Page 96 of Dark Awakening

"You're here now. That's all that matters."

Despite everything, her words rekindle faint sparks of solace piercing the abyss threatening to swallow us both.

I feel the weight of her turbulent emotions across our fledgling bond and ache to shoulder her burden. But I remain silent and watchful for now, allowing her space to process.

"So what now?" Danica eventually demands, voice wavering slightly. "Does anyone actually know what I am or where I'm from?" She wraps her arms around herself. "What is my heritage?"

Before I can respond, Adrian steps forward, "Ah, the age-old question," he says smoothly. "Lucky for you, Danica, I've been researching."

"Danica's brows furrow. "Researching what exactly?"

"Obscure supernatural texts on the realms," Adrian explains, clearly gratified by her curiosity. He gestures to the pile of arcane tomes and crumbling scrolls nearby.

"Rhyland mentioned realms, but I'm still confused..." Danica admits, leaning forward intently. I feel tentative hope kindle as she engages despite everything.

Adrian's eyes take on a scholarly zeal. "Seven main realms exist. Each contains unique dimensions with special beings."

Dani's brows draw together. "Seven realms? Can you tell me about them?"

Adrian's lips quirked up. "Luminara is the glowing realm of the elegant Fae folk," he begins. "Zephyria is the sky realm, Aquaria of water, Atheria of the celestial races..."

He continues down the list—"Pyrothos, Unbra, and last, Mortalis, our own realm of mortals and immortals." Danica listens raptly, visibly stunned.

"According to lore, the realms were once freely connected until Moretemis shattered that unity," Adrian finishes solemnly. "But the ancient texts hint at a prophesied savior who can open the realms again and defeat Moretemis. That is likely you, Danica."

I know Danica will soon have to face dark truths about this role she is destined for. The thought of her rejecting it—and me—leaves me hollow with dread. For now, I watch her wrestle with these revelations, knowing the path ahead will irrevocably change everything.

"Let me get this straight—there's a bunch of magical worlds like Fairyland and Aquaman's Atlantis existing secretly out there? And I'm supposed to be an interdimensional warrior princess destined to defeat some big bad evil force?"

Sarcasm cracks her bewildered tone. Despite the gravity of it all, I suppress a smile—her fiery adaptability continues to impress me.

Danica exhales a sharp, borderline hysterical bark of laughter."Wow, okay, no big deal or anything! Maybe let a girl ease into the whole 'congratulations, you're a foretold savior of the universe' thing, though?"

Adrian at least has the grace to appear somewhat abashed, blinking at her breakdown. But honestly, no one could fault Danica's strained reaction after having her entire understanding of reality shattered.

"Who's this ultimate evil Morty guy I'm expected to smack down if the multiverse depends on little ole' me?"

I speak up before Adrian can respond. "A being of a nightmare, from the prophecies of darkness. But nothing you need worry over tonight." I give Adrian a quelling look so as not to overwhelm her further.

Lucian calls out, laughing from the bar. “Loving this firecracker! Think there's more where she came from, Rhy?” He gives Danica an exaggerated wink.

Unfazed, she volleys back, “Sure, I think they’re on sale for 4.99 at the Hybrid Fae-Dragon Pet Emporium.” Lips quirking, she adds, “House training optional.”

Lucian nearly upends his whiskey while Adrian looks torn between fascinated curiosity and skepticism. I just shake my head wryly—leave it to Danica to hit back with that rapier wit even now. That mouth of hers is going to be the death of me.

Lucian barks another delighted laugh. "Hot and vicious! Truly a queen." He inclines his glass respectfully toward Danica's smirking face.

Dani whirls back, brow arched sharply. “What, just some casual boogeyman prophesied destroyer? No big deal at all!” Even her exasperated sarcasm conjures a hint of a rueful smile from me. Indomitable as ever.

“Well, if you insist on facing eldritch horrors immediately, who am I to argue?” I reply, smiling at my feisty Angel. “But perhaps starting smaller against Lucian is wisest for now.”

My golden-haired brother shoots me a vulgar retort over one shoulder while objecting loudly about bullying. Still, I know Danica’s wheels churn relentlessly behind that nonchalant bravado. Whatever awaits, the faith I have in my extraordinary mate conquering it stays absolute...

Dani exhales shakily, grappling with revelations. "Do you really think I'm from one of these realms?"

"It appears likely," Adrian confirms. "But which?" His gaze glimmers eagerly.

As Danica processes, I resist comforting her, allowing space for conclusions. She takes a bracing breath before speaking hesitantly. "I may have a clue, actually..."

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