Page 182 of The Chains You Defy

“Few uninitiated can tell, so don’t be distressed by your ignorance. I’ll illuminate you. The purest emotion is selfless, unconditional love for anything and anyone around you. Once you let go of the baggage holding you back, you can become a Vessel of Love, something we strive for.”

His words didn’t sound as absurd as they should. The way Cantarlann spoke pushed his message right into my brain, where his ideas took root.

Still, there was a thought waiting to be voiced, even though dissatisfying him pained me. “I don’t believe in love.”

“Simply because you’ve never experienced a true one. What most people call love these days isn’t more than an unhealthy obsession born of mindless infatuation. An attempt to cage and bind. And we here condone such behavior.” He paused for a moment, and his jeweled gaze bore into mine. “Love grows from community and freedom, as well as from liberation from destructive ties.”

What he said wasn’t without sense. Safety in a warm environment and everyone caring for each other sounded not bad at all.

“That’s what we aim for and live every day. We desire to be so pure that love is the only emotion left in ourhearts. If everyone in both worlds followed this ideology, there would be no grievance, pain, or war anymore.”

“Utopia.”

“Too fantastical for you, is it?”

“No, something worth hoping for.”

“You see, we’re not only hoping at the Cuirt an Ghra. We are actively working toward our goal instead. Our efforts might not affect every living being yet, but once we’re ready, we’ll spread.”

Nodding, I regarded Cantarlann, who met my gaze. He was serious, and the gleam in his eyes hinted at the passion he had for his beliefs. For a couple of heartbeats, I concentrated on inhaling and exhaling. My limbs were heavy, and dizziness held me in its grip.

“Nayana, why won’t you find out if you enjoy our ways while you’re waiting for your friends? It’s simple and without any strings attached.”

“But I’m only human.”

“One of the few rules the Cuirt has states not to care about species, color, or gender. In front of the all-encompassing love, we’re all equal. So never consider yourself less worthy than any fae ever again.”

“Are there other rules?”

“Yes. Strive to become a Vessel of Love.” Cantarlann studied me. “And try shedding everything tying you down.”

“That’s a lot for attempting your ways. The last point, I mean.”

“Don’t worry. No one expects you to be perfect within a few weeks. We can revisit this particular rule should you decide to move here permanently.”

My brain reacted like a lazy animal stretching in the sun.

Trying couldn’t hurt, could it? Not that I intended to stay at the Cuirt an Ghra forever, though. Once Dion arrived, we’d set out to combat the threat to the worlds. But why not broaden my horizon in the meantime, especially since everyone was so nice? “Alright, you convinced me.”

Cantarlann’s entire face lit up with a smile, and he rose, sauntered over, and pulled me into a deep embrace. “Your words make me so happy. Allow me to present you to the others, and you can deliver the good news to them yourself. If you desire, you can already stay with the group tonight. I’ll ensure the safety of your personal belongings. You can have them returned to you at any time.”

“What?”

“Remember, we don’t believe in private property. This extends to personal space. Everyone chooses a different place to sleep every night. You’ll get used to our customs in no time, even if the sentiment seems strange to you now. And if you don’t, speak to me, and I’ll move you back to the guest room. However, you can keep your choker if you like. We both know what’s underneath, and I completely understand the desire to cover up such an intimate part of yourself.”

Cantarlann released me and returned to the table housing the collection of bottles. Shortly afterward, he turned around and extended my goblet to me, filled with the same white wine he had drunk earlier. Taking the glass, I returned his toast.

“Welcome to the true Cuirt an Ghra, Nayana.”

“Nayana!” My voice echoed through my quarters after I’d ripped the door open. It had taken me only five minutes from handing Cath to the stable hand until reaching my suite. I couldn’t wait any second longer to be reunited with my love.

But there was no reply to my call.

Why wasn’t she answering?

“I’m home. Naya?”

Silence was louder than any scream could have been, and a tight coil of foreboding dread formed in my guts. Within moments, I’d searched the entire suite, but all rooms were empty. Uneasiness morphed into afull-blown panic as I found an envelope on my pillow. No wax seal adorned the paper, and I ripped the thing open, eyes racing over the letter.