Page 45 of Favored By the Stars

A distant howl cut through the tranquility of the Twilight Gardens, reminding us of the danger still pursuing us.

"We should move," Thorn said, hand returning to his sword hilt. "That crown won't mean much if we're torn apart by feral fae."

“But I thought they couldn’t get in? They ran through us like shadows before.” I looked at our bard.

Van just shrugged. “The Gardens probably thought the energy was too discordant when they were right next to us, but if they approached later that could be different. Or maybe these fae only had a small amount of corruption in them when they crossed into the Gardens and then it fully took them over. All I can say is that I didn’t expect them to be here.”

The howl echoed again, sharper this time, slicing through the fragile peace of the Twilight Gardens. My heart raced as I turned to Thorn, who already wore that determined expression. He stood like a wall between me and the encroaching danger, and somehow, that steadied me.

"We need to find shelter," I said, urgency creeping into my voice. "If they're close enough to howl like that..."

"They'll be here soon," Thorn cut in. He nodded toward a thicket of silver leaved trees nearby. "Over there."

As we sprinted toward the cover of the trees, I felt the weight of the Diadem pressing against my forehead, a constant reminder of my newfound identity and purpose. I hoped it would protect us as we navigated whatever lay ahead.

Wyn hurried beside me, her wide eyes darting nervously from side to side. "What if they find us before we can figure out how to use the Diadem?"

I didn't have an answer for her. My fingers brushed against its cool surface as if searching for guidance. "We'll manage," I assured her, even though doubt lingered in my mind.

Thorn led us into the dense foliage, where shadows danced under the silvery light filtering through the leaves. We crouched low behind a gnarled trunk, breaths heavy and quick.

I strained to hear over my heartbeat, scanning our surroundings for signs of movement or sound that would betray our position. The tension in the air thickened as silence settled around us.

"I hope they don't come this way," Wyn whispered.

"I won't let them." Thorn's voice was steady despite the uncertainty crackling around us.

Suddenly, rustling erupted nearby, twigs snapping and leaves crunching underfoot. My stomach dropped as a dark figure emerged from the shadows, a corrupted fae with twisted limbs and hollow eyes glowing with malice.

"Senara!" It snarled my name like a curse, a smile revealing rows of jagged teeth. The creature staggered forward, sniffing at the air like it could taste my fear.

My pulse quickened as panic surged within me. "It knows who I am!"

"Stay back!" Thorn positioned himself in front of me, his stance wide and protective.

But before he could strike or I could react further, more figures spilled into view, shadows upon shadows moving toward us from every direction. A chorus of growls filled the air as they encircled our hiding place.

"We're outnumbered," Wyn breathed, panic rising in her tone.

The lead creature's laughter echoed around us, a chilling sound that sent ice through my veins.

"Come out, Eclipse Child," it taunted. "We've been waiting for you."

I swallowed hard; fear tightened its grip around my throat as dread settled deep within me.

ChapterSeventeen

Senara

The laughter echoed around me, chilling my bones. My heart thundered in my chest as I shifted behind Thorn, who stood like a sentinel, unwavering. The lead creature's eyes bore into me, its grin sharp and cruel.

"Senara!" it jeered again, the nondescript voice taking on some tones of the Void Dragon Empress as though two people were speaking at once as it mocked my name. "You think you can hide? We know your strength now."

A surge of heat rushed through me, but fear tugged at my core. I had felt powerful in the Grove, wielding magic that danced between sun and moon. But here? In this moment, facing these corrupted fae? Doubt clawed at me.

Thorn shifted slightly, his stance widening as he readied himself for combat. "Stay close to me," he ordered, his voice low but firm.

I ran my fingers around the Diadem resting on my brow. Its presence grounded me; it felt like a tether to the harmony I had found within myself.

---