DREAMS of a CLOUD
Peruse the many random ramblings of a writer-in-training as I build stories and develop my craft.
15 February 2024
“So… it is blood, then, after all. That fuels the demon king’s powers.” Kyra’s voice sounded dead.
The old demon’s curiosity piqued even further. What exactly had she done? And why? “No. At least, not directly. “
9 November 2023
Kyra knew she’d had too much to drink. She couldn’t bring herself to care, though; at least her memories had finally stopped hurting her for the moment. Had stopped trying to pry their way into her brain, to torment her with what would never be.
She stumbled out of the bar and managed to keep herself mostly upright as she headed back towards Brinja’s apartment. Kyra felt a twinge of guilt when she realized the girl was probably worried about her right now.
8 November 2023
Mela’s expression was inscrutable while she looked Kyra up and down. “So it is true, then. You really are the next demon king.”
Kyra narrowed her eyes. “Is that going to be a problem?”
With a harsh bark of laughter, Mela waved out across the city below them. “You see this? They don’t need us anymore. Saintesses? Demon kings?”
6 November 2024
With a sigh, Brinja stopped poking and prodding. It really was getting late, and as safe as the city was, it still wasn’t the best idea for a college-aged woman to go walking around by herself in the dark.
While she gathered her things, however, the demon king’s seal lit up with an eerie, purple glow. Brinja froze, unable to do anything but watch as glowing cracks creeped along the face of the seal.
5 November 2023
“Tell them. They’re your friends. They have a right to know.”
At his words, Fera’s hands clenched tight. Kyra’s own stomach twisted,, but she never took her eyes off of Fera. For several long moments, no one spoke.
When Fera finally did speak, her voice cracked. “I… Even if everything goes well, I… I won’t be coming back.”
3 November 2023
Three hundred years.
Three hundred years.
Kyra shouldn’t have been surprised; she’d known the seal was supposed to last a long time. She’d known all her friends would likely be dead if she ever got out. But then again… she hadn’t actually thought she’d ever get out, had she?
1 October 2023
“You’ve not even seen the woman in action. Don’t you trust your little saintess’s judgment at all?” Fera protested, but the man ignored her. “Look at the way the woman carries herself. Ten gold says she’d be able to take any one of your people.”
A familiar feral grin spread across Kyra’s face. “Sounds fun. Care to test me, Captain?”
Fera muttered, “Oh, pickles.” Kyra pretended she hadn’t heard her.
21 September 2023 part 2
Kyra’s hands tightened on her belt, and she forced herself to breath slowly and keep calm. “Are you implying I am not as good as my word?”
The templar shrugged. “It is well known that a mercenary’s loyalties lie with the highest bidder. And while I doubt the demon king would be making any viable offers, there are some less-than-reputable nobles who might be willing to pay a veritable fortune to keep the saintess under their thumb. I’m just saying, a more trustworthy and reputable entourage–”
11 August 2023
“So, let me get this straight. If I go with you, act as your bodyguard, you’ll give me a chance to punch that son of a bitch demon king in the face, yeah?”
Fera shrugged. “More or less.”
A positively feral grin formed on Kyra’s face. “Then count me in.”
10 August 2023
Kyra woke with a splitting headache. That wasn’t really a surprise, though.
A young blonde watched her expectantly from beside the bed. That very much was.
What the hell happened last night?
9 August 2023
The young man frowned, and his followers stepped in behind Fera. “I don’t think you understand how dangerous the city can be, saintess. Much less the demon realm.”
Well, pickles. Why did every member of the nobility expect her to just agree with whatever they said? Common-born or not, she was the saintess, wasn’t she?
26 April 2023
The lead cultist gathered their wits and shuffled toward the woman, head bowed. “My, my Lady! Long have we awaited your return!”
With narrowed eyes, the woman simply said, “Have you now?” With a motion so smooth Brinja almost missed it, she spun one of the axes from her belt into her hand. A moment later, the axe-head blazed with an infernal violet flame. “Then I’d better give you the reward you bastards deserve.”