I continued to force each breath, until my muscles unclenched.
“I’m fae now?” I asked.
“Yes, Your Highness. Completely fae.”
“My humanity was erased? It’s just gone?” Tears gathered until they fell. My heart thundered in my chest. I didn’t just cross the divide—I lost everything that tied me to Bailoc, to my family. They would never recognize me.
Lioran wiped away my tears.
“How can it be gone?” I cried.
His hand caressed my cheek. “We will figure this out together. Just breathe.”
I clutched the pillow as the tears continued to fall. I was grateful to be alive, to be here, but I mourned the part of me that didn’t exist anymore.
“Your strength will return. Perhaps you can take her to her chambers, Prince Lioran. I think she would be more comfortable in her own bed.” Her hand rested on mine. “I will check in on you later and you may send for me whenever you need me.”
Lioran scooped me up into his arms.
Rowena grasped my hand. “You are perfectly healthy, Your Highness. The stars have blessed you with a miracle.” She bowed to us as we slipped through the infirmary door.
I clung to Lioran as he carried me through our home.
Days flashed by as I slept—each time my eyes blinked open I took in my chambers. I was still here, whole and fae in a way I never thought I would be. The reflection that greeted me forever altered, but my mother’s golden eyes still glowed.
My strength renewed.
My magic still stirred.
I encouraged Lioran to return to the work that was piling up in his study. He had barely left my side, hovering even as I slept.
We didn’t speak about our tattoos again, or the words the stars uttered. Our moments grew quieter. His words more tender. But every day he looked as if he was grieving. Iwondered if he still saw me beneath all the changes—or if he was mourning the version of me he lost.
Scouts surveyed the land and brought back news—the Grove had been fully restored. Even Othryl saw a slow trickle of new growth. Signs of life were sprouting through the decay.
Juniper brought lunch to my chambers. She helped me slip into a gown for the first time since we returned. The fabric pulled at my chest. It squeezed my waist. She struggled to even lace it.
I traced my waist, fuller than I remembered it.
“If I may speak freely…” Juniper said.
“Of course,” I replied.
“It may be time to consider some new gowns.” Her voice was a soft whisper as her eyes avoided mine. “Your shape has…altered.”
My stomach churned with the scent of the coffee as it wafted over to me. I pushed it away, completely overwhelmed. Juniper arched an eyebrow as she tidied up the room.
“Your appetite…has changed too. Is there anything else you’d prefer?” She removed the coffee from the table.
My strength returned, but my appetite hadn’t. Nausea rushed through me as I gripped the table.
It hadn’t stopped. We came back from the Grove—but every feeling lingered.
“Can you send for Rowena?”
“Certainly, Your Highness. I will get her for you immediately.” Juniper’s words trailed behind her as she left my chambers.
I was so consumed with losing Lioran, and later afraid of losing everything.
