Prologue- Feray
As the first light of dawn creeps over the horizon, the world transforms into a tapestry of enchantment. It's a crisp fall morning in mid-September, a time when nature and fantasy converge in a breathtaking display of beauty. The air is cool and invigorating, carrying with it a promise of adventures yet to come.
I stand on the porch, taking in all the changes happening around me. I'm going to miss this place. The trees, resplendent in their ancient glory, stand tall and proud, their branches swaying in a graceful dance. Leaves of every imaginable hue adorn them—a testament to the magic coursing through their veins. The emerald greens of summer surrender to fiery reds, sun-kissed oranges, and golden yellows of autumn. The season's changes seem to parallel my own.
With a gentle breeze, leaves take flight, descending in graceful spirals. Each one is a miniature work of art, adorned with intricate patterns that whisper secrets of the world beyond. Some glow with an ethereal luminescence while others shimmer with iridescent hues that defy description. They dance and twirlin the air, creating a symphony of colors, as if the very essence of the forest has decided to celebrate the start of our journey.
I've never left home before. If I'm honest with myself, I'm scared.
The cool breeze bears a touch of magic as it brushes against my skin, carrying a sense of anticipation. The chill in the air is no longer merely a reminder of winter's approach—it's a reminder of the journey that lies before me. I get to follow in the footsteps of my ancestors. The journey north won't be without its issues, but with my mates by my side, I'm sure we'll be alright.
It's almost as if we're playing a gigantic game of Where's Waldo, except in this case, Waldo represents my parents and my past. Animals stir from their slumber, sensing the shift in seasons. Elusive creatures emerge from hidden groves, their fur and feathers mirroring the colors of the falling leaves. In this moment, the line between reality and fantasy blurs. It's a time when one can believe in the impossible, when the ordinary world gives way to the extraordinary.
Living in the woods for the change of seasons is a far different experience than living over Philly's bar. Sighing, I stare out at the woods I've called home since the fire at Philly's, and I know deep in my heart I'm going to miss it.
Torben and Tiernan left early this morning to make sure the last of the preparations for their businesses were complete. I can only assume that's where the twins and the ancients are as well. Revelin has his ass parked at the edge of the woods, looking to be in deep meditation.
Fiadh is sleeping in this morning. She and the guys were up late last night getting the last little things in order while I spent time with Torben's sleuth—mostly snuggled close with his mom,venting my anxiety over the trip. His mother held me and ran her fingers through my hair, trying to settle my nerves over being separated from my sister for the first time ever.
Stepping back inside the cabin, I draw in a deep breath, then look around as if seeing the place for the first time. The early morning sun gently filters through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow into the cozy kitchen.
To my surprise, I find Tiernan at the stove, preparing breakfast. He must have concluded his business faster than expected. The air fills with the inviting aroma of fresh coffee and a tantalizing mix of breakfast foods—a scene that promises a delightful start to the day.
The coffee machine gurgles, its rich earthy scent filling the air as it brews a fresh pot of dark roast. Our wooden table is adorned with a checkered tablecloth, plates and utensils neatly arranged. The smell of buttery croissants and crispy bacon wafts through the air. The sizzle of eggs in a hot skillet adds a harmonious note to the breakfast symphony, their aroma mingling with the savory fragrance of sautéed mushrooms and onions.
"Welcome home, Tiernan." I step around the island and press my cheek to his in greeting.
A soft purr escapes his lips, and he chuckles. "Thanks. It feels weird that today is the last morning we'll be having breakfast here for a while." His words hit hard in my heart as my thoughts about separating from my sister spiral.
"Yeah." I walk away to curl up in my favorite chair and watch him cook. "I've never been apart from Fiadh. I'm scared."
As I admit to being afraid, Revelin walks in and shakes his head. "Fluffy, whatever this Luna gift is of yours can definitely keepyou safe. You have powerful mates to protect you that won't leave your side." He flashes his cocky rockstar smile at me, and I roll my eyes.
Pausing, I hold a finger up, then point to my ear and down the hallway. Revelin nods, and we silently decide to shelve this conversation for later. The slap of Fiadh's feet hitting the floor prompts me to move and grab the last of her energy tonics from the fridge, setting them with a glass of ice on the counter.
Tiernan plates food as his phone goes off. "Torben is on his way back, and the others should be here within the hour to load the car and for everyone to leave." He doesn't look up to see how the thought of leaving affects me.
A soft whine escapes my lips, and I feel my wolf bristle under the surface. Even though she knows we need to go, she's reluctant.
Fiadh finally emerges, looking ready to kick ass and take names as she heads to the counter to grab her caffeine of choice. "Where's everyone else?" She hazards a glance around the room, then finally looks at me. Her expression falls. "Oh, Fer..." She closes the distance between us, and I let go of the heartache I was feeling, letting several tears escape. "It's not going to be forever..." she says softly near my ear as she strokes my hair.
"I know, it's..." Drawing in a deep breath, I try to steady my quivering bottom lip. "We've never been apart for more than a night."
Fiadh pulls back and forces a smile. "We both have journeys we need to complete. You need to find out why your fur is almost white. And I need to know why I have multiple branches of magic and glow like a snapped glow stick at a rave." She laughs a little at her own expense, and I smile slightly. "What if you'rewolven royalty and can put Prince Fancy Pants in his place?" She tilts her head to the side, and she finally gets me to laugh.
"That would be funny."
"No, it wouldn't." Revelin chimes in, waving a breakfast roll in our direction.
"No, what wouldn't?" Torben says as he opens the door, returning home from handling his final preparations. Easton, Diaval, and Dezi enter behind him. The three ancients take their time looking around the interior before heading to the nook in the corner.
"If my sister ends up being wolven royalty and outranks Revelin." Fiadh snarks.
The fae in question sticks his tongue out at Fiadh behind her back. Rolling my eyes, I move to hug Torben and settle down, feeling all my stress melt away in his embrace.
"Looks like we're just missing the twins."
"You mean the twins with the twins..." Fiadh says as she kills off her first energy tonic before going for the second one.
