Why do you wish to cross?
It hissed in reply as the pulse of the divide quickened.
“To be safe. To be free.” The necklace heated around my neck—a grounding warmth that stilled me as I spoke.
Only fae may cross into this realm.
“I am both human and fae.”
Humans seek only to harm.
“I mean Nythrel no harm. Please, I don’t have much time. It is not safe for me to remain in Bailoc.” The thundering in my chest drowned out each word I spoke.
The rumble of hooves amplified.
We sense the blood of the fae in your veins.
You are fearful of the other side of the divide and all you do not know.
Yet it doesn’t stop you.
We will let you cross, but you must make a choice.
To cross means you enter our world and forsake your own.
Could I go across and never come back?
The distant hooves grew louder.
Someone is coming.
A human.
He will take you from us.
“Aelira! Don’t!” Cael’s voice called from the hill as he dismounted and ran after me.
I unsheathed the dagger and pointed it at him.
“Don’t touch me!” I wailed. The blade quivered.
He drew back. “Put the dagger away. I’m not here to harm you.” He reached again with heavy steps—my back almost touched the divide. “Stop!” he snapped. “Don’t touch the divide!”
I tightened my grip on the metal hilt. “I can’t stay.” I held my breath.
Panic flickered in his eyes. “Please. They’re going to realize you’re gone. We can say your horse was spooked. No one has to know.”
“I can’t marry him.” I could barely breathe through the words. The hilt of the dagger was like ice in my hands.
“Drop the dagger.” His words quaked. “Come to me.”
Another step brought me closer to the golden glow. Energy vibrated through the ground—it spiraled through me.
He darted at me.
“You don’t know the truth. I’m not who you think I am.”
“You’re Aelira. I have always seen you for who you are even if they don’t. This is not your story. I will not let you die today.”
