Page 100 of Dark Fate

She meets my gaze squarely, her voice playful but challenging. "Now, try not to slow me down, Viking," she dares with a sly smile. "I've got realms to save, and I need you at your best."

Fuck me sideways. This woman is a no-bullshit force of nature. She doesn't hesitate to kick my ass into gear when I need it. My cock twitches.

Dani slips out of my hold and struts off, her hips rolling with each step. I'm rooted to the spot, mesmerized, until she vanishes down the hallway. A low chuckle bursts from me. Even with all the beasts around, my mate's the fiercest of them all.

I shout after her, "That all you got, Angel?"

Her laughter answers, bright and teasing, bouncing back to me. "Wouldn't you like to know!"

Danica

45

Refueled and refreshed from lunch, we congregate once more in the heart of Oberon's domain after turning the Sun Court's courtyards into our personal racetrack. His vast chambers, echoing with the whispers of countless secrets, welcome us back like the stage awaiting the pivotal second act of a grand play.

I unroll the worn map carefully, its edges softened and frayed by time and touch. A complex network of routes to theCrystal Peakssprawls before us like the veins of a fated quest, a tangled web of destiny waiting to be unraveled. We huddle around the sacred parchment as if it's a mysterious relic that could inspire avid treasure hunters—and give Indiana Jones himself a moment of awe-struck pause.

King Oberon leans over the map with a knowing glimmer in his eye, his expression as sage as a wizened old oak. "This artifact possesses enchanting properties," he intones, his voice heavy with the weight of unspoken history. "It is imbued with magic."

The statement hangs densely in the air, pregnant with possibilities and secrets. My forehead creases lightly as I try to decipher his meaning, my mind racing with questions and theories. "Magical abilities?" I ask, my tone mingling with skepticism and curiosity.

Oberon's fingers hover above the map, and with a single tap near the ominousCrystal Peaks, the flat expanse suddenly springs to life. It's like watching a magical pop-up book unfold before our eyes, trails stretching upwards and mountains ascending from the parchment-like miniature giants. Valleys dip into palpable depressions, creating a landscape that looks almost real enough to touch.

Our mouths agape, we watch as a mini-world rises from the table as some sort of Hogwarts homework assignment comes to life. It's a sight that leaves us speechless, more gobsmacked than a gaggle of geese in a glitter factory.

I reach out tentatively, half-expecting my hand to pass right through the illusory terrain. But to my surprise, my fingers meet resistance, and the peaks and valleys feel as solid as the real thing. It's like holding a piece of the world in the palm of my hand, a tangible reminder of the quest that lies ahead.

"This is incredible," I breathe, my voice hushed with wonder. "I've never seen anything like it."

Rhylandleans in closer, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he studies the map. "It's a marvel of magic," he murmurs, his tone equal parts admiration and wariness. "But what does it mean for our journey?"

Oberon smiles enigmatically, his expression inscrutable. "The map will guide you," he says simply, "if you know how to read it."

Luciansnorts, "Great, another riddle," he mutters, rolling his eyes. "Just what we need."

ButErikis already studying the map intently; his brow furrows in concentration. "There are hidden paths here," he says slowly, tracing a finger along a barely visible trail. "Routes that could take us through the mountains unseen."

Out of nowhere, a voice cuts through the hushed silence, narrating lore that feels like skipping history classes. It weaves a narrative around the floating landscape, and we're all ears, caught in the story's spell, hanging on every word.

When the voice trails off, my gaze swings to Oberon, my mind dazed and reeling. My face must be a canvas of shock, eyebrows high and eyes wide as saucers because, really, who saw that coming?

"The map bestows understanding of each depicted region," Oberon explains calmly. "Through this magic, we've gleaned knowledge of such a perilous area and the grim fate of those who journeyed there—for none have lived to tell the tale."

Lucianarches an eyebrow, watching the map with a smirk. "Well, that's one way to show off your Google Earth skills, Your Majesty," he quips. "Any chance of a mini-dragon popping up for the full theme park experience?"

"Sure,Lucian, dragons hibernating under the 'Here Be Dragons' sign," I say sarcastically. "And if we're really lucky, His Majesty will throw in a souvenir photo op."

"Well, aren't you sharp today, Princess? I might need to check your pulse—that deadpan delivery is inhuman,"Luciantosses back, unabashed mirth dancing in his eyes. "But you can keep the tacky photo—I prefer my memories non-tacky, and the only shop I want to visit is the one that serves decent Bloody Marys."

I giveLuciana quick eye roll. "You and your damn mouth," I mutter with mock annoyance.

Shaking my head, I return to the now flattened map. It's time to study it—maps,stones, realms to save.

The journey stretches through theWhispering Woods, pastMirror Lake, skirting theShardfall Cascadebefore ascending the peaks. It's a route as daunting as it is beautiful, a testament to the wild and untamed nature of the realm we're about to enter.

Erikleans in, his silver eyes scanning the terrain with hawk-like intensity. "We should take the Northern Pass through Eldergrove Forest," he suggests, nodding toward a densely shaded area.

Lucianscoffs lightly. "Oh, sure, more trees than a squirrel convention. What could possibly go wrong?"

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