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Halves: Warborn Royalty (Book 1)

In a realm scarred by ancient rivalries, where the clash of kingdoms echoed through the ages, the story of four siblings unfurled like a tapestry woven with honor, duty, and an unquenchable thirst for power. Their parents, rulers of opposing realms, were once star-crossed lovers whose love ignited both passion and animosity. The King hailed from the icy kingdom of the North, with its snow-capped peaks and fierce warrior traditions. In contrast, the Queen reigned over the bountiful lands of the South, where verdant forests and abundant harvests were her kingdom's pride. When news of the Queen's pregnancy reached the King's ears, his joy was overshadowed by simmering tensions between their realms. In a moment of misunderstanding and mistrust, fueled by his love for his people, the King mistakenly believed the Queen plotted against him. Consumed by rage and blinded by his ambitions, he made the fateful decision to wage war against the Queen's domain. As battle raged, the foundations of the Queen's kingdom crumbled under the relentless assault. Once-thriving lands turned to ash, and her people scattered, seeking refuge and solace amidst the chaos. Amidst the turmoil, the Queen's brother, a man known for his unwavering loyalty and cunning mind, made a daring move. Recognizing the grave danger faced by the unborn children, he spirited away the three boys, safeguarding their lives and preserving their lineage. In the midst of the tumult, however, he unwittingly left behind the youngest and only girl-a precious jewel forgotten amidst the madness of war. Unaware of his brother-in-law's intervention, the King discovered the hidden daughter born from their shattered love. Blinded by his own ambition and driven by a hunger for power, he chose to raise the girl as his own, determined to mold her into a worthy heir for his legacy. And so, the four siblings were scattered, their lives diverging into distinct paths, unbeknownst to one another. Each grew up in vastly different environments, shaped by their adopted families and the circumstances surrounding them. They inherited the fiery spirit and strength of their parents, carrying within them their own dreams and ambitions. Unbeknownst to them, the force of fate would weave their destinies together once more. As they matured, the echoes of their shared bloodline beckoned them to reclaim what was lost, to confront their heritage, and to fight for their deepest desires amidst a kingdom torn asunder. United by blood yet divided by circumstance, the four siblings embarked on a perilous journey, where alliances would be forged and shattered, loyalties tested, and the weight of their shared pasts would shape their choices. With intertwined destinies, they strove to shape the future of their realms, forever altering the course of history. Among them, Havrena, the youngest and the only girl, had been raised by her father. The sweetness that once graced her angelic face transformed into anger when her father brought a new woman into his life, one who bore a child. Havrena's right to the kingdom hung precariously on the edge of a knife. Meanwhile, her brothers-Zafron, Vrennon, and Lannis-endured years of hardship in the wilderness. Despite their struggles, they were fortunate to have loyal nobles and soldiers by their side, helping them forge a new life. Outnumbered but resolute, they devised a plan to reclaim their homeland and gather their scattered people once more. This is the beginning of the tale, where the four siblings, born of feuding royalty, rise above their origins, burdened by the weight of their legacy. With determination, they embark on a quest to reclaim what was stolen.

colinnennz · Fantasía
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23 Chs

Lilith and Tasha

Fifteen years ago, within the grand halls of Wintercrest, two souls came into existence amidst an air of tragedy and sorrow. Lilith and Tasha, the sweet but manipulative members of the Wintercrest family, were born as fraternal twins. Their arrival should have been celebrated, for they were blessed with the bloodline of the royal family coursing through their veins. However, fate had a cruel twist in store for them.

Their parents, noble and goodly, held high positions within the kingdom. Their mother, a descendant of the revered Wintercrest royal lineage, radiated grace and kindness. Their father, a renowned knight, wielded his sword with honor and valor. But the threads of happiness began to unravel as a dark shadow cast its presence upon their lives.

It was a fateful day when an unknown and merciless disease claimed the life of their mother. The Wintercrest family, known for their vibrant celebrations and joyous occasions, was plunged into an abyss of grief and despair. The twins, mere infants at the time, could only watch as their once lively home turned into a place haunted by sorrow.

Their father, broken by the loss of his beloved wife, descended into madness. The weight of his anguish crushed his spirit, and he slowly withered away, leaving the twins orphaned and abandoned. The mansion that once echoed with laughter and warmth now resounded with haunting silence and echoes of a shattered family.

As the days turned into years, Lilith and Tasha, scarred by the tragedy that unfolded before their eyes, nursed a bitter resentment toward the world. They grew up within the walls of their ancestral home, isolated and filled with a deep-rooted hatred for those who had seemingly abandoned them in their darkest hour.

Their once innocent and pure hearts were tainted by the poison of vengeance. They cloaked themselves in an eerie aura, their smiles masking a cold and calculated nature. Within their souls, a thirst for power and manipulation took root, fueled by the belief that everyone outside their circle of pain was unworthy of their trust.

Wintercrest, once a beacon of light and hope, now bore witness to the eerie presence of the twins. Whispers of their mysterious ways and their ability to bend others to their will spread like wildfire. They toyed with the emotions of those around them, weaving webs of deception and manipulation to further their own agendas.

In their hearts, a twisted sense of justice and a desire for retribution took hold. They believed that those who had turned their backs on their family were deserving of punishment, and they took pleasure in orchestrating the downfall of those they deemed responsible.

Their ethereal beauty masked a darkness that dwelled deep within. Their eyes, once filled with innocence, now held a glint of malevolence. They became the personification of the Wintercrest tragedy, carrying the weight of their parents' pain and disappointment on their shoulders.

Lilith and Tasha, the twins born of loss and despair, traversed the eerie corridors of Wintercrest with a calculated grace. They left an indelible mark on the tapestry of the kingdom, a testament to the power that can emerge from a heart consumed by sorrow.

But within the depths of their twisted existence, a flicker of humanity remained. Buried beneath layers of resentment and vengeance, a longing for the love and security they had lost still whispered in their souls. Whether that flicker would ignite into redemption or be forever swallowed by darkness remained to be seen.

Their story, shrouded in dramatic twists and eerie moments, continued to unfold, leaving a lingering sense of unease in the hearts of those who dared to cross paths with the enigmatic twins of Wintercrest.

Despite the darkness that clouded their lives, Lilith and Tasha found glimmers of hope within the unlikeliest of places. It was their older male cousins, Alexander Frost, Sebastian Orion, Beren Wintercrest, Aries Wintercrest, and Gideon Wintercrest, who extended a hand of compassion and understanding to the troubled twins.

Alexander Frost, with his commanding presence and keen strategic mind, recognized the potential for both greatness and darkness within Lilith and Tasha. Sebastian Orion, the skilled swordsman and diplomat, possessed a gentle nature that complemented his cousins' fiery spirits. Beren Wintercrest, wise and learned, guided them with his knowledge and wisdom. Aries Wintercrest, with his unwavering loyalty, became their confidant and protector. Gideon Wintercrest, a beacon of strength and stability, provided them with a sense of grounding.

Together, they became mentors, teaching the twins the art of the sword and nurturing their natural talent. Under their guidance, Lilith and Tasha flourished, their skills honed through rigorous training and discipline. Their once volatile emotions found an outlet in the controlled movements of their swords. In the dance of steel, they discovered a sense of purpose and a means to channel their pain.

While resentment toward their aunt, Larrisa, lingered within their hearts, they couldn't help but look up to her. Larrisa, a woman of strength and resilience, had weathered her own share of storms. Though their relationship was complex, Lilith and Tasha admired her unwavering determination and the fortitude with which she carried herself. They saw in her a reflection of their own fierce spirits, even if they refused to admit it openly.

Guided by their cousins, Alexander Frost, Sebastian Orion, Beren Wintercrest, Aries Wintercrest, and Gideon Wintercrest, and fueled by their newfound skills, Lilith and Tasha began to find a sense of belonging within the Wintercrest family once more. They discovered that the bonds of blood could be both a source of pain and a wellspring of support.

As time passed, the twins realized that their manipulative tendencies had served as a defense mechanism, shielding their vulnerable hearts from further harm. Yet, with the guidance of their male cousins, they learned to temper their darker impulses and find balance in their actions.

Embracing their heritage as children of Wintercrest, Lilith and Tasha sought to honor their parents' memory by using their skills for the betterment of the kingdom. They became fierce protectors, defending the innocent and upholding the values that their family had cherished for generations.

The enigmatic twins, guided by Alexander Frost, Sebastian Orion, Beren Wintercrest, Aries Wintercrest, and Gideon Wintercrest, became a force to be reckoned with, their swords carving a path of justice and redemption. And in their journey, they discovered that the power they had once sought through manipulation and vengeance paled in comparison to the strength of unity, loyalty, and love.

As they fought alongside their male cousins, Lilith and Tasha's icy exterior began to thaw, revealing glimpses of the warmth and compassion that had been buried beneath layers of pain. They forged bonds of camaraderie and trust, building a newfound family within the Wintercrest dynasty.

In the end, Lilith and Tasha's story evolved from one of darkness and eerie intrigue to a tale of resilience, growth, and the transformative power of love. Their journey would forever be intertwined with the legacy of Wintercrest, leaving an indelible mark on the kingdom and its people.

As Lilith and Tasha watched their older cousins, Alexander Frost, Sebastian Orion, Beren Wintercrest, Aries Wintercrest, and Gideon Wintercrest, train amidst the biting cold, they couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration and pride. Though only 12 years old, the twins had always looked up to their older cousins as if they were their protective and loving older brothers.

Frost, with his chilling aura, possessed the power to make his enemies freeze to death with a mere touch. Ice would spread from his fingertips, encasing his adversaries in an icy prison. His ability to manipulate the cold was awe-inspiring, and the twins couldn't help but be amazed by his mastery over the element.

Orion, on the other hand, had a deep connection to water and ice. With a wave of his hand, he could control the very currents and tides. His specialty lay in shaping water and freezing it into intricate forms, even creating swords made of ice that shimmered with an otherworldly beauty. The twins watched in wonder as Orion's creations sparkled and glinted under the winter sun.

Aries possessed a unique talent for animating ice, giving life to humanoid or monstrous figures sculpted from frozen water. His creations would move and fight at his command, making him a formidable force on the battlefield. The twins couldn't help but be both fascinated and slightly unnerved by the lifelike ice constructs Aries conjured.

Beren, however, held a power that was both versatile and mysterious. He had unparalleled control over water, allowing him to manipulate its temperature at will. Whether it was turning water into solid ice or causing it to boil and scald, Beren's mastery over the element was unparalleled. His ability to bend water to his whim made him an unpredictable force to be reckoned with.

And finally, Gideon, the youngest among the cousins, possessed an extraordinary and innate power. Without the need for external sources, Gideon could produce ice and water from within himself, as if he were a living wellspring of the elements. His powers were formidable, and he was a testament to the Wintercrest family's long-standing reputation for their affinity with water and ice.

As the Wintercrest family showcased their incredible powers, Lilith and Tasha felt a deep sense of pride welling within them. They knew that one day, they too would join their cousins in wielding the powers of water and ice, becoming a force that would bring both protection and justice to the kingdom they held dear.

Inspired by the strength and abilities of their older cousins, Lilith and Tasha vowed to train harder, honing their skills with the sword and harnessing their latent powers. They knew that their journey would be challenging, but they were determined to carry on the Wintercrest legacy and make a name for themselves in their own right.

And so, under the watchful guidance of their cousins, Lilith and Tasha embarked on a path of growth and self-discovery, destined to become powerful wielders of water and ice, just like the Wintercrest family before them.

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As Lilith and Tasha delved deeper into their training under the guidance of their older male cousins, Alexander, Sebastian, Beren, Aries, and Gideon, they began to unravel hidden depths within themselves. It was during one fateful training session, amidst the serene backdrop of a frozen lake, that their extraordinary powers came to light.

Lilith, her eyes gleaming with determination, swung her sword in a precise arc, the blade cutting through the frosty air. Alexander observed her movements, his voice filled with encouragement.

Alexander: "Focus, Lilith! Channel your energy and let it flow through your blade. Feel the connection between your mind, body, and the weapon in your hands."

Lilith nodded, her brows furrowed with concentration, as she attempted to synchronize her thoughts with her physical actions. In that moment, she felt a surge of power ripple through her, an unexplained force that seemed to emanate from within.

Lilith: "Something feels different, Alexander. I can't explain it, but there's a strange energy coursing through me."

Alexander's eyes widened with realization, a mixture of surprise and excitement in his voice.

Alexander: "It seems you've inherited more than just our family's prowess with water and ice. Lilith, I believe you possess the power of mind reading and manipulation. It's a rare and formidable gift."

Lilith's mind whirled with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. She had always felt an uncanny ability to sense others' thoughts and emotions, but now it seemed to be expanding into something more.

Lilith: "Mind reading and manipulation? How is that even possible? Can you teach me how to control it?"

Sebastian, ever the perceptive one, interjected, his voice calm and reassuring.

Sebastian: "It is a complex power, Lilith, but with time and guidance, you can learn to harness it. We will help you unlock its potential, but remember, with great power comes great responsibility."

Meanwhile, Tasha, engaged in her own training with Beren and Aries, found herself drawn to a nearby frozen waterfall. As she approached it, a sense of familiarity washed over her, as if the cascading water held a secret she was meant to discover.

Beren: "Tasha, take a moment to observe the waterfall. Feel its energy, its fluidity. Connect with the element of water, for it is your birthright."

Tasha, mesmerized by the swirling patterns of the frozen cascade, extended her hand tentatively towards it. To her surprise, the water responded, swirling and rising, as if dancing in harmony with her touch.

Tasha: "Beren, Aries, look! The water, it's responding to me. I can control it!"

Aries, with a mixture of awe and pride, nodded in acknowledgment.

Aries: "Indeed, Tasha. You possess the power of water and ice manipulation, just like the rest of our family. But you also have a unique affinity for it, an innate connection that allows you to command it with ease."

Tasha, her eyes shining with excitement, couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the newfound depths of her abilities.

Tasha: "I never imagined I could wield such power. Thank you, Beren, Aries, for helping me discover this part of myself."

Beren smiled warmly, his voice filled with encouragement.

Beren: "You have barely scratched the surface, Tasha. Together, we will delve deeper into your powers, honing your skills and helping you understand the full extent of your abilities."

And so, Lilith and Tasha embarked on a journey of self-discovery, guided by their cousins,

as they learned to navigate and control their newfound powers. With each training session, their bond with water, ice, and the enigmatic world of the mind grew stronger, propelling them further on their path to becoming formidable warriors and wielders of extraordinary gifts.

A week before they arrived at the Stormwood.

As the joyful songs and lively dances filled the air, a messenger arrived bearing a letter addressed to Lilith and Tasha. Excitement mixed with intrigue as they opened it, discovering an unexpected invitation from the king to stay at the annex castle in Stormwood. Their hearts quickened with anticipation, fueled by a deep-seated belief that they were destined for the throne, despite their knowledge of their current status.

Lilith, her eyes gleaming with determination, turned to Tasha, her voice filled with unwavering confidence.

Lilith: "Tasha, this is our chance to prove what we've always known deep in our hearts. We may not be the crowned princesses, but we possess the qualities, strength, and wisdom to rule. We are suited for the throne, and Stormwood will soon realize that."

Tasha, a fire of ambition burning within her, nodded in agreement, her voice resonating with conviction.

Tasha: "You're absolutely right, Lilith. Our bloodline may not trace back to the royal family, but our capabilities, our intellect, and our innate sense of justice make us deserving of the throne. We will show the people of Stormwood what true leadership looks like."

With unwavering belief in their own worthiness, Lilith and Tasha embarked on their journey to Stormwood, fueled by the audacious notion that they were destined for the throne. Their hearts beat with the rhythm of ambition, driving them to prove themselves at every turn.

In the days that followed, Lilith and Tasha seized every opportunity to showcase their qualities as leaders. They engaged in diplomatic discussions, displaying their sharp wit and strategic thinking. They commanded attention with their mastery of the sword, captivating audiences with their skill and agility. And as they demonstrated their powers of water and ice manipulation, they left no doubt in the minds of those who witnessed their abilities.

Though they understood the technicalities of royal lineage, their belief in their own suitability to rule surpassed any doubts. They were determined to challenge the notion that birthright alone defined a true leader. Their journey to Stormwood became a testament to their unwavering self-confidence and their desire to leave an indelible mark on the realm.

As Lilith and Tasha stepped foot into Stormwood, they carried with them a resolute determination, ready to prove that true royalty extends beyond lineage, and that they, through their own merits and capabilities, were indeed suited for the throne they longed for.

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They arrived at the city of Stormwood.

As Havrena strolled through the bustling streets of Stormwood's city, lost in her own thoughts, a familiar sight caught her attention. Amongst the crowd, she spotted Lilith and Tasha Wintercrest, her cousins from the land of Wintercrest. Surprise and curiosity mingled within her as she approached them.

"Lilith, Tasha," she called out, her voice tinged with astonishment. "What brings you both to Stormwood? You should be in Wintercrest."

Lilith, known for her artistic talents and gentle demeanor, smiled softly at Havrena. "Havrena, dear cousin," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of warmth. "We felt the need for a change of scenery, a taste of something different. Stormwood intrigued us, and we decided to embark on an adventure beyond our familiar boundaries."

Tasha, always seeking new experiences, added with an impish grin, "We thought it would be thrilling to explore a land that holds a connection to our roots. Besides, who could resist the allure of your captivating stories, Havrena?"

Havrena couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and skepticism. Lilith and Tasha had never shown much interest in their shared lineage, nor had they seemed particularly fond of her. Their interactions had always been polite but distant, masked by a facade of familial harmony.

Nevertheless, she welcomed their presence, intrigued by the possibility of deepening their connection. "Well, I'm glad you've come to visit," she said, attempting to mask her lingering doubts. "Stormwood has undergone remarkable changes, and I would be honored to show you around."

As they walked through the city streets together, Havrena observed Lilith and Tasha's familiar features—their silver-white hair flowing gracefully, their bright blue eyes shimmering with curiosity, their pale-pinkish skin contrasting with their red, chapped lips. They were the epitome of Wintercrest beauty, a stark contrast to her own unique appearance.

Despite their differences, they engaged in light-hearted conversation, sharing anecdotes and laughter along the way. It seemed that, at least for the moment, their familial tensions had momentarily faded into the background.

As they wandered through the city, Havrena noticed Lilith and Tasha's interactions with the people of Stormwood. Their smiles seemed genuine, their warmth radiating towards those they encountered. It made her wonder if, like her, they too had felt the sting of insincerity in Wintercrest, prompting their desire to explore new horizons.

Unspoken questions lingered between them, a silent acknowledgment of their complex family dynamics. But for now, they set them aside, focusing on the present and the shared experience of discovering the wonders within Stormwood's embrace.

As the day unfolded, Havrena couldn't help but wonder if their unexpected encounter and subsequent exploration of Stormwood could bridge the divide between them. Perhaps, in this new chapter of their lives, they would find the opportunity to connect on a deeper level, to appreciate the complexities of their shared heritage, and to overcome the barriers that had separated them for so long.

And so, with hope in their hearts and the city of Stormwood as their backdrop, the three of them ventured forward, forging a path of discovery and reconciliation that would reshape the dynamics of their family forever.