“Amazing? That was like,totally insane!” Odette gushed as she went into a flurry of sentences. “That fiend was like, so scary, and then Theo was like,rargh, and I was like,eek, and then I ate that apple, and we did that thing, andoh my gods, can youbelievethat Theo and I are actuallymated?!”
“Never would’ve guessed,” I said with a laugh.
Theo put his arm around Odette. “I’d fight a thousand fiends if I could have you.”
“Well, you only had to fight one!” Odette squeaked. “This is going to besuchan amazing story to tell our cute babies.”
Theo blushed, and Stefan elbowed him. “She’s already talking about babies, man. She wants your horn, if you get what I’m saying.”
“You’re ruining it,” Theo growled, and Stefan shrugged.
Lady Iris approached us from the staircase, the rest of the Alicorn Court behind her. She upturned her palms as she said, “Well done, both of you. You have succeeded in passing the trial, and have obtained the alicorn stone by proving your faith.”
“Hey, that was too easy,” Stefan objected. “I had todieto get mine.”
Delmare rolled her eyes. I rushed to say, “Thank you for all your help. Do you know where the other stones might be?”
Lady Iris frowned. “I’m afraid the Court is unsure of the location of the other three stones. If we knew, we would help you find them.”
“You’ve done enough, thank you,” Ethan said, and he bowed slightly to Lady Iris. “If there is anything we can do for the Court, let us know, and we will do our best to repay the favor.”
“It is our duty to help the Worldweaver,” Lady Iris replied. “The Alicorn Court has no need for allies. But rest assured we will continue to do everything we can to help you save the world of the fae— from Droga, and from King Elijah.”
Thank the gods she was on the Circle. She was one of the few sane people left on Malovia’s governing council. Perhaps she could help keep Eli in line. “We’ll reach out to you if we need anything else. Thank you again.”
“It is our honor, Worldweaver.” Lady Iris weaved her hands. A pink portal blossomed in front of us, spinning like a flower with petals spanning outward. “This should take you back to Arcanea University. Keep the alicorn stone safe. You will need it.”
I didn’t ask what Lady Iris, or the rest of the Court, had seen in their visions. It was probably stuff that would scare us off our quest, and to be honest, this shit was terrifying enough. We’d leave the future-seeking to Odette.
Lady Iris smiled as she inclined her head to Odette. “The Alicorn Court will be here in your deepest need, for you are our sister,dryca. When the time comes, look to the pool.”
Odette tilted her head then— like Lady Iris said something peculiar she would remember. Theo grasped Odette’s hand, and our group stepped through the portal as one. We emerged in the woods outside the university, the spires of the school standing tall as the snow fell like clouds from the sky.
The alicorn stone glistened from its place in Odette’s hand, and I felt a fresh bout of confidence.
Half down. Half to go.
Chapter Twenty-One
Ethan
Exam week passed in a blur, and before I knew it, the Yuletide celebration was upon us. Now that I was no longer possessed, time had sped up to an incredible level. All of us were in high spirits after gaining the alicorn stone, and had decided to take a well-earned break between now and the New Year before starting our search for the griffin stone.
Dolinska was absolutely radiant the day of the Winter Solstice. Christmas trees decorated with silver and gold ornaments lined the cobblestone streets as snowflakes trickled through the air. Garlands of pine and berries hung from every building, and lights twinkled above window panes. The smell of gingerbread wafted through the air, and people were lining up in front of a large pile of wood, to pick out their yearly Yule Log.
Today was the day of the Winter Hunt, Malovia’s main winter holiday. As legend foretold it, Droga chased away the sun during the Autumnal Equinox, and today would be the first Tomir would bring it back.
A light show had been set up in the middle of the town square. Emma and I walked through it arm-in-arm, appreciating the scene. There were lights designed in the shape of Father Christmas and his reindeer, as well as other Christmas symbols like stars and gifts.
We passed a nativity scene that was beside a hot chocolate cart. A wolven behind the cart levitated cups to waiting children, who sipped at the brew with glee. An altar had been set up by the road to the cathedral. It was adorned with pine cones, chestnuts, and boughs of holly— gifts to help Tomir chase back the sun.
Candles were everywhere. They lined the streets, providing a warm glow under the twinkling of the night sky as the sun set over the city. Emma observed it all with a rosy blush in her cheeks, pleasantness radiating from her eyes as colors danced across her skin.
Her smile grew wider as we passed a group of carolers. “You haven’t stopped smiling all day,” I told her kindly. Her mittened hand became tighter on my arm.
“Christmas is one of my favorite holidays,” Emma said. “It brings so much joy to people. Plus I’m kind of a winter fanatic.”
“Me too.” I had to yell over the sound of a few snowmobiles that passed— there was a race going on later today.
