Page 43 of Court of Aether and Shadows

My role was to protect, to guide, to love from afar. To let fate set in motion and watch her unlock the blessings bestowed from the birthright of her Father while experiencing the blossoming beauty of her Omega qualities given from her Mother.

She was an anomaly that was destined for many, and yet to be loved by very few.

My duty was to remain by her side and shield her from the trials ahead.

Nothing more.

"It doesn't matter," I said, my voice rough with emotion but shimmering with resolve. "My feelings are irrelevant. I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, to help her fulfill her destiny on her own terms. Not yours, not the courts', not anyone else's."

The Fae's expression softened slightly, a hint of something almost like respect crossing his features. "Noble sentiments," he confessed and yet smiled. "But ultimately futile. The wheels are in motion, Fenris. The war is coming, whether you –or she– is ready for it or not."

With those ominous words, the Fae began to fade from view, but just before he disappeared entirely, he fixed me with a piercing gaze.

"A word of advice, old friend," he said, his voice echoing as if from a great distance."When the time comes – and it will come soon – don't fight it. Let her go. It will be easier for both of you in the end."

And then he was gone, leaving behind only the scent of ozone and winter roses.

I stood there for a long moment, Sparrow cradled protectively against my chest.

The breath I’d been holding finally left my mouth’s clutches, making me realize just how fast my heart had been beating. My mind raced, trying to process everything that had just happened.

The Fae's words, the implications of what was to come, the weight of the secrets I had been keeping for so long...

Sparrow stirred in my arms, a small whimper escaping her lips.

I looked down at her, my heart clenching at how vulnerable she looked.

If she knew what was happening, maybe it wouldn’t have gotten this bad. She wouldn’t have been so easily taken over. If she knew the truth, she wouldn’t have left without me being right next to her.

I could protect her the way I was entrusted to, without holding back a pinch of magic.

That would prove to our hidden vigilantes that we’re not easy prey.

We need to tell her. Not everything, not yet. But enough. She deserves to know what she's up against.

For once, my wolf didn't argue.

He understood, as I did, that the game had changed.

The Fae courts were moving, the prophecies unfolding faster than anyone had anticipated. If we didn't prepare Sparrow –prepare Lirael– for what was to come, we risked losing her entirely.

With a heavy sigh, I began the trek back to civilization, my precious woman held close. I didn't know what the future held or if I was making the right choice.

I did know one thing: I would stand by her side, fight for her, and protect her, until my dying breath.

Even if it meant watching her walk away from me and into the arms of her destined mate.

Even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness for her safety and the future of all the realms.

Because that's what it meant to truly love someone.

To put their needs, their destiny, above your own desires.

As we emerged from the forest, the first stars of the evening beginning to twinkle overhead, I sent up a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess that watched over us Shadowed Alphas.

Give her strength. Give her wisdom…and when the time comes, give her the courage to face her destiny — whatever it may be.

The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of another realm. Of shadow and starlight, of power beyond imagination. And I knew, with a certainty that chilled me to my core, that our time was running out.

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