Valen's breath sends a shiver down my spine as he lingers close, his presence both comforting and unsettling. His words penetrate the haze of my thoughts, drawing my attention back to the present. "The blemish is totally gone," he whispers against my skin, his voice sending a jolt of electricity through me.My mind races to catch up with his words. "What blemish?" I inquire, my voice barely above a whisper."The one left by the Algoth," he explains, his tone soft yet matter-of-fact. "I healed the cut, but there was still a pink mark. It's gone now."His proximity leaves me feeling exposed, vulnerable even. Instinctively, my hands rise, coming to rest on his chest as I gently push him away, the contact sending a jolt of awareness coursing through me. Clearing my throat and fussing with my dress, I avoid meeting his gaze, choosing instead to focus on anything but him. I can sense his smile, though, a knowing grin that lingers in the air like a tantalizing secret."Thank you for lifting
The charming melodies wafting up from the hall downstairs beckon me like a siren's song, filling the long corridor with an air of anticipation. Unlike the predictable rhythms of my days in Ferngrove, where each sunrise brought familiar routines, stepping into this new world feels like diving into the unknown depths of a vast ocean.Downstairs, the sounds of laughter and animated conversation echo through the grand hall, mingling with the soft glow of candlelight. My hands clench in front of me, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through my veins. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever awaits me below.With each step down the ornate staircase, the polished marble floors reverberate beneath my feet, amplifying the rhythm of my heartbeat. As I approach the heart of the festivities, a surge of anticipation courses through me, mingling with the thrill of the unknown. The party unfolds before me like a tapestry of enchantment, the air alive with the cadence of lau
We all experience those moments when we're caught in the crossfire, uncertain of whether to intervene or remain silent. Right now, I find myself in the heart of such a moment.The tension between the two men is palpable, their gazes locked in a fierce battle of wills. Malevolence hangs heavy in the air, and I realize with a sinking feeling that I've unwittingly stumbled into the midst of their animosity. I need to extricate myself from this situation, and fast.Stumbling away from Baelorin, I feel his hand reach out as if to stop me, but it hesitates, frozen in mid-air. I come to a halt, my gaze fixed on Valen, who stands before me with a look of unbridled hostility directed at Baelorin. It's as if he's preventing him from touching me with his powers."Stop it!" I exclaim, my voice ringing out in the charged atmosphere. Valen's piercing gaze shifts to me, but I refuse to back down. "You really are insufferable, you know that?" I step closer to him, tilting my chin defiantly upward. Ba
As I delved deeper into the dense woods, the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of woodland creatures surrounded me. The cool autumn breeze filled my lungs as I moved with the grace of a seasoned hunter. Hunger gnawed at my belly, and my arms ached from carrying my bow in search of sustenance, akin to a famished predator. The truth is, hunger grips not just me but all of us in Ferngrove.Until two years ago, Ferngrove thrived. Its lands were abundant, and fishermen returned daily with tales of plentiful catches. However, the past two years have been marked by hardship. Famine has become our unwanted companion. The once plentiful fish have vanished from our waters, and the wildlife seems to be in constant flux. Some whisper of a curse upon Ferngrove, but my father, the village chief, insists it's merely a phase. But how long must we endure?I press forward, my bow at the ready, its wood worn smooth by countless hunts. Each step reinforces my duty to provide for my family in
We waited in tense silence for Father to continue."The villagers are right. Ferngrove is cursed," Father's words echoed in the small room, sending a chill down our spines.Edina's reaction was palpable; her face drained of color, lips pale, and even her usual rosy cheeks devoid of their warmth. She withdrew her hand from Father's grasp, her eyes darting around the room, avoiding his gaze.I was puzzled. What did they know that I didn't? I tried to read Edina's expression, usually an open book to me, but now it was inscrutable.Summoning my courage, I managed to ask, "What's happening?""Do you remember the stories from your childhood?" Father turned to me, while Edina nodded in recognition. Memories of Mother's frightening tales and Father's warnings of a Fae lord with horns and fiery blazing eyes flooded my mind."He cursed the land, bringing famine for two long years before claiming his tribute," I whispered, my voice strained. "But... I thought those were just bedtime stories. Fat
As consciousness slowly seeped back into my senses, I was met with the biting sting of pain radiating from the cut at the base of my neck. Groaning, I struggled to open my eyes, the dim light of the dungeon flickering before me like distant memories. Sweat ran down every corner of my face sticking my long ruby hair to my neck in an uncomfortable manner.Blinking away the haze, I surveyed my surroundings. The dungeon was devoid of windows, enveloped in darkness save for the flickering torch mounted on the stone wall. The air was thick with the musty scent of damp earth and decay, sending a shiver down my spine.With each labored breath, I felt the weight of my predicament press down upon me like a suffocating blanket. Alone in this desolate chamber, I couldn't help but wonder about Edina, Father, and home. Were they safe? Did they mourn my absence, or had they already moved on, resigned to the fate I had chosen?Thoughts of Edina's tear-streaked face and Father's solemn gaze tugged at
As I stepped into the mansion, its exterior charm melted seamlessly into a captivating interior. Beyond the sun-kissed facade lay a mysterious labyrinth of stony corridors and cavernous chambers adorned with glistening chandeliers.My eyes trailed Calia's graceful figure as she navigated the grand halls with effortless poise, blending seamlessly into the grandeur. Yet, despite the lavish surroundings, an eerie emptiness pervaded the air, accentuated by the absence of any attending staff. Our footfalls reverberated through the silence, amplifying the sense of solitude.According to Calia, he's in his study, I reminded myself, my mind grappling with the surreal reality of sharing space with the Dark Lord—the very figure of dread from my childhood nightmares. Curiosity gnawed at me, wondering about the face behind the legend. Would he resemble the monstrous tales, or would he defy expectation, appearing as deceptively human as Rhaenan was?Breaking the silence like a shard of light throu
The mansion remained as tranquil as the day before, yet now, sunlight streamed through the towering windows, casting enchanting shadows upon the plush velvet carpet adorned with intricate golden patterns. This place exuded opulence and grandeur.Asterin and Astrea strode ahead, their murmurs barely audible, tempting me to strain my ears in hopes of catching a snippet of their conversation. At last, we halted before a colossal golden door, its brilliance nearly blinding. It could only be genuine gold, a testament to the extravagance of this estate.With a firm knock from Astrea and synchronized movements, Asterin and Astrea swung open the door, revealing a breathtaking sight: the dining room. Its ceiling soared to dizzying heights, reminiscent of a royal castle. Rich hues of gold and crimson enveloped the space, evoking a sense of regality. Golden raven statues perched at each corner, adding an air of mystique to the already majestic ambiance.One of the pixies cleared their throat, th