71. Danica

Danica

71

W hen we thought frostbite was about to become our newest and least welcome buddy, the universe lays out a red carpet into Eden itself. My eyes are doing double takes – once, twice – trying to wrap around the technicolor switch-up from Ice Queen's castle to Summer's personal VIP lounge.

We're smack in the middle of Mother Nature's parade float, surrounded by a sea of green so lush you'd think it's photoshopped. Hills roll around us like lazy emerald giants at rest, decked out in the season's finest floral bling. And that sky – somebody's dialed it up to 'heavenly,' with the sun beaming down on us like it's our spotlight.

Then there's the breeze, sauntering like a charming rogue, all warm and full of sweet nothings scented with honeysuckle and lavender whispers. I let myself... pause.

Eyes closed, breathing deep, soaking up that solar hug – a stark 'see ya never' to the bone-chilling cold we left behind. Thank you to whoever hit Mother Nature's elevator's 'heaven' button. This slice of paradise proves we've punched our tickets to somewhere spectacularly otherworldly.

When I finally pry my eyelids open, it's to a sight that'd give any rainbow a run for its money. Birds decked out in a blinding array of blues, greens, and golds are cutting shapes through the air, pirouetting and gliding like they're auditioning for "Avian Idol."

Below is a comedy routine of round-bodied, horned bunnies giving their best impression of rambunctious ram-rabbits, barreling through the brush and tangoing with the tall grass. This valley is an outright bonanza of vitality and radiance, a haven that seems to have ghosted the rest of the universe and done a vanishing act off ole Father Time's map.

"Holy shit, did we just stumble into fucking Narnia or what?" Lucian blurts out, his voice echoing through the ethereal forest like a verbal record scratch. "Because I'm pretty sure I didn't sign up for any magical wardrobe bullshit today."

"Such eloquence as always, Lucian," Erik says dryly from behind us. I glance back and see a hint of wonder in his metallic eyes as he surveys the valley. Even Mr. Stoic can't entirely hide his awe.

Casting a glance over to Axiyla and Faderyn, I see that the change in their demeanor is as stark as the shift in scenery. They're kneeling among the flowers, all grace and veneration; heads tilted toward the earth in a silent tribute. It hits me that we're treading on holy ground, which resonates with the divine in ways beyond my grasp—for the moment, anyway.

And just as I'm piecing this mystical jig-saw in my head, out of the corner of my eye, something shimmies into focus, a bright, impossible silhouette against the lushness.

No freaking way...is that what I think it is?

I watch, awestruck, as a unicorn steps delicately into the meadow. My heart forgets to beat for a second, and my jaw drops as what can only be described as the most beautiful, majestic unicorn I've ever imagined trots into view. Its coat shimmers pearlescent white in the sunlight, and the spiraled horn rising from its head looks to be made of pure silver that matches the silver of his mane.

It's like time decides to take a coffee break. We're all statues, practically hypnotized. Beside me, I can hearAxilya's sob as a teardrop scores a trail down her cheek—AndFaderyn, well, he's so gobsmacked he's practically communing with the spirit of silence.

My eyes grow to the size of dinner plates as the vision of equine elegance comes to an expert stop before me, its movements embodying grace and poise. Then, with an almost regal dignity, the unicorn lowers itself, bending one leg in an unmistakably inviting gesture.

"I think he wants you to get on…" Axilya says, her voice laced with a hint of amusement at my apparent astonishment.

Well—that's not something you do every day. Ride a unicorn? Without any saddle? This is uncharted territory.

I look into his light blue eyes, which are beautiful like the skies. Hesitantly, I reach out, resting my hand on his neck. The feel is indescribable, smoother than the finest silk, warm and luxurious under my touch. With a mix of awe and care, I swing a leg over, finding my place atop his strong back, situating myself snugly between his majestic shoulder blades.

As I settle, the unicorn stands with such swift elegance that I'm surprised, grasping at his mane to anchor myself. Each strand is as soft as a spider's silk but strong as woven destiny and sparkles like glitter in the sunlight.

Now, astride this magnificent beast, I understand that this ride won't just be an ordinary trot through the woods—it will be a journey unlike any other.

Glancing down to Rhyland, my eye meets him, and they're swirls of emotion—worry etched there, sure, but also an undeniable shimmer of pride lighting up his ocean-blue gaze. It washes over me just before the unicorn pivots, ready to embark on what promises to be an epic exit.

Rhyland steps forward as if to accompany me on this enchanted escapade, but Axilya and Faderyn intercept, their hands gently outstretched to still his stride.

"No—she needs to do this herself," Axilya says, her voice slicing through the thick tension with resolute clarity.

Though it's no easy feat for one so possessive as Rhyland, her words ring with a truth that goes beyond want or protection. There's a part of this narrative, a part of this magic and growth, that is mine to navigate—atop the silent strength of a unicorn. It's a leap of faith, a test of trust, and the start of a journey all rolled into one profound moment. And in that silent exchange of looks, I know he understands.

The majestic creature turns and begins to slowly trot away.

Luciancups his hands around his mouth, his voice carrying through the enchanted forest like a smartass foghorn. "Yo, try not to get your ass shanghaied to some magical land of sparkly rainbow farts and unicorn glitter while you're gone!" He calls out, his smirk so sarcastic it could wither a houseplant at twenty paces. "And if you do, bring me back a souvenir! I've always wanted one of those 'My friend went to Fairyland, and all I got was this lousy t-shirt' shirts."

I'm laughing. Then my magical beast decides to go full gallop. I'm hanging on, my hands aching from the tension, not expecting him to take off, "Whoa…whoa, there, big guy." But he ignores me and shifts into a higher gear, leaving a gust in his wake.

I grip his mane tightly, my thighs squeezing his rib cage as the magnificent beast gallops at full speed. The exhilarating ride overwhelms my senses—the scent of open fields, the warm air lashing my face, my hair blowing wildly in the breeze.

A smile spreads across my face as he continues to pick up speed. I squeeze my legs tighter against his sides to keep my balance firm and begin to release my tight hold on his silky mane. I feel comfortable and secure atop this mystical creature as we fall into a rhythmic gallop. With growing confidence, I stretch my arms out and close my eyes, giggling and whooping joyously as he runs ever faster.

There is no feeling more liberating. I surrender completely to the magic of the moment.

As we nuzzle up against the edge of the woods, he downshifts to a leisurely pace, his hooves drumming a soothing rhythm on the earth. My heart's still doing cartwheels, and I'm grinning like a kid with too much birthday cake. "That was..." I gasped, every breath a sip of pure, wild air. "Amazing!" I finally manage to crow.

Now, my magical steed dials it back to a gentle amble, easing us into the forest's embrace. A carnival of butterflies dances around us, their wings a cascade of moving art, while tiny luminescent critters turn the forest into a live fantasy nightlight. Hitting a patch of open sky between the trees, he pauses and takes a knee—like a four-legged Sir Galahad offering his palm—my hint of sliding down from his celestial back.

The moment my feet touch the ground, a spectacle arrests my gaze to the right—another entrancing unicorn, its coat rivaling the purity of new snow, with a horn shimmering like molten sunrise, with a mane of the same color—sparkling— strides forward with a grace that commands an awed hush from the forest itself. This ethereal being glides nearer, and something catches my eye—a collar, though to call it such seems near blasphemy. In its center, an object provokes an involuntary gasp from me: the legendary Faerite stone, unmistakable in its radiant verdant luster, dazzling as it drinks in the sun's rays.

The ethereal creature pauses just a breath away, the stone within an arm's stretch. The unicorn lowers its head and presses it to me, a tender nuzzle as if nudging me toward my destiny. My hand extends, and with a touch that feels like a released breath, the stone parts from the collar and hovers before me, pulsing with an energy that seems to recognize me. Mirroring the behavior of the Atherite stone, it drifts upward and settles into my crown with an affinity that feels ancient and new all at once. A thrum of power begins at the crown of my head, cascading through my entire being, resonating down to the marrow of my bones, leaving me buzzing with life, a living beacon of the elements.

As the Faerite Stone settles into its cozy spot, the transformation is instantaneous, like stepping into a broader, wilder world woven alongside my own all this time. The change courses through me, awakening senses I didn't even realize were dormant.

My body and mind harmonize in remarkable concert with the living beings around me, and it's as if I've been extended a special invite to an exclusive party—where every attendee is sharing their truest feelings directly with my soul. The collective joy of the creatures around me bubbles into my being, happiness radiating from them to me in a contagiously profound exchange.

"Welcome, Danica, Daughter of Elysium—Savior of the realms—we have awaited your arrival." says a deep male voice.