The path took them to the edge of the property, with the high hedged fence and another opening in which water fell out of the sky in one solid line. With no hesitation this time, they passed under it, leaving the water humming its eerie melody behind.
Chapter 39
The Forest of Endlessness
Despite its name, the Forest of Endlessness was not a dark and dreary place. The trees stretched tall, creating a canopy of red and golden hues that filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor. Luna basked in the warmth and serenity, eager to let it melt away her worries.
As she walked along the smooth, worn-out path, she felt compelled to skip—to be playful and carefree—and she might have if not for Damien’s strong hold on her.
The air smelled of moss and decaying leaves, with the only sound being the occasional rustle of wildlife hidden among the foliage. The peace of the forest lured Luna in with each breath she took. The tree trunks and branches appeared almost inviting, beckoning her towards them, offering a perfect spot to rest her weary head. Luna’s heart ached with a strange yearning to be one with this place, to lay her burdens down for good. Here was a promise of reprieve from the pain haunting her dreams. Only here would she be happy.
It felt so right—perfect even. A few more steps, and she’d be free. Free of memory. Of pain. She didn’t need to be anyone here—not a unicorn, not a daughter—just still.
A smile tugged at her lips as a thought whispered through her mind: Perhaps if she had a piece of this place to carry with her, she could use it to hold onto what was offered. Yes, she only needed a piece.
She scanned the ground. There, just off the path, was a scarlet leaf curled up by a fallen log. She tried to slip away from Damien to capture her little part of this forest. But try as she might, Damien’s hold on her only tightened to the point of pain.
A voice tugged at her from somewhere far away. Was Damien saying something?
She blinked, and the golden haze of the forest faded, replaced by gloom and foreboding.
“Stupid fae and their stupid tricks,” Damien grumbled, his voice low but strained. Waving his free hand, he shouted, “You can leave us alone now!”
Silence swallowed the forest. Luna’s gaze drifted back to it, but the trees no longer seemed so beautiful, so tempting. “Who are you talking to?” she asked, puzzled.
Damien breathed a sigh of relief, the tension in his body easing. “Oh good, you’re back.” He stopped walking and turned to face her fully. His eyes brimmed with worry, catching her off guard. “I should’ve warned you about this place,” he said quietly, his grip on her hand firm but gentler now. “The fae like to play with emotions here. They draw you in with promises of everything you ever wanted.” His voice dropped an octave. “Listen to me; whatever you do, whatever you see, stay on the path. They can only get you if you wander off the main road.” He paused for a moment, then added, “Or if you step into a circle of mushrooms, but we don’t have to worry about that right now.”
Her eyes went wide. Was it the fae who’d been trying to draw her off the path using the allure of the forest? Thank the high skies above that Damien had been holding onto her hand this entire time, or else she may have stepped into her doom.
The forest seemed to still as someone in the distance snickered. Chills crawled down Luna’s spine, making the hairs on the back of her neck rise. The soft snickering grew louder, closer, until a tall figure stepped out from behind a towering oak. His entrance was as casual as it was unsettling. He was hauntingly beautiful, his pale skin almost glowing in the dim light of the forest.
Luna’s breath caught in her throat as she took him in. He was tall but not taller than Damien, with a chiselled jawline and striking features that seemed sculpted from marble. His sharp cheekbones cast shadows over his face, giving him an edge of cruelty beneath the beauty. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, his chest bare and muscular, revealing toned abs. A series of intricatered markings spiralled down from his collarbone, tracing lines along his chest.
His skirt flowed like liquid gold, slit on both sides to show long, lean legs. The embroidered designs shifted with him, alive in every step.
Leaning against the tree, he was all arrogant grace. His crimson eyes glinted like stars at dusk watching Luna with a lazy, predatory gaze. Behind him, his translucent wings fluttered, the edges catching the light like blades. In a smooth, lilting tone, he recited, “Cross my wings and hope to fly. I solemnly vow joy will not be denied.”
What did that even mean? Luna wasn’t sure she cared. He radiated such charm, the kind that draws one in without a second thought, making it hard to remember any warnings Damien had given her only moments before.
She stepped towards the fae, but Damien stopped her, pushing her behind him. “She’s not interested in your games,” he snapped. His shadows gathered around them like a mist rising from the ground. “Leave us be.”
“Her eyes wander, a tale they weave. I promise distraction, let us take our leave.”
Damien scowled. “I will only ask once, Fae.”
A sharp, almost playful grin widened across his face, revealing pointed teeth. “Or what?” The fae laughed, his voice as sinister as he looked. “You hold no power here, Prince of Shadows. I’ve broken no treaty.” He stepped forward, his wings spread wide. “Do yourworst.”
Damien’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, anger rolling off of him in waves, but he made no move.
His eyes of starburst crimson moved to the ring on Luna’s finger. “You wear a trinket from my kind,” he noted with a wicked grin, flashing his pointed teeth. “Rarely given for free. Accept my offer, and more you’ll see.”
Luna’s stomach dropped as she stared at Nina’s ring. What had Nina done to receive such a thing?
As if Luna were mere steps away from following him and only needed a bit more encouragement, the fae crossed his hand over his heart. “If it helps, I promise, I’ll eventryto behave.”
“You need to reject his offer, Luna.” Damien’s voice cut through the air, cold and firm. “Then he’ll go away.”
“No need to be hasty.” The fae grinned, his sharp teeth showing. “I always return friends . . . eventually.”
