Warmth.
That was the first thing Aelira felt.
Her lashes fluttered slowly as soft voices drifted into her awareness.
"She's waking…"
"Careful…"
Her eyes opened.
Blurred figures surrounded her—maids dressed in elegant, dark-toned garments, their movements gentle and cautious.
Aelira pushed herself up slightly, her wings trembling.
The room was vast. Dark stone walls veined with faint light, softened by flowing curtains and delicate ornaments. The bed beneath her was far too soft, far too unfamiliar.
It was beautiful.
But it wasn't home.
Her chest tightened.
"Where… am I?" she whispered.
The maids hesitated.
Then—
"In my domain."
The room fell silent.
Aelira froze.
She turned toward the doorway.
He stood there.
Tall. Still. Watching.
Her breath caught.
His hair…
It was no longer white.
Dark strands now fell over his forehead, shadowing his face, only faint traces of silver remaining.
It changed…
His gaze met hers. Unreadable.
The maids bowed instantly and stepped aside as he walked in—slow, controlled, without wasted movement.
"You're awake."
Her fingers tightened around the sheets.
"You… brought me here," she said softly.
A brief pause.
"Yes."
Silence lingered.
Aelira swallowed, her gaze dropping for a moment before she gathered her courage.
"I want to go back," she said quietly.
He didn't respond immediately.
Just watched her.
Waiting.
"I don't belong here," she continued, her voice soft but firm. "This isn't my home… I feel safer there."
A long silence followed.
Then—
"No."
The word was calm. Final.
Her breath caught.
"Please…" she whispered. "I just want to go home…"
He stepped closer.
Her wings trembled as she leaned back slightly.
His presence pressed into the space between them—quiet, heavy, inescapable.
"You chose this," he said.
Her eyes widened.
"I didn't—"
"You opened the seal."
Silence.
Her lips parted, but no words came.
Because it was true.
"Then stay."
Her chest tightened.
"I don't want to…" she whispered.
He said nothing for a moment.
Then, turning slightly—
"Guards."
The doors opened immediately. Armored figures stepped in, bowing their heads.
"Maids."
The attendants straightened at once.
He didn't look back at her as he spoke.
"Attend to her."
A pause.
Then, after the briefest glance over his shoulder—
"She does not leave."
The words were quiet. Absolute.
Aelira's fingers tightened in the sheets.
"Wait—" she called softly, panic rising.
But he was already moving.
"I have matters to attend to."
That was all he said.
No explanation.
No hesitation.
And just like that—
He left.
The doors closed behind him with a soft, final sound.
Silence filled the room again.
Aelira sat there, still, her heart pounding.
The maids approached gently.
"Please… rest," one of them said softly.
But Aelira barely heard her.
Her gaze lingered on the closed doors.
On the space he had just left behind.
On the quiet weight of his presence that still seemed to linger in the air.
Her chest tightened.
I don't belong here…
And yet—
For the first time since arriving—
She realized something that made her heart sink even deeper.
Leaving…
Would not be easy.
"How long…" she hesitated, then asked softly, "how long was I asleep?"
The maids exchanged glances.
One of them answered.
"Three days."
Aelira froze.
Her breath caught.
"Three… days?" she repeated, barely above a whisper.
Her heart began to race.
Three days…?
Her fingers tightened around the sheets.
"No… that's not…" she shook her head slightly. "That's too long…"
Panic crept into her chest.
So much could have happened.
The sanctuary… the Prince…
Her duties…
Her place…
The maid lowered her gaze respectfully.
"You were placed under a deep spell," she replied. "Only he could release you."
Aelira fell silent.
Only him…
Her chest tightened again.
The maids exchanged a glance, then one stepped forward gently.
"You must be weary. We will prepare a bath for you."
Aelira's fingers tightened around the sheets for a brief moment, then relaxed.
"Yes… that would be good," she said softly.
As the maids moved to prepare the bath, Aelira allowed herself a quiet exhale.
This is an opportunity, she thought, her mind already racing. I need to find a way out…
She followed the maids silently, her movements soft, careful. They led her to a spacious room with a large stone tub filled with warm, fragrant water. Steam curled into the air, carrying a faint, sweet scent.
She dipped a hand in, letting the warmth soothe her aching muscles.
I'll rest for now… but I won't stay.
Aelira slipped into the water, letting herself soak, feeling her limbs relax as she considered her next move. The maids spoke quietly among themselves, arranging towels and clothing, but Aelira barely registered it.
Once she finished, the maids helped her dry and dress in fresh garments—dark yet soft fabrics that felt almost like a second skin.
"Your meal will be ready shortly," one maid said gently.
"Thank you," Aelira murmured, her voice soft, almost obedient.
She followed them to a small dining area within the chamber. A simple tray was set before her: warm bread, fresh fruit, and a bowl of stew that smelled rich and hearty.
Her stomach growled faintly, but she ate slowly, deliberately, each bite cautious.
Her eyes scanned the room as she chewed, noting the guards at a distance, the maids moving quietly, the doors sealed.
I'll eat, but I won't be trapped. I'll find a way out.
Every bite was careful, measured—not just because of weakness, but because every movement could be noticed.
Aelira's peach-colored eyes flicked toward the doorway, her mind working quickly.
I need to figure out the palace… the layout… the guards…
She chewed wearily, her body still heavy from the spell, but her mind sharp, plotting.
For now, she would comply.
For now, she would appear soft and helpless.
But deep down…
Her plan to escape had already begun.
Far away, in his high chamber, Kaeltherion presided over his council.
He listened as reports were given, his red eyes calm, his movements measured.
Then—a subtle disturbance. A dull ache pressed against his chest, faint but unignorable.
A guard whispered something to his assistant. The assistant's eyes widened slightly and he leaned forward, whispering into Kaeltherion's ear.
And in that instant—
Kaeltherion's eyes snapped wide open.
Shock. Confusion.
His chest tightened sharply.
The council sensed the tension, but no one dared speak.
Kaeltherion said nothing.
He simply stared, frozen in silent disbelief.
The Fatekeeper…