The Phantom Queen

TW: Implied death, violence, torture, poison.

The memorial yard was calm and peaceful under the deep night sky, wrapping me in a soothing silence that I truly loved. Many ghosts usually complained about their deaths, wishing they had a second chance at life. I did not. Of course, I had regrets, but I found an odd sort of relief knowing I couldn’t change the past.

No, it wasn't pleasant—my death, that is. I was shot in the chest with an arrow, but I was finally at peace, or as at peace as I could be. This is the result of having many enemies. The ironic part is that it wasn’t my enemy who killed me; it was an old friend. With an accusation like that, I should probably explain.

I was around 15, and my best friend, Lyric, believed I had died at the hands of one of her sisters, Raven. Neither Lyric nor Raven knew that their other sister, Amina, was still alive. Amina had kidnapped me from Raven’s jail cell—a long story in and of itself—and tortured me for weeks. Eventually, she poisoned me in a way that wouldn't kill me but would leave me in a deep, restless sleep.

In an instant, I found myself back in Zemetis for the third time, without anyone’s trust. I expected it—everyone thought I was a villain. In reality, I was just a small pawn in a much larger game. Amina could mimic anyone's appearance and abilities, which she often used to her advantage. After poisoning me, she took on my form, which made everyone think that I was Amina, and Amina was me, and it was a whole, confusing mess.

As I finally gained their trust, I was kidnapped by Amina again (seriously, can’t she just make up her mind?). I should probably mention that Lyric thought she killed Amina. I was knocked out, and when I awoke, I was hit with the worst pain I've ever felt in my life. Two weeks later, I escaped (with the help of a medic) and, well, everyone thought I was Amina.

And that’s how I died. Fun times, right? (No, the answer is no.)

So, there I was, standing alone in the memorial yard like I typically did once a year on my birthday. Ghosts are given the option to choose one day every year to become visible to whomever they choose. I always choose my deathday. You know, freak some people out, comfort others, oh, and haunt Amina. That’s another fun thing about being a ghost. I can haunt people!

When I died and entered the Ghost Realm for the first time, I was greeted by Raven, Lyric’s other sister. You know, the one who didn’t try to kill me. Sure, she wanted me dead, but she never attempted to murder me. Raven was kind of forced to be a villain, and I knew I wasn’t the only one who felt sorry for her. Lyric did too, even though she tried to hide it. I don’t think Lyric ever realized that I knew her sister was Raven, which was okay.

Anyway, Raven essentially explained that I was a ghost now, blah blah blah, blah blah blah, and I could haunt people. However, she failed to tell me about one simple detail: I was now the “Phantom Queen.”

That meant I ruled the Ghost Realm, where we dead people roamed. I guess it was some sort of restoration, I guess, because I never got to be the queen of my homeland. I was nicknamed “Phantom Queen” by my family, friends, and former enemies. I liked it. Still do.

Okay, back to the memorial yard! I wasn’t expecting anyone to come, but I did love the solitude. I brushed my fingers along my memorial stone, which read: Novalynn Castenelli- Demytrios. Beloved daughter of Aesira and Oreh Castenelli. Adored wife of Kane Demytrios. Mother of Melody and Allegra Demytrios- Darkholme.

Underneath all of that was a ridiculously long epigraph that most definitely didn’t need to be there. I laughed, guessing the amount of time that description of my life must’ve taken. I wondered who did it.

“Novalynn? Is it-, no, it can’t be,” a familiar voice muttered behind me.

I turned around slowly. “Kane? You can see me?” It actually works!

Kane had been my husband before I died. Now, he was married to Amina (against his own will, might I add). “Nova,” he started, “I wish I had come here sooner. I didn’t realize I’d be able to see you!”

I smiled. “I’ve always been here. Every year on this day.”

His eyes were sad. “I’m sorry. This is going to sound awful, but I didn’t come to see your memorial.”

I tilted my head slightly to the side. “Then why in the realms are you here if not to see me?”

Kane ran a hand through his hair. “It’s our girls.”

“What about them? How are they?”

His face fell. “Melody’s fine. Or, as fine as she can be with Amina. You’ll have some company in the Ghost Realm now. Allegra died this past week. I was told it was some sort of ‘accident.’ I don’t think it was. Take care of her for me.”

“I will. Don’t worry.” Someone tapped my shoulder gently, almost nervously. It was my daughter, Allegra.

She looked no older than 11, her innocent eyes filled with stories I wasn’t there to see. It saddened me to think her potential for a long life was lost. “Excuse me, ma’am, but do you know a Novalynn Demytrios? I was told to find her?”

I gently grabbed Kane’s hand. “I’m Novalynn.”

Kane grinned at the girl, but sadness coated his eyes. “You can trust her, sweetheart. She’s your mother.”

I gently released his hand and, for the first time in years, maintained eye contact with him. “I love you. Never forget that.”

“I won’t. I love you too.” Those were the last words he spoke to me that day. I held Allegra’s hand as we entered her memorial service, which was surprisingly bright and uplifting. Friends and family shared joyful stories that brought smiles and laughter, celebrating the wonderful moments of her short life. It was the perfect tribute. I couldn’t help but think of my own memorial service, which felt somber, with people unsure about which memories were of me or were of Amina.

Even though I was sad my daughter had died so young, I was thankful I wasn’t alone in the Ghost Realm anymore. Allegra became my ghostly companion, and I didn’t realize just how lonely I had been until she joined me. Now, we can explore this strange world together, and with her by my side, everything feels a little brighter. Neither of us has to face the shadows alone; we have each other.

For all eternity.