Page 123 of Daughter of the Serpent

“They won’t harm you,” he said gently, his voice a soft reassurance. “There’s nothing to fear.”

The distance between them grew, yet her eyes remained locked on his, her hesitation clear.

“How can I be sure?”

Axel's lips curved into a faint, teasing smile. “Only you could find suspicion in pure magic.” He said, a hint of humor in his voice.

“Trust me.”

She took in a final glimmer of his eyes before he disappeared into the trees, leaving her heart racing as she followed the fairies deeper into a new world.

Chapter Twenty

Within minutes, Sylvie found herself surrounded. Little fairies zipped through the air, fussing and moving with astonishing speed, their tiny forms a blur of motion as they attended to her, their delicate wings creating a gentle hum as they moved. With a snap of their tiny fingers her entire wardrobe had changed, her fighting leathers instantly replaced by a long flowing gown, the fabrics soft and glittering like captured sunlight. Soft purples and pinks, like a blended sunset, cascaded down her feminine form, gliding along her body like a masterpiece of its own. The colors were vibrant and delicate, each hue blending seamlessly into the next. She had never seen such exquisite shades, stitching so intricate, fabric so luxurious. The dress hugged her form like a second skin, accentuating every curve, highlighting every arch and bend.

As the fairies guided her back to the stream, she caught sight of her reflection in the crystal - clear water and gasped. She wasbeautiful- radiant. For the first time in years, she gazed into her reflection and saw past the mark of her curse. She seemed softer, feminine. Her skin was pink and rosy, silken and glowing, as though brushed withhoney. Her hair was unbound, spilling down her shoulders in a shower of spun gold, twined with wildflowers and shimmering gems that shined like twinkling stars. As she stared into her own reflection, she could hardly recognize herself.

She hadn’t felt like this since that night of rebirth, but this was somehow so much more.

A tingling sensation trickled from her scalp down to her neck, heralding his presence. Even before she turned, she could feel his eyes on her, warm and probing. When she finally faced him, a rush of energy ofcolorsurged through her - soft pinks and gentle yellows of joy, like sunlight spilling into her heart. There he stood at the head of the table, the fading light catching his eyes, turning them molten gold. Once keen and calculating, his eyes now flickered with something unfamiliar - something she couldn’t name.

Was it surprise?

Gone were his familiar furs and battle - worn leathers. His jaw was freshly shaven, his once - wild hair tamed into a thick braid that cascaded down his back. He wore a finely woven tunic, deep green and embroidered with golden thread, cinched at the waist with a supple leather belt. Bronze - braided arm rings encircled his wrists, and a pendant of gold and garnet rested over his heart. Elegant leather boots completed the transformation. No longer the wild beast of battle, he stood now as a man of high standing.

"You look beautiful." His voice wove through the soft spring air, warm and unguarded, wrapping around her like a cherished embrace as she stepped toward him.

A slow heat curled through her at the words. It felt foreign, almost strange, to hear praise from his lips - and yet, she relished it, drinking it in before she could stop herself.

He reached out his hand, quick to pull out her chair. Warm fingers flexed around hers as she took her place at the table, the fleeting touch leaving her craving more as he sat aside her. It was then that she took in the overwhelming feast before them. Her mind hadbeen so full that she had forgotten her stomach had been so empty. The table, crafted from a moss - covered tree trunk, was adorned with a dazzling spread - garlands made of flowers, burning beeswax candles, and every food imaginable, piled high. A medley of roasted root vegetables steamed on a plate, crusted with a mixture of finely chopped herbs and nuts. Petal wrapped mushroom caps stuffed with soft cheese and spice. Crystal sugared fruit, layered in fresh berries topped with edible flowers and fine powdered sugar. Intricate cakes swirled with cinnamon and cream, glistening with melted honey. A cauldron sat at the center of the table, bubbling with pink and purple foam, smelling of fermented wine.

She gasped as the fairies flitted past, their delicate wings shimmering in the light. They carried small dishes with effortless grace, weaving through the air like living stardust. She could hardly believe her eyes. This world - this moment - felt like a dream she had yet to wake from.

“How is this possible?” she breathed, wonder sparking in her gaze. “I had thought all of this had been lost to memory.”

He grinned as he watched her take it all in.

“When one spends enough time in the forest - learning its ways, listening to its whispers - its secrets come to light.”

She turned back to the fairies, still mesmerized. “But how did you know they would reveal themselves?”

“I didn’t,” he admitted.

She arched her brow.

He exhaled, his gaze shifting toward the trees as the wind murmured through the leaves. “It was never just up to me. The fairies had to grant permission.”

“Permission?”

“The forest welcomes all,” he said, his voice dipping lower, carrying a quiet reverence. “But only those pure of heart may truly see. Had they not deemed you worthy, they would have remained hidden.”

A shiver danced down her spine. The weight of his words settleddeep, filling her with both awe and humility. She glanced down at her fingers, brushing them absently over the table’s worn wood.

“Never would I have thought I’d be so blessed to lay eyes upon them,” she murmured. “I’ve heard the tales, of course. From the skalds, from Godvick, passed down through generations. But it has been so long since anyone has claimed to see them. I never knew what was truth… and what was legend.”

Axel’s expression darkened slightly. “Much has been twisted by men. By history. That is why it is important to question.”

She hesitated, his words stirring something fragile inside her. “I was never encouraged to do so,” she admitted. “Only to accept what was given to me - what was taught through the elders. Through Rederick.” His name left a bitter taste on her tongue.