Page 6 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

More than anything, it had forged a bond between mother and daughter. Julietta felt she understood her mother better now—the way Queen Kalora fiercely protected her own powers, the way she wielded them for the greater good. Her mother could be harsh, but she was always fair, her intentions pure. Now that they shared this magical connection, Julietta finally felt like she belonged in their world.

“You're doing beautifully, my daughter.”

Julietta watched as her mother approached, the queen's steps measured and regal. Kalora's diadem of silver caught the light from the hand-lit chandelier, the center stone—a shiny topaz—reflecting an orange beam that danced across the walls.

“Thank you, Mother,” Julietta replied, basking in the rare praise. It covered her like a warm blanket, a feeling of safety and comfort she rarely experienced. She knew her mother loved her, but this newfound pride sometimes left her off-balance. She wasn't used to her mother taking such an interest in her. But then again, she hadn't been a weapon before.

The thought of using her powers as a weapon sent a chill down Julietta's spine. While the threat of Cressida had been neutralized, she worried about what they might encounter as they sought to restore the unknown source of magic. They were fumbling in the dark, and the only one with any real knowledge was the very reason Julietta had lost her powers to begin with. Until Renya and Grayden returned, they were in a frustrating holding pattern.

Julietta rolled her aching shoulders, the tension from channeling her magic leaving her muscles sore and tight. She longed for nothing more than a steaming hot bath and a good book to lose herself in.

“I think that's enough for today, Dearest.” Kalora gave a curt nod of approval before sweeping out of the throne room, her skirts rustling against the stone floor. Julietta let out a relieved sigh and made her way to her chambers.

Her room had been rebuilt much simpler than before, but she didn't mind the spartan decor. Julietta was simply grateful to have a private space where she could be alone with her thoughts. So much had changed in her life over the past month; she felt like a snake that had outgrown its skin, uncomfortable and itching for transformation. The moment her powers had returned, it was as if some strange creature had taken up residence within her body. It wasn't painful, exactly, but the sensation was alien and took some getting used to.

Shrugging off her fur cape, Julietta draped it over the chair beside the fireplace. The castle was chilly, drafts whistling through the exposed sections of wall. But she counted herself lucky to have a roof over her head when so many of their people were displaced. She and her mother had repurposed half of the castle as permanent lodgings for their subjects, a decision that secretly delighted Julietta. She had few friends, and the chance to interact with others her age made her feel connected in a way she'd never experienced before.

But she had an ulterior motive for her frequent walks through the halls housing their people. With every step, she silently prayed to the Gods that she would feel it—that sharp, sacramental tug in her chest that would lead her to her fated mate. Ever since her powers had returned, the drive to find her perfect match had become almost overwhelming. She'd listened with rapt attention to Selenia's tales of the bond between Renya and Grayden, how Renya had felt their connection the moment her powers were restored. Julietta had begged Selenia for every detail about her own pairing with Sion, drinking in the information like a woman dying of thirst.

But for Julietta...so far, nothing. A melancholy emptiness settled over her each time she paced the castle corridors, her eyes scrutinizing every eligible fae male she encountered. Not even a flutter when she had wandered the village, lending a hand with rebuilding efforts. The possibility that she might not have a mate at all was a thought too depressing to dwell on.

More than anything, Julietta yearned for companionship—for the unconditional love she'd read about in stories but never experienced firsthand.

With a heavy sigh, she moved to the bathroom and started the water running in the tub. As she waited for it to fill, she traced her fingers over the pendant she wore, it’s cool metal a stark contrast to her flushed skin. Perhaps tonight she'd pen a letter to Selenia, inquiring if Renya had returned from her honeymoon. Julietta was tired of waiting, ready to move forward rather than hiding away in her own home.

She slid into the tub, the hot water soothing her aching muscles. As she washed her unruly curls, she noticed how much more quickly her body seemed to expend energy now. The more she trained, the more strength her magic demanded from her.

After drying off, Julietta moved to the window, her gaze drawn to the soldiers camped in the courtyard below. She watched them march and spar, knowing they were pushing themselves to prove their worth to the incoming Tidal Kingdom forces. King Triston was due to arrive with his army and a collection of books that might aid in their research.

Sitting down at her desk, Julietta penned a quick note to Selenia before reaching for her vermilion leather-bound notebook. She'd developed the habit of journaling as soon as she'd learned to write, meticulously recording important events and her own thoughts. Perhaps that was why she excelled at recalling information from books and conversations—her mind was like a finely-tuned instrument, always ready to capture and store new knowledge.

After documenting her training session with her mother, Julietta set her quill down and carefully hid the notebook under a loose floorboard beneath her bed. Finally exhausted, she curled up in her small bed and let sleep claim her.

The Tidal soldiers' arrival at the Twilight Kingdom was anything but subtle. Their thunderous approach jolted Julietta awake, her heart pounding in time with their drums. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she shook out her tangle of curls and peered through the small window of her bedroom. Row upon row of armored men marched towards the castle, led by the imposing figure of King Triston.

Knowing she was expected to greet the Tidal Kingdom's leader alongside her mother, Julietta hastily dressed. Her mauve gown swished around her ankles as she hurried from her room, the soft fabric a stark contrast to the rough stone beneath her feet.

The moment she stepped into the hallway, a strange sensation gripped her. Her heartbeat quickened, falling into rhythm with the drums outside. A sudden warmth blossomed in her chest, radiating outward until her entire body tingled. The intensity of it forced her back against the wall, gasping for air. Was this some sort of illness? She'd heard tales of older fae experiencing heart troubles, but this felt different. It felt like—

Her eyes widened as realization dawned. Could it be? Was her fated bond finally awakening? Joy bubbled up within her, a smile spreading across her face as her body quivered with excitement. This was what she'd longed for, more than magic, more than anything. Her satin slippers slid on the bare stone as she raced towards the castle entrance. It had to be one of the Tidal soldiers—their arrival must have triggered the bond.

Torches illuminated the courtyard, piercing the perpetual twilight that shrouded their kingdom. Julietta's eyes, accustomed to the dimness, swept over the assembled men. Row after row of soldiers stood at attention, their armor glinting in the firelight, tridents held at their sides. They bowed respectfully as she passed, but Julietta barely noticed, too focused on the pull in her chest.

But as she reached the back of the formation, confusion set in. The feeling was fading, growing fainter with each step. Had she imagined it? Had her desperate desire for a mate conjured up false sensations? The warmth that had resided in her body moments ago now felt like a phantom, a pale imitation of that initial, white-hot feeling.

Disappointment threatened to overwhelm her as she turned back towards the castle. She needed to be present for King Triston's formal welcome, regardless of her emotional turmoil. As she climbed the partially destroyed steps, her skirt caught on a jagged piece of stone. The delicate fabric tore, but Julietta couldn't bring herself to care. Each step felt heavier than the last, her earlier joy replaced by a crushing sadness.

But as she rounded the corner towards the throne room, her pulse quickened once more. The sensation from earlier returned, stronger than ever. Her eyes widened in realization—it wasn't sadness she was feeling, but the pull of her fated bond.

Heart fluttering, Julietta broke into a run. It had to be someone inside the castle. Perhaps the blacksmith's son? She'd noticed his shy smiles when she passed the temporary shelter. The thought filled her with equal parts excitement and trepidation.

She flew past the armory and the formal dining hall, the pull growing stronger with each step. As she approached the throne room, she hesitated. Should she interrupt the formal greeting, since she was already late? But the urgency of the bond compelled her forward.

Julietta burst through the heavy doors, a bright smile illuminating her face. But as she took in the scene before her, confusion set in. Only her mother and King Triston were present. She glanced around, searching for someone—anyone—else.

And then she felt it. A scorching, desperate tug that nearly brought her to her knees.

Her smile faltered as her gaze landed on King Triston. His steel-gray eyes widened, shock and disbelief etched across his typically stoic features.

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