Forgotten Songs of the Sky - Book 1

Ivalo - Chapter 2: Keeper Of Secrets

I sighed as I walked down the dimly lit hallway, the call to the meeting room echoing in my mind like a distant storm. As I approached the grand entrance to the meeting room, my hand trembled slightly as I knocked. The door creaked open, revealing a striking woman with short blonde hair and intense green eyes. She welcomed me in with a smile that felt strangely comforting, yet I couldn't shake the feeling of despair that hung in the air like a thick fog. When I settled into a chair at the long oval table, the sight of the room made me feel uneasy.

"What's so urgent that we need the royal meeting room?" I leaned over to whisper to Alex, who sat beside me, his bleached buzzed hair catching the light. The familiar worry etched on his face mirrored the anxiety brewing in me.

"They didn't say, but my guess? It's about the tribrid girl." He replied, concern clouding his icy-blue eyes.

As more people filled the room, hushed murmurs began to rise, but they faded sharply when a single whistle pierced the tension. The blonde woman had taken center stage, commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

"Listen up!" Her voice was strong, resonating with an urgency that sent shivers down my spine. "We have a tribrid who arrived at the academy last night, and due to the recent sightings of The Orin near her hometown...and other matters... we must ensure her safety here!"

I shot a glance at Alex, who was smirking, presumably because his guess was right. I straightened my back and clenched my jaw, listening intently to the murmurs of the group. The faint words echoed through the room: "Tribrid," "Danger," "Orin."

I could feel the unease ripple through the group, echoed by a woman with long black hair and a troubled expression. "Ma'am, what if The Orin finds out about her?"

Lady Red, the blonde woman, regarded her thoughtfully. "I apologize for not introducing myself properly. My name is Kelly Red, your new third in command. You all may call me Lady Red." She narrowed her eyes on the black haired woman.

"This is a pivotal moment, and I assure you we will be prepared."

She clasped her hands in front of her, her tone shifting to one of seriousness. "The Orin won't know about her because she will remain here until she has control over all three of her powers, two of which she doesn't even know she possesses." Her gaze steadied on me, and the room fell silent.

"We cannot afford to lose another of our own to The Orin... not again."

Panic fluttered inside me as every eye in the room turned to me, sending my mind spiraling. I could almost feel Olive's presence beside me, her laughter echoing through the shadows. The loss of her was an ache I carried with me daily, a wound that refused to heal.

The memories rushed back, unbidden and raw.

I could see Olive clearly in my mind...her spirit as vibrant as the morning sun streaming through our window. We had been sitting in the Main Hall, the world outside painted in hues of dawn, and I could hear her laughter ringing like a melody.

"Ivalo, why do you have to be so overprotective?" She would demand, her brown hair framing her face as she tossed her head back with a playful grin.

"Because I know how dangerous this all is!" I would respond, my heart clenching at the thought of losing her to a world filled with darkness.

Olive, with her passion and drive, dreamed of confronting our enemies, but I feared the fake veneer of confidence she wore. She radiated determination, yet she remained blissfully unaware of just how fragile our existence was. My brotherly instincts screamed at me to keep her safe, but her spirit was untamable.

And then I saw it, the moment that hung like a specter over my memory.

"Brother!" She had cried, bursting into my room one afternoon, eyes alight with excitement. "Lady Melanie sent me this letter! I have to show you!" Her joy illuminated the space, but my heart sank as she thrust the letter into my hands, a foreboding chill washing over me.

"Dear Olive Hathy,

We have been closely monitoring you to see if you are fit to be an Outside Guardian. This title allows you to do the following:

- Patrol around freely—inside or outside Lustful Forest

- Protect the fairies, warlocks, and any supernatural being in Lilac Village from threats

- Aid the Orin Hunters on missions and accept assignments to fend off or prevent attacks from supernaturals or The Orin.

You have made impressive strides in your training! If you agree to accept this position, you will be provided a black sword, and you will have the option of working solo or in groups.

If you accept, go to the main office and present this letter; they will provide further instructions.

If you do not accept, discard this letter immediately.

Consider soon!

— The Sage Commanders"

My hands shook as I read the words, cold dread saturating the air around us. "Olive, please don't do this. They don't always come back..." I had begged, my voice thick with emotion.

She refused to see the danger, eyes shining with ambition. "I have to, Ivalo. I can't turn my back on this."

"Olive, you don't understand what you're getting into."

But she had brushed my concerns aside, her heart set on a path she thought was noble. "I'm going. I won't let you dictate my life."

And just like that, she turned and vanished down the hall, determination in her step, sealing her fate without even realizing it. The raw pain of that moment echoed in my heart, a reminder of what I had lost. She had entrusted me with her dreams, yet I had failed to protect her when it mattered most.

Suddenly, the room snapped back into focus as Lady Red called my name, jolting me from my painful reverie. "Ivalo." Her expression was a mixture of warmth and authority, pulling me back to the present. "Yes, Ma'am?" I managed to reply, the heaviness still lingering behind each word.

"I want you to be Iris's keeper, you are required to train and protect her." She stated firmly, her gaze unwavering. "You're one of our best keepers, and you would excel in this role."

The thought of Iris—full of spirit and laughter-brought a flicker of light to my heart, a connection to Olive that felt simultaneously comforting and painful.

I took a breath, steeling myself, and nodded. "I'd be honored."