I studied the map, my gaze tracing the borders and locations of each territory. The expanse of their kingdom seemed almost overwhelming compared to my own.
“We should get back,” Xavier said, reaching for the parchment, but I stopped him with a question.
“What territory is this?” I asked, pointing to the blank spot on the map.
Xavier paused, his hand hovering over the parchment. “The witches once inhabited their own territory, called Eionian,” he said, indicating the barren land separated by mountains and sea.
“What is the land used for now?” I asked, and he shot his gaze to mine, making me flinch. “I was just curious; if you can't tell me, it's fine,” I said with a grumble, looking back down at the map.
“It's mostly deserted now,” Xavier seemed to say reluctantly. “After the war, it became a sort of prison for dangerous creatures and other Fae who posed a threat.”
My face paled. “A prison?”
He nodded, rolling up the parchment and returning it to his desk. “It’s where she summoned the Daka. They came through a portal in their old village. When we built the prison, we intended to trap them within the wards we created,” he said, his voice tinged with bitterness. “But it ended up containing everythingbut them. Only the darkest and oldest creatures dwell there now, and it has become a breeding ground for the Daka.”
A shiver ran down my spine. “So, what happens if someone accidentally crosses the border?” I asked, trying to mask my unease.
“It wouldn’t let anyone through. There are safeguards to prevent that,” Xavier explained, “It knows when someone doesn’t belong. But if someone really wanted to cross and chose to ignore those warnings, the barrier would trap them indefinitely.
I stared at him, feeling a chill at the thought of such a grim fate—either left to isolation or at the mercy of some ancient beast.
My eyes scanned his neatly organized desk, my mind whirling with more questions.
“The map showed your kingdom surrounded by water. Is your kingdom an island?” I asked, my eyes darting to Xavier's face.
He grunted in confirmation, looking away from me. He didn’t offer any additional information.
“Are there other kingdoms? Other lands, like yours?”
“Yes.” He said sharply, but before I could ask more, Xavier took my hand again and guided me into the hallway. My brows furrowed at the feeling of his hand in mine. Why did I keep allowing this? I knew I should pull away, but I couldn’t bring myself to let go.
“Are these other kingdoms your allies?” I pressed, attempting to continue the conversation.
His grip on my hand tightened slightly as he glanced over his shoulder. “That’s enough questions,” Xavier retorted sharply, guiding me down a spiral staircase. The corridor we entered stretched endlessly ahead, its walls made of the same black obsidian as the rest of the castle. Sconces with orbs of swirlinglight illuminated our way, reflecting against the smooth polished stone.
“How do those lights work? It isn’t a flame I recognize; your room had something similar,” I asked, staring at the floating balls of light behind the sconces.
“It's energy from our magic,” Xavier said, glancing in my direction. “We are able to contain it and use it for many purposes,” Xavier said.
My lips parted slightly at the information as his words trailed off, his grip still firm on my hand.
Xavier led me through another twisting hallway, stopping before a large, ornate door. Intricate carvings adorned the dark wood—interwoven patterns that twisted and flowed like frozen waves across its surface.
Xavier let go of my hand as a guard in an emerald and black uniform stepped forward. The guard appeared young and his bright hazel eyes met mine briefly, a curious glint flashing behind their green haze before nodding to Xavier and pushing open the large wooden doors.
They opened to the ballroom, behind the large boney thrones. I followed Xavier as he stepped onto the dais, the ballroom now teeming with guests. Their conversations dwindled to murmurs as all eyes shifted toward us. My breath hitched, and I forced myself to stand taller under the weight of so many stares. The room was a kaleidoscope of movement and murmurs, whispers rippling like distant thunder. Beside me, Xavier released a sigh so soft I almost missed it.
His guests wore vibrant, intricately embroidered gowns and tailored jackets, their attire forming a dazzling sea of color. The golden glow of the chandelier overhead reflected softly against the polished obsidian stone, and emerald and black drapes hung in precise folds from the stone arches.
It was reminiscent of the decorations back home, and I could almost hear my mother’s approving murmur.
Tables scattered throughout the room groaned under the weight of decadent food, roast meats, and steaming sides. Servers moved gracefully through the crowd, balancing trays laden with glasses of purple liquid.
A server appeared at Xavier’s side, offering a drink. He handed me a glass without a word and downed his in a single, fluid motion, the sharp lines of his jaw tightening as he set the empty glass back on the tray. He snatched another, his movements quick, calculated.
His gaze stayed fixed ahead, his voice low as he muttered, “Let’s get this over with.”
Julian appeared at my side, his arm extended in a silent offer. I hesitated only for a moment before slipping my hand through, letting him guide me down the dais. The weight of the crowd’s gaze still pressed heavily on me, their lingering stares burning against my skin.
