All Chapters of Court Of Fae And Ruin: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

The sun was high in the sky, casting dappled light through the canopy as Adrian and I rode into the woods. The scent of pine and earth filled the air, mingling with the rhythmic thud of hooves on the forest floor. My senses were heightened, the world around me vivid and alive.Adrian rode close beside me, his presence a comforting shadow. The path ahead promised not only the thrill of the hunt but also a chance to reclaim a sense of normalcy, to remind myself of the strength I had gained."Ready for a real challenge?" Adrian called out, a playful gleam in his eyes.I grinned, feeling the excitement bubbling up inside me. "Always."We rode deeper into the woods, the sounds of the forest enveloping us. Birds chirped overhead, and the rustling of leaves whispered secrets in the breeze. It was a world away from the whispers of town gossip, a place where I could breathe freely.Suddenly, Adrian reined in his horse, holding up a hand. I followed his gaze and spotted a deer grazing in a smal

Perched on a gnarled oak, its weathered wings folded and unfurled with a rhythmic, almost hypnotic precision. The creature's body was an unsettling blend of sinewy strength and emaciated sharpness. Its talons gripped the branch like iron clamps, and its shimmering, predatory eyes scanned the assembly of hunters gathered at the base of the tree. It was every bit the nightmare predator I remembered."Now!" I yelled, my voice piercing the tense silence.A volley of arrows and spears shot towards the beast. I nocked an arrow in my bow, my heart pounding. Suddenly, its eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. Then, with a powerful thrust, it leaped from the branch, wings slicing through the air as it hurtled toward me. The missiles of the hunters passed through empty space, unable to find their mark. The creature moved with a spectral grace, weaving through the trees like a ghost until it was nearly upon me.Its talons extended, sharp and deadly, like a hawk closing

Adrian and I spent the rest of the afternoon in the library, immersed in ancient tomes, scrolls, and maps. Piece by piece, the mysteries we sought to unravel began to take shape. The room was filled with the scent of old parchment and the soft rustling of pages. We were prepared for a long night of study and discovery.But then a messenger arrived, his face etched with sorrow and tragedy. We abandoned our work and hurried back to the mansion. Upon our return, I was struck by a sight that made my heart plummet—General Tsami lay lifeless on the cold stone floor, his body bloodied and wounded.Words failed me, and my knees buckled as I knelt beside his still form. Edina's sobs echoed in the room; she couldn't bear to look at the body. Tsami's eyes were closed forever, his face marred with scratches. Dark, sticky blood clung to his clothes."He was stabbed by the creature's claws while trying to save a hunter," one survivor explained, his voice trembling. "He told us to run, to escape and

When I awoke, the warmth of Valen's presence was gone. I rolled to the other side of the bed, my eyes glaring out the window at the dark sky dotted with twinkling stars. A small smile curved my lips. I stretched, raising my hands above my head, and then froze as I realized I was naked under the covers.I gasped, my fingers curling around the top of the blanket. Pulling it up to my chest, I sat up abruptly. What had happened? Why was I naked? Had Valen and I been intimate?The door creaked open, and Valen entered the room, a sweet smile playing on his lips. "I knew I heard your raging thoughts," he said, his smile deepening. "You're awake. Again. You feel okay?"He sat at the edge of the bed, his gaze unwavering.My hands tightened on the sheets as I nodded slowly. "Good.""Valen...""Yes, Maerwynn?""Did—did we...?""No, darling. If I ever got around to pleasuring you, I would make sure you remembered every little bit of it for a very, very long time."His impulsive words sent a ru

“There’s never been a day I didn’t long for you,” Valen muttered against my lips after we had been kissing for what felt like an eternity. “I have craved you.”“Me too,” I whispered back, my voice trembling against his lips.He pulled away for a moment, his hands clasping my face, and stared deeply into my eyes. I thought I saw tears glistening. Was I dreaming? Maybe I was, because Valen, the High Lord of the Twilight Court, had tears brimming in his eyes. I cupped his face, mirroring his gaze.“It was so hard. So hard staying away from you. I’m sorry I pushed you away so many times. It was killing me inside more than it may have hurt you,” he sighed deeply. “I had my mate, and I couldn’t…” His voice broke. “And I couldn’t show it.”Tears welled up in my own eyes, spilling down my cheeks. Today had turned out to be something I never could have anticipated. Valen, my mate? How could I have known that riding away from Ferngrove would lead to this revelation? Or perhaps it was the bond p