover more about the hooded figures and their plans.
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The morning after the battle dawned quiet, the stormâs wrath giving way to a pale sun breaking through thinning clouds. The castle was alive with the sounds of repairs and mourningâdragons roared in the distance, the clatter of stone and metal echoing in the halls. The reader moved through it all like a ghost, her exhaustion deep but her mind restless. She carried Rowena on her hip as she walked to the kitchens, hoping to find something to distract her child.
The toddler had grown unusually quiet since the attack, her bright curiosity subdued. The reader worried about the lasting effects of so much chaos on her daughterâs young mind. She whispered reassurances as they passed a group of guards repairing a collapsed section of the wall, trying to shield Rowena from the bloodstains that still marked the stone.
Rowena clung to her, her small voice breaking the silence. âMama sad?â
The reader froze mid-step, her heart sinking. âWhat makes you say that, sweetling?â
Rowena pressed her face against her motherâs shoulder, mumbling, âMama no smile.â
The words were simple, but they struck deep. The reader held her daughter close, kissing her temple. âMama is just tired, my love. Iâll be better soon.â
Later that day, the reader left Rowena in her chambers with a small pile of toys and her favorite stuffed direwolf while she went to speak with Daemon and Rhaenyra. The toddlerâs sharp wits and curiosity often made her restless, though, and it wasnât long before a pair of soft footsteps padded into the hall.
Aemond found Rowena sitting on the floor near the library, her small hands fiddling with a piece of broken chainmail sheâd likely picked up from the armory. She looked up at him with wide, stormy eyes that so resembled her motherâs.
âWhat are you doing here, little one?â Aemond asked, crouching to her level.
Rowena studied him carefully before standing and reaching for his hand, pulling him along. âCome,â she demanded.
He chuckled, letting her guide him down the corridor. âWhere are we going?â
She didnât answer, her focus intent. Finally, she stopped by one of the tall windows overlooking the training yard. Aemond knelt beside her, his curiosity piqued. Rowena turned to him and spoke with a seriousness that belied her age.
âMama sad,â she said, her tiny hand clutching his tunic. âYou fix?â
Aemond blinked, startled. âYour mother is... strong. She doesnât need me to fix her.â
Rowena frowned, shaking her head. âMama no smile,â she repeated, clearly frustrated that he didnât understand.
The weight of her words settled over Aemond. He glanced out the window, his gaze distant. âYour mother carries more than most. But I donât think she wants me to help.â
Rowena tugged his arm, her small brow furrowed in determination. âTry!â
Her insistence brought a faint smile to his lips. âYouâre just as stubborn as she is,â he muttered, standing and lifting her into his arms. She giggled, delighted at the sudden movement, and patted his face as if to say, good job.
When the reader returns to her chambers, she finds Aemond sitting cross-legged on the floor with Rowena on his lap. They were surrounded by an odd assortment of objectsâbooks, toys, and scraps of armorâand seemed to be engaged in some sort of game involving building towers that inevitably toppled.
The sight gave her pause. It was rare to see Aemond in such an unguarded state, and even rarer to see Rowena so at ease with someone besides herself or Daemon.
âBusy?â she asked, her voice softer than she intended.
Aemond looked up, his gaze steady. âShe insisted.â
Rowena turned at the sound of her motherâs voice, scrambling to her feet and running to her. âMama!â
The reader scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her forehead. âWhat have you two been up to?â
âFixing Mama,â Rowena said matter-of-factly, pointing at Aemond as if he were a tool sheâd borrowed.
The reader raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to Aemond. âFixing me, is he?â
Aemond stood, brushing off his tunic. âSheâs more perceptive than you give her credit for.â
The reader sighed, shifting Rowena on her hip. âSheâs too perceptive sometimes.â
Rowena reached out, tugging at her motherâs sleeve. âSmile, Mama.â
The reader managed a small one, though it was tinged with weariness. Rowena beamed, satisfied, and wriggled free of her arms to return to her makeshift game.
Aemond watched the exchange, his expression softening. âYouâre allowed to let others share the burden,â he said quietly.
She glanced at him, her walls firmly in place. âAnd what would you know of burdens?â
âMore than you might think.â His voice held no malice, only a quiet truth that left her momentarily disarmed.
She didnât reply, instead watching as Rowena babbled happily to herself, arranging her scattered treasures into patterns only she understood.
That evening, the reader decided to seek answers to the questions that still plagued her. She left Rowena in Rhaenyraâs care, the toddler already half-asleep in her grandmotherâs arms, and slipped out into the night.
The forest was alive with whispers, the wind rustling through the trees as if carrying the voices of the past. The reader walked with purpose, her steps crunching over leaves and twigs. She carried a small satchel of suppliesâcandles, herbs, and the ancient book that had become her guide in magic.
She reached a secluded glade where the moonlight filtered through the trees, illuminating a circle of mossy stones. It was here that she had first felt the stirrings of power, and it was here that she would find clarity.
Lighting the candles, she arranged them in a circle and sprinkled the herbs at the center. She knelt, opening the book and whispering the incantation she had memorized. The air grew heavy, and the flickering light of the candles seemed to bend and twist.
Her vision shifted. She was no longer in the glade but standing in the ruined cottage where Rowenaâs life had been upended. The hooded figures were there, chanting in a language she couldnât understand. They surrounded a central figureâa man with a cruel smile and eyes like ice.
He turned to her as if sensing her presence. âYou should have stayed away,â he said, his voice echoing unnaturally. âThe bloodline will end, one way or another.â
The vision shattered, and the reader gasped, collapsing to the ground. Her pulse thundered in her ears as she struggled to catch her breath. The warning was clear: they would not stop until Rowena was gone.
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Days passed since the reader's latest vision, and the air in the castle seemed heavier with every moment. The hooded figures haunted her thoughts, their cryptic message a constant thorn in her mind.
She spent hours in the library pouring over ancient texts, desperate to find anything that might shield her daughter from their reach.
One night, deep in the dim light of her chambers, she stumbled upon an old tome, its cracked leather cover inscribed with a sigil she did not recognize. The pages within spoke of blood ritualsâpractices that had long been forbidden but carried great power. These rituals, the text explained, could be used for many purposes: healing, protection, and warding off evil spirits.
The reader's pulse quickened as she read on. The descriptions were vivid, the steps precise, and though the magic was ancient and demanding, she knew it might be the key to shielding Rowena from further harm.
As the castle settled into the stillness of night, the reader set to work preparing for the ritual. Her chambers were quiet, save for the occasional crackle of the fire in the hearth. Rowena slept soundly in her small bed, wrapped snugly in her favourite blanket.
The reader placed a basin of water at the center of her room and lit several candles, arranging them in a careful circle. The air grew heavier as she crushed herbs into a fine powder, sprinkling them into the water. She unwrapped a small, sharp dagger, its blade gleaming in the candlelight.
Just as she was about to begin, the door to her chambers swung open. Aemond stepped inside, his expression dark as his gaze swept over the room.
âWhat are you doing?â he demanded, his voice low but sharp.
The reader didnât look up. âWhat does it look like? Iâm protecting my daughter.â
Aemond took a step closer, his presence towering. âWith blood magic? Are you mad?â
She finally met his gaze, her resolve unyielding. âIf madness is what it takes to keep her safe, then so be it.â
Aemond moved closer, his hands clenched into fists. âThis magic comes with a cost. You canât just play with forces you donât understand.â
She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. âDo you think I havenât considered that? Do you think I havenât weighed every risk? I saw what those hooded figures want to do to her, Aemond. I saw it. I will not let them take her.â
He reached for her arm, his grip firm but not harsh. âLet me help you another way. There has to be another way.â
She pulled free, her voice rising. âThere isnât! This is my choice, and you donât get to stop me.â
Aemond hesitated, his jaw tightening as he weighed his options. Finally, he stepped back, his gaze burning. âIf you do this, I wonât leave. If anything goes wrong, Iâll be here to stop it.â
The reader nodded curtly, grateful in spite of herself.
The reader sat cross-legged on the floor, her breathing steady as she picked up the dagger. Aemond stood at the edge of the circle, tense and watchful. She murmured the incantation from the tome, her voice soft but firm.
When the time came, she pressed the blade to her palm and drew a shallow cut. Blood welled up, and she let it drip into the basin of water. The candles flickered, their flames dancing wildly as the magic began to take hold.
The air grew heavy, the scent of herbs mingling with something ancient and raw. Shadows seemed to shift on the walls, taking shapes that whispered of long-forgotten power.
Aemondâs hand moved to the hilt of his sword as if on instinct, his eyes darting around the room. âIs it supposed to feel like this?â
The reader didnât answer, too focused on the ritual. She dipped her fingers into the bloodied water and painted symbols onto the floor, each stroke precise. The symbols glowed faintly, pulsing with an otherworldly light.
As the final words of the incantation left her lips, a wave of energy rippled through the room. The candles extinguished all at once, plunging them into darkness.
For a moment, there was only silence. Then the reader felt itâa shift in the air, a loosening of the oppressive weight that had clung to her since the vision. She opened her eyes, her breath coming in shallow gasps.
âItâs done,â she whispered.
Aemond stepped forward, kneeling beside her. âAre you hurt?â
She shook her head, wiping her bloodied hand on a cloth. âNo, but I think... I think it worked. I can feel it. Theyâre weaker.â
He studied her face, searching for any sign of doubt. âYouâre sure?â
She nodded, her voice steadier now. âNot gone, but weakened. Itâs enough for now.â
When dawn broke, the reader felt lighter than she had in weeks. The air in the castle seemed clearer, the shadows less foreboding. She spent the morning with Rowena, who was blissfully unaware of the danger that had loomed over her.
Later, Daemon sought her out, his expression uncharacteristically grave. âSomethingâs changed,â he said, his sharp eyes studying her.
The reader nodded. âI performed a ritual last night. I weakened them.â
Daemon raised an eyebrow. âBlood magic?â
She didnât answer, but her silence was enough.
âYouâre playing a dangerous game,â he said, though there was no judgment in his tone.
âI know,â she replied. âBut itâs a game I have to win.â
That evening, Aemond found her in the gardens, watching Rowena chase a butterfly. He approached quietly, his expression unreadable.
âYou scared me last night,â he admitted.
She looked at him, surprised by his candour. âWhy?â
âBecause you were willing to sacrifice so much.â
She sighed, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. âThatâs what being a mother means. Sacrificing everything, if it comes to it.â
He nodded slowly, his gaze distant. âThen Iâll stand with you. Whatever comes next, you wonât face it alone.â
She offered him a small, tired smile. âThank you.â
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The readerâs newfound use of blood rituals weighed heavily on her mind, not because she doubted their power, but because she feared the judgment of those closest to her. Her father, Daemon, was especially perceptive, and though he hadnât openly confronted her about her nocturnal practices, she could feel his watchful gaze whenever they crossed paths.
It was a week after the ritual when Daemon finally cornered her. Rowena was playing in the gardens with the direwolf, her laughter carrying through the halls as Daemon gestured for his daughter to join him in the library.
âI know that look,â she said as she entered, closing the door behind her. âYou have something to say.â
Daemon leaned against the edge of a table, arms crossed. âI always have something to say. But this time, itâs about you.â
The reader sighed, running a hand through her hair. âGo on then. Letâs get it over with.â
âYouâve been dabbling in blood rituals more and more,â Daemon said bluntly, his eyes narrowing.
The reader froze for a moment before exhaling. âHow did you find out?â
âI know you better than you think,â Daemon replied. âAnd the energy around you has shifted. Thereâs power clinging to youâsomething ancient and dangerous.â
She didnât deny it. Instead, she moved to sit in one of the high-backed chairs, her fingers tracing the carved armrests. âI did what I had to do, Father. You saw what happened. You saw what they tried to do to Rowena.â
Daemonâs expression softened, but only slightly. âAnd you thought blood magic was the answer?â
âI didnât choose it lightly,â she said, meeting his gaze. âBut the vision of those hooded figures, the attack in the nightâitâs all connected. They want her, and I donât know why. All I know is that Iâll do anything to keep her safe.â
Daemon paced the room, his boots thudding softly against the stone floor. âDo you even understand what youâre dealing with? Blood rituals are not a game. They take as much as they give, if not
more.â
âIâm learning,â she said, her voice firm. âIâve read everything I can find. Iâve followed the steps precisely.â
Daemon stopped, turning to face her. âAnd what will you do if the magic turns on you? If the cost is more than you can bear?â
She hesitated, her resolve wavering for just a moment. âThen Iâll bear it. Because the alternative is losing her. And I wonât let that happen.â
Daemon sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. âI understand why youâre doing this. I even admire it, in a way. But let me tell you something about power: itâs a hungry beast. The more you feed it, the more it demands.â
He moved to sit across from her, his gaze piercing. âYou think youâre in control now, but blood magic doesnât bend to anyoneâs will. Itâs chaos, and chaos always finds a way to consume.â
The reader swallowed hard, Daemonâs words striking a chord. âWhat would you have me do? Stop? Leave her vulnerable?â
âNo,â he said softly. âBut you need to be careful. You need to have limits. And you need to be prepared for the day when the magic asks for something youâre not willing to give.â
For a moment, they sat in silence, the weight of the conversation settling between them.
âDo you think Iâm a fool for doing this?â she asked quietly.
Daemon shook his head. âNo. I think youâre a mother. And mothers will do anything for their children, even if it means losing themselves.â
He reached out, placing a hand on hers. âJust promise me one thing. Whatever you do, donât shut me out. If this magic spirals out of control, youâll need someone to pull you back.â
She nodded, her throat tight with emotion. âI promise.â
That night, as the castle settled into its usual quiet, the reader returned to her chambers. The tome lay open on her desk, its pages filled with spells and rituals she had yet to attempt. She stared at the text, Daemonâs words echoing in her mind.
Rowena was already asleep, her small body curled up against the direwolf. The sight brought a faint smile to the readerâs lips, a reminder of why she was doing all of this.
But as she turned the pages, her resolve hardened. She couldnât afford to stop now. The hooded figures were still out there, weakened but not defeated. She needed to stay ahead of them, to protect her daughter at all costs.
The next day, as the reader studied in the library, Aemond found her. His presence was almost silent, but she had grown accustomed to sensing him.
âYouâre avoiding me,â he said, leaning against the doorframe.
âIâm busy,â she replied without looking up.
Aemond moved closer, his expression thoughtful. âBusy with blood rituals?â
She shot him a sharp look, but he didnât back down.
âDaemon told me,â he said simply.
âOf course he did,â she muttered, closing the book in front of her. âAnd let me guessâyouâre here to lecture me too?â
âNo,â Aemond said, surprising her. âIâm here to help.â
She raised an eyebrow, skeptical. âHelp? Why?â
âBecause I care about you,â he said, his voice steady. âAnd because I care about Rowena. If this is the path youâre taking, then Iâll walk it with you.â
The reader studied him for a long moment, searching for any sign of insincerity. But Aemondâs gaze was unwavering, his determination clear.
âFine,â she said finally. âBut if youâre going to help, you do exactly as I say. No questions, no arguments.â
âAgreed,â he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.