Page 79 of Court of Aether and Shadows

Kaelon cleared his throat, his voice carefully neutral.

"The binding spells we discussed..."

"Would be unwise at this juncture," the Elder cut in, her voice carrying surprising authority despite its age-worn rasp. "The rift must be our primary concern. It must be sealed before nightfall, my Lord, or we risk far graver threats than mere detection."

She gestured toward the window, where the tear in reality was visible to those with the ability to acknowledge its existence — a shimmering distortion in the air that seemed to bendlight around itself. With each passing hour, the rift grew more unstable, its edges fraying like worn fabric about to tear.

"The darkness of the Twilight Court would only serve to empower those who might wish us harm," I acknowledged, understanding the gravity of her warning. "Particularly those from the Void and Elemental Courts. Their very nature would allow them to draw power from our realm's shadows."

The Elder nodded gravely.

"The Void Court especially would find such a portal irresistible. They seek to unmake reality itself. What better tool than a rift created by one with the power to bridge worlds?"

I moved closer to Sparrow's bedside, careful to maintain enough distance that my own power wouldn't interfere with the Elder's work. The shadowsilk rippled at my approach, responding to my presence like water disturbed by a stone.

"You've served us well, wise one," I said, studying the ancient woman before me. Beneath her seemingly frail exterior, I could see patterns of power swirling – old magic, deep and complex as tree roots. "Before you go, I would like to know your name, so that I might properly introduce you to the Princess when she awakens."

A small smile curved the Elder's lips, knowing and mysterious.

"I am called Moira, in this age," she said, her voice taking on a musical quality that spoke of other times, other names. "Though in the old tongue, I was once known asVesh'na Shal'ira— Keeper of Ancient Ways."

The formal name sent a ripple through the room's shadows.

Even Kaelon straightened, recognition flashing in his eyes.

The title was one I hadn't heard spoken aloud in centuries — a designation from the time before the great schism when the courts were one and magic flowed freely between all realms.

"Vesh'na Shal'ira,"I repeated, the ancient words carrying weight and power. "You honor us with your presence. Why did you not reveal yourself sooner?"

Moira's smile deepened, touching her eyes.

"Some truths are best revealed in their own time, my Lord. Just as some powers are best left to develop naturally." Her gaze flickered meaningfully to Sparrow's sleeping form.

She gestured to the door, and it opened to admit Elenore and the boy. They entered with deep bows, though I noticed the boy's eyes darting curiously around the room, lingering on the shadows that gathered in the corners.

"You know Elenore, of course," Moira continued. "One of our most skilled healers, whose loyalty to the Shadow Court has never wavered." Elenore blushed at the praise but maintained her composure.

"And this," Moira placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, "is Finn. He has... unique abilities that may prove useful in the days to come."

I studied the boy more closely, noting the subtle ripples of power that emanated from him. Unlike most magic users, whose power manifested in clear, definable patterns, Finn's energy seemed to fold in on itself, creating spaces between spaces.

It was a signature I had seen only rarely, and never in one so young.

"Portal master potential," I murmured, intrigued.

The ability to manipulate the very fabric of reality, to create doorways between worlds, was not a gift that manifested often.

"Is there a connection to our current Portal Master?"

"None by blood," Moira replied, though her tone suggested there was more to the story. "Though perhaps by destiny. The old powers have a way of manifesting where they are most needed. Finn was found as an infant, left at the crossroads between realms during the last great convergence."

This information sent my mind racing with possibilities.

A child abandoned at a convergence point, possessing natural portal-crafting abilities... it was too convenient to be a coincidence.

"The Fateweavers?" Kaelon asked, voicing my suspicion.

Moira's expression grew grave. I guess this wasn’t necessarily a conversation with Finn’s presence, but none of us had anything to hide. Some would deem themselves worthy to be spoken of among Fae of our caliber.

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