Page 113 of Cursed Evermore

Beware of the Fae prince and how he makes you feel.

It’s a danger you can’t afford.

Chapter 21

Elariya

“The Calm Before The Storm.”

The day passed in a haze of salted air and restless thoughts.

I stayed outside until late, splitting my time between writing in my journal and watching the ship carve its way through the sea. The waters had grown steadily darker, with otherworldly creatures breaching the surface—beings with scales that shimmered like stars, fins carved from mother-of-pearl, eels glowing in arrays of impossible colors. Each sighting reminded me how far I was from home and how deeply into Wolfe's world I was being drawn.

I didn't see him or any of the Bloodsworn again, but I knew I was being watched. Sirril brought me endless food and ensured I was so comfortable I almost forgot I was a prisoner.

I only decided to head back to my room when the cold became unbearable. It was probably wise anyway. I'd always been unnerved by the sea at night. Unlike Emabelle, who loved swimming in our river after dark, I preferred the safety of solid ground when darkness fell.

The bitter chill followed me back to my room. Before I reached the door, I noticed it was open. Gentle footsteps echoed from within and I assumed it was Sirril.

But it wasn’t him. It was Arielle.

She straightened when she saw me at the door, guilt and discomfort written across her features.

I recalled Wolfe's order. Arielle was tasked with helping me regain my magic. I'd expected her to visit, but the delicate pastries and colorful macarons arranged on the platter suggested something beyond mere duty. The sorrow in her eyes confirmed it. She was still trying to make amends.

Being compliant with someone like her was crucial to my plan, but I genuinely felt I should meet her halfway. If nothing else, she was a fellow mage.

“Hello,” she said softly. “I hoped to finish this before you returned.”

“It's fine. The food looks lovely.” I moved to the bed and set my journal down.

“I hope you'll enjoy them. The mortal emissaries who visit the palace always bring these pastries as gifts. I asked Sirril to help me make some for you.”

“Thank you, I'm sure I’ll love them.”

We stared at each other for a moment, and I could see her searching for the right words. “I know you made it clear you didn't want to see me, but I'm supposed to look after you. My first task is helping you regain your magic.”

“So I've been told.”

She pressed her hands to her chest. “I hope that somewhere along the way, we can move past our... unfortunate first meeting.” A tentative smile flickered across her face. “I'd love the chance to show you who I really am, if you'll let me.”

I steadied my nerves and nodded. “I think I could do that.”

Hope blazed to life in her eyes, transforming her entire expression. “Thank you. I'm truly sorry for everything and I wish we could have met under different circumstances.”

“Me too. I don't know any other mages. My mother… well she won't even speak of the Ravenwood Realm, and though I can tell my grandmother misses it, she hides behind a mask.”

“Your grandmother is legendary, even in the Aethermist Realm.”

That pulled a genuine smile from me. “Is she?”

“Oh yes. Her wisdom and power have captivated many.”

“That’s good to know.” I wanted to say more. That I missed my grandmother and family so desperately my heart shattered a little more each minute. And that I couldn’t wait to see them again. But I held back because I knew I shouldn’t speak of those things. Not now. Not yet.

Arielle pulled a purple vial from her pocket and walked toward me, holding it out for me to take.

“What’s this?” I studied the oval-shaped bottle before I took it. The glass was cool against my palm, the liquid inside a shimmering silver.