Page 3 of Dark Fate

That throws me.Adrian's guidebook gushed about the various fae sects but said nothing about dark fey kingdoms. "I was told," I admit with subtle ire, "about five courts, each more perfect than the last. There was no mention ofShadow Courtsor dark royalty."

His features darken. "Stories morph over time. The tale of five courts is just a distant echo of the truth, barely capturing their essence before their end."

I go statue-still. So we've been spoon-fed a sparkling version of the Fae, omitting a significant chunk of their reality.

"You look haunted," he notes, misinterpreting my indignation.

Internally, I'm boiling over.Adrianand his 'guidance' feel like an endless reel of betrayal—the buddy system turned traitor. Here I was, doling out trust like he was part of the fam. For what? His cloak-and-dagger games?

The knowledge gap between the textbook Fae narrative and my firsthand experience is growing wider by the heartbeat. It is time to sift truth from fiction. "Can you enlighten me about the Courts?" I venture.

He obliges, illuminating the Sun Court's glittering beauty while the Shadow Court remains shrouded in enigmatic secrecy. Each is distinct and polar opposites in every way.

"So, what you're saying is—one's Heaven, the other's Hades," I reason out loud.

He nods in agreement. "Exactly."

His revelation is a small lifeline tossed in a sea of confusion, like holding a single dim lantern in a dark cavern. If I'm to navigate this Fae maze, I've got to collect every crumb of knowledge along the way.

Suddenly, my mouth's on autopilot, and I'm spitting out questions like seeds from a watermelon. "Which court sways you?" flies out of my lips before my brain can tell it to keep quiet.

There was a quirk of surprise in his expression. "I swear fealty to neither. There are those of us who walk a solitary path, one not confined by courtly demands."

My eyes widen. "Fae without a court?"

"Indeed," he confirms. "Some of us eschew the courtly life, seeking solitude over subjugation."

His prior omission begets more questions than answers, and I latch on. "So, you're free agents?" I inquire, intrigued.

"Mostly," he nods. "Though we aren’t immune to the entanglements of the courts."

His words unveil layers of a rich and textured history. The politics of these courts are a complex dance, and here he stands, an enigma.

Despite the rollercoaster of today's events, I muster sincerity. "Regardless, you saved my life. For that, I'm grateful."

Faderyn holds my gaze, a silent agreement passing between us. "I offer my assistance to the extent possible," he promises soberly. "Be cautious,Dani. The Fae world is shrouded in illusion."

The absence ofRhylandand the others gnaw at my resolve. I probe our bond, expecting comfort, but am met only with numbing silence.

Faderyn's concern is palpable as he observes the change in me.

"My friends," I say, urgency coloring my tone. "Any sign of them near the river?"

He shakes his head solemnly. "You were alone. I heard screams and found only you."

Worry crashes into me, thoughts spiraling—what has become of them?

"The domain of theShadow Courtis not forgiving," he intones, his intent to aid evident—but I'm wary.

Is that a pretense?

Despite my inner sirens wailing, 'trap,' a Fae's helping hand is my only shot at finding my comrades in this dark Fae playground. Suppressing doubts, I commit with a curt nod. "Thank you."

He gives me a mysterious look before rising gracefully to his feet. Taking my hand, he effortlessly pulls me upright. My legs nearly buckle as pain lances through my lower body. I must have wrenched my knee while being rag-dolled through the river.

"Can you manage a few steps?" His voice is laced with concern.

I gingerly test my leg and wince. "Barely."

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