Page 48 of Mountains of Mist and Magic (A World of Sun and Shadow #4)
R enya's breath caught in her throat. In mere minutes, she'd experienced a whirlwind of emotions, both internally and through her bond with Grayden. His anguish had made her heart sink. The moment she'd pried into his mind, she'd witnessed the crushing scene: Esmeralda lying lifeless on the beach, her chest torn apart, with Triston cradling her body. Blood spattered the sand, staining it a deep crimson. Bile rose in Renya's throat, and she swallowed hard, grateful she hadn't been there to witness it firsthand.
But in the next instant, Esmeralda's wounds knitted closed, her blood disappearing into the sand as if it had never been there. Their friends on the beach stood frozen, mouths agape, unable to comprehend what had transpired.
It's okay, Grayden. We've made it right—but it's not my tale to tell.
Are you okay? His voice echoed in her head, laced with panic.
Yes. We're here—but I must go.
Renya blinked, forcing herself to refocus on the surreal scene before her. The first fae stood mere feet away, her presence both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Questions swirled in Renya's mind, each clamoring for attention: Who was she? Had she been on this mountain all along? What happened to the Sun Realm God? Why was the magic taken in the first place?
The first fae's lips curved into a knowing smile. “Your curiosity radiates from you like heat from the sun,” she observed, her voice as melodious as wind chimes. “Fear not, for I shall quench your thirst for knowledge.”
Renya glanced around, grounding herself in her surroundings. Phillippe now sat upright, his chest rising and falling steadily. Selenia, though still pale, had set her jaw in determination. The air around them crackled with anticipation.
Renya squared her shoulders and met the first fae's gaze. “We're ready to hear your tale.”
The first fae nodded, her eyes carrying the weight of centuries. “In the dawn of time, fae were birthed from the desires of the Gods. At first, we were but a handful, precious creations to bring joy to our makers. As eons passed, every kingdom, land, and realm became sanctuary to the God of its elements, with fae as their cherished subjects.”
Her voice took on a wistful quality. “The Gods, in their benevolence, bestowed upon us magic that nearly rivaled their own. For centuries, harmony reigned supreme. But as with all things, this peace was not destined to last.” Her expression darkened. “Discontent festered in the hearts of some fae, their thirst for power insatiable. Kingdoms that once stood united began to clash, and the foundations of our world trembled.”
Phillippe leaned forward; his brow furrowed. “Is that why the Gods abandoned us?”
The first fae's gaze fell upon him, sharp and assessing. “Indeed, young winter child. The Gods, disillusioned with their creations, sought another world untouched by the taint of greed and ambition. Some, in their wrath, laid waste to their kingdoms, leaving naught but ash and ruin. Others simply stripped away the magic they had given, abandoning their subjects to the harsh realities of a world without divine protection.”
Renya's heart clenched at the thought of such betrayal. “But not all the Gods were so cruel, were they?” she asked, sensing there was more to the story.
The first fae's eyes softened as they met Renya's. “Your intuition serves you well. The Sun Realm God, unlike his brethren, found his heart entangled with one of his creations.” She placed a hand over her heart. “I am Hydrenia, the first Fae of the Sun Realm, and the object of a God's affection.”
Selenia gasped. “Then it was you who left the prophecies?”
“Indeed,” Hydrenia confirmed. “The Sun Realm God's fondness for me left him sympathetic to the fae's plight. While his counterparts departed with haste, he lingered, determined that all should not be lost.” Her voice wavered slightly. “Though his love for me burned as bright as the sun itself, he could not take me with him, nor could he remain in this realm. The reasons elude me still.”
Renya felt a lump form in her throat. “What did he do?”
Hydrenia gestured to the shimmering pool beside her. “He forged this reflecting pool, a bridge between worlds. Through it, I could maintain my powers and our connection. Yet,” her voice dropped to a whisper, “it has been many years since I last gazed upon his face.”
The weight of Hydrenia's loneliness settled over them like a heavy cloak. Renya's eyes stung with unshed tears, while Phillippe shifted uncomfortably, his gaze fixed on the pool rather than meeting Hydrenia's eyes.
“But what of the magic?” Phillippe blurted out, his words tinged with impatience. “I thought there was a way to restore it?”
Hydrenia's lips twitched in amusement. “Patience, Phillippe Snowden. Your fervor belies your icy heritage.”
Selenia snorted, earning a glare from Phillippe.
Unperturbed, Hydrenia continued. “The God of the Sun Realm, in his wisdom, scattered clues throughout the fae kingdoms. These breadcrumbs, if you will, would lead the worthy to this sacred place—the key to restoring what was lost. But success would require cooperation among the kingdoms, a test to prove the fae deserving of such power once more.”
Understanding dawned on Renya. “The trials...the Sun Realm Scrolls...it was all part of the test?”
Hydrenia nodded. “Precisely. Many kingdoms held pieces of the puzzle, but as realms fell, vital information was lost to time. Foreseeing this, the Sun Realm God ensured my bloodline would carry a failsafe—a missing key to unlock the restoration of magic.”
Her piercing gaze fell upon Renya, who felt the weight of destiny settling upon her shoulders. “I must confess, I did not anticipate one who embodies both shadow and sun. But perhaps it is fitting, for how can one truly appreciate the light without knowing darkness?”
“The Light Bringer,” Selenia breathed, the pieces finally falling into place.
Renya's mind reeled. She was the missing piece, the lynchpin in a plan centuries in the making. Fear clawed at her throat. “Am I...am I even real? Or just some construct created for this purpose?”
Hydrenia's expression softened, and she reached out to touch Renya's cheek. Her fingers were warm, solid—real. “Oh, child. You are as real as the ground beneath your feet, as true as the stars in the sky. Your destiny may have been foretold, but every choice, every breath, every beat of your heart is wholly your own. You are not diminished by prophecy—you are exalted by it.”
Renya exhaled slowly, willing her racing heart to calm. She placed a protective hand over her abdomen, silently vowing to give her unborn child a world restored.
“Now,” Hydrenia said, her voice taking on a ceremonial tone, “there is but one task remaining. Renya Solaris, step forward.”
Renya approached, her legs trembling slightly. Hydrenia rose from her stone throne with fluid grace, the gossamer fabric of her gown shimmering like sunlight on water. She dipped her fingers into the reflecting pool, then turned to Renya.
“Kneel,” she instructed gently.
Renya lowered herself to the ground, acutely aware of Phillippe and Selenia's eyes upon her. Hydrenia's fingers hovered above Renya's face, droplets of water clinging to them like liquid diamonds.
“With this blessing,” Hydrenia intoned, “may the power of the sun and the secrets of shadow unite within you.”
The droplets fell, sizzling as they touched Renya's skin. Heat bloomed beneath her flesh, racing through her veins like liquid fire. She gasped, her vision blurring.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them roared to life. The mountain shuddered, and rocks tumbled from the peaks. Selenia cried out in alarm as she and Phillippe scrambled closer to the pool, seeking shelter from the falling debris.
As abruptly as it began, the quaking ceased. An odd stillness fell over them, broken only by their ragged breathing. Then, with a sound like a thousand voices crying out in unison, the water in the reflecting pool shot skyward. It twisted and coiled like a living thing before dissolving into mist.
The heavens split open, revealing a sun that pulsed with copious amounts of energy. Great tendrils of flame—orange, yellow, crimson, and gold—lashed out, striking their world again and again. Renya watched in terrified awe as the conflagration seemed to devour the world.
Just when she thought all would be consumed, the fire receded. The ground beneath her feet thrummed with energy, and every nerve in her body sang with newfound power. Dark clouds rolled in, weeping rain that defied gravity, flowing upward to collect in the empty reflecting pool.
Renya turned to Hydrenia, a question forming on her lips, but the words died in her throat. The first fae was changing before her eyes. The golden hue drained from her skin, the vibrant colors of her gown fading to translucence. She seemed to be unraveling, becoming one with the air around her.
Hydrenia drifted towards the pool, her feet no longer touching the ground. “I have been deemed worthy,” she said, her voice echoing as if from a great distance. Her eyes, filled with joy and sorrow in equal measure, locked with Renya's. “I have been granted my heart's deepest desire. You alone will understand.”
“Wait!” Renya cried, reaching out, but her fingers passed through Hydrenia like mist.
With a final, radiant smile, Hydrenia stepped into the pool. The water embraced her, pulling her under in a whirlpool of light and shadow. A blinding flash erupted from the pool, forcing Renya, Phillippe, and Selenia to shield their eyes.
When the light faded and they could see again, Hydrenia was gone. The reflecting pool rippled gently, as if stirred by a breeze. But the air was still, and the mountaintop was silent save for the pounding of their hearts.
Renya stared at the spot where Hydrenia had vanished, a mixture of awe and trepidation coursing through her. The weight of responsibility settled upon her shoulders, heavier than before. Whatever came next, she was ready.