Page 7 of Consort

I inherited my heat power from my father, but his is just a flicker compared to what I’ve built mine into. I spent countless hours each day for years, relentlessly honing my magic and training my body until I collapsed. I sought out every charm, herb, and potion that might enhance my power. A trail of ashes followed me everywhere as my magic grew hotter and I became more adept at using it.

By chance, I even managed to find an elf willing to help me. Elves typically stay hidden. They hate the queen just as much as the rest of us. The nobles’ brutality against the elves is what drove them into hiding in the first place.

They are a lot like the fae, but they only have spell magic. It’s more powerful and more intricate than fae who possess the same. There are very few elves, though, compared to any of thehigh fae. There likely aren’t enough of them to actually claim victory over the queen. Plus, they are a peaceful species. They don’t fight unless they absolutely have to. They prefer to hide beneath their magic and live in peace.

I’m not sure how I was able to find one. Maybe he was the one who found me. I’d hoped he could increase my power, but he said that’s a magic no one possesses. Still, he did cast a spell to free my magic from any hindrance, unlocking its full potential. He added a spell to strengthen my resolve despite any failures or distractions along the way.

As a precaution, he cast one last spell, binding me from using my power against his kind. It was unnecessary, but I respected his reasoning. It was a small demand in exchange for what he’d given me.

With his help and my self-torture, I’ve transformed myself into a warrior. The time has finally come to use what I’ve built for its purpose.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Farris asks as we scour the woods for Mitah.

My ultimate goal is to take down the queen. But first, I need to weaken her. Mitah is the perfect place to start.

He made the horror stories real. He put blood on my hands, as I was too weak to save the shifter he murdered. I’ve been saving the majority of my bloodlust for his smirking face.

The lively sound of chirping, fluttering critters tells me no nobles are nearby. We will need to move closer to the castle.

I charge through the trees, determined to find him. Even if he’s past the forest and in full view of the queen herself.

“I’ve been ready for ages,” I grumble, itching to take down the unworthy bastard.

I’m aware that Farris is referring to my abilities, but I wouldn’t be pushing forward if I wasn’t fully prepared.

“Are you nervous, though?” he presses, understanding thegravity of my task.

I breathe evenly, silently thanking the elf for my lack of nerves. “No. I’ve worked my ass off for this. My magic is deadlier than I had ever imagined it could be. Mitah may be powerful and dangerous, but so am I. And he won’t see me coming.”

I’ve hidden the extent of my power from everyone but Farris. I’d disappear for days, training in secluded areas or recuperating in my hut from the strain I’d put on myself. I distanced myself from my family and my village, focusing solely on my magic. I knew I couldn’t let anything hold me back or get in my way.

Instead of joining in on festivities, I’d hunt for the bulky, stone golems that nobles send out to locate shifter camps or elven hideaways. I practiced my magic on them, reducing their muddy or rocky forms to ashes while other fae celebrated and indulged.

I became known as a loner, which worked in my favor. I wasn’t distracted or slowed down by vain discussions or piddly tasks. The only difficult part was ignoring my parents when they’d ask what was causing my behavior. I knew it was better for them to begin mourning their lost son while I was still alive than for me to be taken away violently if things go wrong.

I had to be able to walk out of my village today without looking back.

Farris has supported me, no matter how foolish my plan against the nobility seems. His illusion magic will be useful as I move forward, but his emotional support is what I need most. I don’t feel good about taking lives, but there’s justice that needs to be served. I’ve convinced myself that I’m the one meant to do it since no one else has stepped up to make things right.

“So, what should we be?” he asks, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

“Let’s try something different,” I suggest. “How about a plant? We’ll wait along the main path, hidden until Mitah passes by.He’ll never see me coming.”

“Brilliant!” Farris says, slapping me on the back. “Let’s go.”

We move silently through the forest until we reach the path, where I immediately realize I overlooked one major detail.

“Shit,” I mutter, pointing at the glowing flowers lining both sides of the worn path. “I forgot about the calantars.”

Calantars are short plants with blue flowers that light up when fae get close to them. They line the entire path in both directions, guiding the fae who wander the woods at night.

“We can’t be close to them, or he’ll know someone’s hiding here,” I say, holding back my frustration.

Farris nods grimly and chews the inside of his cheek. He looks around until he spots another plant that might work.

“Okay, there’s a line of fillana stalks far enough back to keep from triggering the glow. But it will be harder to reach Mitah before he notices you.”

The added distance poses a challenge, but I’m confident I can manage it. I’ll just have to move faster.

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