7. Danica

Danica

7

F aderyn guides me into a tent that would have the term 'glamping' written all over it if the fae had a word for it.

The leather flaps fall back into place with a soft, satisfying thud behind us. The magic kicks in the moment I step inside—flickering fae lights overhead set the whole place aglow with a warm, inviting light that makes everything feel just that bit fancier.

The air is rich with the aromatic twinge of cedar from the fire crackling in the corner—it's giving off serious cozy cabin vibes.

The teasing scents of roasting meat and baking bread make my stomach rumble its appreciation, clearly on board with this Fae-style hospitality.

Curiosity pulls at me, and I trace my fingers along these intricate carvings that wrap around the wooden furniture. They're scenes pulled from the woods, from legend, crafted with such skill they almost seem alive.

The bed is like a mountain of comfort in the corner, stacked with quilts with more embroidery than a royal wedding dress and furs so soft they'd make a polar bear jealous.

Then there's the table, a veritable cornucopia of edibles—fruits that look like they've been plucked from some mystical orchard, cheeses with enough age to them to be considered historical artifacts, and wine that I'm guessing has never seen the inside of a grocery store.

This kind of luxury makes you wonder if you've somehow stumbled into a Fae version of a five-star resort.

Faderyn, with a flourish that tells me he's quite pleased with himself, "Please make yourself comfortable. This will be your tent during your stay." His pride in the setup is almost touchingly evident.

As I soak in the lavishness of my temporary digs, my curiosity piques, and I turn to him eagerly. "This is great. Where will you be staying?"

He glances outside at the darkening violet sky. "I should return home briefly to check on things after your friend's disruptive arrival." A smile tugs his lips. "I want to ensure my attendant hasn't abandoned me."

I smirk, picturing his attendant reacting to a vampire appearing suddenly. "Will you come back soon though? I'd feel better not being alone here long."

Faderyn grasps my hand reassuringly; his brilliant emerald eyes are kind. "Of course. This is just a quick visit to settle matters at home. I'll return within a couple of hours at most."

He smiles encouragingly. "Rest now after your harrowing journey. You are safe here. We will figure out what comes next—together."

"What'sAxilyagot up her sleeve, you think?" I turn toFaderyn, trying to channel my inner detective to the twistedShadow Court.

My stomach's untying, but this twisty feeling of nerves still overwhelms me.

Faderyn considers carefully before answering. "She will likely write a formal letter to the queen requesting an audience for you as an honored guest. Proper protocol."

I can practically hear my patience crackling like thin ice. "A letter? Seriously?"

I breathe, wrestling with the fact that this ancient realm hasn't caught up to even the twentieth century, never mind the twenty-first. There are no quick texts, emails, or smartphones in sight. It's like living in an age where 'ye olde' is considered modern speak—ridiculously outdated and grade-A frustrating.

"Yes, I'm afraid—post by Raven. Once delivered, we wait for the queen to respond. Typically takes about a week." He confirms apologetically.

"A week?" I shout, dread flooding me.

I begin pacing the fur rugs, my agitated movements matching my frantic thoughts. A week is far too long. Anything could happen to Rhyland while I am stuck here and unable to help him.

The idea of being here, just waiting while he could be... No. I can't even let myself finish that thought. It's too much time, way too much time, for any number of things to happen toRhyland, and every second I'm here, not being able to do a damn thing to help him, is like a knife twist.

Sensing my rising panic, Faderyn grasps my hands gently. "Breathe, Dani. Getting worked up helps nothing."

I try to steady my nerves, but it's useless. "There must be some way to hurry this process along," I plead desperately.

Faderyn smooths back his hair, empathy in his luminous eyes. "I know your frustration. But our customs differ greatly from the mortal realm. We cannot circumvent proper steps."

His reasonable words only stoke the fire inside me. A week of forced inaction may cost Rhyland dearly. I cannot—will not—accept that.

Faderyn watches me warily. "She must extend appropriate courtesies..."

"Appropriate? So it's appropriate to imprison people?" I spit out scornfully. "I don't give a damn about etiquette."

"Calm, Dani..." Faderyn reaches for me, but I jerk away.

"Don't tell me to be calm," I shout, sparks dancing at my fingertips. "What if that icy bitch denies my request altogether? Is that possible?"

Faderyn shifts uneasily. "Yes...she may refuse audience."

His admission unleashes the storm inside me. Power surges like molten lava in my veins. My vision tints red. My hands begin to burn with the familiar white-hot flames. Anger and fear are always its conduit.

Sensing the frightening energy churning within, Faderyn grabs my shoulders. "Dani, control yourself! Your magic—I've never felt…seen… it's like..."

Struggling to keep myself together, I slam my eyes shut, drawing air into my lungs in deep, deliberate gulps, teeth grinding all the while as I fight to keep the rising inferno inside at bay. This isn't just some bad mood; it's a tempest, a fiery tempest clawing for freedom, and I'm hanging onto reason for dear life.

Endless minutes tick by—though it's just a few—and when I finally peel my eyes open, the world isn't bathed in that angry red anymore. I'm shaking like a leaf, and there's Faderyn, who is all wide-eyed and worried, probably wondering if he should call for magical backup.

"It's this place," I blurt out, to say something, to try and make sense of what's happening. "My power here, it's like I went from a bonfire to a wildfire, undisciplined and fierce." My eyes find his, trying to communicate a fear I can barely articulate. "If I can't keep a lid on this...what then?"

The thought alone sets another shiver through me—it's like standing on a cliff's edge, unsure if you're about to fly or fall.

Faderyn considers me seriously. "Magic here is a living force unto itself. You must learn to dance with it deftly...not seek to dominate."

I rake shaky fingers through my hair. "You don't understand. I'm barely keeping it leashed now. What happens if it breaks free?"

"Then we help you tame it." Faderyn squeezes my shoulder. "I haven't seen magic like yours in eons. But I believe you can master this, Dani. Magic answers to your will, not the reverse."

"Faderyn, you're not getting it. A week could mean everything for Rhyland—for me—our bond. It's a matter of life or death." The pleading seeps into my voice, lowering to a whisper, thrumming with pure resolve, "Please. Isn't there any other option?"

He locks his gaze with mine, and I can almost see the gears turning, the battle behind those striking green eyes. Conflict writhes across his features until, at last, he folds me into a hug that feels like the sturdiest fortress. "Peace, Dani. We'll put our faith in Axilya for the moment. But should she drag her heels... we won't just stand by—we'll cut our own path," he murmurs, his voice a steady beat against the chaos of my fears as he strokes my hair with a tenderness that seems to smooth away the sharpest edges of my panic.

His words anchor me back to a place of hope—steadying me and reminding me that I'm not alone here.

That love—that stubborn, relentless love—I let it set my resolve in stone. I make my silent vow, an oath witnessed by gods or mortals or the air I'm breathing—nothing will keep me from Rhyland.

Faderyn holds me a little longer than I feel comfortable, his gaze lingering on me with an expression that looks oddly like...longing?

I clear my throat awkwardly and step back, putting some distance between us.

"My...apologies," Faderyn says with a stutter, dropping his hands.

Before I can respond, he turns and hastily leaves the tent.

Once alone, anxiety swiftly returns. I pace the plush fur carpets, impatience and nerves churning in my stomach. So much uncertainty still looms.

I just don't know what to make of Faderyn's behavior. Surely, I imagined the intimate look in his eyes. We've only just met, and he's been nothing but gracious.

I force my thoughts back to the crisis at hand. Rhyland is still in peril, and my powers are unchecked. Faderyn may be able to help on both fronts, but the answers won't come easy. Danger and struggle likely await.

But standing idle drives me mad. I must be ready to act the instant opportunity arises. Too much depends on this realm's fate and Rhyland's life. Failure is not an option.

F aderyn returns to my tent hours later with Erik in reluctant tow as night fully descends. I leap up and crush Erik in an enthusiastic bear hug as if we've been separated for months, not hours.

"Well, it's about time! What the hell happened with you two?" I demand, hands on hips as I eye them both.

Faderyn sighs heavily. "It seems my companion refused to remain with your rather...uncouth friend present." He gestures faintly at Erik. "I had no choice but to bring him on foot."

"Fine, lay the fault at my feet for your underling's distress," Erik mutters, shedding his equipment and easing onto a chaise beside the hearth."Being hauled through the woods on a shared horse was never my plan."

The mental snapshot of big, toughErik, Mr. Brooding Brawn himself, snug and secure inFaderyn's lanky fae embrace on horseback as they zip through the woods—it's comedy gold. The several glasses of honey-sweet wine I've enjoyed are definitely amplifying everything right now. My cheeks feel flushed, and my head is pleasantly fuzzy.

Faderyn notices my glassy eyes and looser inhibitions. "Are you...intoxicated presently?" he asks uncertainly.

"Pfft, no!" I scoff, sauntering over to sprawl ungracefully next to Erik. "I'm just...relaxed. Wine here is strong stuff—phew!"

I'm clearly drunk. I dramatically fan myself and extend my hands toward the fire's warmth.

Faderyn looks mildly disturbed by my unladylike lounging but recovers quickly. "Yes, our vineyards are quite...potent by mortal standards. Perhaps pace yourself moving forward."

I dismiss his concern with a flourish of my hand. "Lighten up. I've got to entertain myself somehow while we're in a holding pattern, waiting for Cruella. " I pin him with a meaningful look, one that he conveniently pretends not to notice.

Sighing, Erik turns to me, his eyes unusually somber. "Any change with your bond? Can you sense him out there?"

My brief buzz vanishes at the question. I shake my head morosely. "Nothing. It's like we're completely cut off." Pain lances through my core. "I only felt him for a moment before. Now...just emptiness where he should be."

Erik's face hardens, but he nods. We don't need to voice the dark fears swamping us both. The absence of a mate bond is no small thing.

Clearing his throat delicately, Faderyn interjects, "Perhaps we could begin your magical instruction tomorrow, Dani? Only if you're amenable, of course."

I squint at him slowly, processing the offer through my fuzzy brain. "Huh? Oh yeah, sure," I reply brightly. "I doubt I'll be a star pupil if I'm being honest. I never had a real teacher before." I prod him playfully, "But I'm willing to learn, Sensai."

Faderyn's emerald eyes practically glow with enthusiasm. "It would be my honor to show you our ways, Dani. The magic here flows to its own rhythm. Learning to move with it may help regain control."

I wobbly stand. "I look forward to being all one with nature tomorrow." Nearly falling over, I bow, barely containing further laughter. "But for now, my wee mortal form requires rest. May we continue our spiritual journey tomorrow?"

I don't think Faderyn can tell when I'm joking half the time. My sense of humor goes right over his proper Fae head.

Erik snorts in amusement as I stumble tipsily around the tent, my earlier composure vanishing thanks to the strong honey wine. I can feel his eyes rolling at my drunken antics.

Faderyn smiles kindly, "I will inform Lady Axilya of your…friend," motioning to Erik and bidding us goodnight before ducking out.

I plop down clumsily beside Erik, the room spinning slightly. "You need to feed before you wither away," I tell him bluntly, words slurring together.

It's been two days, and he won't last long without blood, especially in the unrelenting sunlight here.

I pray Rhyland and Lucian are kept inside.

Erik pins me with an icy stare. "I'm not feeding off my brother's intoxicated mate. That would be improper." He shakes his head ruefully. "Drinking your blood now would just give me a buzz, anyway."

My cheeks flush deeper at the truth of his words. "Fiiine," I concede with a dramatic sigh. "I'll find a way to draw some out sober tomorrow. But you are going to feed, mister. No fading to dust on my watch!"

I try to stand firmly to emphasize my point, but another wave of dizziness has me swaying precariously again. Erik catches me swiftly, concern flickering across his stony features. Effortlessly, he lifts me into his strong arms. I let out a faint squeal as the room spins.

"C'mon, lil fighter, time for bed," he rumbles, carrying me the short distance to the sumptuous bed. Gently, he lays me atop the furs. I grab a pillow, hug it, and inhale the delicate lavender scent.

Erik smooths the blankets over me in a brotherly fashion. "Get some rest. We'll figure things out tomorrow." His silver eyes assess me critically to ensure I'm settled before he lays a thick quilt on the fur rug near the waning fire.

"G'night, Erik," I mumble, eyes sliding closed. Between the wine and the day's events, exhaustion presses down heavily.

"Goodnight, Dani," he returns softly.

The fire's soft crackling andErik's rhythmic breathing turn the room into a lullaby, and I'm drifting, drifting... until, at last, I'm out.