In the following days, I was introduced to the royal court as an honored guest from the human realm. It was an unnerving experience, as many of the noble fae looked at me with curiosity and amusement. Yet, as strange as they were, none of them seemed monstrous. They were charming in their oddness, each more vibrant and alive than the last.
Eldrian and I spent hours in the castle's library where he taught me about fae history, magic, and culture. The books were full of stories about great wars fought and peace treaties signed.
As we walked through a garden blooming with fluttering flower petals, I turned to Eldrian and asked, "Can you give me more information about the fae hunters? Damien shared his perspective, but I'm curious to hear more from you." We strolled leisurely as I expressed my interest in learning more about my ancestors.
He gazes into the distance, his flowing strands of silver hair fluttering in the breeze. "The Fae hunters were once noble warriors, serving not only the human realm but also our own fae kingdom. My mother, the former queen, bestowed upon them special powers." I nod, recalling what Damien had told me before. "I heard that Damien's father was a king as well?"
Eldrian stops and takes a moment before continuing. "That is true, but there are things he may have left out. The king didn't just betray his own kind; he used his actions to instigate a war within the fae realm and even caused harm to humans."
"The queen's concern for the humans' safety led her to devise a method for them to defend themselves, giving rise to the fae hunters."
An understanding dawned upon me, and I couldn't help but murmur, "So that's why humans were given the power to fight back."
"Yes," Eldrian replied, his voice grave. "And it's because of this power, this connection between our realms, that you are here in Eirenia today."
We continued wandering through the winding paths of the garden, my thoughts whirling with the information. The flowers around us seemed to hum with an energy I still couldn't comprehend.
In the days that followed, I started learning about Fae magic and language from Eldrian. He taught me with an easy patience and a kind smile that made me feel at ease. Slowly, as days turned into weeks, I began to feel less alien in this strange and beautiful land.
The inhabitants of the castle also started warming up to me. The guards would nod their heads respectfully when they crossed my path, and the maids would usually slip some extra dessert on my plate during meals. Even Caelan had a softer expression when he interacted with me.
One evening during dinner in the grand hall, a group of musicians serenaded us with their ethereal music. As people began dancing, Eldrian stood up and extended his hand towards me. "May I have this dance?" he asked with a warm smile.
I hesitated for a moment before accepting his hand. As we moved to the rhythm of the music, surrounded by fae nobles and servants alike, I felt something shift within me.
It was as if a part of myself had finally found where it belonged. My heart pounded against my chest as we danced and laughed together.
That night, under the spangled twilight canopy of Eirenia, I began to feel an ineffable bond tie me and Eldrian together. The resonance of our laughter echoed across the vast hall, blending seamlessly with the sweet melody. His touch hummed against my skin with the same energy that vibrated through the flowers and trees, connecting us in a way that was subtle yet profound.
I felt alive again.
As the night wears on, bells chime loudly in the hall and the music comes to an abrupt stop.
Eldrian's playful expression turns serious as he freezes in his tracks.
Caelan quickly makes his way towards him, a sense of urgency in his movements. "We've got a problem," he says breathlessly.
Eldrian's expression matched the chill of the moon, his lips forming a tight seam. "What is it Caelan?"
"A shape shifter has breached the castle, and we've already lost two guards."
Eldrian's face turned a stone cold pale, his fingers tightened around my hands. For a moment, the grand hall was silent, save the distant hooting of the owls and rustling of the leaves in the wind. The merriment of the night evaporated in an instant, replaced by an air of tension and dread.
"Alert everyone," Eldrian commanded, his stern gaze fixed on Caelan. His voice resonated with authority that had all in the vicinity go silent. He then swiftly pulled me aside, his fingers never leaving mine.
He pressed his lips against my ear, his breath warm and urgent. His eyes bore into mine with a fierce intensity, and I could tell he was trying to impart something important to me. "Don't leave my side," he whispered, his voice laced with a seriousness I had never heard before.
As he led me away from the crowded party, my heart raced with curiosity. I couldn't help but glance up at him and ask, "What exactly is a shapeshifter?"
His jaw tightened, and I could see the worry etched onto his face. "It's a type of fae that can take on different forms," he explained quickly. "They're known for being dangerous, as they can change into anyone or anything. And while they're supposed to stay within their boundaries, it's not uncommon for them to be hired for... unsavory tasks." He paused, his gaze darkening as he added, "My guess is that this one was paid to do something tonight."