Prologue

Ptolemus had never heard such horrendous cursing in his entire life. Granted it hadn't been a long life thus far but still. He sat with his back against the heavy steel door of the infirmary as strangers in healer's uniforms ran past him. Part of him wanted to ask what had gone wrong, but a small scared part of him didn't want to know. His gut twisted. You are a Silver, he thought to himself. You do not have fear in your body. You are a soldier through and through. Child of fangs and steel. You do not fear anything or anyone. Despite his little pep talk Ptolemus still remained where he was. The single most amazing thing to ever happen to a Silver was occurring not five feet away and he wasn't prepared to face it. Already he could imagine the houses that would flood Rift House. The King and Queen themselves might even bother to show up. Ptolemus shook his head. He hated attention. Unlike his father he was not prepared for the fame House Samos was going to receive. Yes, in the next room a Queen of Norta was being born. That in itself was a reason to celebrate. Father would finally get the heir he so desperately wanted. Don't be angry. He loves you just the same, Ptolemus chided himself. It just so happens you weren't enough for him.

But something else incredible was taking place. Ptolemus's mother, Larentia Viper, was giving birth to twins. In the Silver world, having twins was practically impossible. The amount of energy and strength necessary to have just one Silver child was insurmountable. To have two at the same time? Next to impossible. Which was the exact reason why Ptolemus was scared. What if his mother couldn't do it? Would the healers be able to save her in time or would they have to choose between her and the children? His head spun just thinking about what he would do in that situation.

Heavy boots made Ptolemus look up to see his father approaching. He looked intimidating as ever in his sharp metallic suit. "Is everything okay?" Ptolemus asked quickly. he jumped up from his position as cold fear ran through his body. Please let everything be okay.

"Everything's perfect," his father said softly. Ptolemus could see the faint ghost of a smile on his face. His father never smiled. Together the two walked into the infirmary. Ptolemus watched as healers rushed back and forth from his mother to the table where the two children were wrapped in silver blankets. His mother was drenched in sweat and there was metallic blood staining the bed. A gash on her stomach was being healed away. Ptolemus was ever thankful he hadn't been in here to see them cut the children out.

"Which one is which?" Ptolemus stepped up to the table. The one child opened its eyes to look at him as he stood over them. They would be identical. It was a good idea to figure out who was who now.

His father pointed to the child who appeared to be resting. It sat on a lower section of the table than the other one. It was the second born. "This is Evangeline," he said with a sigh. Then he turned to the other one. The child had bold black eyes that would soon turn to chrome grey. The pale skin glowed with warmth and the features already shone promise of a queen. The next queen of Norta. "This one," his father whispered softly, "is Oliverara. The great heir to House Samos and the next queen." Ptolemus smiled at the child who would become his fathers favorite. The child grinned back.

"The King and Queen will be arriving shortly," his mother's voice made him spin. She sat up from the bed and pulled an ornately decorated robe to wrap around her blood stained body. Ptolemus couldn't resist wrapping his arms around her in a hug. She gave her a small squeeze of affection before stepping away from his grip. Ptolemus watched his father repeat the action and Ptolemus could sense the desperation in the air. Even his father had been scared for her safety.

One of the healers stepped up with the identification cards. "While they are mostly asleep we should get this done." Ptolemus stepped back as the small needle was taken first to Evangeline. A drop of silver blood pulled from her wrist and dropped onto the paper. Her name was written in calligraphy and the date stamped next to the seal of Norta. She was officially alive. Another needle was presented and the healers approached Oliverara. The tip touched her skin and the needle filled.

With Red blood.

The healer cried out in shock and dropped the needle on the ground; shattering it. Both infants cried at the loud noise as Red blood dripped from the cracked fragments. Volo Samos and Larentia Viper had never looked so angry, so shocked, in all of Ptolemus's life. They had never looked so scared.

"What is this!" Larentia screamed in rage. Both girls cried louder. As if in mockery another drop of red blood leaked out of the needle hole in Oliverara's arm. That was enough to fuel the growing anger inside Larentia. Ptolemus jumped back as she yanked a knife out of the nearest healer's hands. Before anyone could do anything, the pointed weapon was drawing a jagged line down the face of Oliverara. Because he was weak and a coward Ptolemus turned his face away from the scene. He closed his eyes to the horror and tried to block out the cries of his younger sister. This is impossible, he thought. Absolutely impossible.

When it was finished Ptolemus turned around. His mother, still fuming with fury, stood back by his father. The two were watching as the child, now bleeding drastically from her face, opened her mouth in another silent cry. Evangeline looked like she was sleeping. The Red blood covered the table. Ptolemus felt sick.

"She shall not be queen," Larentia hissed. Volo nodded but he looked almost sad as he stared at his two children. One, the second born and the other a Red disgrace. How had this even happened? Ptolemus wanted to know but he was too scared to ask. If a Red could be born to Silvers what did that mean in terms of powers? A Red with powers wasn't a thing that could exist!

"We'll figure this out son," Ptolemus jumped as his father set his arm gently on his shoulder. "Don't worry." Ptolemus just nodded. He couldn't hide the sense in his heart though that nothing would ever be the same in their house again.

So, I hope you liked the first part of my story! I am a bit undecided on how to continue. Here are my two options:

Oliverara is raised in Montfort by Davidson and has to reveal to Evangeline and Ptolemus that she is their sister. She'll only be around for War Storm.

OR

Oliverara goes to war and then returns to the household and is around for the entire series.

Which would you like to see? Leave a comment or vote on the poll on my profile. Thanks!