The sun cast a soft glow over the garden, its rays filtering through the foliage to create intricate patterns of light and shadow upon the statues that adorned the lush landscape. Yet, despite the midsummer season, the sun seemed strangely subdued, its brilliance tempered by a veiled haze that hung in the air like a gossamer curtain.As I stepped out into the garden, a sense of disquiet settled over me. Shouldn't the sun be at its zenith during this time of year? The discrepancy gnawed at the edges of my consciousness for the longest time.The mansion bustled with activity, a hive of frenetic energy as maids scurried to and fro, attending to last-minute preparations for the impending festivities. Everywhere I looked, there were signs of bustling activity: ribbons being woven into intricate designs, flowers arranged in elaborate bouquets, and the faint hum of magic as faeries worked their enchantments to embellish the surroundings.One faerie caught my eye as she effortlessly conjured
Perched upon the windowsill, I survey the scene unfolding below as the evening descends into a tapestry of lights and laughter. The Midsummer festivities ignite the meadows with a kaleidoscope of colors, beckoning revelers to partake in the joyous celebration.Yet, amidst the vibrant spectacle, Baelorin's cryptic warning echoes in the recesses of my mind, a riddle waiting to be unraveled. What hidden truth lurks behind his ominous words? And what role does Valen play in the equation?With a furrowed brow, I tear my gaze away from the festivities below, turning inward to grapple with the elusive puzzle that Baelorin's statement presents. Fingers drumming restlessly against the window ledge, I contemplate my next move. Despite my earlier resolve to abstain from the festivities, an insatiable curiosity now compels me to attend. Maybe I'm being foolish for wanting to go but my heart keeps thumping out of control.With a determined stride, I abandon the safety of my chamber and make my wa
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
As Jullian fell to his knees, gasping for air, a voice—my own voice—suddenly broke the tense silence. "Stop," I pleaded, my hands clenched tightly on my lap. "Please, you're going to kill him."All eyes turned to me, but my gaze remained fixed on Valen, whose golden eyes blazed with fury. His gaze bore into mine, as if daring me to defy him further. But in that moment, I knew I couldn't stand by and watch this man's blood be spilled.My plea seemed to snap Valen out of his trance, and for a moment, the intensity in the room lessened. His eyes softened, but only for a fleeting moment, before they hardened once more. "Where's Calia? Did she not inform you to stay out of my business and the business of my court?""Am I not part of the Court now?" I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity. Valen's gaze remained unfaltering. "Whether a prisoner or a guest, I now belong to this Court. I cannot sit idly by while you kill this man."Rhaenan had stopped eating and was now staring at me as if I