Page 153 of Dark Fate

"Ahem, I think you mean to say that every single one of us is tagging along on this little adventure, whether you like it or not," Lucian declares, his tone leaving about as much room for argument as a black hole leaves room for light. "No ifs, ands, or buts about it, buttercup."

"Alright, let's join hands," Dani instructs while she takes hold of mine. We all clasp hands, forming a line, facing whatever awaits us. "Here goes nothing," she says decisively. With those words hanging in the air, we move forward as one.

Danica

71

When we thought frostbite was about to become our newest and least welcome buddy, the universe lays out a red carpet into Eden itself. My eyes are doing double takes – once, twice – trying to wrap around the technicolor switch-up from Ice Queen's castle to Summer's personal VIP lounge.

We're smack in the middle of Mother Nature's parade float, surrounded by a sea of green so lush you'd think it's photoshopped. Hills roll around us like lazy emerald giants at rest, decked out in the season's finest floral bling. And that sky – somebody's dialed it up to 'heavenly,' with the sun beaming down on us like it's our spotlight.

Then there's the breeze, sauntering like a charming rogue, all warm and full of sweet nothings scented with honeysuckle and lavender whispers. I let myself... pause.

Eyes closed, breathing deep, soaking up that solar hug – a stark 'see ya never' to the bone-chilling cold we left behind. Thank you to whoever hit Mother Nature's elevator's 'heaven' button. This slice of paradise proves we've punched our tickets to somewhere spectacularly otherworldly.

When I finally pry my eyelids open, it's to a sight that’d give any rainbow a run for its money. Birds decked out in a blinding array of blues, greens, and golds are cutting shapes through the air, pirouetting and gliding like they're auditioning for "Avian Idol."

Below is a comedy routine of round-bodied, horned bunnies giving their best impression of rambunctious ram-rabbits, barreling through the brush and tangoing with the tall grass. This valley is an outright bonanza of vitality and radiance, a haven that seems to have ghosted the rest of the universe and done a vanishing act off ole Father Time’s map.

"Holy shit, did we just stumble into fucking Narnia or what?" Lucian blurts out, his voice echoing through the ethereal forest like a verbal record scratch. "Because I'm pretty sure I didn't sign up for any magical wardrobe bullshit today."

"Such eloquence as always, Lucian," Erik says dryly from behind us. I glance back and see a hint of wonder in his metallic eyes as he surveys the valley. Even Mr. Stoic can't entirely hide his awe.

Casting a glance over to Axiyla and Faderyn, I see that the change in their demeanor is as stark as the shift in scenery. They’re kneeling among the flowers, all grace and veneration; heads tilted toward the earth in a silent tribute. It hits me that we're treading on holy ground, which resonates with the divine in ways beyond my grasp—for the moment, anyway.

And just as I'm piecing this mystical jig-saw in my head, out of the corner of my eye, something shimmies into focus, a bright, impossible silhouette against the lushness.

No freaking way...is that what I think it is?

I watch, awestruck, as a unicorn steps delicately into the meadow. My heart forgets to beat for a second, and my jaw drops as what can only be described as the most beautiful, majestic unicorn I've ever imagined trots into view. Its coat shimmers pearlescent white in the sunlight, and the spiraled horn rising from its head looks to be made of pure silver that matches the silver of his mane.

It’s like time decides to take a coffee break. We’re all statues, practically hypnotized. Beside me, I can hearAxilya’s sob as a teardrop scores a trail down her cheek—AndFaderyn, well, he’s so gobsmacked he's practically communing with the spirit of silence.

My eyes grow to the size of dinner plates as the vision of equine elegance comes to an expert stop before me, its movements embodying grace and poise. Then, with an almost regal dignity, the unicorn lowers itself, bending one leg in an unmistakably inviting gesture.

"I think he wants you to get on…" Axilya says, her voice laced with a hint of amusement at my apparent astonishment.

Well—that's not something you do every day. Ride a unicorn? Without any saddle? This is uncharted territory.

I look into his light blue eyes, which are beautiful like the skies. Hesitantly, I reach out, resting my hand on his neck. The feel is indescribable, smoother than the finest silk, warm and luxurious under my touch. With a mix of awe and care, I swing a leg over, finding my place atop his strong back, situating myself snugly between his majestic shoulder blades.

As I settle, the unicorn stands with such swift elegance that I'm surprised, grasping at his mane to anchor myself. Each strand is as soft as a spider's silk but strong as woven destiny and sparkles like glitter in the sunlight.

Now, astride this magnificent beast, I understand that this ride won't just be an ordinary trot through the woods—it will be a journey unlike any other.

Glancing down to Rhyland, my eye meets him, and they're swirls of emotion—worry etched there, sure, but also an undeniable shimmer of pride lighting up his ocean-blue gaze. It washes over me just before the unicorn pivots, ready to embark on what promises to be an epic exit.

Rhyland steps forward as if to accompany me on this enchanted escapade, but Axilya and Faderyn intercept, their hands gently outstretched to still his stride.

"No—she needs to do this herself," Axilya says, her voice slicing through the thick tension with resolute clarity.

Though it's no easy feat for one so possessive as Rhyland, her words ring with a truth that goes beyond want or protection. There's a part of this narrative, a part of this magic and growth, that is mine to navigate—atop the silent strength of a unicorn. It's a leap of faith, a test of trust, and the start of a journey all rolled into one profound moment. And in that silent exchange of looks, I know he understands.

The majestic creature turns and begins to slowly trot away.

Luciancups his hands around his mouth, his voice carrying through the enchanted forest like a smartass foghorn. "Yo, try not to get your ass shanghaied to some magical land of sparkly rainbow farts and unicorn glitter while you're gone!" He calls out, his smirk so sarcastic it could wither a houseplant at twenty paces. "And if you do, bring me back a souvenir! I've always wanted one of those 'My friend went to Fairyland, and all I got was this lousy t-shirt' shirts."

I'm laughing. Then my magical beast decides to go full gallop. I'm hanging on, my hands aching from the tension, not expecting him to take off, "Whoa…whoa, there, big guy." But he ignores me and shifts into a higher gear, leaving a gust in his wake.

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