Page 40 of Dark Fate

"You—you is her!" The child bursts out in hushed excitement, bouncing eagerly closer. "The destiny lady from Mama's stories!"

The unexpected intensity in his words causes my eyes to widen in an instant of surprise, only to be quickly softened by the warmth of an affectionate smile. That gap-toothed earnestness is endearing; it has the charm of something raw and unguarded.

I lean forward a bit, adopting a tone of light-hearted curiosity. "Looks like I've moved up in the world—making it into stories, now am I?" I say, a playful edge in my voice. "I'm curious—did these tales happen to mention who I am? My name, perhaps?" The teasing note carries a genuine interest as I wonder how my narrative might be weaving into the local lore.

The boy nods feverishly, nearly tumbling off the bench in enthusiasm. "Mama says a mortal girl-hero—angel comes to fight the Black Fear, what eats all the happiness! She says…you … very p-pretty and b-brave!"

The moment "Angel" slips into the conversation, Rhyland flashes across my mind—his special nickname for me that's become music to my ears.

The kid's got this serious look, like he's carrying the world on his shoulders, making me choose my words with a softer touch. "Yep, I'm as mortal as it gets. But I'll be as brave as they come," I say, winking to ease the weightiness. "Keeping everyone safe here is on my to-do list. Pinky promise."

I extend my pinky, offering it to him as a silent pact. He eyes the tiny gesture, a moment of hesitation before understanding dawns. His pinky meets mine, and I loop it with a playful wink. A toothless grin spreads across his face in response, a simple moment of connection sealed with a promise in intertwined fingers.

As if drawn by a string to the magnetism of the crown atop my head, he shuffles nearer, eyes fixed upon the shimmering emblem of my uncanny fate.

Up close, I take in the finer points of his appearance: the childlike perfection of a tiny, rounded nose and those ears, uncommonly pointed yet soft around the edges, poking through a tousle of oak-colored hair. His gaze, full of open honesty and belief, pinches at my heart.

"Yeah, Mama said a mortal lady blessed by old m-magicks would come to make the monsters f-flee," he confides proudly. "She said you have stars in your skin, that you…f-fall from heaven and b-battle a dark god!"

I blink hard at his mom's fanciful exaggerations but nod encouragingly. "Well, the bad guys better watch their backs now that I'm around. No more scaring cute kids!" I ruffle his hair playfully, making him giggle and duck away.

As he waves goodbye, I feel Erik and Faderyn observing the exchange thoughtfully as he scampers off.

Erik claps my shoulder. "It seems tales of your quest already gather devoted followers." His teasing holds deep affection.

A playful laugh escapes me as I acknowledge his endearing sincerity with a tolerant roll of my eyes. "Oh yes, I can't save the world without starting my Fan Club first. Maybe matching T-shirts next—I Believe in Dani with cute unicorns!"

Erik chuckles, moving off to check camp defenses out of long habit.

I glance again at the little boy, and warm longing squeezes my heart as I watch him cling happily to his mother nearby. Could I ever have that someday—a child to cherish? Unease pricks me, making me realize how much an immortal bond-mate changes everyday assumptions.

Do vampires even conceive normally? And with Rhyland's brooding alpha male nature...would he want more children after the agony of losing his first family?

Between supernatural wars and his traumatic past, parenthood likely ranks low on his priorities now...

I mean, it's not as if I could get knocked up even if I wanted to. With my trusty IUD playing gatekeeper, this womb is basically Fort Knox. Trying to get pregnant would be like winning the lottery without buying a ticket—technically possible, but about as likely asLuciangiving up his flirty ways and joining a monastery.

I've got the copper IUD, the one without all those extra hormones mucking up the works. It's like having a tiny bodyguard in my business, ensuring no unwanted swimmers get past the velvet rope.

This reminds me of Aunt Flow, who will be coming around for her monthly visit in the next few weeks, and I pray to the menstrual gods that this realm has some decent womanly hygiene gear. Because let me tell you, there's nothing worse than being caught off guard by the crimson tide without the proper supplies.

I let out a long breath, shaking off the rabbit hole of 'what-ifs'—staring down the barrel of an apocalypse isn't the moment for musing about storks or picket fences. Let's pencil in saving the world first, then maybe RSVP to la-la land with a plus one later.

Danica

17

WithErikandFaderynpreceding me, I step into the pavilion prepped with a slew of complaints forAxilya, ready to challenge her with every shred of vexation for her choice of wardrobe that seemed better suited to the pages of some fantasy novel than real battle.

However, my mental script grinds to a halt, words catching in my throat as my gaze settles on Her Ladyship.

There she is, perched among overstuffed cushions, the very picture of nonchalance—and clad in leathers that mirror my own, down to the last ornate detail.

I huff out an exasperated breath instead. Of course, she's rocking battle babe couture, too. Axilya notes my baffled double-take and arches one eloquent dark brow curiously but says nothing. With my heart thumping against my ribcage in time and my rising annoyance, I manage to marshal my emotions into something resembling a smile, though it stretches tautly across my face.

I catch the hint of a smirk dancing on Erik's usually stoic face, adding fuel to the fire churning inside me. I'm revved up, ready to call Axilya out for dressing me in what feels like a sartorial jab at my standing. But just as I square my shoulders for the inevitable showdown, something flickers at the edge of my sight, snagging my attention away from the brewing storm.

A plump and undeniably cute creature shifts its weight and suddenly stands alert. My eyes are instantly drawn to it—a creature resembling an oversized ferret yet unlike any I've ever seen, with glossy, shimmering fur that trickles colors like sunlight through a prism.

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