In the time of living gods, when blood poured like wine over the earth
and stars fell as petals from the heavens –
When corpses rose in unburnt pyramids
as dread miracles swept the world plaguelike...
So dawns the history of the world called Tei Ura, where the air seethes with spirits; where the Seven Courts rule from their pillars; and where executions are at once sacred rite and a cornerstone of the entertainment industry. At the center of this world lies the Opaline City, home to the seven spears who dispense mortal justice and the only place on Tei Ura where the executioner's red art is performed.
First among the seven spears of the Opaline City is Virenina II Tauhrelil. World-famous, idolized by millions, descended from two ruling bloodlines, Virenina burns bright even in the Opaline City's garden of stars – the better to blind people to the blood-drenched secret that she shares with her paired spirit, Ai Naa, which even now eats away at her very humanity and leaves something shining and terrible in its place. Virenina has kept that secret for nearly twenty years...but between a mother who scents weaknesses like blood on the water, a father in search of empty revenge, and adoring fans who would do anything to get close, it may not remain secret much longer.
If the story described above interests you, good news – you can read what exists so far on this blog for free! I try to update as often as I can, which is usually about every 1-2 months. List of existing updates under the cut!
Because tumblr tends to hide posts containing links from search results, I won’t be linking these directly. Functional website etc HOWEVER – each story update is tagged with its title, and I’ll be adding titles of new updates to the tags of this post as I umm post! them. Click any title in the tags of this post to find the corresponding story update. Here is your menu:
SEQUENCE 0
Acceptance – How Virenina’s parents came to be married.
SEQUENCE 1
But How Is He Going to Die? – Orialu learns of her father's impending execution, and struggles to process it. Her solution: get into a spear fight.
Aitsulilla and Orineimu – Orialu visits the baths and receives an important reminder – one that leaves her doubting her own fitness to inherit the Throne Refulgent.
Snakesick (newest!) – Orialu and Orineimu have a slumber party.
SEQUENCE 2
Concerning Tauhrelil’s Finery – Asaau’s attempt at convincing Virenina to wear a nicer dress spirals wildly out of control.
The Edge of the World Is a Cold Blue Ring – In which Virenina and Asaau visit the Ring, view the Shattered Lands, and ruin a scientist’s day.
(Please Don’t) Fly Me to the Moon – Asaau takes a short breather before suffering the indignities of spirit-powered air travel.
Revelation – Virenina’s secret, unveiled.
Red Echoes – Virenina tries to give Asaau a breather. Asaau learns more of Ai Naa’s nature, and considers a betrayal.
Regarding Tauhrelil’s Bond – Asaau learns the depths of wrongness between Virenina and Ai Naa, and questions if he can stand to know it.
And lastly – if you read and enjoyed any of these, please consider reblogging, commenting, or just sharing with someone else you think would like it! That said, just taking the time to look means the world to me. If you’ve read this far, thank you! 💖
