The path wound through towering trees that whispered with unseen voices. The forest was alive—but not in any way Lyra recognized. The leaves shimmered faintly, silver on one side, black on the other. They pulsed with light, as if breathing in unison.
And then there was him.
King Theron walked ahead of her with silent grace, like a shadow that had decided to wear a body. He didn't speak. Didn't glance back. He didn't need to. The sheer force of his presence pulled her along, as if the very air bent to obey him.
After several minutes, Lyra worked up the courage to speak.
"So… is there like a bus stop back to Earth somewhere along this trail, or...?"
Theron didn't slow. "The Veil only opens for blood moon crossings. The next one won't rise for months. Perhaps longer."
Her stomach dropped. "Wait, wait—months?"
He didn't answer.
She jogged to catch up, slipping slightly in the dewy grass. "You mean I'm stuck here? In some medieval murder forest with a moody fae king and a death prophecy?"
"I said nothing of a prophecy."
"Yeah, well. You've got that 'cursed royal' vibe down pat. I've read enough fantasy books to know how this goes."
That earned her a glance. Just a flick of his eyes. But something about the look sent a shiver down her spine.
"You are not in a book, mortal."
"No. I'm in a nightmare."
They crested a hill—and Lyra stopped short.
Below them stretched a massive castle, carved directly into black stone cliffs. Glowing crystal windows. Spires like talons reaching for the sky. Waterfalls cascading down from jagged heights. It was terrifying. And beautiful.
"The Night Court," Theron said. "My home."
He started down the slope, and Lyra followed slowly, her breath catching in her throat. As they reached the entrance gates, carved with ancient runes that shimmered in gold, they swung open with a groaning sigh.
Inside, dozens of fae in dark silks turned to stare at her. Eyes glowed in all colors—green, violet, silver. Wings shimmered. Horns twisted. She felt human. Painfully human.
Theron's voice was low. "Do not speak unless spoken to. Do not eat or drink anything unless I say so. And do not—under any circumstance—wander at night."
"Why?" she whispered.
He looked down at her.
"Because this place is held together by teeth and blood. And the only thing keeping you alive is me."