The tension in the air was heavy as Damien stepped forward, his eyes locked on the Fae King standing before him. The rain fell in sheets, drenching us all and adding an eerie hush to the moment.
"Why have you come here, brother?" The Fae King's voice held a hint of weariness and authority.
Damien's lips curved into a mocking smile, his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides. "I could ask you the same question," he spat, his tone laced with bitterness. "You've always meddled in my affairs."
The Fae King's expression remained stoic, emanating a powerful aura. "This auction is against all laws, Damien. You know that."
A heavy silence descended upon us, punctuated only by the steady drumming of rain on cobblestones. At that moment, I couldn't look away from the two figures before me.
"But I came for Miss Bales," Damien continued, moving closer to me. A shiver ran down my spine at his proximity. "She got lost in the forest and was captured by some fool hoping for easy money." He didn't mention anything about the Fae King being his brother, nor did he mention his role in my captivity and transformation into a savage.
My heart pounded in my chest, torn between the familiarity of Damien's presence and the deep-seated fear that still lingered within me. The rain continued to pour, mirroring the tumultuous emotions churning inside me.
Addressing me directly now, the Fae King's steady gaze bore into mine. "Miss Bales," he said with genuine concern. "Do you wish to go with him?"
I shake my head quickly, "I just want to go back home." I whisper, feeling my hands shake with emotions.
The Fae King nodded, his eyes softening. "Then you shall have your wish," he replied, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance. "You are under my protection now. No harm will come to you."
Damien's jaw clenched, his expression darkening with anger and frustration. "You can't just take her away from me," he growled, his gaze flickering between me and the Fae King. "She belongs with me."
I took a step back, instinctively seeking distance from Damien's volatile presence. The Fae King moved closer to me, a silent shield against the storm brewing between us.
"She is not an object to be possessed, Damien," the Fae King said firmly, his voice carrying a weight of authority that demanded respect. "She has made her own choice, and I will honor it."
Damien's fists tightened at his sides, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and betrayal.
"You will regret this, along with your mother!" Damien shouts.
The Fae King's eyes narrowed, his voice razor-sharp and filled with quiet fury. "Do not bring the queen into this, Damien," he warned, his voice cutting through the rain-soaked air. "She had nothing to do with the atrocities you committed."
Damien's face contorted with rage, and he lunged forward, attempting to strike at the Fae King. But before his fist could make contact, a forcefield materialized around the Fae King, deflecting Damien's attack effortlessly.
"I will not fight you," the Fae King declared, his voice resonating with power. "But I will not allow you to harm her or anyone else."
Damien staggered backward, his anger turning into a sneer of disdain. "You think you can protect her? You think she's safer with you?" He laughed bitterly. "Just wait, brother. You'll see how wrong you are."
With those ominous words hanging in the air, Damien turned on his heels and walked away.
After holding my breath without realizing it, I let out a deep sigh and felt a wave of relief wash over me. Finally, I could go home. The Fae King turned to me, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright?" he asked gently, reaching out to touch my arm. "I apologize for the chaos that has ensued. But I promise you, Miss Bales, you are safe now."
I nodded, a small tremor still running through my body. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the rain. "Thank you for saving me and protecting me."
He smiled a warm and genuine expression that softened his features. "It is my duty as the Fae King to ensure the safety and well-being of those within my realm and Silverest," he replied. "And rest assured, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe."
I looked up at him and examined him. So this is what a Fae royalty looks like, his mother is a queen or former queen. Was she the one that Damien told me about? Could I trust another Fae, or maybe I should take my chances and find my way? As these thoughts swirled in my mind, I couldn't help but notice a flicker of uncertainty in the Fae King's eyes. It was as if he sensed the doubt creeping into my thoughts, the wariness that still lingered from my past encounters with his kind.
"I understand if you're hesitant," he said softly, his voice tinged with a sadness I couldn't quite comprehend. "Trust is something that must be earned, especially after what you've been through."
His words struck a chord within me, resonating with the internal struggle I was facing. Could I truly trust him? Or was it safer to venture out on my own, navigating the treacherous world of fae and using what I learned the past year to fight? But this place I am in is between the world of Fae and the human world. So I should be able to navigate Silverest and find a way home?
Right?
As the rain continued to soak the ground beneath us, I took a deep breath and made my decision. "I appreciate your offer of protection, Fae King," I began, my voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling within me. "But I think it's time for me to find my path. To navigate this world on my terms."
The Fae King's expression flickered with a mix of surprise and understanding, "I can respect your decision, but bringing you back to your realm, isn't just because of my duty but because you are a hunter Miss Bales. The only reason Damien wants you to use badly is to kill my mother and myself. I can't let that happen."
My body went rigid and my breathing hitched in my throat. Is he aware of my true identity as a hunter? I've only recently discovered this truth, but could he try to harm me because of it? Have I fallen into another trap? I slowly backed away from him, I couldn't trust him. No matter what he says.
The Fae King reached out, a pleading expression in his eyes. "Miss Bales, please understand. I have no intention of harming you. The information about your true identity came to my attention after your capture. I assure you, I only want to keep you safe from those who would use you for their sinister purposes."
My heart pounded, torn between the desire to trust him and the instinct to flee. The rain continued to pour as if mimicking the turmoil within me.
The Fae King's voice was gentle and sincere as he spoke, "I understand this may be overwhelming for you to hear. However, I want to assure you that I can provide you with protection, guidance, and assistance in navigating both worlds. You don't have to face these dangers alone. Please give me a chance to show you my true intentions." He explained how my powers were a gift from his mother, the former Queen, and how they thought my ancestors had all been wiped out centuries ago. Being here in front of him was nothing short of a miracle to them.
I stood there, rain soaking through my clothes, contemplating his words. The Fae King's voice held a sincerity that struck a chord within me. Maybe, just maybe, I had misjudged him. Perhaps he truly did want to keep me safe and help me navigate the treacherous world of fae.
But doubts still lingered, like whispers in the back of my mind. I couldn't forget the fear that Damien had instilled in me, the knowledge that he would stop at nothing to achieve his dark desires. And now, the Fae King was revealing another layer to this already intricate web of secrets and loyalties.
As I weighed my options, a gust of wind blew through the clearing, rustling the leaves on the trees and sending shivers down my spine. It was as if nature itself was urging me to trust my instincts.
Taking a deep breath, I met the Fae King's gaze head-on. "I appreciate your honesty and willingness to protect me, Fae King," I began, my voice steady as I fought to push aside the lingering doubts. "But trust is something that must be earned, and I cannot ignore the warnings that Damien has given me about your kind."
The Fae King's expression softened, and he nodded with understanding. "I can't fault you for being cautious," he said, his voice laced with disappointment. "After all, we Fae have not always been allies to humans. But I hope you will give me a chance to prove that I am different."
I hesitated, caught between two opposing forces within me. On one hand, the Fae King offered protection and guidance in a world I was just beginning to understand. On the other hand, there was a stubborn instinct telling me to rely on myself and trust no one.
I stand up straight and run my fingers through my hair. "I'll come with you, but only if you grant me one request first." I declare.
"Of course," he responds, watching me intently.
"I want to see my boyfriend's grave in the human world. He was killed by a fae before I could say goodbye to him. I was taken to hell by Damien and never got the chance to properly mourn him."
The Fae King's expression shifted, a mixture of understanding and sorrow crossing his features. "I...I am truly sorry for your loss," he stammered, his voice laced with remorse. "No one should have to endure such pain."
I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes as the memories of my boyfriend flooded my mind. "It's been a year since his death, and I never got the chance to say goodbye," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "I need closure, Fae King. I need to visit his grave and pay my respects."
He pressed a hand to his chest, his eyes filled with sympathy. "I can grant you that request," he said softly. "I understand how important it is for you to find closure and honor his memory. We will go back to the human world, and I will ensure your safety throughout the journey."