Page 98 of Dark Fate

The Light Kingbriefly regards Rhyland before responding."Cunning and purity of intent," he intones like he's reciting a fortune cookie.

"Great,"Lucianmutters, rolling his eyes so hard I'm surprised they don't fall out of his head. "We're screwed then."

The tension breaks, giving way to chuckles and snickers. TrustLucianto slice through the somber mood with his wit.

Faderynglances atAxilya, then turns back to us, his expression thoughtful. "There may be paths within the mountain that could lead us through rather than over."

"But such paths come with dangers,"Axilyawarns.

"Dangers?" I prompt. What haven’t we faced at this point? Vampires, shadow beasts, ogres, creepy-crawly—just another day at the office.

Axilyahesitates. "There are tales," she begins, her voice like a ghost story around a campfire, "of creatures even the Fae whisper about—Whisperlings."

Rhyland’s hand tightens around mine—my thoughts immediately reflect back to Meadow's warning—Whispers.

Lucianleans closer, his trademark smirk fading into a look of genuine curiosity. "Whisperlings?" he repeats like he's trying the word out for size. "Sounds like something out of a fairytale, the kind of creature parents use to scare their kids into bed at night."

Axilyanods solemnly. "Indeed, they are the stuff of legends, creatures born of silence and secrecy. They weave illusions so convincing you could wander lost for eternity in their maze of whispers."

The table falls silent as we consider this new challenge.Faderynspeaks softly, with respect. "To face a Whisperling is to confront one’s inner turmoil," he says. "They mirror our buried fears and doubts."

Lucianpipes up, recognition dawning in his tone. "That's got 'Morty's mojo' written all over it," he quips, referring to our old nemesisMoretemis. "Sounds like the kind of mind-fuck he'd get off on."

King Oberon interjects. "Runes safeguard our domain, barriers against malicious intent. Beyond these grounds, you embark on a journey relying solely on your own resources. Only those undimmed by deceit and untainted by malevolence may hope to pass unscathed."

A shiver runs down my spine. To confront the darkness within ourselves? That’s a whole different kind of challenge.

I glance around the table.Rhyland’s jaw is set in a grim line.Erik’s hand rests on his sword.Lucian's smirk has faded. AndFaderynlooks like he's already steeling himself for the trials ahead.

Axilyameets my gaze, her eyes understanding. We’re not just facing a physical journey. We're embarking on a quest to confront our deepest fears and darkest secrets.

Seraphina's caution reverberates, reminding we all have shadows to wrestle with, even Rhyland.

"But there is hope," Queen Titania adds softly, her voice as gentle as a summer breeze. "The Whisperlings are not malevolent. If you are steadfast and true, they will allow you passage."

Lucianraises an eyebrow, his expression as skeptical as a cat eyeing a bath. "So we just need to be honest?" he drawls, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, that's easy. I do that every day in the mirror."

His bravado draws an exaggerated snort and eye roll from me because who is he trying to kid? We all knowLucian's relationship with the truth is about as straightforward as a corkscrew.

"Perhaps,"Axilyasays, her tone amused but also slightly chiding. "But these creatures will delve deeper than vanity or self-assuredness. They will see into the very heart of who you are."

I feelRhyland's questioning gaze on me, his eyes boring into the side of my head like a laser beam. I know what he's thinking because it's the same thing that's been on my mind since the Whisperlings were first mentioned.

I inhale deeply, seeking assurance from Rhyland. "We all have shadows," I murmur. But we’re here to save our realms."

"And yet,"Faderynadds, "even noble intentions can be clouded by fear or doubt. You need clarity of self."

The room falls into contemplation. Facing our deepest fears is a daunting prospect. But if that's what it takes to save the realms, we’ll do it.

"Is there any way to prepare for a Whisperling?"Erikasks.

Axilyaconsiders. "Ignore them," she says simply.

Rhyland’s thumb brushes mine, a silent vow that we'll face this together.

King Oberon rises. "We will offer guidance. Let us break and reconvene."

I ponder what he might offer to help us.

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