Page 14 of Dark Fate

"The unicorns have cloaked themselves in secrecy." Fadeyrn's voice carries respect for their cunning. "They've vanished into a place untouched by time and strife. Some say they dwell in the Hidden Valley beyond the Crystal Peaks, where none but the purest hearts can tread."

"A hidden valley? Is it possible to find it?"

He looks at me like I've just announced I'm scaling Mount Everest in flip-flops."Perhaps. But such a journey is perilous, not to be undertaken lightly. The path is obscured by land and magic. Unicorns chose their sanctum amongst the most forbidding reaches for good reason. Only those they wish to be found by will see the valley's truths. To seek them is to embark on a tale even skilled bards deem too fanciful," Faderyn says solemnly. "Their bond, once freely given, was the making of legends, which now endures beyond the passing of ages."

I lean in closer, the lore sparking my curiosity. "But say we tried to find this Hidden Valley, how would we start? Is there a map or guide?"

Faderyn offers a knowing smile tempered with a warning. "No map or guidebook. To attempt this, one would require a compass of the soul and purity of intention. Remember, the unicorns are celestial beings, discerning of whom they reveal themselves to."

"So, it's about being worthy in their eyes?"

"Exactly," he nods. "To traverse the Crystal Peaks is a pilgrimage, a trial testing one's spirit. Many have sought the unicorns, lured by promise and power. Few have returned, and none with proof."

His words send a chill of excitement and trepidation down my spine. The unicorns are more than a scientific anomaly—they're a mystery veiled in the cosmos' cloth. A gear clicks at his words 'celestial.'

His gaze shifts to the bustling market, and I follow. The echoes of legend mingle with the vibrant life, a reminder that even in Whispervale, there are mysteries that elude even the wildest dreamers.

I dream these beasts might bond willingly, sharing their gifts freely. Looks like my to-do list just got epic. Time to show this realm what an 'Angel on a mission' looks like.

But first, Rhyland.

Faderyn guides me to an enormous lodge. Outside the grand doors, armored guards bow as we enter.

The spacious interior is awash with warm lantern light and tapestries depicting magical beasts and forests. Fadeyrn leads me to a raised dais holding an ornate throne.

There sits a Fae whose elegance could make a royal flush look like a bad poker hand. She's a vision from a different world, draped in robes that weave emerald and silver.

Her skin has the lavender hue of a twilight sky, her silver hair crowned with a circlet of thorns and delicate flowers. She's all angles and lines, sculpted from beauty with a hint of 'don't mess with me.' But her eyes put the 'awe' in 'awesome'—a shade of green whispering of leaves unfurling.

Fadeyrn bows deeply. "Lady Axilya, may I present Dani of the mortal realm, who seeks urgent counsel."

Axilya's brow furrows in surprise. "You are mortal, child? How did you traverse to our realm?"

Sensing no malice, I explain everything.

Axilya’s no passive audience. She’s all in, leaning closer when I drop the 'F-bomb'—Faerite—that is. The tale spills out of me, a mix of notes fromAdrian's brainy briefs and my own incredulous addendums, until the final beat echoes in the charged air between us.

Finished, a profound silence hangs between us. Axilya's expression belongs on the front page of 'The Daily Gobsmacked.'

"The prophecy of the savior was believed a myth. And the Faerite has been lost for ages." Awe and suspicion war on her face. "You believe it resides here?"

"It is here somewhere," I reply firmly. "With the Faerite, I can fulfill my destiny."

Axilya ponders my words. "Yours is a grave quest of truth. Dark forces gather, yet unity has never eluded our realm." Hope kindles in her ancient eyes. "Perhaps such a day may dawn. These times call for bold action. You shall have my aid, if your cause is just."

WithAxilyaseemingly on board with the whole 'realm-saving' package deal, I lay out the next load of joy—Rhylandand his involuntary extended stay with the Shadow Queen. You know, just your typical tale of vampire-napping by what might as well be the gothic edition of royalty.

Her face shifts as I talk, the gravity casting shadows over her features. It's like watching the sky before a storm, and suddenly, I understand—this isn't just my fight or Rhyland's; this knot of darkness is tangled in her world, too.

Fadeyrn steps forward urgently. "My lady, will you aid Dani in gaining an audience with the queen? For her mate's sake?"

Axilya considers deeply before responding. "An audience may be secured, but the Shadow Court harbors dangers. You must approach with great care, Dani."

She meets my gaze. "We shall send an envoy announcing you, so they cannot dismiss you. I will outfit you in our garb to present properly."

Rising from her throne, she grasps my hands. "The queen is ruthless but adheres to honor. Proper conduct may win your mate's release if her rule is acknowledged." Axilya smiles gently. "There is hope, even in darkness. Go rest; we shall make preparations."

I clutch her hands, relief washing over me. "Thank you so much! I could hug you!"

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