Page 29 of Cursed Dreams
Three women, each exuding an air of wisdom and quiet authority, descended the grand steps to greet them.
The first was a priestess with dark red hair, braided with small pearls that gleamed like captured moonlight. Her robes werelayered in delicate shades of blue and white, embroidered with celestial symbols that shimmered faintly as she moved. Though her face bore the ageless beauty of the Fae, her deep-set, intelligent eyes spoke of centuries of knowledge.
Beside her stood a human scholar she assumed, an older woman with dark skin, piercing amber eyes, her grey-streaked curls wrapped in a headscarf of deep emerald. Her robes were simpler, yet no less dignified, her belt adorned with vials of ink and rolled parchments. A woman of learning, of discipline, of precision.
The final figure was another Fae, but unlike the first, she was younger, perhaps ages with Thalia. Her golden hair was wrapped in intricate braids, her violet eyes sharp with quiet curiosity. Unlike the formal attire of the others, she wore more practical robes, designed for movement rather than ceremony.
All three studied the newcomers with measured interest.
“Welcome,” the red haired priestess spoke first, her voice rich with warmth yet laced with undeniable authority. “You have travelled far, and now, your true learning journey begins.
The Priestess regarded them all with a benevolent smile, though there was no mistaking the keen intelligence in her ageless eyes. She clasped her hands together, the soft jingling of delicate silver chains around her wrists the only sound for a moment before she spoke.
“You have travelled far,” she said, her voice carrying across the courtyard with an effortless grace. “And I do not doubt you are weary from your journey. It is no small thing to leave behind the lives you have known to walk this path. But you are here now, and this temple, this city, will be your home in the years to come.”
Thalia felt the weight of those words settle in her chest.Years to come.This wasn’t some brief adventure or momentary departure. She was here to stay, to train, to dedicate herself to her craft.
The Priestess nodded to the younger Fae at her side, the one with golden braids and sharp violet eyes. “Miryenne will show you to your dormitories, where you may freshen up and rest. You will have time to gather yourselves before your formal induction in the Hall.”
Miryenne stepped forward with a polite but reserved expression, gesturing for them to follow her. The Priestess turned slightly, her gaze settling on Vaelith. Her expression shifted ever so slightly—surprise, certainly, but not the kind tinged with suspicion or uncertainty. No, her look was one of familiarity, even fondness.
“Lord Vaelith,” she said, inclining her head ever so slightly in respect. “We were not expecting you for some weeks, but we are honoured by your presence, as always.”
Lord Vaelith?
Thalia’s breath caught in her throat.
The title was not one thrown around lightly. She had known he was of some importance, but a Lord. Nobility was rare among the fae especially with the High fae gone and the way the Priestess addressed him, with such deference, suggested he was more than just an ability assessor.
Her heart drummed in her ears as she watched him, she had made a fool of herself several times in front of this male. Evidence of her embarrassment began to creep up her cheeks.
Vaelith, ever composed, offered a slight nod, the picture of effortless grace. “The honour is mine, Priestess,” he said smoothly.
“Shall we have your usual rooms prepared?” she inquired.
Thalia cringed inwardly, of course he was staying here, what else had she expected?
This changes nothing!
She had a plan, avoid Vaelith and in doing so any rumours arising from the journey would surely fade away. Study hard, perfect her craft, make friends, have a life. Simple.
The sound of Vaelith’s long exhale roused her from her thoughts “That won’t be necessary. I won’t remain long.”
The priestess regarded him for a lingering moment, her lips curving ever so slightly, as if she had expected that answer. “As you wish,” she said simply before gesturing to Miryenne, who was suddenly looking rather disappointed, to carry on.
Vaelith’s gaze landed on Thalia once more, he gave a small bow of his head before turning around and leaving.
She felt a strange, restless unease coil in her stomach
She didn’t know why his departure suddenly unsettled her. She barely knew him. He had been a constant presence on this journey, yes, but that was all he was supposed to be. A presence. A traveling companion, assigned to escort them, nothing more.
Yet, the thought of himleavingfelt… wrong.
It was a ridiculous notion.
She had spent the last day trying to avoid him, for the sake of her own sanity. She should be relieved, glad, even, that soon, she wouldn’t have to endure the sharp glances, the knowing smirks,or thetoo, close momentson horseback that made her question herself in ways she didn’t like.
She wasnotdisappointed. Of course she wasn’t.
