Page 15 of Dark Fate

Axilya's lips curl slightly, amusement in her eyes at my exuberance. "Your gratitude is warmly received. The journey ahead is fraught, yet we will provide the light to guide your steps," she assures with regal grace.

Fadeyrn coughs discreetly. "We are grateful for your wisdom and guidance, my lady."

He gives me a look loaded with meaning.

Right, tone it down, Dani.

Axilya's laugh fills the space. "Your passion is refreshing, a vibrant flame in shadowed times. Let that fervor be your shield and spear, and victory shall not elude you."

Axilya's touch hesitates near my crown, her senses attuned to its ancient magic. Her gaze expands with dawning realization.

"The Crown of Blessings," I supply, balancing the gravity with a sprinkle of levity.

The awe in Axilya's voice mirrors the crown's glittering aura. "The fabled diadem," she whispers, reverence painting her tone.

My fingers gesture to the empty sockets, explaining the need to locate the missing counterparts, starting with the elusive Faerite. It's a strategic map laid out, with my role at the forefront.

Axilya scrutinizes the crown, a hint of breathlessness betraying her composure. "After generations void of hope... could we witness the prophecy's fate?"

Danica

7

Faderyn guides me into a tent that would have the term 'glamping' written all over it if the fae had a word for it.

The leather flaps fall back into place with a soft, satisfying thud behind us. The magic kicks in the moment I step inside—flickering fae lights overhead set the whole place aglow with a warm, inviting light that makes everything feel just that bit fancier.

The air is rich with the aromatic twinge of cedar from the fire crackling in the corner—it's giving off serious cozy cabin vibes.

The teasing scents of roasting meat and baking bread make my stomach rumble its appreciation, clearly on board with this Fae-style hospitality.

Curiosity pulls at me, and I trace my fingers along these intricate carvings that wrap around the wooden furniture. They're scenes pulled from the woods, from legend, crafted with such skill they almost seem alive.

The bed is like a mountain of comfort in the corner, stacked with quilts with more embroidery than a royal wedding dress and furs so soft they'd make a polar bear jealous.

Then there's the table, a veritable cornucopia of edibles—fruits that look like they've been plucked from some mystical orchard, cheeses with enough age to them to be considered historical artifacts, and wine that I'm guessing has never seen the inside of a grocery store.

This kind of luxury makes you wonder if you've somehow stumbled into a Fae version of a five-star resort.

Faderyn, with a flourish that tells me he's quite pleased with himself, "Please make yourself comfortable. This will be your tent during your stay." His pride in the setup is almost touchingly evident.

As I soak in the lavishness of my temporary digs, my curiosity piques, and I turn to him eagerly. "This is great. Where will you be staying?"

He glances outside at the darkening violet sky. "I should return home briefly to check on things after your friend's disruptive arrival." A smile tugs his lips. "I want to ensure my attendant hasn't abandoned me."

I smirk, picturing his attendant reacting to a vampire appearing suddenly. "Will you come back soon though? I'd feel better not being alone here long."

Faderyn grasps my hand reassuringly; his brilliant emerald eyes are kind. "Of course. This is just a quick visit to settle matters at home. I'll return within a couple of hours at most."

He smiles encouragingly. "Rest now after your harrowing journey. You are safe here. We will figure out what comes next—together."

"What'sAxilyagot up her sleeve, you think?" I turn toFaderyn, trying to channel my inner detective to the twistedShadow Court.

My stomach's untying, but this twisty feeling of nerves still overwhelms me.

Faderyn considers carefully before answering. "She will likely write a formal letter to the queen requesting an audience for you as an honored guest. Proper protocol."

I can practically hear my patience crackling like thin ice. "A letter? Seriously?"

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