Page 31 of Court of Aether and Shadows

“Believe they can control her destiny. They will find her would-be attackers, each death more gruesome than the last. And they will know fear."

With a flick of my wrist, I dispelled the image.

The Shadow Knights bowed even lower, their enthusiasm for the task palpable.

"It will be done, my Lord," the leader intoned. "They will suffer as no humans have suffered before."

I nodded, satisfied.

"Go, then. Begin your work. I expect regular reports on their progress – or lack thereof."

The knights rose as one, bowing deeply before melting back into the shadows. I felt the throne room grow even darker in their wake as if the very air anticipated the horrors to come.

Kaelon, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, now stepped forward. I could sense his concern — see the galaxies in his eyes swirling rapidly.

"My Lord, if I may... it seems your chosen queen is becoming a target in the human world.” I had predicted the probabilities, but not so soon. “What are your plans to ensure her safety as she awakens to her power?"

I fixed him with my gaze, feeling a flicker of appreciation for his loyalty even as I bristled at the implied doubt. After a moment, I let my expression soften marginally, allowing a hint of the bond between us to show through my regal mask.

"Your concern is noted, old friend," I said, keeping my tone gentle but authoritative. "We will continue to monitor her whereabouts, intervening only when absolutely necessary. She must come into her power on her own terms, must choose this world of her own free will."

Or else, history would simply be repeating itself.

I stood, descending the steps of the dais. My armor clinked softly with each movement, the sound somehow amplifying my aura of deadly elegance. I began to pace, feeling the frustration and longing that had been building within me for centuries.

"I must wait for her to tap fully into our world before I can stake my claim," I continued, unable to keep the frustration from coloring my words.What worried me wasn’t the idea of claiming her as mine again. The problem I face in this century of twirling starlight is the competition that may follow.Other royals of tainted grace just as worthy attempting to claim my fated star."To do otherwise would be to risk losing her forever. And I will not lose her. I’ve already suffered once. A mistake I’ll eternally regret."

I clenched my fists, feeling my claws dig into my palms once more. The spike of pain was required to remind myself of my reality. A pinch of that agony that’s measured as insignificant in comparison to the centuries I’ve waited in unrelenting torment.

The scent of my blood filled the air, rich and metallic. I sensed the shadows in the room roil and churn hungrily in response.

"But we must act quickly," I growled. "Already, I sense the stirring of other powers. If the Aether Faes discover her existence, her untapped potential..." I trailed off, the implications clear.

They’ll crave her power. Her alliance. Her compassion and favor.

The Aether Faes.

Our ancient enemies, beings of pure light and searing heat. Where we thrived in shadow and twilight, they basked in the glory of perpetual day. We had been locked in a cold war for millennia, each seeking to tip the balance of power in our favor.

We may have a peace treaty in place to keep us tamed and slightly merciful, but it’s only a matter of time before contracts are broken and revenge is imminent.

If they were to learn of the prophecy, of the Omega with the power to reshape reality itself...

My jaw clenched at the thought.

They would stop at nothing to either turn her to their cause or destroy her outright. The only current advantage we carried was knowing the chosen Queen would be an Omega and not simply a helpless mundane.

However, my own Queen doesn’t know her rooted origin.

I also hate to acknowledge that being an Omega opens doors I’d rather she not venture into.

Invites men of howling possession who’d yearn for her scent and beg to brand their mark on her flesh.

It takes far too much restraint to tame the rumble amid my chest.

Kaelon bowed deeply, and I could sense his understanding of the gravity of the situation.

"We will redouble our efforts to protect her in the human realm while maintaining our distance," he assured me. "Perhaps we could plant some of our lesser Fae in her vicinity? Ones who could intervene without revealing the full extent of our world?"

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