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Rhyland grins, clearly amused. "Get used to it," he advises. This will take some adjusting.

Adrian's eyes suddenly widen reverently. He touches an illustrated page with care. "I've found it. The Book of the Fae." Excitement resonates in his voice.

My heart quickens as I approach the aged tome, its worn binding promising secret histories within. Adrian reads aloud the enthralling tales of the Fae's forms and lives. His voice carries ripe emotion, weaving vivid word paintings in my mind.

I listen, enraptured, to descriptions of delicate, butterfly-like Fae bearing iridescent wings, contrasted with human-sized beings of stunning colors and immense power over the elements. The variety seems endless.

Adrian's enthusiasm is infectious as he describes the Fae's profound connections to nature. His eyes shine, explaining their society—powerful lords and ladies ruling over domains. But supreme is the queen, embodying the realm's essence and ensuring harmony between her subjects and their living world.

I absorb this quietly before asking the critical question. "Does it mention the stone or its location?"

Adrian shakes his head. "Not yet. Let me continue." I nod eagerly.

He details the Five Courts, each governing some aspect of Fae society and environment. There is Floriana's floral Court of Blossoms, Lord Oberon's Court of Elemental Magic, and the aquatic Court of Hidden Springs under Lady Nadia. Animals roam in Lady Mirella's Court of Sylvan Creatures, while Lord Corallus rules over legendary beasts and creatures in the Court of Mystical Beasts.

Hearing of unicorns and ogres, my eyes widen comically. Rhyland chuckles at my undisguised awe over such revelations. I flush, arms crossed defensively. "It's not every day you learn these creatures actually exist!"

Adrian lingers over illustrations of the mighty faerie queen. He describes her immense responsibilities over the realm and speculates she must hold the stone we seek. I counter that the trials mentioned remain a mystery.

Just then, Lucian enters slowly, drink in hand. He eases into a leather chair with a weary sigh. Adrian scurries to the corner, tapping at his phone and smiling secretively. Who is he messaging?

Lucian redirects my wondered gaze. "Don't get your hopes up too high, Dani. That realm holds equal measures of beauty and danger."

Rhyland kicks his shin for the gloomy prediction. "Do you ever stop being such an unbearable dick?”

An amused smile tugs Lucian's mouth. "You know what? Fine. Tell her that life is like a box of chocolates. It’s full of crap and surprise shits.”

I unsuccessfully stifle my shocked laughter. Rhyland tenses, ready to throttle him, until he notices my reaction. Some tension leaves his shoulders.

Lucian looks smug. "See? She appreciates my poetic wisdom."

Rhyland shifts topics. "What are the council's plans for dealing with Azrael?"

"They're headed to Seattle, probably to glad-hand politicians and find Azrael a cozy jail cell," Lucian responds breezily. "No rest for the wicked!"

I release a relieved breath that Azrael will face justice at last. Our path remains uncertain, but his shadow has lifted.

Adrian comes back over, lost in thought. "We should begin planning our journey to Lumeneria. Every detail could prove critical."

Rhyland nods. "Agreed. And Danica will need to start combat training immediately. Her skills must be honed to survive what's ahead." His grave tone sends a nervous spasm through me. The gravity of what I've signed on for looms larger by the day.

Lucian smirks. "Not to worry, I know some excellent motivational techniques to get her fighting fit in no time." He waggles his eyebrows lasciviously.

Rhyland's scowl could cut stone. "You come near her, and I'll remove your reason for breathing permanently."

Lucian laughs, ignoring the open threat. They may bicker like children, but the loyalty between them runs deep.

Danica

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Rhyland's brow furrows as he fixes Adrian with an intense look. "Have you uncovered anything about the Soul Stone?"

Adrian shakes his head, nervously running a hand through his hair. "Still searching..."

I interject excitedly, "Remember, Seraphina said the Shadow Stone holds immense power over darkness and shadows? Marcus mentioned that the Soul Stone had the same abilities. Could they be one and the same?"

"That would explain his alliance with Moretemis," Rhyland says in an awed whisper. "He's using the stone's power to access that realm."