ã€ŠChangelingã€‹


 Chapter 1.1

    <b>CURRENTLY GOING THROUGH REVAMP</b>

    <b>Disimer</b>: Full story avable on KU.

    <b>Content warning: </b>this book contains scenes depicting sexual assault, murder, & cannibalism.

    Strange dreams woulde to me at night. They were so vivid, filled with colors that I couldn¡¯t find in the mundane world around me. They felt almost like memories, but ones from apletely different reality. It¡¯s difficult to put into words, but those dreams felt tangible and alive. Like aforting nket I could wrap around myself on the tough nights¡ªwhich often were the norm.

    In these dreams, I was much younger and not quite human. My sharp, pointed ears and iridescent skin were evidence of that, as were my delicate and gossamer wings. They were so thin you could practically see right through them, and yet despite their delicate appearance, they seemed to glow with a sort of strength I couldn¡¯t describe. I didn¡¯t seem to appreciate them in my dreams nearly as much as I did once I woke up. People tend to disregard what we have until we no longer have it¡­

    In these dreams, I was never alone. Most often, I was encircled by children my own age¡ªdelicate little beings with wings as exquisite as mine and eyes that sparkled just as much. Together we would frolic, sprint and soar. Our giggles echoing through the treetops high above, we danced on the rays of sunshine that trickled down to the forest floor.

    I remember that there were adults, too, from time to time. They seemed to appear when I got into mischief with my friends, like when we stole a pie and ran off to hide and enjoy our spoils. Somehow, we always managed to get away undetected, and I can only remember seeing happy faces from the adults as they watched us scamper away like mischievous little fairies. If I had tried something like that during the day, my mother would have been furious, but the fairy folk didn¡¯t scold us too harshly. In fact, their reprimands sounded more like yful teasing than actual anger. As a result, my tiny pointed ears never heard anything harsh from them.

    And the castle... There¡¯s one thing, right there, that makes it feel so real: how on earth could I possibly have known what a castle should look like? Every intricate detail of that magnificent stone fortress is etched in my mind ¡ª as if I¡¯d known it my entire life. Standing high and strong with a sort of mystique that couldn¡¯t be replicated in the waking world. Powerful. Enchanting.

    Home.

    A home I held onto for far too long, though I wouldn¡¯t know it until it was toote.

    In my youth, I would eagerly share my dreams with others, weaving borate stories of adventure and fantasy. At first, it was innocent and just a product of my childhood imagination. My peers in the vige would listen with fascination as I recounted tales of fairy children dressed in luxurious silks, sneaking bites of stolen pies, and galloping on horseback. Together, we would pretend to relive these cherished ¡°not-memories.¡±

    It was a refreshing change, in my opinion. The adults spent their days living monotonous lives, toiling away in the mud and extracting lethal minerals from beneath the surface of the earth. Hearing their children¡¯sughter in a world filled with gray must have been like music to their ears.

    But children grow up ¡ª often at a pace too slow for their parents¡¯ liking. And, being children, wanting only to be loved, they conform to the rigidity of their elders, hoping it will win them their approval. An approval much needed as the shackles of the real world cracked down on the vige like an iron whip.

    In a short amount of time, my innocent fairy tales became forbidden. A risky pastime for children who were almost adults. It was deemed uneptable and if the games continued, they would be condemned and possibly even shamed.

    The problem was no one told me.

    While the other vige children gradually lost interest in my games, I continued to y them alone. Whenever I had some free time from my chores, I would venture outside the vige limits to explore tree hollows and search for fairy circles. I also spent time practicing archery with a bow I had made myself, mimicking the way I imagined fairies would do it. Soon enough, the other children were forbidden from ying with me altogether. And as for the adults in the neighboring viges, their friendly smiles turned into disapproving scowls, and the rumors started.

    Rumors that led to my current predicament.

    ¡°Aye, her father sold her to me in fear she be a changeling. Couldn¡¯t bear the thought of killing her himself, nor letting the vige have a go at her.¡±

    These were the first words I heard after the deal was made and I was loaded into the wagon. When I say loaded, I mean shoved and dragged¡ªand when I say wagon, I mean a horse-drawn cage on wheels. To be honest, there were probably more words exchanged before this moment, but I was too preupied with my hysterical outbursts to notice. Now, with my voice hoarse and my tears dried up, all was left was to listen. Listen, and remember.

    <i>That night had been a dark one. With no moon to light the sky it casted an endless sea of ck over thends. It happened well into the wee hours of the night ¡ª when I¡¯d been plucked from my bed. ¡°Da?¡± I said sleepily as my eyes adjusted to the ckness. ¡°Da, what is it?¡±</i>

    <i>¡°Never ye mind. Grab your cloak and boots. Go, now.¡± When I tried to press for answers, he only hissed at me to be quiet. I saw him nce anxiously toward where my mother slept, but at the time I only thought he didn¡¯t want to disturb her sleep.</i>

    <i>I didn¡¯t get another word out of him until we were out of earshot of our little old cabin. When he did speak, it was in a series of half-sentences that only partly made sense to me. ¡°Couldn¡¯t just keep to yerself, no.¡± ¡°Got te do it, ye understand? There¡¯s no other way.¡± ¡°Gah! Caitlin, why¡¯d ye have te¡­¡± I pleaded with him, in between gasping breaths as I tried to match his pace, to tell me what I¡¯d done wrong, where we were going, but he only tightened his already-pursed lips and urged me along.</i>

    <i>And so, I did. Cold, confused, and a little scared, I followed. I was mixed up about many things. What had I done wrong? Had one of the girls said something to them? Of the many friends I¡¯d had in earlier years, they all seemed to view me with some sort of anger, or resentment in recent days. More than once one or another had told some tall tale about me saying or doing something, just to see me in trouble. Ma said it was because I was prettier than they were.</i>

    <i>When we reached the driver and cage-cart I didn¡¯t piece it together. Part of me probably blocked the mental connection from happening, otherwise I was sure I¡¯d of ran then and there.</i>

    <i>¡°Ho, there,¡± the man with the cart had said. ¡°She ready?¡±</i>

    <i>¡°As she¡¯ll ever be,¡± my father replied grimly. ¡°Just give us a moment.¡± It was then that he turned to me.</i>

    <i>¡°I¡¯ve got to do it, Caitlin. It¡¯s the only way.¡± He¡¯d said that before, but hearing him say it again now, and seeing the cart with the cage, it made my heart pound harder than it already was.</i>

    <i>¡°Do what, Da?¡± I pleaded. My voice shook, and I saw something that seemed like pain in his eyes.</i>

    <i>¡°Don¡¯¡ª¡± he paused. ¡°Yer better off. The vigers, ye see¡­ All yer stories, ¡¯bout the fairy folk¡­ They think</i>¡ª <i>and there¡¯s no tellin¡¯ ¡¯em otherwise, mind</i>¡ª <i>but they think yer one of ¡¯em. They think yer</i>¡ª<i>.¡±</i>

    <i>Suddenly confusion gave way to rity. ¡°A changeling?!¡± I finished, shocked. His nk stare was all the confirmation I needed. ¡°But Da, that¡¯s- you know I¡¯m not!¡± I was starting to feel fresh panic, though I wasn¡¯t sure why exactly. Something was wrong, though. Very, very wrong.</i>C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    <i>¡°I know,¡± was his pained reply. He ran his hand through his hair the way I¡¯d seen so many times whenever things back home got hard ¡ª a horse¡¯s broken leg, or the time the field had caught fire just before the harvest. ¡°O¡¯ course yer not. Look at ye. No horns or deformities, and yer healthier than any o¡¯ the others. O¡¯ course yer not, but Caitlin,¡± ¡ª there was that pained look again ¡ª ¡°they think ye are. They think ye are and there¡¯s talk, see. They want te¡ª Ye just¡ª Oh,¡± he finally growled, obviously unable to bring himself to say it, ¡°Ye just gotta trust me,ss. This is the only way.¡±</i>

    <i>I narrowed my eyes. ¡°What¡¯s the only way?¡± I watched his deliberate gaze as it shifted towards the man standing a few feet away. My eyes followed and I suddenly realized what he was thinking. ¡°No. Da, no! You cannae!¡± I grabbed his sleeve as though I was drowning, and it was the only lifeline. ¡°No, Da, no! Please!¡±</i>

    <i>¡°Now,ss,¡± He let out a low, rough growl as he used one hand of his to grab both of mine and forcefully pulled them away. ¡°Behave yourself. I¡¯ve got ye all sorted for a better life. You¡¯ll find purpose, and a better life than ye¡¯d have had here anyway.¡±</i>

    <i>¡°No! Ye don¡¯t mean it, Da! Please.¡±</i>

    <i>¡°Enough!¡± He shouted, the sound so sudden and piercing that it froze me for a moment. He used this opportunity to gesture to the man, who quickly approached and forcibly pried my hands from my father¡¯s grasp. Then, he handed my father a bag full of clinking coins, and my initial shock turned to rage.</i>

    <i>¡°Yer selling me?¡± I screamed shrilly. Both men flinched at the pitch in my voice, but neither said a word about it. ¡°Yer selling me, ye right bastard?¡± Once again, I let out a piercing scream. I noticed my father flinch in response, but I believed it was more from the content of my words than the sound. He stayed quiet, only giving me a final pained nce before acknowledging the man with a nod...and then walking away.</i>

    <i>My throat burned as I let out a blood-curdling scream, thrashing and wing at the man who was dragging me towards the cage. My eyes never left my father¡¯s retreating figure, his back a symbol of betrayal and abandonment. Every fiber of my being screamed for him to turn around and save me, but he continued to walk away without a second nce. Despair and rage consumed me as I was thrown into the cold, dark confines of the cage, knowing that my father had sold me.</i>

    <i>My screams were a primal wail, tearing out of me with every ounce of fear and desperation. I thrashed and iled, trying to break free from the man¡¯s merciless grip. My eyes never left my father¡¯s retreating figure, his back turned on my plight as he abandoned me to this nightmare.</i>

    <i>He never looked back.</i>

    ¡°Poor girl. Small viges house the most ignorant fools. She¡¯ll be better off at the pce.¡± The words jolted me back to reality, finding myself crouched in a cage-cart, with my arms tightly wrapped around my knees. I turned my gaze towards the man who had purchased me and the soldier he had halted to converse with. It was the soldier¡¯s voice that had spoken, if I recalled correctly. I squeezed my eyes shut, not wanting to see the pity in his expression.

    ¡°D¡¯ye think they¡¯ll take her?¡± The man driving the cart asked. ¡°I¡¯d like to make my coin back, and a little to make the trip worthwhile, ye know.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah. The pce is taking as many hands as they can, right now. The King¡¯s yet to dere it, but the rumors of war to the south are barely rumors anymore; refugees been pourin¡¯ in by the droves. Entire viges are fleein¡¯ from the fight, and there¡¯s much to be wanted in way of hands helpin¡¯ out. She, bein¡¯ healthy and young, but old enough to be of service? Aye, she¡¯ll be a wee sight. Ye¡¯ll get yer coin, o¡¯ that I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°Thank ye, sir,¡± the man said, nodding, before urging the cow pulling our little cart ahead.

    ¡°Ye hear that,ss?¡± He called back as the distance grew between us and the soldier¡¯s post. ¡°Ye¡¯ll be a wee sight. There¡¯re worse fates, ye know, than life in a pce. Ye might even learn a profession. Medicine, or tailorin¡¯, or the like. Those are fine skills to have, if ye don¡¯t mind me sayin¡¯ so.¡±

    I turned my head toward him long enough to snap, ¡°why don¡¯t ye have yer own father sell you behind her mother¡¯s back, then have a stranger tell ye such things, yea?¡± I huddled in on myself, tucking my chin down and wrapping my arms even tighter around my knees. I could see him nce back at me from the corner of my eye, but I chose to ignore it.

    ¡°Suit yerself, then. I only wanted to cheer ye up a little, is all.¡±

    <i>Well don¡¯t</i>, I thought bitterly, then closed my eyes tightly and did my best to recall my dream life ¡ª anything, to get away from here.

 Chapter 1.2

    The irony was not lost on me ¡ª the same dreams that had led me to this predicament were now my only source offort, and I didn¡¯t care. I longed for that fantastical pce hidden in a surreal forest that surely could never exist. I yearned for my fairy friends in their silk robes, and for kind-hearted adults who would look at me with understanding. I craved pies and cakes and all kinds of delectable treats that I had only tasted in my dreams. Most of all, I wanted my wings, my sparkling skin, and my pointed ears that could hear the most enchanting melodies... I wanted it all.

    ¡°Yer a prettyss, ye ken.¡± When the man spoke, I thought for a moment that he had somehow seen the fairy version of myself that I often envisioned in my mind. However, he was simply referring to me¡ªas me, covered in flecks of hay and dirt, with who knows what else clinging to my body. ¡°With yer looks, I imagine ye¡¯ll end up a Lady in Waiting, now that I think about it.¡±

    Perhaps it was hispliment, even though I felt disheveled in my current state, or perhaps it was because he had always been friendly with me whenever he came into town to sell his goods. But whatever the reason, I let out a sigh and gave in to engaging in a conversation with him. ¡°I remember this traveler came throughst year, and he said somethin¡¯ simr. Said I was just a budding little flower, but I would bloom into womanhood.¡±

    He rewarded me with a sudden grin, several teeth long since gone. ¡°Aye, I reckon that so. In a different world yer father coulda arranged a man of noble birth to wed ye, but, well, limited options he had, didn¡¯t he, in that wee little vige of yers? I tink the city life will do ye good I do. Nay, I don¡¯t tink, I ken.¡± He gave me a friendly wink and began to hum a cheerful tune. I reclined and gazed upwards at the endless expanse of blue sky.

    A river of tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I refused to let them show. Not in this moment, not in this way. My throat ached from the screaming I had done earlier that morning, and the tears only added fuel to the fire. But I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. It helped, if only a little bit, and when I was confident that my voice would remain steady, I spoke up and asked, ¡°what is the pce like?¡±

    ¡°Hmm? Well¡­¡± He clicked his tongue in thought. ¡°I don¡¯t ken really. Been in the castle town, for sure. Lots of prettyssies that smell nice, nice young chaps too. Kind of smelly to be honest, too many people all together, ye ken?¡± He honestly didn¡¯t have a right toin about the scent of a city ¡ª he smelled like a bath would do him some good, though how much I wasn¡¯t sure. I wrinkled my nose and tried to focus more on his kindness than his scent. ¡°Do ye like gardens?¡± he asked suddenly. I saw a twinkle in his eyes when he turned to receive my answer.

    ¡°Aye.¡± I answered after a very brief pause.

    He nodded and looked back towards the road. ¡°The castle has arge garden surrounding it, lots of different kinds of nts and herbs. Some of the biggest trees I ever did see.¡±

    After that, I became quiet. It was probably for the best; there was a noticeable gap between us that made any real conversation seem impossible. He was elderly and experienced whereas I was young and inexperienced. He could have shared interesting stories with me, but my mind was too preupied¡ªtoo broken. Besides, I was still struggling to remember to take deep breaths, let alone hold a conversation.

    As the sun began to set, we rode our horses deeper into the forest and finally stopped to make camp. The pce was still a few days off, going the speed we were going. Exhausted from hours of travel in a cramped cage, I begged my escort¡ªfor that was what I had chosen to call him in my head¡ªto let me out. After swearing on my mother¡¯s soul that I would stay close he reluctantly unlocked the door and helped me out. My muscles protested as I stretched and shook them loose, but I was grateful for the opportunity to stand and breathe fresh air.

    As I made my way through the dense underbrush, my feet squished into the damp ground, making it harder to find dry kindling. The rain from earlier must have passed through, leaving very little suitable fuel for a fire. We needed something small and smokeless to avoid drawing attention, but that seemed like an impossible task in this soggy terrain. Meanwhile, the man unloaded our supplies with swift efficiency, but his sharp eyes never stopped scanning the darkening forest. His tense posture and alert movements betrayed his ever-present wariness.

    As his unease escted, so did mine. We were alone in an open space, and although there was no way for me to be certain, I had a strong feeling that it had everything to do with me. After all, I was young and beautiful, a virgin in this dangerous world. Thieves and bandits would jump at the chance toe across us in our little camp. The thought made me shudder, but I quickly pushed it aside. With so many other things going on, worrying about something that may not even happen was pointless.

    I dropped to my knees and leaned in, examining the tangled roots of the tall bush. The needles and twigs below were perfectly dry, protected from the elements by their thick covering. With a silent thank-you to the heavens, I scraped up a generous handful of the precious dry materials. It would be enough to start a small fire and dry out the other twigs we had gathered, giving us just enough fuel to cook our meal for the night.

    A loud tter of hooves and a horse¡¯s agitated cry reached my ears, causing my body to tense up in rm. Within a breath, a slew of vulgarities filled the air, making me quickly pivot on my heels to face the source. A massive ck horse reared up on its back legs, its powerful hooves shing at the air. My heart raced with terror as I took in the sight of a man cloaked in darkness, his piercing stare fixed on me with wicked delight.

    ¡°Good evening, sir.¡± The man tipped his hat and surveyed the camp. His eyes fell on me once again, causing my breath to catch in my throat as I instinctively took a step back. ¡°Well, ain¡¯t this an interesting development. What could a weess like yourself be doing out here in the dark with this old man?¡± Within the emptiness of his gaze, I sensed a deeper force drawing me in. It was like being pulled into a vortex, beckoning me towards the unknown depths.

    His eyes were hidden, preventing me from trying to decipher his thoughts. The older man with me was tight-lipped and white knuckled. ¡°And what could we be helping ye with? I would prefer for you to move along if ye dinna mind.¡±

    A wry smirk lit up the man¡¯s face as he leaned back, his eyes scanning the darkeningndscape. I followed his gaze, taking in the fading light that painted the sky in shades of deep blue and purple, with a lingering blush of pink and orange on the horizon. The neer shifted in his saddle as his horse pawed at the ground, and he looked back at the older man.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    ¡°I am searching for something that doesn¡¯t belong. A lost little thing, you could say.¡± I felt the weight of his gaze on me again, and I wondered why he kept assessing me. ¡°These are troubling times, old man. You¡¯d do best to keep moving forward. She¡¯s a bit too young for me, but that could be perfect for others. What you have there is no ordinary child, she¡¯s a princess in rags.¡± He shed another brief grin, one that seemed almost inhuman with its sharpness. With a swift tug on the reins and a kick to his horse¡¯s side, they vanished just as quickly as they had appeared. I emerged from the bushes and gazed up at the road, but the darkness was all-consuming. Despite this, I expected to hear the sound of him riding away, but there was only silence. As if the night had consumed him whole.

    I wanted to say something, to vocalize the thought that should have been clear... but I couldn¡¯t find the right words without sounding crazy. I was certain, beyond a doubt, that he wasn¡¯t human.

    ¡°Aye.¡± The old man spoke as he stroked his graying beard. He seemed to know what I was thinking. ¡°Perhaps he was a dangerous fellow, but we must take his warning seriously. I ken ye are tired from the ride all day, but I tink it be best for us to continue. It was a mistake to stop here.¡±

    I could barely manage a nod, my mind spinning with a mix of thoughts. I couldn¡¯t find the words to express the overall confusion that was churning in my stomach. His presence had ignited a strange mix of emotions within me¡ªterror, sickness, and most peculiarly, an inexplicable calmness. There was something strangely familiar about him, almost like I had dreamt of him before. But how could that be possible?

    I had heard rumors of the beasts in the night, but never had I heard of anything so human-looking. It was hard to believe that he was even close to resembling a person. Maybe I was just overthinking and he was simply a dangerous individual. I took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts out of my mind, turning back to see the elderly man diligently loading his wagon once again. Hisplexion had returned to a healthier color, and he appeared focused on the task at hand. With a determined resolve, I joined him in loading the wagon.

    The memory of that fateful night quickly faded into the background as my life was swept up in a whirlwind. I found myself caught in the flurry of pce politics and power struggles. Afterpleting the final purchase, the man with the cart gave me a nod that seemed almost apologetic, and suddenly I was whisked away into a life of servitude within the grand pce walls. My days were filled with endless tasks and duties as a humble chambermaid, but it didn¡¯t take long for everything to change. With one nce from the Queen, my fate was sealed. From that moment on, I was no longer just a mere servant, but a Lady in Waiting¡ªalways at her beck and call, ready to fulfill her every request and desire. The opulence and luxury of pce life surrounded me, but also came with its own set of challenges and secrets to navigate through. But amidst it all, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if this was truly where I belonged.

    Time never stopped moving forward, and neither did I... which meant that I never had the opportunity to fullyprehend or process any of what was happening around me. My days were consumed by a strict routine and schedule, leaving little room for reflection or emotions. I was taught how to be a refined Lady, with lessons in etiquette and courtly manners, and was given my own quarters on the second floor of the east wing. These rooms were directly above those of the king and queen, who upied the entirety of the first floor of the east wing. From my window, I could see their bustling court below, people scurrying about like ants in an endless maze. But amidst it all, I felt isted and trapped in this gilded cage.

    When I wasn¡¯t attending lessons and sses on how to be an idealdy of breeding, my days were consumed by following her majesty¡¯s every move and tending to her personal needs. She had taken me under her wing, treating me like a daughter, and in turn, I became isted from the other girls. Their envy was palpable and suffocating, weighing down on me like a heavy cloak. It took me over a year to adjust to this new world and the overwhelming sense of loneliness that came with it. The pce was my entire world, with its grand halls and opulent furnishings, but inside I felt trapped and isted¡ª<i>sick</i>.

    But as with the rest of my life, change was the only constant.

    The chill of winter seeped through the stone walls, making me shiver as I tightened my corset and slipped on a woolen petticoat. The roosters crowed somewhere far away, signaling the start of another day on the farm. My hand grazed over the smooth wood of my vanity as I braided my waist-length ck hair, adorned with a sprig of driedvender. I paused to admire myself in the mirror, noting how my womanly curves had developed since my youth. As the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the room, I pulled on myce-up boots and headed out¡ªgone were the child-like features of my youth; time had given me a more mature and alluring presence.

    It was strange to realize that I had grown up without even noticing. Yet, in another way, I still held onto a childlike innocence. I pushed away any unease that came with <i>that </i>thought. Today, I had sses to improve my speech; my instructor imed it would help me shed the uncouth mannerisms I had inherited.

    Suddenly, I was pushed harshly against the wall, and a rough hand covered my mouth. The touch was calloused and unpleasant. I struggled to breathe as his mouth brushed against my ear. The stench of this person¡¯s breath filled my nose. This wasn¡¯t the first time he had done something like this, and unfortunately, I knew it wouldn¡¯t be thest.

    ¡°You know the rules, one word and I¡¯ll take you for real. You tell no one.¡± His words echoed in my mind, and I was determined to do whatever it took to prevent that from happening. I nodded sharply, feeling the pressure of his hand on my mouth increase as he pulled me closer. Tears stung at the corners of my eyes as he thrust against me with his pelvis. With his face buried in my hair, he took deep breaths, savoring my scent while using me for his own pleasure.

    ¡°Oh, I wanna plow your fields...¡± He let out a low grunt, repeating the same words under his breath. My grip tightened on the walls, my fingernails digging into the rough stone as he picked up his pace. His hand dipped between my legs and I recoiled, moving out of his reach. He looked shocked, but my own expression was filled with seething anger.

    The man towered over me, a formidable figure with broad shoulders and bulging muscles. His armor was ornate and bore the markings of a high-ranking captain. He rarely had the courage to touch me, and it wasn¡¯t very long ago when he first did. I always made sure to never be caught alone with him. In recent times, he had be more brazen in his pursuit of me. No longer content with simply staring at me from a distance in corridors and across the grounds, he was now seeking me out. It seemed that months of lurking and watching were over for him.

    ¡°Shit in yer hand.¡± I snapped before turning and running from him.

    Sometimes, change wasn¡¯t consistent enough. Like the boys from my vige, everyone seemed to want to touch me.

 Chapter 1.3

    The sun shone brightly, just like it did on most early winter afternoons. It provided some warmth to my skin, but the air was still chilly. This was my second year at the pce since I arrived, and the royal family had already left for their winter estates. During the colder months, most of them would retreat to their winter homes, leaving the pce quiet and cold. Last year, the queen had asked me to join her at her winter estate as I was younger and her favorite.

    This time, although she had invited me to join her, she gave me the option to stay behind. I decided to take a break and give the other girls a chance to gain Her Majesty¡¯s favor. Even though I knew she would find the winter dull without me, she trusted that I would use my time away to improve myself and be more interesting upon her return. In return, I was grateful for the much-needed rest.

    My morning flew by as I diligently worked on a delicatece cor, intending to present it as a gift to Her Majesty. She had made it clear that I needed to acquire at least one useful skill that would secure my ce in the world for years toe. However, she left the decision up to me. After a year of experimenting with various arts and services deemed appropriate for ady, I finally stumbled upon the Queen¡¯s love force. When I expressed my desire to learn the art ofce weaving, she was ecstatic and wasted no time in finding a tutor for me.

    I knew that if I must spend my life in service of the pce, I wanted to be doing something that I enjoyed rather than aging out of grace and into a scullery maid. Despite my aversion to mindless chit-chat, my tutor was incredibly skilled and treated my sess as her own. Gradually, I improved with each lesson, learning the intricacies of fill yarn and sheds. The delicate silk strands I had ordered for the cor proved to be challenging at first, resulting in several breaks during the initial three days of the project. But with practice, their strength became familiar to me, and the vibrant colors began to take shape into a breathtaking floral design inspired by one of my childhood dreams.

    I strolled around the gardens in the afternoon, as I did every day at this time. The wind whispered through the trees, sending a slight chill down my spine. I wrapped my gloved hands tightly around my forearms and let out a warm breath into the crisp air. Whatever leaves remained were a vibrant yellow, some slightly darker and others zing in amber hues. Thete autumn flowers stood tall amidst the fallen leaves, but they would soon wilt with the arrival of frost. No matter how resilient they were.

    The clinking of metal swords and grunts of exertion echoed over the tall stone walls that surrounded the pce grounds. The rhythmic chanting of knights in training carried on the gentle breeze, enticing me to venture closer. As I walked through the peaceful gardens, I couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful for this moment of solitude away from the pomp and grandeur of royal life.

    As I walked, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a growing weight in my lower abdomen. I tried to push it aside, thinking it was just an upset stomach. The sensation woulde and go, sometimes bing sharp before fading awaypletely, and each time I convinced myself it was nothing serious. But when the difort escted into a sharp stabbing pain, my concern began to rise.

    As I walked, I couldn¡¯t ignore the increasing pressure in my lower abdomen. I brushed it off, thinking it was just a minor stomach ache. The sensation would ebb and flow, sometimes bing sharp before fading awaypletely. I kept assuming it would go away for good. It wasn¡¯t until the pressure turned into a piercing pain that I started to feel concerned.

    A sudden, sharp pain shot through my body, causing me to gasp and stumble off the path. I copsed onto a stone bench, gripping my dress tightly as I struggled to control my breathing. Something was wrong¡ªmy body was betraying me in a way I had never experienced before. With quick thinking, I stood up and hurried back towards the pce, knowing that another wave of pain would hit me any moment now.

    I had finally reached the covered sitting area, where a guard was stationed at the entrance. He eyed me with curiosity but remained silent. I recognized him from my previous encounters in thepound, where he would often patrol the grounds. Some of the other women had mentioned him in their conversations, and there were even rumors of a secret love affair. However, he never caught my attention in that manner; no one here did. He was of average height, towering over me by at least a head, with curly brown hair and a slender physique. In other words,pletely unremarkable.

    ¡°Is mydy feeling well?¡±

    A sharp spasm of pain rippled through my body. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I replied shortly. Standing upright, I walked towards him, mindful not to appear too intimate; if anyone saw us, it would surely be the talk of scandal.

    I could see doubt clouding his eyes, and he didn¡¯t seem to believe me. He lowered his head and stepped back, waiting for me to pass before following several steps behind. It was always this way. The wave of emotions washed over me much sooner than I anticipated, and I had to fight to keep myposure, standing tall with my shoulders back. Every fiber of my being wanted to scream and curl up in a ball on the ground.

    As I approached the expansivewn that led to the pce entrance, a strong gust of wind whipped my dark hair away from my face. I caught my breath at the sudden chill in the air. The approaching frost made my eyes water and my nose tingle with cold.

    I pushed through the fading pain and surveyed my surroundings. There were additional guards present, more than usual. Some seemed to be socializing while others appeared upied with tasks. The sky had darkened, adding to the sense of unease that lingered over the courtyard. But for me, the only thing that mattered was the intense cramping in my abdomen that reappeared every few minutes. I ignored the shift in atmosphere as long as the pain subsided, quickly making my way towards the southern entrance until another sharp wave of agony hit me in my lower abdomen, forcing me to slow down.

    The hem of my cloak and gown whispered against the ground as I walked, and the sound of pebbles underfoot faded into the background. A few guards gave me curious looks, but most people knew who I was and didn¡¯t bother me. My steps grew more hesitant as I neared the stone stairs, and I anxiously brushed down my hair while my feet carried me inside.

    As I walked through the warm hallway, I couldn¡¯t help but notice a strange wetness beneath my skirts; an odd sensation as surely, I¡¯d not wet myself. My heart started racing as I considered the implications of this sensation.Torn between excitement of what this could mean, and the horror at the pain that coursed through my body, I wondered at the possibility of starting my flow.

    Did all the other girls go through this too? And every month?! The female tutor had told me I was long since old enough to start menstruating, and she said I would need to go see the medical staff for instructions and supplies when it happened. She warned me about cramps and difort, but the pain was excruciating. Maybe it was just my body reacting this way? I hurried down the arched halls towards the medical wing on the right.

    ¡°Youngdy, be still,¡±manded a man with whom I rarely spoke. The same voice that caused terror to kick-start my heart.

    I came to a sudden halt, my heart racing as I smoothed the wrinkles from my deep blue gown. I silently begged any higher power to make this man leave me alone. The guard shifted on his stool and made his way towards me, his ck boots thudding against the ground. His piercing stare scanned me up and down, taking in my high ck boots,yered navy skirts, and shimmering pearls adorning my fitted bodice. Despite the wind tousling my raven-ck hair, I resisted the urge to fix it, standing still andposed in front of him. ¡°Good day, soldier,¡± I said in a measured tone, trying to mask the tremble in my voice. With practiced ease, I dipped into a slight curtsy, keeping one boot behind the other before rising back up to meet his unwavering gaze.

    I stiffened as he leaned his head against my shoulder, taking a deep breath. This was not an umon urrence with him. I could tolerate the other guards, even though some would give me unsettling looks. However, as a Lady in Waiting in the pce, I had a certain level of protection and most of the men treated me with a degree of respect.

    This one, though¡­ seemed to enjoy catching me when I was alone, so I went to great lengths to make sure he didn¡¯t. It had been a while since ourst encounter, but he certainly saw me now.

    He exhaled quickly, and the noxious smell of his breath made me almost choke. Before taking another deep breath, he leaned back and ran his tongue over his lips, as if savoring my scent. ¡°If you breathe a word of this to Her Majesty, I will make sure your punishment is much worse.¡± He backed away, never breaking eye contact with me.

    I hung my head again, fully aware that the threat was genuine. He never missed an opportunity to remind me, constantly repeating his warning.

    He settled himself back onto his stool, and I quickly looked away. After a few moments of walking at a steady pace, I felt relieved that there was enough distance between us for me to continue at my brisk speed. I couldn¡¯t decide which was more important¡ªgetting to the healer or getting away from him. Luckily, they were both in the same direction.

    With a swift movement, I pushed open the door to the infirmary and scanned the room with surprise. This was my first time here, so I had no idea what to expect. Sickness had never gued me before; I was always in good health. Two women, who appeared to be nurses, stopped what they were doing and turned to look at me as I entered.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    ¡°Lady Caitlin?¡± a voice inquired from my left. I turned and for a moment forgot why I was there.

    A tall, slender man stood by the windows, his fingers gently holding aside the cream-colored curtains. His whiteb coat hugged his lean frame and his mop of ck hair was perfectly styled. As he loosened his grip and made his way towards me, the curtains fell soundlessly. I couldn¡¯t help but notice the precision of his appearance¡ªnot a single wrinkle on his gray buttoned shirt and glossy ck shoes that made no sound as they glided across the floor. His expression was a mix of curiosity and concern, adding to the mystery surrounding him.

    I swallowed as I regainedposure. The man was beautiful.

    ¡°O-oh, ummm¡­ May I¡ª Might I speak with a Lady?¡± My words came out in a hushed tone as I focused on the button at his throat, determined not to meet his gaze. My face was burning with embarrassment, but it did nothing to alleviate the searing sensation that radiated through my stomach.

    He lifted an immacte eyebrow. ¡°My nurses are a bit preupied now. Surely this would be something I can help with?¡±

    I took a deep breath, struggling with the internal conflict between managing my pain and maintaining proper decorum. ¡°I¡¯m in pain, and I don¡¯t know how much longer I canst standing here,¡± I admitted. cing a hand on my lower back and another on my stomach, I leaned forward slightly. This wave of pain was the most intense yet.

    ¡°Can you tell me more about what happened?¡± His voice was gentle, his concern evident. He led me towards a door near the entrance, saying we could speak in private there. The door opened to a small room that felt sterile and impersonal. A copper sink sat on a narrow counter to the right, a wooden cot stood against the back wall. It was interesting to see theck of steel in this room. I followed him inside and sat on the stool he offered, while he closed the door behind us.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest with you, sir, I do believe that I have started my womanly flow,¡± I blurted.

 Chapter 1.4

    He blinked slowly and then his gaze shifted past me to the window behind. I paused before turning my head in the same direction. ¡°I see,¡± he spoke before I even had time to look out the panes of ss. ¡°How old are you, Caitlin?¡± A sh of lightning lit up the room, followed by the booming sound of thunder that seemed to shake the very foundations. It was as if the storm outside was a disy of power from some higher, defensive being. The howling wind beyond the warm and safe space sounded like the cries of lost souls, causing me to suppress a shiver creeping down my spine.?

    I frowned at the casual way he used my name. Part of me was taken aback by his informal use of it, wondering if it was proper for him to address me in such an intimate manner. The other part of me questioned how he knew my name at all. I had neverid eyes on this man before, and no one had ever spoken of him. But looking at his stunning features, I couldn¡¯t imagine anyone wouldn¡¯t remember him. It left me feeling both ttered and uneasy that he seemed to know me so well.

    As my mind reeled, my eyes flitted between the notebook resting on the countertop where he stood, and his mesmerizing blue gaze. The color of his eyes was akin to vast oceans, with depths that seemed bottomless and held an air of mystery, unlike any painting I had ever seen. They were full of liquid depths and a sense of awe.

    I could be lost forever in that siren¡¯s gaze.

    What an odd thought.

    ¡°Caitlin? You are sixteen, yes?¡±

    ¡°Um, yes. That¡¯s right.¡± Once again, I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, although this time, I couldn¡¯t pinpoint the reason for it. A low moan escaped my lips as I bent over in agony. The pain in my abdomen was relentless, twisting and turning until I thought I might vomit up everything I had eaten for breakfast.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Fairly normal for one such as yourself.¡± He nced down at his notebook and turned to a new page. He couldn¡¯t be serious, could he? Did I hear him correctly¡ªnormal at sixteen? All the other girls in the pce made fun of me, as they¡¯d all started years ago. ¡°I am going to have to see, just to be sure. Can youy back?¡±

    Oh, my God. I nodded and carefully lowered myself onto the bed. His hands were cool against my skin as they lifted the hem of my skirt, and my heart skipped a beat as he began to lift the thin fabric of my shift. A chill ran through me as the cool air touched my most intimate areas, causing every muscle in my body to tense up. ¡°Please, rx, you¡¯re going to feel my touch. I assure you everything will be fine. I just need to see.¡± I nodded and squeezed my eyes shut. His touch came as a surprise, even though I had been warned. I had never been touched there before¡­

    It was over as quickly as it had started. I opened my eyes when he gently adjusted my skirts back to their original position. With a nod, he made his way to the sink and washed the blood from his fingertips.

    ¡°You are certainly awakening.¡±

    I leaned up on one elbow, scrunching my brow in confusion. ¡°Awakening?¡±

    I was certain that he had jumped, but he stood frozen in ce. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me, just a silly superstition of mine. Yes, you have started your womanly flow, Caitlin. I would rmend some chamomile tea daily as needed. I have some white willow you can take now, if you¡¯d like. Nothing for immediate relief, unfortunately. This is something you¡¯ll have to get used to. I am sorry.¡± With his hands in the pockets of his coat, he gave me a steady gaze as I sat upright. My face was tense and strained, the sensations from his touch fading into the overwhelming waves of pain that threatened to consume me. We remained silent for a few moments before he finally spoke up. I focused on him, giving my full attention. He seemed conflicted. ¡°Yes, chamomile tea daily, and for now some white willow.¡±

    Since that fateful day, my life has never been the same. I was forever changed, but life carried on in its mundane rhythm. I continued my education, learning localnguages and how to manage servants, hoping one day to lead them instead of being under someone else¡¯s control. However, Lady Cherise remained skeptical of my intentions and cautioned me against excelling beyond my age, fearing bacsh from the older, jealous women in our society. As a mere title holder without real power or influence, it would be foolish to challenge their way of life. So, I refocused my efforts onnguage andce weaving until the royals returned with the arrival of spring.

    The Queen was captivated by thece cor I had painstakingly crafted, and she did not hold back in expressing her admiration. My face turned red with embarrassment when she remarked on the ethereal quality of each flower, finding them both mesmerizing and strange. But as I realized her genuine appreciation for their uniqueness, I rxed and allowed myself to bask in the praise. She was also impressed by the touches of silver thread outlining each petal and the sparkling crystals scattered throughout the cor. The various shades of blue and green in the silken threads were truly impressive.

    I had enhanced the value and craftsmanship of the piece with tiny crystal beads that glistened like dew drops. I suggested she wear the vibrantce with a white bodice to make a bold statement, and she was so impressed that shemissioned a dress specifically for this purpose. Every spring, she hosted avish ball, but this year she was particrly ecstatic about wearing the cor with her new gown consisting of a white bodice andyered green and blue skirts. She proudly boasted to her courtiers about having the most skilledce maker in the kingdom and even ordered a replica of herself to be made, just to showcase the piece in her antechambers.

    I had gained an enemy in Lady Petria for mocking her needlepoint embroidery skills, which she supposedly spent years perfecting and kept in a portfolio beneath her bedside table at the queen¡¯s suggestion. I couldn¡¯t resistughing about itter when I was alone; not many of the Ladies were fond of Petria, and I found myself among them.

    Once Her Highness became aware of my newfound maturity, the Queen began to search for a suitable man for me. She wouldn¡¯t directly choose my suitor¡ªas a Lady in Waiting, I had some freedom in that regard¡ªbut there were certain matches she would approve of and others she would not. Of course, I was well aware of who she would immediately reject. But truthfully, it didn¡¯t matter much to me as I had never really given much thought to that aspect of my life.

    As the summer tournaments swept through our kingdom, I hid away in my chambers and watched as knights and lordspeted for the hand of a fair maiden. Ever since my first womanly flow arrived, I noticed changes in my body. My senses became heightened¡ªthe stench of the pce grew unbearable, even though it had not changed. The bright sun blinded me, and I always needed to wear a hat or find shade when venturing outside. Foods tasted either remarkably better or much worse than before. Even the softest fabrics felt like sandpaper against my skin, while certain materials caused painful rashes. Thankfully, my newfound sensitivity helped improve myce weaving skills, and I even earned pocket coin from selling my pieces¡ªexcept for the ones Her Majesty chose to keep for herself.

    Each day blurred into the next as I withdrew deeper into my istion. Yet, another transformation was urring within me, tearing at my soul and forever changing who I was. I walked through the bustling pce¡ªmy senses heightened, not just physically, but emotionally as well. I could feel the joy of the children ying in the yard and it filled me with warmth. But when I passed by a couple arguing beneath a grand arch, their anger and sadness engulfed me and sent chills down my spine. It was as if I could physically feel the emotions of those around me, and it only grew stronger the more people I encountered. Before long, I waspletely lost in this sea of feelings, unable to distinguish my own from others¡¯.

 Chapter 2.1

    Three long years had passed, marked by the constant presence of war creeping ever closer to our borders. And on that fateful day, as the sun began its descent into the horizon, it finally happened. The gentle breeze of dusk caressed my bare shoulders, sending shivers down my spine and causing goosebumps to rise along my skin. My gown, with its low-cut neckline, left little to the imagination and exposed me to the elements. I stood at the edge of the castle¡¯s courtyard, overlooking the vast expanse ofnd before me. My feet were bare, toes sinking into the soft grass beneath them as I leaned back against the sturdy stone walls. A brown scarf draped over my elbows, providing some semnce of warmth in the cooling air. As I scratched at my arms, I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes, reveling in a brief moment of solitude amidst the threat of war.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    As I inhaled deeply, the sweet fragrance of lcs on thete spring breeze filled my senses. But I was not alone; his presence could not be hidden, even in this peaceful garden. A sense of restlessness followed him, almost tangible as he drew near. With each step, an unseen energy crackled in the air, coating my tongue with a tangy tartness reminiscent of a freshly picked green apple. It was rare for this man to exude calmness; his very being seemed to be constantly on edge.

    Ever since the esction of war efforts, the halls had be a maze of guards, their watchful eyes scanning every corner for any sign of danger. They stood tall and rigid, dressed in full regalia, protecting not just the royals but also the ambassadors and even the lowly servants like myself. One guard in particr had been assigned to me personally, his presence a constant shadow by my side. Despite his imposing figure, I found myself growing fond of our chats as I went about my mundane tasks. We had developed a good acquaintanceship, one built on trust and mutual respect despite our different stations in life. He was more than just a guardian; he was a friend in these uncertain times.

    As I nced over at him, standing off to the side and trying to blend into the shadows, I couldn¡¯t help but furrow my brow. There was something different about him on this night, something that I couldn¡¯t quite put my finger on. It was like he was cloaked in a mysterious aura. His usual scent of musk seemed distorted, as if it didn¡¯t quite belong to him. His body seemed to radiate heat, causing beads of sweat to form on his forehead and trickle down his neck. It was as if his very essence had been transformed into something foreign and unfamiliar.

    ¡°Hawke?¡± I called out to him and turned towards his direction. He emerged from the shadows of the lc bush, stepping into the moonlight. His features were still obscured, but the darkness of his eyes seemed to blend into the night. ¡°What is wrong? You don¡¯t seem yourself.¡±

    A ghost of a smile haunted his expression. ¡°The Unseelie ising.¡±

    My frown deepened at his remark. ¡°The war?¡± I hadn¡¯t heard the term ¡®Unseelie¡¯ before.

    ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to say anything.¡± He turned away, but I could see a nerve in his jaw ticking.

    He may have been ordered not to say anything, but he wanted to.

    ¡°Hawke?¡± I pressed. The gravel crunched beneath me as I crossed as close to him as I dared; I couldn¡¯t be too close, for fear someone might see and spread rumors. I had to be careful, or else there would be rumors flying around. Some of the older women would kill for a chance like this.

    As I slowly made my way forward, the familiar silhouette of the castle walls were suddenly bathed in a zing orange light, transforming them into an eerie and mesmerizing sight. My gaze was immediately drawn to the source, a raging fire that illuminated the night sky and seemed to dance and thrash against the darkness. In that moment, my mind wentpletely nk as I struggled toprehend what this fiery disy meant. The air was thick with smoke and the crackling of mes, creating a chaotic sensory overload that had me rooted to the spot in both awe and fear.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t supposed to happen,¡± I heard Hawke curse as he ran out ahead of me, his hand wrapping around the hilt of his sword.

    I quickly recovered from my moment of surprise as the harsh reality hit me, both figuratively and literally. I marched over to stand next to the agitated man. ¡°Well, no shit!¡± A strong gust of wind whipped my hair back, causing my silver eyes to narrow. The storm was upon us, and sooner than we had anticipated. The war had arrived. ¡°We need to get inside; it won¡¯t be safe out here much longer. We should retreat to the north¡ª¡±

    Hawke, a man of average build with fiery ginger hair, whipped around and grabbed me by the shoulders with surprising strength. As he held me, I caught a glimpse of an otherworldly orange glow gleaming in his eyes, sending shivers down my spine. I struggled to break free, but his grip was unyielding. With each movement, it became clear that this was not a mere human holding onto me. Despite my fear and confusion, I couldn¡¯t help but be intrigued by the mixture of unearthly power and human form before me.

    ¡°Release me now!¡± I demanded.

    ¡°Dammit, woman!¡± He snapped back at me, his helmet having fallen off during the chaos. He red at me with a fiery anger that I hadn¡¯t seen in years. But behind that fury, there was a glimmer of genuine concern, simr to the look my father used to give me. It caught me off guard for the second time that night and I stopped in my tracks. ¡°It won¡¯t be safe here for you any longer. You must leave this ce!¡±

    A deep rumble shook the ground beneath our feet, sending us into a frantic embrace for bnce. In the distance, the night sky was set aze with a fiery disy, explosions of light and heat erupting from beyond the castle walls. My heart raced with fear as I watched in horror as one of these sts struck the ancient fortification, sending rubble and debris flying in every direction.

    That¡¯s when the screaming began¡ªservants and royals alike. Soldiers barking orders or calling to arms.

    Hawke¡¯s grip on my arm was like iron, his determination propelling us forward with a fierce urgency. The taste of grit and sand filled my mouth, a reminder of the chaos and destruction that surrounded us. I tried to pull away, to reason with him, but his grip only tightened. Deep down, I knew I wouldn¡¯t agree with whatever reckless n he had in mind.

    ¡°Hawke!¡± I cried as he headed for the northern gate.

    ¡°I have to get you to safety,¡± was his terse response.

    ¡°And then what?¡± I was desperate to know his intentions. He remained silent, but the screams and chaos erupting from the south gave me my answer. However, I needed to hear him say it out loud. ¡°And then what?¡±Frustrated with hisck of response, I let out a sharp cry and struck him across the face. This took him by surprise and I used the opportunity to break free from his grip, staring up at him with anger in my eyes. ¡°You will tell me right now what it is you n to do! I will not have you go off and die a pointless death!¡± I waved my hand toward themotion to the south for emphasis. ¡°I can clearly see and say with certainty that you aren¡¯t human, so whatever ties you to this ground cannot be worth your life!¡±

    He seemed bewildered at my outburst. ¡°Caitlin, mydy, you have seen right through me. It is my greatest honor to introduce myself: I am Sir Hawke of the Seelie Court, a Kingdom with an empty throne. And you, my princess, are the rightful heir.¡± He ced his hand on his forehead before bringing it down to rest on his chest in a way I had never seen him do before. My eyebrow raised in curiosity, and there was a glimmer in his eye that caught my attention. ¡°Mdy, your mother used to give me that same expression, from time to time. Bless her soul.¡±

    My mother?

    ¡°You, sir, are talking nonsense,¡± ¡ª another crash to the south ¡ª ¡°but you can exin yourselfter. Right now we must get to the Queen and King¡ª¡±

    ¡°No!¡± He yelled and grabbed me, his touch filled with desperation that struck me like a viper. ¡°The Unseelie ising! Tonight!¡± Wildness sparkled in his eyes, his personality teetering on the edge of frenzy. ¡°You have to escape, now! It is not safe for you here! Forget the human war! It has nothing to do with you!¡±

    I was propelled through the gates of the northern entrance with a forceful shove, causing me to lose my bnce and hit the ground with a thud. Struggling to catch my breath, I quickly got back on my feet as the heavy iron bars shut behind me with a loud ng. My heart was pounding in my chest as I turned around to face my guard, who also happened to be my friend. His fingers were still tightly wrapped around the door handle, which had left red marks on his palms. I looked up at him with wide eyes, and he met my gaze with a softening expression.

    ¡°Run, little princess. Run until your feet bleed.¡±

    I tried to speak up, but his back was already turned as he marched confidently towards the pce. My mind raced with questions and doubts, but I was frozen in ce, unable to do anything else. As he joined a group of others, I couldn¡¯t believe my eyes¡ªwhere did theye from? The doctor¡¯s familiar white coat stood out among them, but it was the other figures that made my stomach churn. Cloaked in shadow, they were not human, their twisted forms defying logic andprehension. Fear and confusion battled within me, leaving me paralyzed with conflicting emotions.

    Without a doubt, I could feel the impending danger emanating from the group before me. Despite my instincts telling me to run, I was frozen in ce, unable to tear my eyes away from the scene unfolding. With a swift motion, Hawke unsheathed his sword, its steel glinting in the moonlight. In the distance, another fireball sizzled through the air, casting long shadows across the group of figures before us. The glow illuminated their features, twisting them into sinister silhouettes against the night sky.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t much of a little girl anymore, are ye?¡± A voice, achingly familiar andced with sinister intent, sliced through the air to my right. The tiny hairs on my neck prickled in warning, sending a shiver down my spine. My eyes snapped over to the man leaning against the cold stone wall, and fear twisted in my gut as I recognized him. It had been years since Ist saw him¡ªfive long years of trying to forget his predatory gaze and dangerous charm. But now, he looked at me with hungry eyes that promised nothing but pain. With a sickening realization I knew I had been too young then, but now I could see that he no longer saw me as a child. His hunger for me had only grown stronger with time.

    ¡°You,¡± I breathed. The same haunting feeling of fear and unease crept over me, just like that night when he had mysteriously appeared and then vanished from my life. I tried to suppress the chills that ran down my spine.

    He rewarded me with a brilliant smile and a sinister gleam to his eyes. ¡°Navid is my name. Nice to finally meet you, princess. Wish I had known who you were all them years ago, now it nearly pains me to have to kill ya.¡±

    A sort of warmth grew in the palms of my hands, and I clenched my fists. My own lips curled back into a sneer. ¡°Youe near me, and I¡¯ll rip your throat out.¡±

    ¡°Ooooh, so deliciously violent you¡¯ve be,¡± His voice was a low, menacing purr as he pushed himself off the wall and stalked towards me, his eyes glinting with malice. In a sh of instinct, I reacted as promised, my handshing out and connecting with his cheek in a loud p. As our skin connected, an intense heat radiated through my palm, like a white-hot explosion consuming us both. My heart raced with fear and confusion, but I didn¡¯t wait to see his reaction. With one swift movement, I turned and ran as if the devil himself were chasing me.

 Chapter 2.2

    Frantically, I reached for the delicate ribbons holding my skirt in ce and pulled at them with all my might. The mousy fabric billowed around me like a stormy sea, finally falling to the ground in a heap of folds and ruffles. I kicked it aside, determined not to let such a cumbersome garment hinder me any longer. The cool night air nipped at my bare legs, the slip that remained on doing nothing to ward off the chilling night air, but I paid it no mind as adrenaline coursed through my body. I would warm up quickly once I started running.?

    For a graceful moment I couldn¡¯t feel anyone perusing me, but it didn¡¯tst long. My feet faltered as the damp, green moss covering the soil gave way beneath me, and I stumbled forward up the steep hill. Every breath was a struggle, the sharp air searing my already tired lungs. But still, I pushed on with determination, heart racing as I fought my way to the top. Finally, the ground became level and I could run unhindered; that is, until I came upon a circle of toadstools. They stood in a perfect ring, their red caps dotted with white spots, radiating an eerie energy. A sense of foreboding washed over me as I barreled through it, still, I couldn¡¯t resist the primal instinct which drove me forward.

    I was in no way prepared.

    The darkness of the forest suddenly gave way to a blinding light, searing my retinas and disorienting me. My eyes strained to adjust as I stumbled forward, my feet getting caught on gnarled roots and tangled underbrush. With every step, I could feel the ground giving way beneath me, sending me hurtling down a treacherous slope littered with jagged rocks and fallen trees. The branches and twigs wed at my body, tearing at my clothes and drawing blood from my skin. My screams echoed through the empty forest as I plummeted towards what seemed like certain death.

    My cry of pain was carried away by the wind, quickly disappearing as I continued to fall. The impact came much faster and harder than I had expected, leaving me stunned and motionless. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth as I tried toprehend what had just happened. My entire being was crying out in agony.

    Only after too long did I open my mouth. ¡°Fuck!¡± Every inch of my body ached as I struggled to sit up, the taste of blood in my mouth. The forest was eerily quiet, as if all its inhabitants were watching and waiting for me. I turned to look behind me, tilting my head upward to see the cliff I had just descended. There were no signs of anyone else nearby.

    I was well aware of the stories. I wasn¡¯t naive. Somehow, I had stumbled into the realm of the Fae. There was no other logical reason for my sudden relocation. One moment, I was running through a circle of mushrooms; the next, I was here, stepping out of that same circle. The odds were almost unbelievable. I couldn¡¯t go back to where I came from. Instead, I had to keep moving forward and search for another way home. Gingerly, I rose to my feet and took a deep breath.

    A gnawing feeling of unease consumed me as I stumbled through the forest, a mix of hot and cold sensations coursing through my body. Gasping for air, I stumbled to a nearby tree and leaned against it, trying to steady myself. The scent of earth and wood filled my senses as I inhaled deeply, ignoring the sharp burn in my chest. Looking down at my body, I took inventory of my wounds. Scratches crisscrossed my legs, turning my once neat, creamy slip into a tattered mess resembling frayed tassels. Blood trickled from a particrly deep gouge on my calf, dripping down my pale skin and pooling around my ankle bone. A small light suddenly erupted from the ground, where a drop of blood fell, illuminating the surrounding area. In an instant, tiny flowers and fragrant herbs sprouted from the ground around my feet, their vibrant colors and sweet scents filling the air. The shrubs curled up my legs like a fond cat might do.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    My breath came in ragged gasps as I watched in disbelief as my blood transformed into a lush green foliage. The shock of the sight was overwhelming, making it difficult to catch my breath¡ªI couldn¡¯t breathe. The once smooth fabric of my binding now felt like a vice around my body, cutting off my air supply. Frantically, I wed at the tightly cinched corset, trying to free myself from its suffocating grasp. As the itching pain intensified and spread throughout my body, I let out a guttural scream that echoed through the room. In a moment of desperation, I tore at the cords holding me captive and finally broke free from the confines of the corset. My breasts fell free and the strange pain dissipated, leaving me feeling both relieved and bewildered by the surreal experience.

    I felt them before I could even register what it was that I felt. I quickly turned to see, but my long hair obstructed my view. With a quick tug, I pulled back the ck strands and looked again.

    Wings.

    As I turned to nce behind me, my four delicate, translucent wings twitched and fluttered against the thin fabric of my under gown. The lower pair seemed strained, struggling to keep up with the swift movements of the upper pair. My neck ached from being twisted so unnaturally far, so I stretched it quickly then looked again. There they were, still attached to my body like an otherworldly extension. Each wing shimmered in the sunlight, reflecting shades of iridescent greens and blues. A sense of both awe and difort washed over me as I contemted these strange appendages that had suddenly appeared on my back.

    How in the fuck?!

    I slowly let my wide and feverish eyes wander away from the wings that seemed impossible to be real, and instead took in the unfamiliar surroundings around me. However, I was so consumed by my own thoughts that I didn¡¯t truly see or register anything around me.

    What did it all mean? How was it possible that I had wings? Suddenly, memories from my childhood flooded back, taunting me with the same word that the vigers used to condemn me: <i>changeling</i>.

    My mind raced with questions, doubts, and fears. The possibility of not being my parents¡¯ biological child shook me to my core. Could the Fae have switched me at birth? And if they did, what happened to their real daughter? The warmth of the summer sun couldn¡¯t thaw the chill that spread through me. I was torn between wanting to know the truth and dreading what it might be.

    I took a deep breath and stood up, my heart racing. I couldn¡¯t linger in this ce any longer. The dark figures that had appeared in the shadows of the human world were likely from this realm, and they could easily find their way back to me. With determination, though it trembled within me, I started moving forward

 Chapter 3.1

    NIALL

    A sharp, searing pain erupted over my face as the force of a clenched fist connected with my skin. I spun along the length of the connected arm, wincing at the impact before parrying it with a swift counterpunch. My opponent towered over me, his muscr frame looming and casting a menacing shadow. But I was not intimidated. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I suck in a deep breath andshed out,nding precise blows to his cheek and jaw. He stumbled back, dazed and disoriented, but the rush of endorphins from the fight kept me going. The world around us faded away as we engaged in a brutal dance of fists and feet, each strike fueling ourpetitive spirit. My body felt alive, invigorated by the physicality ofbat.

    I watched with a sick fascination as the blood spurted from his clenched teeth, painting the air in a crimson mist. His eyes were wide and wild, screaming in agony as Inded another blow to his already broken nose. The metallic scent of blood filled my nostrils and sttered across my face, but I couldn¡¯t contain my twisted grin. The rush of adrenaline sent a drugged-like effect that pulsed through my veins, dulling any sense ofpassion or remorse. He stumbled back against the wall, cradling his head in his forearms, a pitiful sightpared to my triumphant state. Every sense was heightened in that moment, as if I could taste and smell every drop of blood that stained the room. This was pure ecstasy, a high like no other. He was <i>my prey</i>.

    I had been yearning for this moment, imagining it in my mind over and over again. My heart raced as my eyes locked onto myrger, bloodied opponent. The sweat and adrenaline pumped through my veins as I remembered his smug face, the smirk that had fueled my anger and desire for revenge. How much I longed to beat the living hell out of it. He had taken what was rightfully mine. And worst of all, he had hurt her¡ªthe one person in this world who meant everything to me. This was more than just a fight¡ªit was a battle for vengeance and redemption. And as I stared into his eyes, I knew that I would show him the true meaning of pain.

    My fists mmed into his ribs with a sickening crunch, causing him to double over in pain. Blood gushed from his gasping mouth as I pummeled him relentlessly. Suddenly, someone yanked me back by the shoulder and I reluctantly pulled away from the crumpled figure on the ground. As I moved to the other side of the ring, my body trembled with euphoria and my vision blurred with rage. The cheers and whoops of the crowd sounded like distorted screams in my ears. My breathing came in short, ragged gasps as I scanned the faces of the grotesque spectators, their fervent pounding on the railing and stomping on the dirt floor adding to the chaotic frenzy of the brutal fight. The relentless ringing in my head only intensified, but I couldn¡¯t stop now. Not when victory was within my reach. I could only see red.

    ¡°I¡¯ll fucking kill you,¡± came the defeated mutter from his mouth. I couldn¡¯t help but smirk in satisfaction as he struggled to get back on his feet. These empty threats were a sign that I had won this game. I had already bested him physically, and now he was resorting to weak attempts to throw. ¡°And then I¡¯ll take that pretty piece of ass.¡± My smile dropped like a lead weight, reced by a swelling rage that consumed me from the inside out. My vision blurred with a searing red tint as an unknown fury boiled within me. He cackled in sick delight, fueling my growing desire tosh out and destroy everything in my path. ¡°Does it boil your blood, knowing I¡¯ve seen her, smelled her, <i>felt her</i>? And you haven¡¯t.¡±

    His taunting words faded into the background as I focused on the roaring inside me. It was like a red haze, blocking out everything else except for him. The man who stood before me with a bloodied smile and feverish eyes, mocking my every move. I could feel the weight of his actions, the fear and pain that must have filled my mate¡¯s eyes when he tortured her. My mind shed to her battered wings, amputated and wrapped up like a b of meat from the butcher. She was a faceless figure to me, her identity shrouded in mystery just like her whereabouts. And yet, here I was, face to face with the man responsible for all of it. My fist clenched as the rage boiled inside me, ready to unleash its fury.

    An animalistic ire surged through my body, overriding any rational thought. In a split second, I lunged forward with lightning speed, my fingers wrapping like vices around his throat. My nails sharpened to deadly points and plunged into his skin, drawing blood that coated my hand with a sticky warmth. He fought and struggled against my grip, but it was futile against my monstrous strength. With a primal roar, I lifted him effortlessly over my shoulder and mmed him into the stone wall behind us. The impact sent shockwaves through the arena as he crashed headfirst into the solid surface, creating a crater in the wall. Blood and rubble rained down around us as the crowd fell silent, stunned by the raw power on disy. And amidst the chaos, I stood tall and unyielding, fueled by a feral determination that knew no bounds.

    The echoes of his taunts faded into the silence that hung heavy in the air. The once lively crowd stood motionless, like statues frozen in time. I straightened my posture and pped my hands together before stepping towards the gruesome scene I had created. The broken stones were now sttered with a deep red, and his lifeless body was half-buried beneath the rubble outside the bar. The alleyway was shrouded in darkness, damp from a recent downpour. With disgust, I spat at the scene before turning to face the curious onlookers. Their stares bore into me, silent but filled with judgment and curiosity.

    Shock and fear rippled through the crowd as they witnessed the aftermath of my victory. Among the sea of faces, there were also darker looks¡ªeyes filled with hatred and resentment towards me. The officials pressed through the throng, their expressions focused and determined. I knew I had justmitted a heinous act in their eyes¡ªthe murder of one of their own. Yet, ording to the rules of this brutal fighting ring, I had emerged as the victor. There was nothing they could do to challenge my win, at least not in front of the bloodthirsty spectators who were now backing away from me. As I stumbled down the fallen cobblestones, I reached out and grabbed my shirt from the wooden bar separating the fighters from the audience. Whispers and gasps reverberated through the air as people and creatures alike stepped back in fear and disgust at the scene before them. I didn¡¯t me them, the fucker had been an idol in this fucked up kingdom of theirs.

    ¡°Piss off, I¡¯m out.¡± I angrily pushed my way through the crowd, my shoulder throbbing from a pulled muscle. The officials who were in my path stopped and stared as I stormed past them.

    The cold of the night hit me harder now that I was outside. The sweat from the back-to-back fights coated my skin in an icyyer and I yanked on my shirt. The chatter from inside followed me out, growing quieter as the heavy wooden door swung shut behind me. In this desert town, the days were scorching hot but the nights were unforgivingly frigid. I shoved my hands deep into my pockets and let out a sigh, watching as my breath formed small clouds in front of me. Despite my loss of control earlier, I felt a sense of satisfaction wash over me. It was a moment I had been dreaming about for weeks, though I couldn¡¯t help but wish it hadsted longer. With a determined stride, I started down the quiet street towards my Inn. The sweat from the fight slowly freezing along my damp skin, causing shivers to run through me.

    One could call this a war, but to me it was nothing more than a trivial pissing match. As a skilled mercenary, I had long ago learned to follow the money wherever it led me. With no home or family to im as my own, I traveled fromnd tond in pursuit of the gold that kept food in my belly and liquor in my blood.

    The sounds of shing swords and screams of agony surrounded me, but I paid them no mind. The fighting wasing to an end, the ground littered with the bodies of fallen soldiers like an unholy graveyard. With a grunt, I stood up and ced my boot on the chest of one such enemy. His name and face were meaningless to me¡ªhe was simply another opponent in this never-ending game of bloodshed.

    I wrenched my bone-carved ax from his skull with ease and let out a heavy sigh. The sun was beginning to rise, signaling that we had fought through the night. But even with all the battles I had been through, there wasn¡¯t enough alcohol in the world to keep me awake for this.

    A faint hiss cut through the otherwise calm wind, sending a shiver of foreboding down my spine. Without warning, a searing wave of agony engulfed me as I fell to one knee, gasping for air. With a sickening realization, my eyes fixated on the source of the pain¡ªa bloody stone arrowhead jutting out from my once-protective armor. The metallic stench of blood and the unmistakable reek of rotten eggs filled my nostrils, causing my vision to blur and tilt with dizziness. I knew I was in deep shit now.

    I blinked repeatedly, trying to clear my dazed vision. Everything around me seemed to be getting darker by the second. I shook my head, hoping to shake off the haze, but it only made me lose my bnce and fall to my hands and knees. Fuck an elf! My consciousness was slipping away at an rming rate. I nced around at the abandoned wagons and lifeless bodies scattered behind me, my focus honing in on a familiar orc that I had grown to know well, mercilessly impaling a gorgon with his weapon. As the creature¡¯s bow fell from its grasp, the orc turned to look at me with concern etched on his face. I could only shake my head in response, confirming his fears before sumbing to the darkness overtaking mepletely.

    A cool, damp cloth brushed against my forehead, the scent of fresh water awakening my senses. How long had I been unconscious? In a panic, I grabbed the wrist of whoever dared to touch me and sprang out of bed. The blonde in my grasp let out a piercing scream before I silenced her by cutting off her air supply. My weapons and armor were gone, and my shoulder felt numb. A feverish heat radiated from my skin. The door flew open and I stared at the new threat with intensity. It was a familiar man, his massive frame topped with a thick, dreaded mohawk. He grinned widely, revealing crooked teeth as he sauntered towards me. The creases between his eyes deepened when he saw the blonde dying in my arms, and he lunged at me without hesitation.

    I rarely ever, ever, wrestled with an orc. In fact, there was only a singr other asion in which I had the displeasure of grappling with one. Now I was at risk of tallying the count a second time. I didn¡¯t know where I was or anything in between, but I knew one thing. Whatever the orc wanted he was going to get. I dropped the struggling creature and stepped back, lifting my hands in surrender.

    Or at least I tried.

    A curse word escaped my lips as I copsed andnded on the bedside table, knocking over whatever items had been ced there. The table was clearly well-used, and my awkward fall caused some of its contents to ssh me.

    Long hair fell with me, hair longer than I had originally thought, and the orc knelt next to her. ¡°Are you okay?¡± His rough voice whispered while he rubbed the curve of her shoulder.

    She nodded and rubbed her own throat. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± She spoke hoarsely. ¡°He needs toy back down, please.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    The orc nodded before shifting those white-less eyes at me. I gulped. With a handrger than any other hand in the world, and I would die defending that statement, he literally manhandled me back under the covers. I knew there was no point in resisting; he could overpower me effortlessly. ¡°Stop being a slithering worm and stay there,¡± he barked. The tone triggered a memory from long ago and I inwardly shuddered.

 Chapter 3.2

    I couldn¡¯t speak. I wanted to say ¡°yes, sir¡± or even just a simple ¡°aye¡±, but my voice wouldn¡¯t cooperate. In that moment of hesitation, I frowned in doubt. However, my attention was quickly diverted when the female fairy stood up from the floor. Her eyes were as clear and mesmerizing as the blue crystals at the bottom of an endless river¡ªsharp and unyielding. She had plump lips curved into a frown and her long blonde hair streamed down her back, hiding her translucent diptera wings. As she leaned closer to me, her scowl intensified. Her scent was intoxicating, causing conflicting reactions within me. I held my breath, unsure of how to respond.?

    ¡°You are an obnoxious fool. Why is it your first reaction is to attack the innocent bystander, an innocent bystander who I might add, saved your life!¡±

    I blinked and slowly let the air leave my lungs. She was right. I had acted without thinking. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you.¡± The statement oozed out of me in a cracked voice, one dry and scabbed over.

    She frowned in concern and stood up. ¡°Let me get you some fresh water. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± We both watched her go.

    The orc perched on the floor beside the bed,bing his thick fingers through the dreadlocks hanging from his chin. His eyes held a certain enigma as they darted in my direction. ¡°Never thought to run into her kind all the way out here, did ye?¡±

    I shook my head. ¡°How long was I out?¡± Even though half my voice faded and cracked I knew he heard every word, the Fae had exceptional hearing.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°A week, give or take. The poison was strong and fast. She came to the battlefield to help the injured. I was surprised she didn¡¯t take us back into the castle grounds, but instead led us here in the forest. I reckon she¡¯s a witch, of sorts.¡±

    ¡°I cannot stand the stagnant smell of so many close together, and it¡¯s too loud.¡± As she returned, the blonde spoke softly. I sat up as she approached my other side, her fingers lightly grazing my neck. A shiver ran down my spine when she pushed against me. It had been years since I saw a woman as gorgeous as her. Her hair fell over me as she brought the y to my lips.

    I apparently had forgotten how to drink while asleep, as I choked on the water. She tsked me and brought a cloth to the nkets. ¡°My name is Elida,¡±

    ¡°Niall,¡± I nodded in turn.

    ¡°Horn.¡± Myrade piped up, he seemed to be enjoying me making a fool of myself. I shot a dark look before returning my attention to the girl.

    ¡°How much longer before I can leave?¡±

    Horn shook his head, but it was the girl who answered. ¡°Why are you in such a hurry? Surely your way of lifestyle can manage some quiet time?¡±

    I sat up and leaned toward her, using an unspoken spell to hold her gaze captive with my own. ¡°I am not sure if you are as sweet and innocent as I think you to be, however, I should tell you that you smell absolutely amazing to me. And I do mean that as dinner, so unless you¡¯d like to see how much restraint I have, I think it¡¯d be best to move on.¡±

    She didn¡¯t look at me with anger or fear, but rather a perplexed confusion that caught me off guard. She pursed her lips and shook her head in disbelief. The spell I had cast was not to control her, but simply to capture herplete attention while I spoke. It was subtle magic, not strong enough to raise any red gs or rms. ¡°I admit I didn¡¯t think you to be that type of Fae. I honestly have no idea what race you are, however, trust me when I say I can protect myself from whatever you are. And I smell like that to most, by the way. It¡¯s the magic in my blood. You don¡¯t scare me.¡± She patted my cheek before getting up and walking out. ¡°And unfortunately, I have had many interactions with a vampire,¡± her voice trailed after her.

    I watched her go as I sat back, defeated. My gaze flicked to Horn. He watched me with a dark expression. ¡°How bad is it?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Manageable, for now. If I keep my belly full I should be fine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and catch a rabbit,y down and rest more.¡±

    ¡°Make it a fox, I need something with more of a fight.¡± He nodded.

    The days passed slowly and serenely, a wee change from my previous job guarding a paranoid royal in a remote countryside. But this peace was different¡ªit wasn¡¯t mind-numbing. As I regained my strength, I ventured out to explore the forest surrounding Elida¡¯s cabin. The sparse trees were spaced evenly apart, allowing for plenty of sunlight to filter through. A small garden flourished beside the cabin, and friendly animals roamed freely. In the distance, I spotted a small vige just beyond the tree line. My curiosity piqued, I decided to investigate further but noticed unfamiliar figures dressed in ck nearby. Not wanting to risk confrontation, I quickly turned back towards Elida¡¯s cabin.

    Horn stood tall, his muscr arms glistening with sweat as he chopped wood for the fire. Elida tended to a mother and her two young children nearby with a gentle expression. They all had pointed ears and delicate features, but not all of them had wings. I sat against the worn wooden fence, feeling the rough texture against my skin. The steady thwack of Horn¡¯s axe broke the peaceful silence as the firewood split in half.

    ¡°Navid!¡± Elida gasped, the tone in her voice was higher. Furrowing my brow, I reluctantly opened my eyes. Horn hade to a sudden halt and was now staring intently in her direction, evaluating whether there was a potential threat. I propped myself up and cautiously peeked over the tall tomato nts that lined the fence.

    A lean male in ck armor was striding through the woods. One of the unfamiliar men I¡¯d seen in the vige. His dark hair was tied up in a bun, exposing his pointed elf ears. His hand poised on the hilt of his sword. Something about it seemed wrong. The sword wasn¡¯t bone, that was for sure. His gaze remained locked on Horn before he noticed me. When Elida neared him he reached out and touched her arm, almost unconsciously, as if they were familiar and he¡¯d been longing for her touch for some time. I kept my gaze locked on him until he finally broke contact.

    ¡°Who are they?¡± His voice vexed me.

    ¡°Mercenaries from the battle near Stonehedge.¡± She stood on her tip toes and pressed her lips to his cheek. His eyes narrowed and he grabbed her arm in a manner of possession.

    Before I knew I had moved ¡ª I was up and marching in their direction. Horn yanked me back by my cor. ¡°Look, their conversation has gone quiet.¡± Horn grumbled.

    As their conversation grew more intense, I couldn¡¯t help but feel like an outsider. They weremunicating telepathically now, their bodynguage tense and almost hostile. But what caught my attention were the translucent silver tattoos adorning their skin, intertwined and matching perfectly. I felt a twinge of jealousy and betrayal as I realized that they shared a bond deeper than I could ever imagine. But at the same time, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why she had always hidden it from me. Her hair had always been braided down that side of her neck, as if she resented the mark.

    The male, Navid, stood up straighter and looked over in our direction. He gave a curt nod before turning and going back the way he hade.

    ¡°Navid!¡± Elida called after him. He didn¡¯t answer and disappeared back into the trees. She frowned before chewing on her plump lip. I hesitantly approached her as Horn went back to chopping wood.

    ¡°Is everything okay?¡±

    She jumped and looked up at me. ¡°Oh, yes. Don¡¯t mind him, he¡¯s just a sour puss. I need to pick some carrots for dinner, please excuse me.¡± She reentered the building, and my eyes traced along her back until theynded on the basket of carrots she was carrying. The idea of her being with someone else began to bother me. It hadn¡¯t even urred to me before. I couldn¡¯t tell if it was simply because I wanted to devour her, or if there could be something more meaningful between us.

    Either way, it shouldn¡¯t have mattered to me. And there was nothing to be done about it now. She was matched.

    I didn¡¯t know why I hesitated to leave. Horn didn¡¯t seem to mind either, however as the days became weeks, he soon ventured out with a vow to return. He wanted to see if there were any jobs posted in the area, the trip would take a week to get to Stonehedge and back. I thought it was weird, but only ever in the dead of night when I couldn¡¯t sleep. If she needed wood cut, I would cut it. If she needed a fire built, I would build it. If she needed game, I would hunt it. I scolded myself, why was I acting like a dog? Did she have me under a spell?

    My mind couldn¡¯t find peace as Iy awake, until an unusual sound caught my attention. The noise was unfamiliar and different from the usual nighttime sounds. I turned to my side and focused on listening. The creak of a door opening and muffled voices drifted in from the kitchen. Was there a man¡¯s voice among them? My senses were heightened as a strange presence filled the house. A momentter an eerie silence fell over the cabin.

    I waited.

    Nothing.

    I realized that I wouldn¡¯t be able to fall asleep, so I left the bed and walked out of the room. The house was quiet and dimly lit. As I made my way down the hallway, I caught a new scent, one that belonged to a man. Curiosity getting the better of me, I tiptoed towards her bedroom door and pressed my ear against it. Strangely, there was no sounding from inside¡ªnot even her breathing. Could she have used some kind of silencer? It was the only logical exnation for the eerie silence.

    I felt a pang in my chest and furrowed my brow before leaning back, trying to distance myself. She didn¡¯t seem like the type of woman to do that. I took a step away and directed my gaze towards the door, searching for an exnation. As anger bubbled inside me, I stormed back into my room, feeling frustrated and out of ce. I had no right to feel this way, but the mere thought of her with someone else boiled my blood.

    I didn¡¯t understand how I had been able to fall asleep, but somehow it happened. The sound of someone crying pulled me out of my slumber. It was still dark outside, but there was a faint light on the horizon, signaling the start of a new day. Suddenly, I was wide awake and sitting up in bed. She was the one crying.

    Once again, I found myself standing at her bedroom door and knocked. The tears ceased. Yet, I still waited.

    Her voice echoed back, ¡°I¡¯m fine Niall, go back to bed.¡±

    ¡°Bullshit,¡± I barked before going against my better judgment and opening the door. But I pushed aside that warning and opened the door anyway. My nose anticipated the scent of sex, but it wasn¡¯t there. Instead, the room was dark and quiet. I saw her sitting on the edge of her bed, wearing a simple cotton nightgown. She looked up at me with tired, puffy eyes as her hair fell back behind her head. ¡°What did he do?¡±

    She jerked her chin and sucked in a breath. ¡°Nothing that concerns you.¡±

    Hesitantly I let go of the doorknob and walked in. Her scent was overpowering here. ¡°Ok, but you¡¯re not fine. What can I do?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but wonder, for a brief moment, just who had I be to ask such a question.

    She sniffed, looking at me with unreadable eyes. ¡°...Can... Can I hug you? Just for a moment?¡± My feet carried me to her, and I sat down; wrapping my arms around her slender frame. She shuddered and leaned into me.

    We sat in silence for what felt like an eternity. Outside, the sky began to lighten and the room filled with soft light. I unconsciously rubbed her arm, lost in my own thoughts, until she finally spoke. Throughout our embrace, she had not shed a single tear, and now her voice was steady and strong.

    ¡°That was Navid. He told me he¡¯s going to the city. He¡¯s going... with another girl. Said he can¡¯t stand me being around another guy, so he¡¯s going to give me a taste of my medicine. I told him there was nothing between us, that you were only helping me, earning your stay. But he, well, I don¡¯t think he

    cared. It wasn¡¯t a matter of being believed or not.¡±

    A shadow fell over my eyes as I red at the door.

    I couldn¡¯t bear to witness her in this state, but he was her equal. My hands were tied; I couldn¡¯t interfere without facing the wrath of the gods. And then it hit me¡ªmaybe I had been lingering for too long. I had overstayed my wee.

    ¡°I guess he¡¯s been keeping tabs, I don¡¯t understand why he felt the need to spy on me.¡± She sniffed.

    ¡°Elida.¡± I spoke, my resolve left a bitter taste on my tongue. ¡°I don¡¯t want to cause further trouble for you. I appreciate you letting me stay, but I think when Horn returns, I should go. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    She shuddered again before nodding softly. ¡°I am sorry too. For a lot of different things. I am sorry for wanting you to stay, and for forcing you to go.¡± I looked down at her and curled a finger around her chin. She lifted her eyes to my own and I gently ced my lips on hers.

    She sucked in her breath. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize for that. Just apologize for stealing my heart.¡± I gently rubbed my thumb in a circr motion on her icy cheek, then closed my eyes and quietly exited her bedroom. The kiss had been pleasant, and my lips were slightly warmer than before. However, I couldn¡¯t deny that something was missing. Maybe I had misled myself into thinking she had captured my heart.

    Horn stood at the front of the house, his arms crossed and a scowl etched onto his face. He had just arrived and was not happy about having to turn around and go back, but he did have some intriguing information to share. As I stepped into the doorway with my bag and leather-bound arm securely in ce, I felt less exposed. Elida stayed behind in the living room, a dimly-lit space furnished with well-worn pieces umted over time.

    ¡°Goodbye Elida.¡±

    I could have said more.

    However, I didn¡¯t feel the urge to exin myself. She nodded, fiddling with the sleeve of her sweater. It was evident that being in my presence made her uneasy, but I also knew it stirred up feelings inside her. At least for the past two days. But she wouldn¡¯t have to experience that difort anymore; I would leave her life forever.

 Chapter 4.1

    CAITLIN

    As the sun began to set, I finally stumbled upon signs of civilization. The scent of smoke filled my nostrils as I cautiously approached. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me of how hungry I was. I carefully made my way through the trees until I reached the back of a house. It reminded me of the small vige where I grew up, but everything looked cleaner and more organized. In front of the house, there were several houses lining a quaint road, and a cow could be heard mooing nearby. Laughter and murmured conversations drifted through the trees around me. At the back of the house stood a small garden, filled with an assortment of herbs and vegetables. A few chickens scurried about, while clothes hung on a line to dry.

    As a child, I had been warned about the Fae. They were said to be savage and ferocious, capable of consuming men whole. But as I stood before their vige now, with my newly acquired wings, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if they would see me as one of their own or simply a human intruder. My heart was filled with fear and uncertainty as I pressed myself against the rough bark of a nearby tree, ncing nervously at my glittering wings behind me.

    My entire life was already a lie.

    ¡°Can I help you?¡± A voice as smooth and sweet as honey called out to me. I stood up straight and turned my head towards the source. A strong and feminine figure with long, blue hair emerged from the trees beside me. Her dress was loose and showed off her bare shoulders, while a shallow basket filled with mushrooms rested against her hips. My gaze drifted to her swollen belly; she was close to giving birth. She raised a delicate eyebrow at me before finally sucking on her tongue thoughtfully. ¡°That little white slip is nothing more than a rag. And it will do you nothing for the storming tonight. Come on, let us see what I got.¡± She sighed and moved to pass me.

    She filled me with fear. I couldn¡¯t even begin to guess what she was, but when she circled around me, her wings caught my attention. They were simr to mine, yet different in some way. As she nced back at me, my knees locked up in terror. I gathered the courage to follow after her. I couldn¡¯t help but stare at her hair, which seemed just as unnaturally out of ce as her twitching wings. It was as if they could sense my curious gaze. All I wanted was to curl up into a ball and wake up from this nightmare.

    The interior of her home was just as natural and rustic as the exterior. The walls were adorned with potted nts and herbs that required less sunlight than those outside. In the center of the main room, there was a fire pit surrounded byfortable seating. The ceiling extended upward, ending at a small opening that let in natural light. She gestured for me toe inside and ced the mushrooms she had gathered on a nearby table before disappearing into another room.

    I couldn¡¯t help but wonder, my thoughts racing with questions. How did she manage to have blue hair? Before I could process anything, she returned and handed me a bundle of colorful fabrics.

    ¡°Here, let¡¯s see you change into these.¡± I hesitated before epting the outfit. The fabric was surprisingly soft. ¡°Go on now,¡± she motioned for me to turn around, and I hesitantly obliged. I could sense her gaze on me as I removed my gown. Suddenly, a cold sensation gripped my wings and I flinched. The girl had stepped closer and was examining them closely, prodding them with her fingers. The feeling was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and I couldn¡¯t help but inwardly wince at each poke. ¡°Your wings have such a unique glimmer to them. I haven¡¯t seen anything like it.¡±

    ¡°R-really?¡± I squeaked. Her eyes shot up and narrowed.

    ¡°I am not sure where you came from or why you were lurking behind my house in your under garments, but I will give you a few suggestions.¡± She stepped back and perched herself on a stack of soft pillows, tossing her hair over her shoulder. I turned to face her, only halfway through getting undressed. She gave me an even gaze, not bothered by my partial state of undress. ¡°You reek of human. I wasn¡¯t going to, but I will let you bathe. I think that would be a good decision. Your ent is Scottish, which is a human nationality and not many, although some here, do carry it. You could find an excuse as to why, but I would rmend just to be quiet. And try to wear a cloak or cape as much as possible. Your wings, I can¡¯t put my finger on it. But they¡¯re different.¡± She tapped her finger on her chin and her eyes unfocused. ¡°They¡¯re... just not from around here? Hmm...¡±

    ¡°To be fair, I don¡¯t even know where here is. It is true, I was raised among humans. I came through a toadstool ring.¡±

    She blinked at me. ¡°A Changeling? That would exin a lot. Well, wee home cousin.¡± She offered me a kinder smile that was as quick to go as it hade. ¡°Don¡¯t openly share that information with many, it coulde to bite you in the ass when you least expect it. Let me boil some water for you, unfortunately I am not blessed with fire magic.¡± She got up in a huff and went to grab the pail by the door.

    ¡°I would very much like to do it, if that¡¯s okay with you? I¡¯m sorry but I can¡¯t overlook your condition.¡± I stepped toward the pail and met her gaze. She smirked at me before sitting back down and nodding.

    ¡°You speak well, for someone raised over there. I imagine you had some education. That will be good, go on now. Get washed up. I¡¯ll get some grub together.¡±

    I silently mouthed my gratitude before getting to work on boiling the water and filling up the tub. As I sank into the warm, herb-infused waters, the smell of food wafted in from the main room. The stone bowl was just the right size for me to fully submerge myself, with only the tip of my nose peeking out above the surface.

    How was any of this possible? I didn¡¯t understand. I wasn¡¯t dumb, this was real. As I leaned back in the tub and let the warm water envelop my body, I couldn¡¯t help but rey the events of the day in my mind. The moss-colored water mixed with my ck hair, making it appear even darker. My wings remained tucked against my body, spreading out towards the edges of the bathtub. Despite my overactive imagination conjuring up worst-case scenarios, I didn¡¯t have to worry about bending or breaking them.

    After a few moments, my stomach couldn¡¯t take it any longer and I stood up to leave. My wings unfurled with a sudden buzz, propelling me out of the tub as my toes left the smooth surface. I instinctively grabbed onto the railing for support. My wings twitched back into ce as Inded firmly on my feet once more.

    There was no way I¡¯d ever get used to this.

    Nope.

    ¡°Are you well? I heard amotion.¡± The woman waddled into the bathroom and blinked at the soapy, muddy mess my wings had sprayed on the walls. I inwardly cringed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll clean it, I swear. It¡¯s just... I don¡¯t know how they work yet.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Sheughed lightly and shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t mean tough, it¡¯s just I¡¯ve never been in this situation before. I can only imagine how it will be once the young one is learning. I¡¯ll help you.¡± She took some towels next to the door and stepped into the room, her eyes making one more sweep of the mess before darting to my shoulder.

    ¡°Is there something on me?¡± I asked quickly as I finished tucking in the towel. I pushed my hair back and looked down, expecting the worst.

    Soft, silver threads brushed onto my skin, their gentle movements creating a mesmerizing dance. As they moved and intertwined with each other, the patterns they created began to solidify before my eyes. I reached out to touch them, marveling at how they fell into line like a delicate tattoo inked onto my skin. Like my iridescent wings, the silver lines shimmered in the light, adding an otherworldly beauty to my appearance.

    ¡°What is this?¡±

    The other fairy opened and closed her mouth before finding her voice. ¡°The gods have matched you.¡±

    I said farewell to the blue-haired women the following day. I had changed into ck leggings and a red tunic, with a brown cloak draped over my shoulders and a hood lined with fur. The ensemble wasfortable and didn¡¯t bother me at all. The well wishes and emotions from my newpanion left a pleasant taste in my mouth. With thoughts of her stories still swirling in my head, I kept my hood up and my hair covering the mark that snaked up my neck. We had spent most of the night talking, and while I felt that what she told me was true, I couldn¡¯t deny that I still had some doubts.

    ording to what I had been told, being matched by the gods was a rare urrence, though not unheard of. There were many rumors and superstitions surrounding it. However, it was considered a blessing for any children that would be born from such a union. At least, that was certain. Hazel, the blue-haired fairy, had told me that all the heroes in thisnd were significant historical figures born of mated pairs.

    The thought of being betrothed to someone I didn¡¯t even know was already weighing heavily on my mind. But the idea that it was all orchestrated by the gods themselves? And that there were not just one, but multiple deities involved in this twisted game? The thought sent shivers down my spine.

    Trying to push aside these unsettling thoughts, I grabbed my bag containing some bread, cheese, and a bottle of wine. With a determined grip, I began my journey towards the northern peaks where the capital cityy. Maybe there, amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, I could find some answers or at least decide what path to take now.

    But could I even go back to living among humans with wings sprouting from my back? Did I even want to return to that world filled with expectations and limitations? My mind was torn between staying true to myself and conforming to the norms of society.

 Chapter 5

    Niall?

    The triple suns beat down on the¡¯s surface, making the day unbearably hot. I could smell my orcpanion walking next to me, even from a distance as I dragged my feet along. The desert nts were thriving in this extreme environment, but their fragrance was dry and sharp. As I licked my parched lips, I could feel the sweat trickling down my back beneath my leather clothing. My fellow traveler, Horn, had already stripped down to his inked skin, which disyed familiar markings of the Seelie and Unseelies that inhabited thisnd. In contrast, my own intricate tattoos held unknown origins and had caused issues in the past; I hesitated to expose them now.

    ¡°Bitch!¡± I quickly stepped back and smacked the side of my neck. Horn¡¯s head snapped towards me, concerned by the sudden movement. I winced and examined my hand, which had stung from the impact. Horn walked over to me with a curious expression on his face. ¡°What the fuck was that?¡± A growl of annoyance rumbled in my chest, and I tried to peel back the bindings of the leather. Whatever fucker had bit me was going to die.

    Horn¡¯s hand moved with lightning speed as he grabbed at my cor. Instinctively, I grabbed his wrist to steady myself as he almost lifted me off the ground. Reacting quickly, I kicked off his chest and jumped backwards. Frustration boiled within me as I spat into the dusty ground and red up at him. The blistering heat of the summer sky beat down relentlessly, causing sweat to trickle down our foreheads and necks.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°What the hell is your problem, Horn?¡±

    He pointed, blinking dumbfoundedly. ¡°Matched.¡± He said, in and simple.

    ¡°What?¡± With a final, piercing re, my eyes narrowed and locked onto his before I looked away. The faint silver streaks that marred my normally olive-coloredplexion caught my attention and drew me in. They seemed to freeze me in ce, like a sudden chill on a warm summer day. My gaze remained fixed on the unexpected markings, tracing their path across my skin as if trying to decipher their meaning. ¡°What?¡± I repeated. I was frozen, unable to move as Horn reached at me again and traced his fingers over the markings. It was uncharacteristically gentle of him.

    ¡°The gods were just here.¡± He grumbled under his breath, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings for any lingering signs. I leaned in closer, tracing a thick line with my finger. A faint shimmer danced along its edges, a strange and out-of-ce glimmer. I furrowed my brow in confusion, trying to decipher its meaning. What did this mean?

    ¡°Do you know who she is?¡±

    ¡°W-what?¡± I asked and looked up at him dumbfounded. ¡°The girl. Do you know her? Can you feel her?¡±

    My eyebrows drew together in concentration as I licked the roof of my mouth. I took a deep breath and attempted something I had never done before. Ignoring my partner and the world around us, I closed my eyes and immersed myself in a tranquil silence, focusing solely on a new sensation within my very soul.

    In this moment of peaceful solitude, I could feel a new sensation stirring within me. A small me ignited behind me and I quickly turned, but there was nothing there. With tentative curiosity, I straightened up and tried again.

    This time, I was prepared for the warmth that crept up my neck. Closing my eyes, I fully embraced the sensation and basked in its gentle glow. It seemed almost hesitant, as if unsure of itself.

    It was gentle, almost hesitant. This fire had an uncertainty about it, like it wasn¡¯t fully sure of itself yet. Intrigued, I imagined reaching out to touch the me, but it seemed to shy away from my thoughts.

    Opening my eyes, I gazed up at the sky above as the second sun began to set. The day was alreadying to an end and soon the three-day night would begin. But in this fleeting moment of connection with the mysterious person, time seemed to stand still.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°I am not sure, but I think she¡¯s asleep¡­ It <i>is </ite; we should find some shade ourselves.¡±

    ¡°You expect to be able to sleep now? Knowing what you know?¡±

    I raised an eyebrow at him. He had a point.

 Chapter 6.1

    CAITLIN

    After three long days on the open road, I was desperate for a break from walking. How I wished for a horse and carriage to carry me along. I leaned against a tree with a white trunk, almost as pale as freshly fallen snow. Its ckened branches provided some shelter from the blistering suns. My bootsy discarded next to me while a stale piece of bread sucked away thest bit of moisture in my mouth. I fiddled with the engraved b of bark hanging from a cord around my neck¡ªa charm meant to conceal my presence from my supposed match until I was ready to confront them. The idea that my match could be a girl didn¡¯t bother me as much as I expected it would, though I¡¯d be lying if I said it didn¡¯t bother me at all. In the human realm, same-sex rtionships were deemed immoral and punishable by death.

    I sat and watched as children ran and yed in the fields below, the unevennd rising and falling with vibrant life. It felt like an oasispared to the barrenndscape I had been forced to endure. The ground sloped downward for a good distance before gradually rising up towards the sky. The children were chasing after frogs or some other creature, each one unique in their appearance. I could feel my throat tighten as I swallowed and let out a weary sigh. The wine was already finished, its tiny amount not enough to keep me properly hydrated. She must have thought it was a better way, given the sudden life changing event that now branded my neck and shoulder.

    I stood up abruptly at the sound of a twig snapping to my left. Two older vigers emerged from the trees, dragging arge haul behind them while also carrying smaller creatures over their shoulders. They gave me surprised looks as they passed by, and I couldn¡¯t me them¡ªI was just as startled. I recognized the deer they were dragging, but not the small creatures. One man with a bushy beard and a sizable belly made eye contact with me, mirroring the shock on everyone else¡¯s faces. We stared at each other for a moment before his gaze dropped to my shoulder. My face flushed with embarrassment and I quickly pulled my hair over it before gathering my things.

    ¡°I am sorry, I was only resting for a moment.¡± My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I struggled to speak clearly. The empty bottle slipped from my fingers andnded on the plush grass. I cringed, aware that he must have noticed it was empty. Trying to ignore the thought, I hurriedly put my red, swollen feet into my boots before bending down to pick up the bottle once more.

    I stepped back, taken aback as the man picked up the bottle for me. The scent of horse lingered around him, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how long they had been on their hunt. He handed me the bottle and pulled out a bag made of animal hide, filled with a liquid. His smile was surprisingly warm,pared to his rough appearance. As the rest of his group began to descend the hill, he reached behind himself, retrieving something else from his pack.

    ¡°Here, this paste is good for your feet. My granddaughter made it for me for the hunt, and I no longer need it. Repay my kindness forward.¡± He ced his hand to his heart and readjusted the dead critters on his back before walking after the group.

    I clutched the sack and jar tightly in my hands, ovee with gratitude. Slowly, I sat back down and observed the children as they ran around and yed together. The people here seemed content and joyful in their simplicity. Would I ever be able to find this kind of happiness? In this world, surrounded by these people, the opportunity certainly exists.

    My eyes snapped to attention as I felt a sudden shift beneath me. A group of figures dressed in all ck moved through the nearby buildings, sending a jolt of fear through my body. My arms tingled with goosebumps, and I braced myself by cing my feet firmly on the ground. I watched the group warily, recognizing the familiar armor they wore. Some of them even looked like the ones I had encountered at the pce that night¡ªmy doctor and guard who had turned their backs on me to protect me, and Navid, the man in charge. My heart racing, I quickly gathered my belongings and fled into the safety of the surrounding trees. It wouldn¡¯t be easy traveling through the roots and branches of the forest, but any cover was better than being seen by those menacing figures.

    I trekked through the forest for what felt like an eternity, losing track of time and bing disoriented in the endless daylight. Despite the sun¡¯s constant presence, it eventually set without warning, leaving me to navigate blindly through the darkness. I slept and awoke to the same pitch-ck surroundings, my clothes and hair getting caught on every tree branch and my skin being scratched by unseen obstacles. With no visibility, I couldn¡¯t even see where the mountain was, making me feel utterly lost.

    I was lost.

    Hesitantly, I reached out a trembling hand and pressed it against the rough bark of the towering tree in front of me. My gaze was drawn deep into the dark forest beyond, where the shadows seemed to dance and writhe under the dim light filtering through the dense canopy. It had been days since the sun hadst set, or at least that¡¯s what it felt like. The forest was alive with rustling leaves and chirping insects, but there was a distinct absence of any predators. Yet, I couldn¡¯t shake off the sense of unease that washed over me, lost as I was in this mysterious ce.

    My frown deepened as I looked down at the small charm clutched tightly in my palm. Would he even bother to look for me? Would he care enough to save me? I sighed, frustration and fear bubbling up within me. This whole situation was just ridiculous.

    Before I could allow myself to second-guess my decision, I forcefully yanked off the charm. In that moment, nothing appeared to happen. No sudden burst of light or magical rescue. But as I stood there in the darkness, waiting for something to happen, I felt a presence seeping into the back of my mind. It was primal and earthy, unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It must be him...

    A gust of wind suddenly whipped through the trees, tugging at my hair and clothes. But there was no wind in this forest, especially not this deep into its thicket. And yet, it felt like a caress from his unseen hands.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    <i>Hello my dear.... Why do you hide yourself from me...? </i>His thought touched my mind, gently, like the whisper of a ghost. I jumped and scanned the darkness. His tone was deep, as earthy as the presence that came with him. <i>Tell me, who are you?</i>

    Demanding. I frowned and wondered how tomunicate with him. Hesitantly, I tried to push a thought. <i>I am lost.</i>

    <i>You are going to have to speak up.</i>

    Again, I frowned. <i>There is a forest south of Stonehedge. I am lost. It¡¯s been night for so long.</i>

    <i>Why did you go into that forest?</i>

    I wouldn¡¯t answer that. <i>How has it been night for so long?</i>

    I couldn¡¯t tell if he was confused or growing irritated. <i>What do you mean? It¡¯s the darkening, it happens every month. Why would you go into that forest during this time?</i>

    I groaned. Suddenly, I felt like he was amused. <i>How do I get out?</i>

    <i>Come towards me. You can feel my direction, yes? </i>I grew quiet and gave the darkness a questionable stare before I nced around. He was right. The earthly presence was further south. I could follow it. Back towards Navid.

    ¡°No thanks.¡± I said out loud. I wasn¡¯t sure what surprised me more. The loudness of my voice or how he was still able to hear me.

    <i>Ouch. I haven¡¯t even met you yet and you¡¯re avoiding me. </i>He sighed and I swear it happened right in my ear. I shivered and looked around again. For a second, I thought I felt something else. <i>What¡¯s wrong? </i>He seemed rmed.

    ¡°I¡¯m... not alone.¡± I whispered.

    <i>Who would be there with you? No one is dumb enough to go there during the darkening.</i>

    Gee thanks.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been quite a difficult one to track.¡± <i>His </i>voice cut through the stillness of the night like a sharp de, causing me to stumble backwards and collide with a nearby tree. I strained my eyes into the imprable darkness, watching as he stalked closer, parting the brush with each calcted step towards me. Every rustle and crunch of leaves under his feet sent shivers down my spine, warning me of the imminent danger approaching.

    ¡°You.¡± I spat with more venom than I realized.

    <i>Who is ¡®you¡¯?! </i>My matched snarled in my ear. He seemed out of breath. I clutched the charm in my hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you too. Now, be a good girl and put that back around your neck. Or I will for you, can¡¯t promise I won¡¯t break it.¡± I could barely make out his outline, and the outline of several others. I clenched my teeth. There was no way out of this.

    <i>I¡¯m sorry to have bothered you, but I won¡¯t be able to escape this. He wants me to put the charm back on. I didn¡¯t mean to involve you. I wanted us to meet under normal circumstances...</i>

    <i>We are anything but normal. I swear I will find you; I swear it. Do what he says for now but try to reach me again when it¡¯s safe. My name is Niall.</i>

    I raised the cord to my head. <i>Caitlin</i>. I whispered just before letting the ne fall around me. A sense of emptiness overcame me, one that felt like a blow to the gut.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good girl, I gotta admit I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re already matched ¡ª or that you¡¯re even matched. Although... knowing who you are... I guess it shouldn¡¯t surprise me.¡± He came closer and held out a hand. ¡°Come along now, don¡¯t make this hard for me.¡± I resisted the urge to punch him in the face, feeling my fingernails dig into my palms. With a heavy sigh, I reluctantly extended my hand towards him. I would do what they said, for now. And I would not take his bait, he could know all there was to me, but he didn¡¯t know shit. His lips lifted in the corners in a degrading smirk, and he scoffed before he turned me around and tied my wrists behind my back. ¡°Don¡¯t want you removing any jewelry now.¡± He looked back at someone. Someone whose lower half slid along the ground. I turned away as he tugged down the cloak on my shoulder. ¡°Take a good look, I want you to find him for me. The queen will want to know more about him.¡±

    I opened my eyes and red off into the night. Now he was definitely involved. I only hoped they wouldn¡¯t find him. Something feather-like tickled my neck, leaving behind a residue.

    ¡°You got it?¡±

    ¡°Memorized.¡± The voice hissed. I felt something tickle my neck and I jerked away in response. I wouldn¡¯t look. ¡°She tastes like wine¡­¡±

    Navid pulled me back forcefully, and I heard a loud thud. I quickly turned my head away and covered my face with my hood. I couldn¡¯t bear to see what had happened. There was a wet sound and the creature let out a piercing screech. ¡°Shut your bellowing. It¡¯ll grow back. Touch her again and it¡¯ll be more than your tongue. She is the <i>Queen¡¯s</i>.¡± How he said it. It waspletely final. There was no room to argue. I red ahead and clenched my teeth.

    The journey out of the dense forest proved to be more challenging than expected, taking an extra day of travel. The air was thick with the sounds of cursing from the other guards, astonished that I had ventured so far into the depths of the forest. Finally emerging into the open, we were greeted by the sight of two glowing moons in the sky, casting a bright light over everything below.

 Chapter 6.2

    Even in the darkness, I could see the vibrant colors and shimmering lights of nts and animals surrounding us, making the night even more enchanting than the day. As I gazed at my newly marked shoulder, I couldn¡¯t help but notice how much brighter and pronounced the shimmer appeared in the moonlight. It seemed as though everyone had a unique characteristic that glowed or sparkled in the darkness, adding to the magical atmosphere of this world.

    One of the guards came up next to me. ¡°It¡¯spletely different, isn¡¯t it?¡± Our eyes met, and he seemed to catch something in my expression. I could see a slight softening in his own features. Aside from being green with long, droopy, pierced ears, he appeared almost identical to a human. ¡°I¡¯m half goblin, spent some time among humans my first few years as well. My parents were ves. I understand how you feel,¡± He gestured with his chin towards the distant mountains, hills, and streams thaty beneath the silver and purple moons, and everything in between that glowed or sparkled in the night.

    ¡°You are not what I expect.¡± I stated.

    He smiled and shrugged. I noticed a couple of bad teeth. ¡°We are not all what we seem. I was happy when I came here, seeing others like me. I bet it¡¯s been the opposite for ye.¡± His eyes gave me a brief once over and he smirked. There it was. That attitude they all seemed to share.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had some changes myself.¡± I snapped. I could see Navid raise an eyebrow from where he stood, his hide-bottle an inch from his mouth.

    ¡°Really? What, you got some pointed ears?¡± The half-breed teased as he reached for my ear. He was baiting me. I jerked away and red at him. His smile grew.

    Navid spoke now, catching me off guard. ¡°She¡¯s got wings, look, you can see the tips. They glitter in the dark.¡± I red back to see him point toward my upper thighs. Most of them were hidden under the folds of my half cloak. Navid gave me a wicked smirk. ¡°I bet that was painful.¡±

    ¡°Not as painful as it¡¯s going to be when I stab your face.¡±

    He yed a mock horror. ¡°One would question if they actually raised you in the courts of a human queen.¡±

    They? I wouldn¡¯t ask. Part of me knew though. Reflecting on my past experiences, there were definitely a few individuals who raised suspicions. The doctor and my guard were among them. But there were others as well, whose eyes seemed to shine in the dim light of the torches. Those who had stared at me for too long¡ªtheir eyes too intense, too unsettling.¡°I was not raised in the courts of a human queen. I was educated in one.¡± I replied snidely before trudging forward.

    Another guard bellowedughter from behind me. ¡°I like this one, shame she is probably going to die.¡±

    Despite my best efforts, the inevitable news struck me like a ton of bricks.My body betrayed me as I stumbled, causing me to fall onto my knees with a thud. I managed to catch myself with trembling arms before face-nting it into the unforgiving ground. Cruelughter echoed from behind me and I sat back onto my knees with tears in my eyes. I had to escape.

    ¡°Now where do you think you¡¯re heading?¡± Navid chuckled as he sauntered forward. I turned to face him when he kicked me back onto the ground. Gritting my teeth, I spit out dirt from my mouth and attempted to stand up, but Navid held me down with his foot on my back. ¡°Our reports said you were heading to Stonehedge. Finding you there would have been very problematic for me.¡± He stepped off and sighed loudly before dragging me to my feet. ¡°Well, that¡¯s yesterday¡¯s problem. Tell you what, I¡¯ll do you a solid. I will personally escort you to Stonehedge!¡±

    I red at him when a voice sounded behind us. ¡°Isn¡¯t that where the queen¡¯s envoy is waiting for us?¡±

    Navid¡¯s gaze seemed to hollow, and he dragged it over to the voice. ¡°Really? I can¡¯t believe you just asked that. Fucking numb nut. Of course, that¡¯s where she is!¡± He shook me violently, his grip tight on the back of my neck like a vice. I stumbled along, trying to keep up with his frantic pace. The dense forest loomed on my left, with its gnarled trees and tangled underbrush. To my right, vast open nes stretched out as far as I could see, the tall grasses swaying in the breeze like waves on an endless ocean. In the distance, the towering mountains rose up, their peaks hidden in clouds and mist. At their basey the city, its lights twinkling like stars against the darkening sky. And behind me, was Niall. I didn¡¯t know where to run or if I even had a chance at escape, but I knew I had to try. My heart pounded in my chest as I searched desperately for a way out of this nightmare.

    ¡°Navid.¡± A horrific voice murmured and all the hair on my neck rose. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking. None of us can fly.¡±

    Navid closed his eyes slowly and looked back toward the rest. ¡°Yes, Skullcrusher. That would be correct.¡± Hisck of emotion and stoic demeanor piqued my curiosity, making me wonder if he held a careful attitude towards this particr beast. As I turned around, my eyes fell upon a colossal monster with an immense frame and massive lower teeth that seemed to glint in the dim light. His dark skin was so deeply hued that it blended seamlessly with the night, making it difficult to discern where his body ended and the darkness began. Upon closer inspection, I noticed small cracks in his skin that emitted a faint glow, reminiscent of the soft green mes produced by burning certain herbs. His eyes burned with the same hue, giving off an otherworldly aura.

    ¡°If she manages to fly, she can escape.¡±

    Navid nodded. ¡°But what would you do? We don¡¯t have a corset.¡±

    Thergest of the monsters began to walk closer, and he pulled out something bulky from his waistband. ¡°You said the Queen wanted her dead or alive, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but we caught her alive so that¡¯s double the reward.¡±

    Navid seemed rmed as the man stepped closer, and he immediately positioned himself in front of me, instinctively acting as my protector.

    ¡°Obviously I¡¯m not going to kill her.¡± The creature emitted a low, menacing growl when he noticed Navid¡¯s move. My captor questioned him with his eyes before tugging me forward. ¡°Pull up her shirt.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me?!¡± A primal rage surged through my body and I bellowed, unleashing a flurry of vicious attacks on Navid. With each kick and headbutt, I could feel the impact reverberate through his massive frame. But then, the giant¡¯s hand descended upon me, crushing my shoulders and forcing me to the ground with effortless strength. My chin collided with the unforgiving earth, sending a jolt of pain through my skull. And then...a searing coldness spread from where his hooked instrument dug into the base of my wing, paralyzing me from within. I was frozen in fear as he leaned in closer, his face twisted into a sinister grin that promised nothing but agony.

    No!C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Agony tore through every inch of my being, relentless and unyielding. Each violent wave crashed over me, drowning me in a sea of excruciating pain. My screams shattered the night, shaking the very earth beneath us. But he stood there, unfazed, as he calmly snipped off my wings one by one. My tortured cries pierced the air, causing nearby animals to scatter in fear. The rest of my group had cowered away, some even covering their ears to block out the sound.

    No one woulde to my rescue¡ªthey were all too smart to risk facing my captors. Blood spluttered from my wounds, drenching my back and legs before pooling around me in a macabre disy. As Iy there, helpless and broken, nature itself seemed to wrap around me in a desperate attempt to conceal my suffering. Vines twisted around my limbs, while bushes and foliage sprouted up to hide me from those who sought to inflict such unimaginable torment upon me. I was almostpletely engulfed, a living sacrifice on an altar of cruelty and brutality.

    My wails echoed off the trees, dwindling in pitch with each passing second. I was a crumpled mess on the ground, my hands bound tightly behind my back. The ropes dug into my flesh, drawing blood that trickled down my wrists like red ribbons. The pain was indescribable, surpassing even the agony of when I broke my ankle years ago. It felt like every nerve in my body was on fire, consuming me from the inside out.

    After far too long did Navid finally snap, ¡°can someone shut her up?¡± We hadn¡¯t moved, I was curled in a ball, sobbing into the soft, rich soil beneath me. But as my tears fell, they seemed to disappear into the ground, revealing something unexpected. Where there had once been normal earth, now sprouted an otherworldly extension of the forest, with twisted trees and eerie vines snaking through the air. The rest of the group stood frozen in shock, their eyes wide as they took in the impossible transformation before them. And amidst it all, my blood continued to pour onto the ground, staining the new growth with its crimson hue. The air was thick with a sense of foreboding and magic.

    ¡°Navid, you have to understand what we just did.¡± The goblin said hesitantly. ¡°Some say the wings of the Fae are the veils to the gods.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your fucking point?! She¡¯s giving me a headache.¡±

    ¡°She will pass out soon.¡± The monster said from where he had retreated. ¡°I wonder how much we could get for her wings. I know a witch.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s disgusting.¡± Onemented.

    A humanoid figure, with a pallidplexion, remained quiet until now. It crouched just a couple of feet in front of me, its eyes fixated on my blood with a ravenous hunger. ¡°Give them to me, I will suck them dry.¡± He couldn¡¯t take his eyes off of me, even though I was almost entirely covered by the earth that had risen up to shield me.

    ¡°No one is to touch her blood.¡± Navid growled. ¡°It¡¯s too potent.¡±

    ¡°It smells ancient,¡± he hissed, his crimson eyes zing with an otherworldly fire fixated on me. I recoiled, my tears flowing in scalding torrents, my body drained from hours of enduring this relentless torment. I could feel myself sumbing to exhaustion, ready to be imed by its merciless grasp. But still, he continued to stare, his gaze growing more intense and his eyes glowing brighter as if fueled by my suffering.

    ¡°Restrain yourself, Glenn.¡± Navid¡¯s voice dripped with venom. I struggled to hold back tears as Glenn, the silent one with eyes aze and fangs dripping with a thick, viscous substance, crept closer to me with an eerie stillness. My heart raced, fear pulsing through every fiber of my being as I braced for whatever gruesome fate they had in store for me.

    Our eyes locked and I watched as whatever restraint was there vanished. ¡°Just a bite!¡± He screamed beforeunching onto me. Others swore, I screamed.

    Unimaginable agony ripped through my body as hot venom, like moltenva, seared into my shoulder. My muscles convulsed beneath his grip, which tightened relentlessly, squeezing the air out of my lungs. It was like being held in a vice by an unbreakable statue. In less than a heartbeat the entire group jumped at us, their ws and weapons grabbing us, pulling us, all before the all-epassing void took me into its darkness.

    Thisnd was not just a nightmare, it was a living hell. Even in the deepest of slumbers, the pain haunted my dreams, twisting and contorting into grotesque visions. My mother and brother appeared before me, their eyes bleeding and their screams echoing in my mind. But it was my father who scared me the most. His face twisted into a hollow smile, filled with ckness and blood that oozed out of his mouth and dripped down his eyes. I thrashed and screamed, desperate to escape this horrifying reality. One by one, I fought off the nightmares until there were no more left, but even then, I couldn¡¯t find peace. In the midst of this terrifying dream-like state, a whisper echoed through my mind: ¡°I will find you.¡± A promise that sent shivers down my spine.

    The delicate, intoxicating scent of jasmine wafted over me, bringing with it a sense of calm and tranquility. As I slowly emerged from unconsciousness, the warm glow of sunlight enveloped my body. I stretched toward it eagerly, only to realize that I was bound and unable to move.

    Opening my eyes, I took in my surroundings. I was propped up on an excessively plush surface, surrounded by what seemed like an endless pile of cushions and pillows. The room was shrouded in odd shadows, shadows that didn¡¯t belong or make sense. The room was bright, a massive window extending an entire wall which was currentlypletely covered in buttermilk curtains.

    As I tried to sit up, I noticed that my clothes had been changed into a pristine white gown and cloak that covered every inch of skin on my body. My back no longer throbbed with pain, but there was a lingering sensation as if my wings were still there. The ache just below the brand on my skin still burned, though not as fiercely as before.

    Suddenly, the door burst open and music flooded into the room. A woman with long brown wings glided inside, removing her gloves as she walked. Even in my weakened state, I couldn¡¯t help but stare at the magnificent sight of her wings trailing behind her. She was dressed in a form-fitting ck gown that left little to the imagination, revealing her ample chest. She walked over to me with purpose and looked down at me with piercing green eyes. I couldn¡¯t tear my gaze away from her captivating presence.

    The click of heels echoed on the smooth wooden floor as she swaggered toward me. As my gaze traveled downward, I spotted the dangerous talons protruding from her feet¡ªthe rough skin tightly wound around each base, resembling that of a hawk¡¯s. She stood before me, with one leg gracefully bent out of the slit in her second-skin gown, looking down at me with contempt.

    ¡°I was ill prepared for such a doll. You truly do look just like your father. So beautiful. Well. I did what I could with the supplies I have here. You¡¯ll be put on disy for the remainder of my stay, and then I¡¯ll take you to the queen. Don¡¯t bother trying to speak, the insides of your mouth are stitched together. It¡¯s okay if you starve.¡± She winked at me before leaving just as quickly as she hade.

    I whimpered and dropped my chin.

 Chapter 7

    NIALL?

    ¡°Have you felt her at all?¡± Horn inquired as we regrouped in the foyer of a seedy Inn tucked away behind an alley. The answer was written all over my face. The sun beat down mercilessly, and the smell of perspiration and food lingered in the air of the bustling city. Underneath my leathers, sweat trickled down my spine, and my fingers longed to grip my trusty swords. To kill. My anger continued to simmer beneath the surface; there was definitely something amiss. Something was deeply wrong.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you; something happened. She is muted from me and I felt pain. Everywhere.¡± I jabbed my finger in the direction of my entire body, indicating to all parts of me. The orc obediently nodded for what felt like the hundredth time. The eerie feeling still lingered, a reminder that something horrific had happened to my woman. We barged into a dimly lit bar that was nearly empty except for a few patrons who gave us suspicious nces before returning to their drinks.

    Horn scratched his braided chin and thought. ¡°I bet ¡¯chya the charm has significantly weakened because of that.¡±

    I shoved a stool back and sat down. ¡°You would think!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you two? These are happy times.¡±

    A young woman, who seemed like she might be too young, glided over to us and ced a pint of ale in front of each of us. Innkeeper¡¯s daughter? ¡°Didn¡¯t ya hear? The Seelie¡¯s granddaughter was caught, there¡¯s a tournament for her hand in marriage.¡± She drummed her pale fingers against the ckened bar. ¡°Although I¡¯m disappointed there was a stay of execution. Guess the Unseelie Queen had a change of heart.¡±

    Horn snorted. ¡°That¡¯s not possible.¡± He gulped down a long swig from his cup, eager to quench his thirst.

    The young girl grinned, shing a row of fangs. ¡°Yea, that doesn¡¯t sound like our queen. She must be up to something.¡±

    As I took a sip from my cup, I nced at her with interest. Her words had caught my attention. What were the odds?

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize there was a member of the royal family left.¡± I murmured.

    She leaned back and poured herself a cup of cold liquid, watching as it foamed and bubbled over the rim. Then she raised her finger and thumb, rubbing them together in front of us. I took a moment to study her before ncing at my partner, who raised an eyebrow in response. I motioned towards the girl with my chin and Horn let out an audible groan before reluctantly cing a couple of gold coins on the table. In the filtered light, her pale skin seemed to gleam as she eagerly scooped up the coins. It suddenly hit me - she wasn¡¯t just the innkeeper¡¯s daughter, she was the innkeeper herself.

    Vampire.

    ¡°There¡¯s a rumor that the daughter of the Seelie Queen is also the granddaughter of Unseelie Queen. I heard a nice little love story of a forbidden love, a son and a daughter, caught up in a moment of passion. Honestly, I¡¯m not sure of that.¡± She leaned back and had a long drink. ¡°If the granddaughter is a line of both royal families, I would guess rape,¡± she waved her hand. ¡°When all the Seelies were killed off there was spection that she was swapped with a human baby. Taboo act right there ¡ª but not umon. I believe some truth is there, because our Queen has been relentless inbing the human realm. And now, all of a sudden, here she is. Over at the courts for all to see.¡± Her hollow eyes nced at the door before she looked back to her half-empty goblet. ¡°Hanging like a puppet on strings.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound very home weing, if she were a changeling.¡± I murmured; my thoughts drifting back to how my mate had wandered in the forest during the darkening. No one was that stupid. She also had questioned about the extended night. There wasn¡¯t any way, was there?

    ¡°Yea... but who cares. So, there¡¯s going to be a battle of the beasts for her hand and General Navid of all people is leading the charge!¡± She let out a wistful sigh, and I almost spilled my drink.

    ¡°Navid?¡±

    ¡°Yes! He¡¯s so dreamy. But I¡¯m surprised he¡¯d actively enter such a tournament when he¡¯s matched. Feels like a p in the face, I wonder if the gods will smite him.¡±

    I drained my drink and got to my feet. Her eyes followed me and she hastily let go of her mug and clutched the arms of her chair in fear. It should have been gratifying to have that kind of effect on a vampire, but I couldn¡¯t waste time on it now. ¡°We could only be so lucky.¡± Hornmented as I strode towards the door. ¡°Tell me anything extra you might know.¡± He handed over another fat, golden coin.

    ¡°Uhhh. Ummm. Oh. Yea.¡± Sheughed nervously. ¡°You can meet her, for a price. You have to schedule an interview with the Seer.¡±

    ¡°Thanks doll.¡± Horn gave her a sly smile and joined me as I made my way to the door. ¡°Are you thinking she¡¯s your match?¡± We were momentarily blinded by the harsh rays of the sun, and someone shouted obscenities at us. I noticed the looming shadow just before it hit us, and I quickly dodged to the side, pushing Horn out of harm¡¯s way with me. I red at the rider in their cart and cursed. Horn stood beside me, likely calcting our next move, but remained quiet as he turned his attention back to me.

    I spun my feet and began to pace. ¡°I don¡¯t know! I have no fucking clue! But it can¡¯t be a coincidence! I need to see her, to be sure.¡±

    ¡°Will you know?¡± I gave him a level look, one that caused him to step back. ¡°Sometimes, Niall, you show your inner colors and they ain¡¯t very bright.¡±

    ¡°Neither are yours.¡± I growled before marching towards the courts.

    The square was a bustling sea of creatures, ranging from women in elegant gowns to children with curious eyes and more men than one could count. Towering buildings, adorned with intricate designs and expensive materials, surrounded us on all sides. In the center of it all stood thergest house I had ever seen, its grandeur and wealth emanating from every inch. My eyes roamed over the crowd, taking in the gleaming ss wall on the opposite end.

    It appeared to be a greenhouse, newly renovated with luxurious red ents that caught my eye. Beyond the ss, I knewy what used to be a beautiful garden of exotic nts, now reced with rich red velvet drapes cascading from the ceiling. Horn was ahead of me, his towering figure scanning the scene before us. He was easily three heads taller than me, a fact that never ceased to amaze me. As we made our way through the crowd, I caught sight of a quaint picket fence marking off a private property to our right. Without hesitation, I leapt onto it for a better vantage point.

    The scene before me stunned me into silence.

    She was a hauntingly beautiful creature. At first nce, I couldn¡¯t help but notice her long, jet ck hair that spilled over her shoulder in a thick braid. Each strand of hair seemed to absorb the surrounding light, creating a stark contrast against her white silk clothes. The fabric draped gracefully over her figure, revealing only her face and hands to the world. As I looked closer, I noticed the glistening beads of sweat on her forehead, the contortion of pain in her features, and the slight trickle of blood from her tightly pressed lips. She was both mesmerizing and terrifying at the same time.

    Her silver eyes, like shards of moonlight trapped in ss, scanned the barrier before her. I doubted they would let her see outside, see the crowd that gawked at her and cursed her, but I imagined she had been told about their presence - given the scowl of resentment etched across her brows. Thick, red velvet ropes were tightly bound around her wrists and ankles, blending in with the luxurious cushions surrounding her. Those who noticed the restraints were more than likely into it. This was no ordinary prisoner; this was the Seelie heir being held deep within enemy territory in the Unseelie kingdom.

    Being a member of neither court, I ran the risk of getting arrested if they found out. I had neverid eyes on an actual royal before, one born with the blood of the gods. Therefore, I couldn¡¯t urately determine who she resembled more. However, one thing was for sure: the small wooden trinket hanging from her gown stood out in contrast to hervish attire.

    They knew she was matched.

    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Horn asked. ¡°I¡¯m thinking it¡¯s a trap.¡±

    He nodded somberly. ¡°I have to agree with you. Even if she isn¡¯t the one, they¡¯re looking for her match to share her fate. Her execution was stayed until they find it.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s join the fight club.¡± I hopped down. ¡°Just like that?¡±

    ¡°Yea, even if she isn¡¯t the one, which I can¡¯t tell without being in the same room as her, I can beat the shit out of Navid.¡±

    He nodded. ¡°I will join as well then.¡± I grinned. ¡°Thought you would.¡±

    As we approached the girl behind the ss, the dense crowd parted like a wave to make way for Horn. I gratefully followed in his wake, using the opportunity to move through the throng of people. The guards ahead were busy organizing and registering participants for the tournament. I stepped out from behind Horn and joined the line, ncing up at the girl behind the ss. Her jaw was tightly clenched, and her lips trembled with tension.

    My eyes narrowed as I studied her closely, noticing a thin red line of blood seeping from between her lips. Was she chewing on the inside of her lips? A wave of horror washed over me as I witnessed her open her mouth, threads of fabric intertwined with her plump lips and a stream of blood trickling down her chin, staining her once pristine gown.

    They had sewn her mouth shut.

    The deep crimson fluid continued to trickle out of her mouth, staining her lips and chin. As she overcame a moment of shock, a wild scream escaped from her throat, sting the surface before her. The mirror cracked with a vicious sharp sound, fracturing from one end to another as she yanked her arms back. The people in the crowded street let out startled screams and jumped away. Through the cracks in the ss she must have heard themotion, as she remained fixated on the mirror, spitting blood onto its surface and screaming something that was too muffled to make out.

    A shiver ran through me as I subconsciously reached up to touch the brand on my shoulder, its faint outline barely visible through the tightly buttoned hide armor around my neck. The room unexpectedly plunged into darkness and I blinked. The sense of movement ahead drew me back to the crowded courtyard and I turned my focus back to the guards. A few of the men ahead of me hesitated and backed out of line, but Horn and I stood our ground and stepped forward.

    As I approached, one guard nodded towards my neck while another leaned in to whisper something to him. ¡°Your match going to be okay with you doing this?¡± He inquired, his dark eyes betraying a seriousness that contradicted the casual tone of his voice. They were certainly hunting.

    ¡°Sure.¡± I said curtly.

    ¡°Mind if we take a look?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I do.¡± I quickly scribbled my signature on the pad and gave them a piercing nce before I turned to leave.

    ¡°We can schedule an interview, with her if ye like. We only need to get a measurement of your blessing beforehand.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I can meet her when I win her.¡±

    I stated firmly, making it clear that I was not interested in meeting her beforehand. While it would be more convenient, I refused to give into their n so easily by revealing our potential match. Horn observed them for a moment more before joining me as we walked away.

 Chapter 8

    CAITLIN?

    The winged woman, with her sharp features and piercing eyes, pinched the bridge of her nose as she towered over me. Iy on my back, feeling the chill of the wooden table beneath me seeping into my bare skin. The room was empty except for us, its emptiness adding to the sense of vulnerability that engulfed me. A single white sheet covered my body, a temporary barrier between me and the unknown. She held my gaze steadily, unnerving me with her long limbs and bony frame. Everything about her was unsettling - I felt too small beneath those beady eyes.

    A slight, petite girl with brown skin and a head full of luscious, dark curls leaned over me with intense focus on my mouth. The tight coils of her hair resembled a glistening bird¡¯s nest, but what caught my attention were the four tiny horns peeking out from within them. Her eyes were narrow and strikingly devoid of whites, insteadpletely overtaken by a deep sea moss green color that only had thin, ck slits for pupils. Her ears barely tapered to a point, leaving me wondering what kind of being she could be. I couldn¡¯t tear my gaze away from her unusual features as she studied me intently.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to heal your mouth now.¡± She spoke with an unusual ent. I nodded in response and she reached out her slender, pointed fingers to cover my mouth. I winced as her grip tightened on my face, feeling the warmth spread from her touch.

    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t understand what the queen is nning.¡± The bird of a Fae sauntered toward me and yanked the cloth off my shoulder. I red at her as she studied the mark. ¡°Out of all the recruits today there were three that had this same curve.¡± Her finger traced the line just under my ear, but her face fell when itnded on the twisted scar from the vampire bite. It marred the skin at my corbone, distorting its shape.

    ¡°What? You don¡¯t like seeing the damage your men caused?¡±

    Her cold gaze flickered to me. ¡°Hired body, that is all. It¡¯s a shame though, because it¡¯s not like we¡¯ll ever be able to find your match without knowing.¡±

    Her hand fell away as her eyes traveled to my back, where fourrge scabs were visible. Two on my shoulder des and two more on my lower ribs. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine¡­¡± She whispered and the wings behind her flicked.

    <i>I bet you can¡¯t. </i>I thought bitterly.

    ¡°You are healed. I would suggest a liquid diet for the next couple hours.¡± The girl released her grip on my mouth and got to her feet. I observed as she curtsied to the falcondy and exited the room.

    Despite being allowed to eat during my time in this strangend, I stubbornly refused. Between that and my smart mouth, the feathered women had sewn my mouth shut, forcing me to subsist on a liquid diet. The queen hadmanded me to be paraded through the city in search of my ¡°match¡±, but the citizens showed little interest or reaction. In a desperate attempt to find him, the queen announced a fierce and barbaric tournament. While she believed it would impress her people, all I could think about was how my potential partner would be wise to leave me behind and seek a happier life elsewhere. The entire concept was absurd. She knew nothing about him, or me for that matter.

    The bitch before me twirled the charm in her fingers while I simply observed. ¡°If only I could make you say what I want you to say.¡± She dropped it in a heavy sigh and clicked her talons against the wooden floor. ¡°I could torture you, but even then, there is no guarantee.¡± She sauntered towards the tall, colorful windows while her long dress trailed along the wooden floor behind her. I observed her movements, the sound of her lethal ws tapping against the smooth surface of the wood. Without hesitation, I rose from my seat, letting the sheet slipped to the ground. She remained fixated on the view beyond the ss, unaware of my presence. ncing back at the door, which was still open from earlier, I quietly made a beeline for it, careful not to make any noise as I crossed the polished floorboards.

    It happened too fast.

    The sensation was strange at first. The rough skin around her talons tightened as she curled them around my forearm, the uneven skin pinching the tender flesh of my wrist. I couldn¡¯t look away from her, even as I continued forward. A small cloud of feathers obscured us from the sunlight filtering through the trees, and I couldn¡¯t help but widen my eyes as each sharp w pierced into my arm in session.

    A blood-curdling scream ripped from my throat as the sharp talons dug into my bone, sending searing hot pain coursing through every nerve in my body. The winged Fae flung me across the room, crashing into the wall with a sickening thud. Debris rained down on me as I cradled my maimed limb, feeling the warm trickle of blood running down my arm. My hands trembled uncontrobly and bile rose in my throat, a reminder of my recent liquid diet now turned to ash in my mouth. Standing tall by the door, she calmly fixed her hair before turning to look at me. I red up at her with all the rage I could muster, but it was nothingpared to the intense hatred burning in her eyes. Her wings unfurled behind her, a menacing disy of power and dominance. I struggled to sit up from the floor, whimpering in pain as I avoided looking at her. My arm throbbed and pulsated with agony, rendering my fingers useless.

    ¡°Such a pathetic creature, you¡¯re no better than the humans who raised you.¡± With a resounding m, she stormed out of the room and left me sitting there, alone. As the door clicked shut behind her, I couldn¡¯t help but smirk at her dramatic exit, but as I gazed towards the closed door, I realized that she had made a grave mistake. In one swift motion, I grabbed the pendant around my neck and ripped it off. A surge of energy bubbled out of me, through the connection, filling it with the storm of emotions raging beneath the surface. It was like something had been missing from me, a vital piece of myself that had been cut off. And in that moment, as I held the charm in my hand, it was reconnected to me - he was reconnected to me. The bond between us had been restored, stronger than ever.

    <i>Caitlin?!</i> His voice screamed inside my head. I jerked upright, his voice was too loud, but most importantly, so close! I could practically feel him standing next to me, upying the same space as if he were already there.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    My heart hammered against my chest as the wall suddenly lurched forward, ripping a terrorced scream out of me. The creature, a grotesque and ghostly being made entirely of wooden nks, dropped to the ground with lightning speed. Its elongated form scraped and stretched along the floor with a bone-chilling shriek, like nails on a chalkboard. Fear paralyzed me as I watched its twisted figure slither towards me within seconds.

    <i>What¡¯s wrong?! What¡¯s happening?</i>

    My body was locked uppletely as the creature loomed over me, its movements unnaturally fast and fluid. It seemed to materialize out of the wood itself, its form twisting and contorting, the face a mirror image of my own face but with a wicked, malevolent grin. Without a word, it reached out and snatched the ne from my trembling hands, cing it back around my neck with a sickly satisfaction. It cruelly curled its fingers around my throat in a vice-like grip, ensuring the charm was securely looped within its grasp before breaking off its own digits with a sickening snap. It looked at me knowingly, smirking. I watched as it dissolved into the wooden floor, leaving behind only the faint smell of lemon and acid as evidence that it had ever been there.

 Chapter 9

    NIALL

    I ran my hand through my hair, exhausted from searching for hours in the blocks to the north. I was sure I had just missed her by a hair¡¯s breadth. So close! Frustration and determination fueled my steps as I paced in another circle. I passed by Horn - who had given up following me to flirt with some girls on the street. His ck eye and bruised cheek were clear signs of his recent fight.

    ¡°Niall.¡± Horn¡¯s voice boomed. ¡°Stop. There¡¯s nothing you can do.¡±

    ¡°I can kick the door open to each and every one of these houses.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care how much of a badass your race is, you couldn¡¯t possibly take on all those species. Come over here, Summer here is offering a two for one special.¡± I frowned and looked back over, giving the girls a quick once over. Female orcs, lean bodies and tight asses. Pink and blue. ¡°A clear head will help you think.¡±

    ¡°Horn.¡± I snarled. ¡°I was just given to another by the gods, and you¡¯re suggesting that I sleep with a fucking whore?¡±

    ¡°Fuck you pal!¡± The pink one snapped.

    ¡°Who do you think you are?¡± The blue one advanced on me, only to have Horn gently tug her by the hand.

    ¡°Easy there, he meant no disrespect. He¡¯s just not in the right mind. Let me buy you girls a ss of wine in apology.¡± They red at me, but I was already turning to continue my search.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we ever got the opportunity to meet.¡± Said a voice I didn¡¯t recognize, but the presence of an absolute shit fuck gave him away. A heavy weight settled in my chest and I turned to face the man, who sat alone at a table surrounded by bustling lunch crowds. His long hair was tied back in a bun, and he seemedpletely at ease as he stared up at me expectedly. A cup of untouched mud water sat on the quant table before him, the warm aromas mixing pleasantly in the air. Anyone else would have a sense offort - but what the fuck was this shitbag doing here?

    ¡°I was hoping to meet you in the rink.¡± I replied dryly.

    A grin spread across his face, and surprisingly, he didn¡¯t look like aplete jerk. What an rmingly perfect fa?ade. ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll have the opportunity soon enough. You should sit and eat with me; I think we have some things to talk about.¡± He pushed a chair out and nced back, waiting for me to take a seat. I grabbed onto the backrest and leaned forward towards the table and bared my teeth.

    ¡°I have enough things to do already than to sit with cheating scum like you.¡±

    His smile deepened. ¡°I can see how that would be really personal to you.¡± He pointed to my neck, where the silver curves kissed my ear. ¡°I can¡¯t help but feel¡­¡± He drew out the word and stood to his feet, peaking under my cor. ¡°That¡­ I¡¯ve seen something really¡­ really simr.¡± He reclined in his chair, locking eyes with me while he wet his lips. He idly yed with his bottom lip, a dangerous glint in his gaze. ¡°What would be the odds, that while you were fucking my matched, I was fucking yours?¡±

    My eyes narrowed.

    ¡°Actually, now I¡¯m really wondering. Her blood, you see, did such an amazing thing. And, I thought it might be of some value, so I helped myself to a vile.¡± He plucked out a ss vile and held it up between us.

    ¡°You¡¯re disgusting.¡±

    ¡°Yea, probably. But do me a favor, take a whiff.¡± The moment he pulled out the cork, a whirlwind of emotions hit me like a ton of bricks. The scent of blood filled my senses, igniting a primal response within me. I knew that she was mine, and that were now bonded for life by the gods, but at the same time, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of fear and uncertainty. Where was she? What did he do to her? Why the fuck did he have her blood in his pocket? My mind raced with questions about the source of the blood in the jar and a deep, uncontroble rage threatened to consume me. Yet all I could do was stare at him as an explosion of unmeasurable rage consumed my heart.

    His smile faded and soon disappointment took its ce. He reached for the cork to seal the bottle, but I grabbed it before he could.

    ¡°What is it to you, if she¡¯s not yours?¡± He demanded, his voice dripping with irritation at my unexpected action. I defiantly tipped the bottle into my mouth, relishing the sensation of the warm liquid sliding down my throat. With a flick of my wrist, I tossed the empty ss down the alley and watched as it shattered against the stone street.

    For a moment, there was only silence. Then, a slow smile spread across his face, revealing teeth that gleamed in the sunlit patio. I couldn¡¯t deny the thrill that coursed through me. The blood from the broken bottle settled in my stomach, warming me and strengthening me from within. It was rich, thick, and sultry- like liquid fire coursing through my veins. In that moment, I felt invincible, unstoppable.

    ¡°How interesting.¡± Navid breathed. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen <i>you </i>before. I should have known you weren¡¯t from around here, such a long journey you had. What <i>are you</i>? No, don¡¯t answer that. I¡¯d rather just dissect you. But, well. We¡¯ll see, won¡¯t we?¡± He leaned forward and I palmed a small de beneath my sleeve. ¡°You are her matched, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°You would like that, wouldn¡¯t you?¡± A low growl escaped my lips. It was unlike anything I had ever hearde from myself before. My voice felt foreign, wrong somehow. He flinched and paled, but quickly recovered by shrugging and taking a step back.

    ¡°Well, I have things to do. A fight to get ready for. A girl to fuck, or two.¡± Heughed and turned away. ¡°One to kill¡­¡± He muttered, just loud enough for me to hear. I watched with intent as he confidently strutted away. My gaze shifted to my reflection for a moment, but whatever transformation had urred was long since gone. I turned back to face Navid and gripped a thin dagger tightly between my fingers before trailing behind him. I knew I was falling into his scheme, but I had to find out what he had done with her. She belonged to me.

    As expected, I fell right into his trap. It didn¡¯t take long for me to encounter a massive stone ogre, most likely a result of unnatural breeding between an ogre and an earth elemental. This abomination was not born willingly in the natural world, and its existence would surely lead to the death of any female involved in its creation. The ogre locked eyes with me, and I wondered just how much control it had over the elements.

    ¡°Thank you foring all the way after me, really.¡± Navid remarked from his elevated position. He sat atop a stone railing, as if it were his own fucking throne. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get away from all these pleasantries. We¡¯re going to kill you unless you give me some answers.¡± His voice grew dark and deadly serious. My own determination matched his as I stared down at the monster before me. The scent on this monster was the strongest yet, she radiated off him like this own fucking perfume, but I had a feeling it was a bag tied to his waist. One soaked with blood.

    ¡°Navid, you¡¯re going to have to wait your turn.¡± I said coldly, staring down at my new opponent. ¡°You.¡± I spat at the monster. ¡°You have something that is <i>mine</i>.¡±

    Navid reclined in his seat, a smug expression on his face. My response gave him the exact rification he was looking for. ¡°Skullcrusher, try not to kill him. I think the queen will be very interested to meet him.¡±

    Fuck. Where the hell was Horn? These fuckers needed to learn a lesson about who they were dealing with. It was time for me to step up. ¡°Let me give you a fair warning, there is possibly only one way to kill me. You gotta dip heated iron in white ash. But as metal is such a rare, toxic poison, good luck finding any sharp enough to pierce my heart.¡± I grinned as I backed away from the creature. It inched closer, taking one enormous step towards me.

    ¡°You lie.¡± It dered.

    ¡°Nope, my ancestors found a near immortal way of life. And I was cursed with it when I was a young boy just like all those before me. And that was two thousand years ago.¡±

    ¡°How fascinating.¡± Navid mumbled. I swiftly avoided arge club adorned with disfigured skulls that shed together. With a smirk, I flicked my finger upwards and one of the skulls flew up, striking the beast square in the face.

    ¡°Wind affiliate!¡± It howled in anger. I shook my head, but their history lesson was over. It was time. I side-stepped another swing and dematerialized into the shadows. With one swift movement, I disappeared from not only their sight, but also the keen eyes of a dull-eyed vampire who sat upright in shock. From my vantage point above, I studied them with my little snout and lengthy whiskers. I scuttled along a clothesline until I was positioned directly above the ogre. He was alert, scanning his surroundings and relying on his poor hearing. I would have to be precise in my aim; his skin appeared to be incredibly tough.

    With a feral snarl, Iunched myself off the clothesline like a rabid animal. My body contorted and ripped open, transforming into a monstrous form with razor-sharp ws and teeth. In an instant, I had my enemy in my sights, my obsidian de ready to strike at his most vulnerable spot. But as I lunged forward, he saw meing and dodged at thest second. In a frenzy of rage and desperation, I swung my sword with all my might, only to have it snap in half against his unyielding body.

    He retaliated by grabbing me with a vice-like grip, throwing me against the wall with brutal force. As I tumbled down the unforgiving cobblestone, I could taste blood in my mouth and feel the bones in my body snapping under the impact. But even as I struggled to get up, to heal faster, he was already on me, mming me into yet another wall with that fucking club. All around me, I could hear hisckeys cheering him on. I needed only a minute! Navid watched intently, curiosity burning in his eyes.

    ¡°Shifty piece of shit.¡± Skullcrusher bellowed.

    ¡°How can he be a wind affiliate and shapeshift?¡± A skinny half-bred goblin asked the vampire.

    ¡°It¡¯s a trick.¡± The vampire said, although he didn¡¯t sound convinced.

    I staggered to my feet, spitting out blood and wiping it away with the back of my hand. With a fierce determination, I summoned all of my mental strength and grabbed Skullcrusher¡¯s club with my mind, sending it soaring upwards with twice the force he had used against me. The impact was brutal as it struck him in the head, causing him to stumble backwards and fall onto his back with a loud thud. Seizing the opportunity, I sank down onto the hard cobblestone ground, feeling its rough surface beneath my palms.

    With a deep growl, I focused my power into the earth itself, causing it to rumble and shift beneath us. Suddenly, a massive fissure appeared in the road, swallowing up half of the ogre. I knew this wouldn¡¯t hold him for long - as an earth element himself, he could easily escape. Depending on how much control he had over the element anyway. There was no way for me to pierce his skin without a working de, unfortunately even with the shards of the one whichid to my left, the spell had been shattered as well. I wouldn¡¯t kill the beast today - I couldn¡¯t.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Navid¡¯s concern grew as he observed me approach the ogre and retrieve the sack from his belt. I feared the worst.

    I waspletely unprepared for what was inside. My blood ran cold as I finally dared to look up. Navid had disappeared, leaving behind the vampire and goblin who were now watching me with curiosity, oblivious to being abandoned.

    ¡°Do you want them? You won them. Skullcrusher ain¡¯t getting up for some time,¡± the goblin observed.

    ¡°You cut off her wings?¡±

    ¡°So she wouldn¡¯t escape. She¡¯s a ward of the Unseelie court,¡± the vampire whispered as he chewed on his nails. ¡°I can still remember her blood. I can¡¯t stop thinking about it.¡± The vampire¡¯s expression was distant, as if he were lost in thought. I gestured with my chin and the it¡¯s neck twisted unnaturally to the side with a sickening crack. His lifeless body slumped to the ground, and nonchntly, I pulled a wooden stake from my boot.

    ¡°Whoa! What gives?!¡± The goblin cried as he jumped down, debating on whether to protect the vampire or flee.

    My de plunged into the vampire¡¯s heart, and I mercilessly crushed it beneath my boot. ¡°You despicable, loathsome creature. You cut off her wings!¡± Enraged, I grabbed the goblin by its scrawny neck, causing it to pale in fear. My face contorted into something dark and menacing and my jaw dislocated effortlessly. ¡°Now, I will eat you.¡±

 Chapter 9.2

    Navid stayed hidden from my sight after that. The girl trapped inside the ss room also vanished. Rumors circted that she may have perished or been taken to the pce, but I couldn¡¯t confirm anything. My focus was consumed by the enemy in front of me, leaving little room for thoughts of what I could not see. I took on the guise of the goblin, even walking through the city with its face, yet no one approached me. Navid remained elusive. His scent nonexistent. Did he know my true identity? Unlikely. The goblin¡¯s voice lingered in my mind, so I finally let go and returned to my original form. Since then, I had emerged victorious in numerous fights, while Horn also continued to seed in his own arenas.

    Songs were already being sung about him. When I was pretending to be the goblin, we had him appear in the first several fights, hoping Navid woulde out with me nowhere in sight. But it didn¡¯t work; he stayed hidden from the public view.

    As I entered the room shared between Horn and me, the orc¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. But after a moment, he seemed content with what he saw. He rxed onto his bed with a satisfied expression.R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

    ¡°d to see you back with yer shit face. Scared the hell out of me when you first showed up with that goblin, didn¡¯t suit you.¡±

    I sat on my own bed andbed out my hair. ¡°Do you think he went with the princess?¡± Horn turned on his side and sighed loudly. ¡°Navid? I¡¯m assuming is who you are talking about. And by princess, do you mean the Seelie one? The one who was taken back to the queen¡¯s court?¡±

    ¡°Obviously that¡¯s what I¡¯m fucking talking about.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not talking to you with the attitude you have. You need to getid.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you.¡±

    ¡°Hard pass.¡±

    I shot him a re before turning and marching right back out of the room. We were both sporting bruises and injuries from theme ass excuse of a tournament. But with fights happening back to back, there was no time to properly heal. I pushed open the front door and took a deep breath of fresh air. The sun was setting, and it would soon be dark, a rare urrence in the Unseeliends. This meant a night of festivities and celebration. Perhaps I would take the time to find something to enjoy. To drown myself in. Or someone.

    The shape shifter standing before me was a strange sight. In my opinion, at least. They had the ability to transform into anyone they desired. So it¡¯s no surprise that I was taken aback when I saw my own face staring back at me. My unruly dark hair obscured one of my eyes, and a scar sliced through my eyebrow on the other side. Another scar cut across my lips and trailed down my neck - a reminder of a close encounter that left me shaken.

    As I spun the de in my hand, we began to pace around each other. His movements were perfectly synchronized with mine, as if he were my reflection in a mirror.

    ¡°You know, your ability is very impressive. What I wouldn¡¯t give to be able to do that without consuming the person, or thing, that I want to be. Do you have a family? I would love to harvest you, keep you as stock.¡± I winked at him, only half lying. I would eat an entire generation of their kind to ensure I could keep the ability to take a face without taking a life. I was also trying to throw him off guard, which seemed to have worked.

    Without hesitation, I struck out and caught him off guard. He jumped out of my reach, but not before my attack left a deep gash on the underside of his arm and blood began to flow freely. He let out a pained cry and scrambled away. I tasted the blood on my fingers, my intensely dark eyes locked onto his. His face contorted with horror as mine shifted into an exact copy of his own. It onlysted for a moment, but it achieved my desired result.

    I couldn¡¯t risk him using my own body against me, copying every move I made with ease. With a primal growl, Iunched myself towards him and unleashed a relentless barrage of blows. The hapless fool never stood a chance. He stumbled back, bloodied and disorientated - I grabbed his head and smashed it brutally against my knee, feeling the satisfying crunch of skull fragments beneath my skin. The crowd erupted into a frenzy, almost rabid in their bloodlust as they witnessed the vicious fight. I tore open my opponent¡¯s skull and greedily consumed his exposed brain.

    A deafening silence fell over the tavern as I knelt down and continued to devour him. My body trembled with an animalistic transformation, fully embracing the feral nature that lurked within me.

    The distinct noise of metal scraping against metal reverberated throughout the room, causing me to look up ande face to face with the deadly end of a human weapon. The iron sang in the air, hissing its poison for all Fae ears. The guard holding it had a stern expression and disgust reflected in his eyes. There was no hint of fear in the man. In response, I released my grip on the shape shifter and took a step back, trying to appear non-threatening with a forced smile on my blood-stained face.

    ¡°So sorry, couldn¡¯t help myself. I¡¯ve nevere across one before, and I had to try.¡± Had to try and preserve him in some way. I could already feel him slipping out of my grasp, eating him alone wasn¡¯t enough. Worth the shot.

    I kept moving backwards, my hands raised in surrender until a strong hand grabbed the top of my head and turned me around to face the door. ¡°We¡¯ll take our leave now,¡± Horn called out as he hurriedly led me out onto the dark, empty street. As soon as the door shut behind us, he shoved me with a force that knocked me off bnce and sent me face first onto the rough cobblestone pavement. ¡°What in bloody hell is wrong with you?!¡± As soon as I stood up, he grabbed me by the neck and forcefully pushed me away from the bar. ¡°Ye¡¯ve never done that in public before! Why would ye go and take such a chance like that?!¡± He tried to push me once more, but I quickly jumped out of his grasp.

    ¡°Shove me again and see what happens!¡±

    Anger pulsed through his body, causing veins in his face and neck to twitch. He roared at me and mmed his fist into the wall, causing the entire building to shake. When he turned back to face me, he continued to bellow in my face. Unamused, I crossed my arms in defiance. After a few long minutes of pure, unadulterated rage, he finally calmed down enough to give me a heated re over his shoulder. I raised an eyebrow in response.

    ¡°Ah ye piss off.¡± He angrily spat and walked away, probably headed to the nearest bar. I saw him leave and quickly spat out a small piece of bone before turning my attention to my next goal.

    ¡°So, tell me how it works.¡± I jumped back when I heard <i>his </i>voice from above, but it only took me a second to spot him. He had been walking next to me the whole time, the chicken shit lingering on the roof the entire time. ¡°That was a very entertaining showcase you did back there. You actually <i>eat </i>people. You are the very definition of a monster, yet you aren¡¯t Unseelie.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe down here and find out?¡± I snarled.

    He feigned a shiver and continued walking, not even bothering to look my way. I followed him like a predator stalking its prey. ¡°Still though, his brains?¡± He pretended to gag. ¡°Is it always the brains? Did you eat my goblin friend¡¯s brains?¡±

    ¡°That bastard wasn¡¯t your friend, he told me many things.¡± As we reached the end of the street, he swerved and led us down a different path. Instead of leaping to the nearby building or going downwards, he navigated above a shadowy alleyway.

    ¡°Yea, true enough. Still doesn¡¯t answer my question, indulge me. One of us will be dying soon anyway.¡±

    ¡°What makes you think that I¡¯d tell you anything?¡±

    He clicked his tongue disapprovingly. I saw a stack of trash cans up ahead and quickly did the math in my head. ¡°Your little fairy darling, you know it¡¯s because of me she¡¯s here? True story,¡± the bins passed us by as we kept walking, I was mildly distracted. ¡°I was stationed in the human world off and on for thest ten years. Really put a dab on my rtionship. Foul creatures. I actually met her a long time ago, although, shame on me, I didn¡¯t realize. Anyway, long story short I finally found her. Surrounded by Seelie guards, remnants anyway. We killed most of them, lost her. Had to hunt her down by using a Naga. Nasty creatures,¡± <i>now </i>he actually shivered in disgust. ¡°Somehow, by some means, she actually ended up here of her own ord. It was so convenient, I just couldn¡¯t believe myself.¡±

    ¡°You talk a lot,¡± the story was boring, and not nearly anything I cared for.

    He let out a sigh and hopped down before another bar scene, where I could hear a fight raging inside. He turned to look at me with a calm expression, one that didn¡¯t reveal any emotions. It was probably the most genuine look I had seen on the bastard. ¡°The point is, do you really want her? There is so much baggage. Unseelie wants her dead, Seelie wants her for themselves. I don¡¯t know what either is nning, but being thrust in the mix of it sounds like hell.¡± He shook his head, banishing whatever emotion had taken hold of him. My hands ached to reach out and grab him, but out location made me think twice.

    ¡°Where have you guided me?¡± I asked.

    He gestured towards the door, a dark glint appearing in his eyes. ¡°Come on now, it¡¯s our turn.¡± A grin spread across his face, revealing his sharp teeth and hinting at a fierce battle toe. I couldn¡¯t resist the urge to smile back, mirroring his expression.

    Fuck yea.

 Chapter 10.1

    <b>Anguish</b>

    CAITLIN

    It had been over three weeks since Istid eyes on the radiant sun, its warm rays now a distant memory. Time was marked by my meager daily meal - my captors only fed me once a day, a sodden meal that sustained my body but not my spirit. And all around me, other ves toiled endlessly from dawn until dusk.

    From my cage, I could see down into the mine below, though I never knew what they were mining for. But whatever it was, it must have been precious, for the rocks glimmered like diamonds and shone like stars in the dim light. The walls surrounding me were obsidian ck, sturdy and imprable save for the missing chunks allowing me a glimpse of the outside world. Other cages like mine, filled with female prisoners or even two squeezed together, lined the dim and deste hallway, a grim reminder of our hopeless fate.

    A warm feeling of contentment filled my chest as I reflected on the fact that I had, against all odds, made a friend. By my side was a fellow human, or at least I believed her to be so. It was difficult to discern in this dark underground world where sight seemed almost irrelevant. But she, like me, had grown up in the human realm.

    In the past weeks, we had shared countless tales of our homes, each taking turns describing the uniquendscapes and simple creatures of our respective worlds. I had offeredfort to her after enduring harsh treatment from the guards, teaching her how to weave intricateces as a distraction. And she, in return, had repeatedly requested for me to describe in vivid detail the pieces I had created for my Queen - an indulgence I happily obliged. Together, we found sce in our shared experiences and forged a bond that transcended our current predicament.

    We regaled each other with lists of our favorite treats, festivals, and seasonal traditions. Ruby shared recipes with me, her tone of voice heightened in her excitement. I struggled to put into words the way the solitary sun of that world illuminated the courtyard gardens with aforting warmth each evening, and how we would gather there to discuss our homes and aspirations.

    Despite our dire circumstances, we had found sce in our new friendship. Ruby wouldn¡¯t reveal much about her capture, only that she had been stolen from her homnds and brought here against her will. My growing fondness for the girl only heightened my concern for her safety, but I had troubles of my own to deal with. Troubles that seemed insurmountable in this strange and cruel ce.

    The Unseelie Queen hadn¡¯t made an appearance to me. Her guards didn¡¯t even ask questions on her behalf. I was left here to think that I would waste away.

    ¡°Caitlin?¡± I heard her gentle voice murmur from the wall. I had been attempting to clean myself with the stained bowl next to me, using a scrap of fabric torn from my gown. I shuffled over to the wall and leaned against it, cing my hand against the cool surface. The sounds of people being forced to work echoed up towards our location. ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡±

    The poor girl was easily frightened. ¡°I know, Ruby. I know.¡± I hushed. What else could I do? The dreaded, familiar bang of the heavy wooden door at the end of the hallway reverberated through the cages and I jumped. ¡°What the hell do they want? They were just here,¡± I spat.

    ¡°They¡¯vee to take me!¡± She cried.

    ¡°It will be okay; they did note to take you.¡± I reassured. I wasn¡¯tpletely sure, though. I nced upwards as a trio of guards approached, and one casually leaned against the bars of my cell.

    ¡°She¡¯s really dirty, but you should have seen her when she first came. Goddess in rags I tell you.¡± An elf licked his lips before speaking. The man next to him, a neer, appeared human except for the top of his head. Instead of hair, he had wispy branches and tangled roots protruding out.

    ¡°She really is,¡± He took a deep breath and then shifted his hands to fiddle with his pants. I was taken aback as I watched him expose himself to me and start stroking. ¡°Come here, give me a good suck.¡±

    Repulsed, I recoiled. My heart was hammering in my chest, the rhythmic beats pounding against my eardrums. Never before had I ever... I frantically clutched the charm around my neck, desperate for some sort of protection. Many times over I attempted to rid myself of the cursed wooden fingers that remained stubbornly attached. With trembling hands, I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to transport myself back to happier times, desperately trying to drown out his guttural grunts and the sickening stench of his presence.

    The othersughed and in a shockingly small amount of time I realized they were moving on to Ruby¡¯s cage. I whirled around just in time to see the woond creature send a kiss in my direction before slipping out of sight.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± She asked in a voice that trembled. I could hear the sound of the bone keys jingling in her hand. Something I had observed during my time here was the absence of any iron or metal objects. At first, it struck me as odd, but now it seemed like a normal part of life here.

    Iunched myself towards the wooden bars, my hands gripping them with white-knuckled intensity. A guttural scream ripped from my throat as I stood face to face with the woond man. He loomed over me, snarling as his hand shot out and grabbed my cor, cutting off my air supply. His eyes flicked down to the silver threads of my brand, then back up to meet my defiant gaze. I bared my teeth in a feral threat, refusing to cower in fear as adrenaline surged through my veins.

    ¡°It¡¯s such a pity, your wless skin being ruined like that.¡± He ripped apart the front of my gown and forcefully grasped my breast, relishing in his own pleasure. I resisted and pushed back against him, trying to break free.

    Ruby¡¯s screams filled the air as two figures dragged her out of the small, cramped cage. Trapped and helpless, she fought against their grasp, her nails scraping against wooden bars.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    ¡°Let her go!¡± I cried out, but my voice was drowned out by Ruby¡¯s desperate pleas for mercy.

    The guards emerged from the cage, their hands tightly gripping Ruby¡¯s arms as they forced a sack over her head. She thrashed and writhed in their grasp, her body shaking in terror as she begged for release.

    ¡°Where are you taking her?!¡± I demanded. The man who had been groping me seized the back of my neck in a crushing grip, forcing his mouth onto mine with a roughness that made my teeth ache. His intrusive tongue invaded my mouth, iming what little agency I had left. With a dark and twisted smile, he turned on his heels and left me to suffer. The other girls, trapped in their cages like I was, either watched with horrified fascination or cowered in the corners, too afraid to do anything. Hot tears streamed down my face as I trembled in fear and pain, copsing onto my raw and scabbed knees. In a moment of weakness, I let out a pitiful whimper, feeling utterly powerless and broken.

    ¡°Miss?¡± Someone whispered. My eyes traveled up to meet the gaze of the girl sitting across from me. She was like a goddess, with her ethereal beauty and graceful demeanor. However, she had told me before that she was a nymph, not a deity. Nymphs were essentially the children of elementals, and they only ever appeared as young girls.

    I sniffed and wiped my nose on my dirtied sleeve. ¡°Yes Poppy?¡± I had told her many times to call me by my name.

    ¡°You are a product of the magic all around us. You are a descendant of the gods, able to tap into the most primal source of all. The soul.¡± She pressed her body against the bars. She attempted to educate me on historical events thesest few weeks, but I didn¡¯t always grasp the meaning behind them. ¡°If anyone can save Ruby, can save us all, it is you.¡± It didn¡¯t go unnoticed how she said her name, how she had <i>always </i>said her name.

    ¡°I have tried Poppy, gods I have tried. Like Ruby had suggested, maybe the Unseelie queen is keeping me blocked.¡±

    Poppy pressed against the barriers of her cage with more force, her emerald tresses cascading down her bare shoulders. She paid no mind to herck of clothing. ¡°Caitlin, that <i>was </i>the Unseelie queen. She¡¯s been fooling you. I don¡¯t know why, nor do I understand why she has left. As it gave me the perfect opportunity to tell you. Something is happening, something is changing.¡±

    ¡°Ruby can¡¯t be the Unseelie queen, she¡¯s my age.¡± I stated.

    Poppy shook her head. ¡°She is immortal, she doesn¡¯t age. It doesn¡¯t mean she can¡¯t be killed. But please, forget all of that. Just try, one more time. Try to break the shackles around your neck.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t, Poppy. I¡¯ve <i>tried</i>.¡± I pleaded with her, my voice shaking as I tried to make her see. But as the words left my mouth, I felt myself crumbling even more. Exhaustion and hunger weighed heavily on me, and I couldn¡¯t help but turn away from her and lean against the cold stone wall. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me- disbelief, betrayal, and sadness all intertwined. How could Ruby, my friend, be the Unseelie queen? Was every moment we spent together just a lie? My trembling hand reached up to touch my lips, still tasting him. And with each tear that fell down my face, I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of his hand on my breast.

 Chapter 10.2

    I huddled into a tight ball, my body trembling uncontrobly as waves of agony crashed over me like scaldingva. The pain was overwhelming, suffocating, and I could feel it emanating from the hundreds of people below who shared in my suffering. Their cries and wails only fueled my own grief, until it consumed me entirely. My heart pounded against my chest, each beat a deafening drum that echoed throughout the dark void. With every scream and cry echoing in my mind, I couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. I unleashed a guttural howl, releasing all of my anguish and despair into the air. It was a primal scream, raw and loud enough to match the horror unfolding below. The cages rattled with the weight of their imprisoned souls.

    The ground beneath me convulsed violently, jerking me off bnce as I instinctively reached for the bars that were no longer there. The chaos around me was deafening as people screamed and the earth shook with unbridled fury. My room was torn apart in a matter of seconds, the ceiling copsing in on itself as Poppy dragged me into the hallway amidst a flurry of panicked girls. Her eyes zed with an icy yellow fire, like a frozen poppy buried beneath the unforgiving grip of winter¡¯s grasp.

    ¡°I told you! Now let¡¯s move!¡± She twined her slightly hued fingers through mine and yanked me towards the door just as the rest of my room fell to the depths below. In the direct candlelight I could now see her, see her color. She was fair, like myself, that much was for sure. But it had a near emerald hue to it. It was, <i>she </i>was breathtaking.

    We darted after the other girls into a maze of narrow, twisting tunnels. The darkness here seemed to press in on us all and panic seized us as we hesitated, each unsure of where to go. But there was no time for indecision as shouts echoed above, reminding us that danger was close behind. The mountain trembled beneath our feet and guards began to mobilize. In just one heartbeat, we all scattered in different directions, each of us on our own.

    I followed Poppy¡¯s lead, her hand tracing along the walls as if she weremunicating with the very earth itself. We sprinted blindly through thebyrinth of tunnels, pausing only briefly before picking up the pace again. My weakened and starved body ached and begged for rest, but fear fueled my legs as we pushed on.

    Finally, Poppy came to a sudden stop and I crashed into her back, gasping for air. We stumbled out into arger, darker tunnel and I let out a small shriek as I rolled to the ground. Poppy spat out dirt and scanned our surroundings with wide eyes, knowing that we were not safe yet.

    ¡°This is a wyrm tunnel. I wasn¡¯t sure what it was, now I don¡¯t know which is safer. Staying here or going back into the mines.¡±

    ¡°Staying here,¡± I stated with an obvious tone.

    Her expression conveyed the message that I was naive and didn¡¯t understand the situation. She let out a deep breath and scanned our surroundings once again before standing up, signaling for me to do the same. ¡°Perhaps, let¡¯s hope we won¡¯t regret our decision. Come on, this one will be less winding.¡±

    As we emerged from the tunnel, I was taken aback to find ourselves in the midst of a deep forest at dusk. We both scrambled up some nearby rocks to get a better view of the starry night sky. In unison, we breathed deeply and felt our bodies rx.

    ¡°Your eyes glow like the silver moon, I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve ever been told that.¡± Poppy said after a moment of silence. ¡°Like your blessing, and I think like your wings once did.¡± She gave me a knowing look and I couldn¡¯t help but look away.

    ¡°How did you know?¡±

    Poppy gently patted my back as she spoke. ¡°I have been alive for a very long time, and I was an advisor to your mother,¡± she said with a slight sideways hug. ¡°Caitlin, I know your real name. And I must confess, I am the one who switched you with another child. I reversed your age and transformed you from a young child back into a baby, then ced you in the care of a human couple who had recently lost their own child in the night. I made sure they never knew the pain of losing their baby.¡±

    I shut my eyes and drew in a sharp breath, gritting my teeth. When I opened them again, I fixed her with a firm gaze. She stayed quiet, waiting for me to speak. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t want anything to do with the Seelie or Unseelie Courts. The person I am today is my own, and the person I was born to be is dead. I only want to find a ce of my own and live a quiet, normal life. Please do not tell me anything that I do not want to hear.¡±

    As I finished speaking, her expression turned into a frown. However, she quickly nodded and gave my arm aforting rub. ¡°Should you have any questions, all you need to do is ask. Now, let¡¯s get out of here. We¡¯ll go through the forest; with my help we¡¯ll be long gone before they are able to send out search parties.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t we get lost?¡±

    Sheughed; the sound was enchanting. ¡°Not with me we won¡¯t, there¡¯s no possible way.¡±

    Each step through the forest felt like a familiar path, as if she had walked through her own front door. She gracefully dodged low-hanging branches and skillfully avoided sharp rocks, warning me of their presence with ease. We both went barefoot, but for her it seemed like second nature, while I missed my shoes dearly. They had been a part of me my entire life, and now their absence was keenly felt. She led me deeper into the heart of the forest, where the air was charged with energy and the water shimmered in silver hues.

    As we approached a secluded clearing, she wasted no time shedding her potato sack of a dress and diving headfirst into the water. I couldn¡¯t help but wince at the loud ssh, but as I followed suit and entered the surprisingly warm water, any difort melted away. The heat from the water was almost palpable against my skin, contrasting with the cool summer breeze that surrounded us.

    I took a moment to soak my feet in the peacefulness of our surroundings before slowly sinking into the water myself. As my knees and legs disappeared out of sight, I scooped up handfuls of the liquid and watched,pletely mesmerized, as silver ripples danced in my palms.

    ¡°This world is so magical, sometimes I forget it¡¯s the home of monsters.¡± Ever so gently, I lowered my hands and tilted my head to look up into the sky. The three moons hung overhead, casting a silvery glow over thendscape. Two shone brightly, onerger than the others, while the third had a slight purplish tint to it. I stood there for what felt like an eternity, mesmerized by the celestial bodies above. It was as if time had stopped and all that remained were me and the moons. I had half the sense Poppy was watching me and I flicked my gaze in her direction. Her face peeked out from beneath the water¡¯s surface, her eyes curious and watchful. The moons seemed to dance in her reflection, creating a magical aura around her.

    ¡°Sit with me,¡± shemanded. Her unexpected voice interrupted the peaceful and all-consuming silence. Following her instructions, I let the water flow over my breasts. Instantly, a feeling of wholeness, warmth, and happiness washed over me. I almost believed that my wings had magically reappeared, but as soon as I nced behind me, reality set in. She took hold of the charm around my neck and studied its wooden design, tracing the shape with her fingers. ¡°Awe, I know this work.¡±

    I opened my mouth to speak, but stopped myself short when she effortlessly broke apart the wooden ring that I had struggled with for so long. I felt his presence wrap around me from behind like a gentle nket of pine, and a sense offort and peace wash over me. It was like a gentle purr, humming contentedly in my mind. His silence made me think he must be asleep.

    ¡°What did you do?¡± A wave of dread washed over me as I whispered, overwhelmed by the realization. At that moment, I knew I didn¡¯t want him in my mind. I craved the ability to silence his presence and escape into my own thoughts. The freedom that came with it.

    She frowned, which seemed to be the usual response to whatever I had to say. ¡°I freed you to return to your lover.¡±

    ¡°He is not my lover.¡± I nearly shouted.

    ¡°Oh please, you¡¯re matched.¡±

    I wanted to punch her in the face. ¡°So what?! I¡¯m to go off and live happily ever after with someone I¡¯ve never met, just because a god had half a thought?¡±

    ¡°Well, your mother would have arranged a marriage for you anyway.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    ¡°Oh, like she is any better. What an example! Let¡¯s have me take after her, the one who couldn¡¯t stay true to her kingdom and whored herself to the enemy prince!¡±

    Poppy¡¯splexion went pale, and she tightly sealed her lips. Her reaction was all the confirmation I needed, though I¡¯m not sure why I felt the need for it in the first ce. With frustration, I emerged from the water and let out a low hiss, mostly to myself. The newfound knowledge was unsettling to say the least. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I think I will get dressed and try to get some rest.¡± I marched out of the water and up the slope.

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