Page 109 of Court of Aether and Shadows

Something I wouldn’t admit I actually like.

“You never questioned about those bodies that showed up after you got hit by that bullet, did you?”

The reminder leaves me pouting before my eyes widen.

“Y-You…”

“I may not be able to interfere in your life a few weeks ago,” he confesses with hooded eyes. “But there’s only so much I’d dare allow. Intentionally hurting you with a bullet not from the mundane realm crossed over a bunch of limitations and rules. Truthfully, I didn’t care if the Elders punished me for interfering. I wasn’t going to let that go.”

I’m so surprised by his expression which screams determination.

“No one gets away with hurting what’s mine,” he affirms like it’s the very law of order in these realms of Twilight and Shadows. “Not before. Not now. Not ever.”

He then leans down to lightly press a kiss to my nose.

“Your life from before and the experiences you had to deal with aren’t weaknesses. They’re strengths that will serve you well here, Sparrow, and more importantly, it allowed you to realize what you don’t want your life to be. What you’ll no longertolerate with this new opportunity of life,” he admits. “The Court of Twilight can be your life. This place can be your sanctuary, which welcomes you with open arms, especially when your very soul was made to lead the threads of our world when the time is right.”

“But…that’s Liarel’s job,” I dare whisper. “I mean…eventually…I’ll…disappear, right?”

“No.” He shakes his head firmly and I can see the disapproval rooted in his expression. “Fate seems to have decided things will run differently than even I could predict. You won’t just one day wake up and realize you’re no longer you. That’s not how it works in our realms. You will still be Sparrow, and as you grow in power and strength, the magic and abilities Liarel carried through generations will awaken and come into use when the time is right. You won’t lose your identity. You’ll simply be empowered by who you once were. This I can promise you.”

That did give me a sense of relief, but I wasn’t sure I could allow my hopes to go up.

To dare think of the possibilities that have unlocked in my favor.

"But…can I stay?" I asked, voicing my deepest fear. "Is there even a place for someone like me in this realm of power and ancient magic? Yes…I guess in the future I’ll have a role to play, but right now…I’m not very useful, am I?"

"This is your home," he said firmly, his power surging slightly to emphasize his words. "Not just because of Liarel's memories, powers, or ancient prophecies, but because you belong here. Because the very fabric of our realm recognizes you as its own."

As if to demonstrate his point, the air around us shimmered with response, tiny motes of light rising from the city below to dance around us like fireflies made of starlight.

“And you are most certainly a gift. You’re more than just ‘useful’, but I need you to understand, Sparrow, that you’reworth isn’t being questioned. Court of Twilight and Shadows is your birthright. This is where your roots are. You not only belong here but were destined to return at a time when it would be safe and beneficial to you.”

I had to admit, I was thankful for his words of affirmation because I knew without a doubt he was speaking nothing but the truth with me. He did not need to sugarcoat any of this because what would he get out of return?

“If you feel inadequate in your skills and abilities to perform magic in our realms, that can be fixed. Can be learned. You’ve not shown a single act of rejection at the idea of discovering and acquiring knowledge, especially when it comes to this new realm you know little of,” he admits. “I know from observing you that you do enjoy learning and growing as a person. In honing your skills so they can work to the best of your ability in an unpredictable environment. I’m sure you’re striving to experience the same here, which may be why you feel anxious and uncertain of what the future has in store.”

He was right.

It was a bit of a habit to ensure I was prepared for any change or mission, but how does one prepare when they’ve entered a world they know nothing about?

That worried me because I wasn’t prepared to face whatever challenges were in store for me. If he helped so I could learn quickly and adapt so I could protect myself, I’d be less anxious about the possibility of being taken advantage of — if that had the potential of happening here.

"Besides," he continued, a slight smile playing at his lips, "I know several who would be honored to help you master your abilities. The Portal Master has already expressed interest in teaching you about realm-walking. Moira speaks highly of your potential for ancient magics. Even the Shadow Knights have noted your natural affinity for our court's particular powers."

“T-These people already know me?” I’ve been unconscious for the most part, but I guess having the Lord of their Court bring a woman into his royal chambers would get people talking as to who the hell I am.Wait…"You mean... I could learn to control all of this…power? Travel through realms? Maybe even travel back to the human…or mundane world like you guys call it?"

His smile widened.

"With proper training, yes. Though," his expression turned slightly possessive with a touch of longing, "I hope you won't be in too much of a hurry to leave."

I found myself returning his smile, feeling the truth of his words in the way my power naturally intertwined with his, in the way this realm seemed to welcome me despite my uncertainties.

"No," I said softly, reaching up to trace the silver markings on his face that pulsed beneath my touch. "I don't think I want to leave just yet."

"Then stay," he murmured, leaning down until his forehead rested against mine. "Stay here, at my side while you discover what I and the Court of Twilight and Shadows can offer you. Let me show you all the wonders of our realm while you unravel the many secrets it’s kept just for your return.”

He pulled back and further smiled with immense pride.

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