Court of Aether and Shadows (Crowned Monster Trilogy #1)

5. The Prophecies Of Aether And Shadows

The Prophecies Of Aether And Shadows

~AETHERON~

T he obsidian walls of my shower chamber faded behind me as I stepped into the cool air of the corridor, droplets of water clinging to my midnight-black skin.

Steam curled around my form, dissipating into the ever-present shadows that wreathed my feet. I breathed deeply, the scent of night-blooming flowers and ozone filling my lungs – the unique fragrance of my realm.

The infamous Twilight Court.

My fortress, a marvel of Fae architecture that I had shaped with centuries of will and magic, stretched out around me. Walls rippled, revealing tantalizing glimpses of other worlds.

Staircases defied gravity, leading to chambers that shifted at my whim. It was a place of wonder and terror, a reflection of my own nature.

As I walked, lesser Fae scurried from my path, bowing low. Their fear and reverence washed over me, a heady combination that I barely noticed.

My thoughts were consumed by her.

My little Songbird .

My queen-to-be.

The cool air raised goosebumps on my flesh, a sensation that reminded me all too keenly of her touch.

Memories of our recent encounter in the training room flooded my mind, each recollection stoking the fire of my desire. I could still feel the softness of her skin, the warmth of her breath, the way her body had fit so perfectly against mine.

The ache of wanting her settled low in my belly, an exquisite torture.

I clenched my fists, feeling my claws dig into my palms. The sharp pain helped to anchor me — to keep me from losing myself in the tide of lust that threatened to overwhelm me.

That’s the power my Songbird had on me.

A few drops of my blood fell to the floor, instantly absorbed by the living shadows at my feet, like a sacrifice. The coppery scent filled the air, a reminder of the violence that lurked just beneath my carefully controlled surface.

By all the dark powers, I could still taste her.

The sweetness of her mouth lingered on my tongue, more intoxicating than the finest Fae wines. The way she had melted into me, her soft body yielding against my hard planes, had nearly broken my iron control.

A growl rumbled within my chest as I recalled how she had wrapped her legs around me, the heat of her core pressed against my abdomen.

It had taken every ounce of my considerable willpower not to take her then and there.

To claim her fully as my mate…

But I couldn't.

Not yet.

She wasn't ready. Wasn't fully awakened to her true nature.

To rush things now would be to risk everything I had worked over centuries for. The prophecy was clear – only when she came into her power — of her own free will could our union truly reshape the realms.

Nothing would be forced. No wars and tragic loss.

I wouldn’t lose her in my arms a second time…

Still, the ache of unfulfilled desire throbbed within me, a constant reminder of what awaited.

No matter how many times I had brought myself to completion in the shower, stroking my length with desperate fervor, it hadn't been enough. Nothing would be enough until I could bury myself in her warmth, and mark her as mine for all eternity.

My wandering feet led me to a balcony overlooking my domain.

I stepped out into the perpetual twilight, breathing deeply of the magic-laden air that was brisk and relaxing. Below, my city sprawled out in concentric circles, each ring separated by canals of softly glowing water.

The architecture was a blend of organic and geometric forms, buildings that looked as if they had been grown rather than built. Streets of mother-of-pearl wound between structures of crystal, living wood, and stone that pulsed with an inner light.

Everywhere, there was movement.

My subjects – beings of all shapes and sizes – went about their business. Winged creatures soared between towers, aquatic forms glided through canals, and things that defied easy categorization slipped through shadows deeper than they should be.

It was a realm of wonder and danger, of beauty and nightmare.

And it was mine to rule, mine to shape as I saw fit.

But for all its marvels, it felt incomplete without her by my side.

My sweet Starlight. My lighthouse that always sought me out of my darkest nightmares.

"My Lord?" A deep voice cut through my reverie, pulling me back to the present moment.

I turned, feeling a flash of annoyance at the interruption.

Kaelon, my Second in Command, stood in the doorway, head bowed in deference. His midnight blue skin seemed to absorb the twilight, making him appear almost two-dimensional against the backdrop of the palace interior.

My anger subsides just a pinch. Despite the interruption, Kaelon was my right-hand man who never led me astray. If he was present, it meant something that required my utmost attention.

"Speak," I commanded, letting a hint of power seep into my voice.

I may be merciful due to the soft spot I carry for my friend, but in times of authority, you still have to emphasize the reins of power you carry in your grasp at all times.

Kaelon raised his head, revealing eyes that swirled with galaxies.

Like all members of my court, he was a creature of shadow and starlight, beautiful and terrible. But next to me, he seemed almost diminished, a candle flame beside a raging inferno.

"The Shadow Knights await your presence in the throne room, my Lord," he reported, his tone carefully neutral. He understands the power one’s tone carries in our world. He respects his position, just like he acknowledges and submits to mine. "They bring news of the humans who dared to harm your chosen queen."

Ah. The peasants who dared to hurt my little Songbird.

I felt my eyes flash with golden fire, the intricate markings on my skin pulsing with barely contained rage. The shadows around me deepened, responding to my emotions.

The mere idea of the upcoming scallops of torture these weak beings would endure kindled a sense of anticipated glee within my depths.

"Excellent," I purred, knowing the sound was more menacing than comforting. "It's time they learned the price of touching what is mine."

I strode past Kaelon, who fell into step beside me as we made our way towards the throne room. I could sense his curiosity and his concern. He had served me faithfully for centuries, one of the few I might consider a friend – if beings like us could truly have such things.

"If I may, my Lord," he ventured cautiously, "there have been... whispers among the court.” Isn’t there always gossip to entertain the creatures of Twilight? “ Concerns about the potential chosen queens. Rumors of various individuals being up for grabs and their readiness. I’m sure they’re all questioning if a queen worthy of our merciless lands will come forward. Not to mention her ability to fulfill the prophecy."

Just the idea of anyone daring to question my queen’s ability to fulfill anything leaves me enraged.

I stopped abruptly, turning to face him with a snarl that revealed my rows of sharp teeth. The temperature dropped perceptibly, frost forming on the obsidian walls.

"You doubt my choice?" I growled, looming over him with deadly intent.

To his credit, Kaelon stood his ground, though I could sense the faint tremor that ran through his form. He’d never truly show signs of weakness. He wouldn’t be my second in command if he cowered, even to me, but testing his limits never hurt.

"Never, my Lord," he said quickly. "I merely report what I have heard. The court grows restless. They fear the Aether Faes will move against us before the queen can be found and appointed to take her rightful place upon our shadowed throne.”

For a long moment, I said nothing, simply staring at him.

I understood where their worries stemmed from. The Aether Fae enjoyed gossip as often as us, but their whispers glided along the whimsical winds of their realm, flowing and weaving their way down to the lands they seemed to despise and yet enjoy blending with due to their similar mundane features.

Always amusing for us to be deemed enemies and we’re all fighting for the same goal. The final “ever-after” that would grant us all salvation and eternal peace.

However, those who know nothing about the legends try to make this a competition of wit and elemental strength.

Fools, but entertaining, to say the least.

I could feel his fear, his loyalty warring with his instinct for self-preservation. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, I let the menace fade from my demeanor.

Making him think he’s a betrayer, rather than an ally would be deemed traitorous of me.

I placed a hand on his shoulder, a gesture almost companionable.

"Your loyalty is appreciated, old friend," I said, softening my voice marginally, but emphasizing a hint of power so he knows the truth is rooted in my words. "But have faith. I have waited centuries for her, molded the very fabric of our realm to accommodate her fateful arrival.”

That was the real truth. The underlying layers of planning and determination, woven into this blanket of fate I’ve ensured no one would tamper with, especially when made in our favor.

All these sudden women and rumors of multiple potentials being gathered across the mundane lands were nothing but entertainment in my eyes. If they wished to mislead their own into creating some sort of siren of blessings, they could enjoy hurting their own.

I know the power my Queen wields so effortlessly. She carried it with grace centuries ago. It will be no different now.

No. It will be different. Special and lethal to all those who try to usurp her domination. Entertainment that will be written in legends and books of prophetic empires bowing to her uprising.

A sight I’ll enjoy witnessing a second time in our forever lifetime.

“She will fulfill her destiny,” I reassure him. “And woe betide any who stand in our way."

Kaelon nodded, visibly relieved.

"Of course, my Lord. Forgive my presumption."

We continued on our way, reaching the massive doors of the throne room.

I gazed at the intricate carvings — scenes of ancient battles and dark revelry that I had lived through — that were shaped with my own hands.

With a mere thought, I commanded the doors to open, revealing the cavernous space beyond.

The throne room never failed to fill me with a sense of pride. The ceiling was lost in a swirling vortex of stars and nebulae, the walls of living shadow that revealed glimpses of other realms.

The pillars of crystallized darkness housed the trapped essences of my conquered enemies – all of it a testament to my power, my vision.

At the far end stood my throne, carved from a single massive piece of void stone. It absorbed light rather than reflect it, creating an aura of absolute power and authority.

The steps leading up to it were lined with precious gems that glowed with an inner fire, their light bending towards the throne rather than illuminating it.

As we approached the dais, Kaelon produced a robe of intricate golden armor, pulling it from the very shadows around us. He offered it to me with a deep bow, head inclined to avoid meeting my gaze directly.

I allowed him to drape the garment over my still-damp form, feeling the metal warm against my skin.

It was a masterpiece of Fae craftsmanship, each plate and link imbued with powerful protective magics. It molded to my body like a second skin, enhancing rather than hiding my physique.

I felt the armor drink in the light around it, adding to my aura of barely contained power.

Once properly dressed, I ascended the steps to my throne. The very air around me darkened and thickened with my proximity.

I sat with deliberate grace, throwing one leg casually over the arm of the throne in a deceptively relaxed pose. The void-stone embraced me, tendrils of absolute darkness curling around my form like possessive lovers.

I’ve returned to the place where I belonged and desired.

At the base of the dais, five of my Shadow Knights materialized from the darkness. My elite guards, beings of living shadow given form and purpose by my will alone.

Their armor was a deeper black than the darkest night, adorned with runes that glowed with a cold, blue light. Where their faces should have been, there was only a swirling void, occasionally pierced by points of light like distant stars.

As one, they knelt, heads bowed in absolute submission. The sound of their armor clicking against the floor echoed ominously through the vast chamber, sending a thrill of satisfaction through me.

"Speak," I commanded, letting my voice resonate with otherworldly power. I felt the very air vibrate with the force of my will. This type of speech was different from how I spoke to my little Songbird.

It was bold with authority and eliminated any type of weakness.

The lead Knight raised its head, its featureless face somehow conveying both pride and subservience. When it spoke, its voice was like the whisper of steel leaving a scabbard.

"My Lord, we have captured the five humans responsible for the attack on your chosen queen. They await your judgment in the depths of the dungeons."

What divine timing…

A cruel smile curved my lips. I felt my eyes blaze with sadistic anticipation, the shadows around the throne writhing in response to my emotions.

"Excellent work, my faithful servants. These vermin will learn the folly of their actions." I leaned forward, dropping my voice to a silken purr that I knew was more terrifying than any shout could be. "You will torture them, break them in ways their pitiful human minds cannot even conceive. When death finally comes for them, you will deny it, reviving them only to begin the process anew."

I felt the Shadow Knights tremble with dark glee at my commands, the points of light in their void faces pulsing rapidly in submission.

Their anticipation was palpable, feeding my own cruel excitement.

"Be creative in your methods," I continued, my tone almost conversational. "I want them to experience every form of suffering our realm has to offer. The Pits of Endless Falling. The Gardens of Flaying Thorns. The Chambers of Inverted Sensation. Use them all."

I paused, savoring the excitement that radiated from my knights.

Then, with a wave of my hand, I conjured an image in the air before me.

Her.

My chosen queen, in the human world.

She was training, her movements a deadly dance that stirred my blood. Even through the magical projection, her power called to me — sang to the darkness within me.

"When you have extracted every scream, every whimper, every ounce of suffering their bodies can produce, you will return them to the human realm," I said, my eyes never leaving her image. "One by one, their broken corpses will be discovered by those who dare to hunt my queen as if she were mere prey."

I shifted the projection, showing a group of men in suits poring over documents. My lip curled in disgust at the sight of them.

"These are the ones who think themselves her masters.,” I said it with pure mockery because that’s what it was.

Pure elation thinking they can cage my Songbird who was destined to be free. Defiant and all.

“Believe they can control her destiny. They will find her would-be attackers, each death more gruesome than the last. And they will know fear."

With a flick of my wrist, I dispelled the image.

The Shadow Knights bowed even lower, their enthusiasm for the task palpable.

"It will be done, my Lord," the leader intoned. "They will suffer as no humans have suffered before."

I nodded, satisfied.

"Go, then. Begin your work. I expect regular reports on their progress – or lack thereof."

The knights rose as one, bowing deeply before melting back into the shadows. I felt the throne room grow even darker in their wake as if the very air anticipated the horrors to come.

Kaelon, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, now stepped forward. I could sense his concern — see the galaxies in his eyes swirling rapidly.

"My Lord, if I may... it seems your chosen queen is becoming a target in the human world.” I had predicted the probabilities, but not so soon. “What are your plans to ensure her safety as she awakens to her power?"

I fixed him with my gaze, feeling a flicker of appreciation for his loyalty even as I bristled at the implied doubt. After a moment, I let my expression soften marginally, allowing a hint of the bond between us to show through my regal mask.

"Your concern is noted, old friend," I said, keeping my tone gentle but authoritative. "We will continue to monitor her whereabouts, intervening only when absolutely necessary. She must come into her power on her own terms, must choose this world of her own free will."

Or else, history would simply be repeating itself.

I stood, descending the steps of the dais. My armor clinked softly with each movement, the sound somehow amplifying my aura of deadly elegance. I began to pace, feeling the frustration and longing that had been building within me for centuries.

"I must wait for her to tap fully into our world before I can stake my claim," I continued, unable to keep the frustration from coloring my words. W hat worried me wasn’t the idea of claiming her as mine again. The problem I face in this century of twirling starlight is the competition that may follow. Other royals of tainted grace just as worthy attempting to claim my fated star. "To do otherwise would be to risk losing her forever. And I will not lose her. I’ve already suffered once. A mistake I’ll eternally regret."

I clenched my fists, feeling my claws dig into my palms once more. The spike of pain was required to remind myself of my reality. A pinch of that agony that’s measured as insignificant in comparison to the centuries I’ve waited in unrelenting torment.

The scent of my blood filled the air, rich and metallic. I sensed the shadows in the room roil and churn hungrily in response.

"But we must act quickly," I growled. "Already, I sense the stirring of other powers. If the Aether Faes discover her existence, her untapped potential..." I trailed off, the implications clear.

They’ll crave her power. Her alliance. Her compassion and favor.

The Aether Faes.

Our ancient enemies, beings of pure light and searing heat. Where we thrived in shadow and twilight, they basked in the glory of perpetual day. We had been locked in a cold war for millennia, each seeking to tip the balance of power in our favor.

We may have a peace treaty in place to keep us tamed and slightly merciful, but it’s only a matter of time before contracts are broken and revenge is imminent.

If they were to learn of the prophecy, of the Omega with the power to reshape reality itself...

My jaw clenched at the thought.

They would stop at nothing to either turn her to their cause or destroy her outright. The only current advantage we carried was knowing the chosen Queen would be an Omega and not simply a helpless mundane.

However, my own Queen doesn’t know her rooted origin.

I also hate to acknowledge that being an Omega opens doors I’d rather she not venture into.

Invites men of howling possession who’d yearn for her scent and beg to brand their mark on her flesh.

It takes far too much restraint to tame the rumble amid my chest.

Kaelon bowed deeply, and I could sense his understanding of the gravity of the situation.

"We will redouble our efforts to protect her in the human realm while maintaining our distance," he assured me. "Perhaps we could plant some of our lesser Fae in her vicinity? Ones who could intervene without revealing the full extent of our world?"

I considered this for a moment, then nodded. It was a wise suggestion, one that spoke to why I valued Kaelon's counsel.

Having our own with loyal ties would be a reasonable concession to initiate.

Though, I was aware of that mutt that’s been following her like the dog he is.

"See to it," I commanded. "Choose those who can pass for human, who understand the delicate nature of their task. They are to watch and guard, nothing more. Any direct interaction must be approved by me personally."

"It will be done, my Lord," Kaelon said. I could already see his mind working, sorting through potential candidates for the mission.

"Good," I said, feeling some of the tension leave my shoulders. "Now leave me. I require solitude to contemplate our next moves."

Kaelon bowed once more before backing out of the throne room.

The massive doors swung shut behind him with a resounding boom, leaving me alone with my thoughts and desires.

I approached the generously large mirror that hung on one wall, its surface rippling like quicksilver. An ancient artifact, older than the Twilight Court itself, with the power to show truths hidden from even the most powerful Fae.

As I gazed into its depths, the reflection shifted. Suddenly, I was no longer looking at myself, but at her.

My songbird. My queen. My mate.

But not as she appeared in the human world.

No, this was her true form, the Fae queen she was destined to become.

Her hair was a cascade of starlight, shimmering between the deepest black and purest white. Her eyes were mismatched, one the blue of a summer sky, the other the crimson of fresh-spilled blood. Delicate pointed ears peeked through her locks, and her skin seemed to glow with an inner light.

She was breathtaking.

Terrible and beautiful and mine.

I reached out, my clawed hand stopping just short of touching the mirror's surface. "Soon, my love," I whispered, my voice thick with longing and promise. "Soon you will take your rightful place by my side. And all the realms will tremble before us."

As I gazed upon her image, memories of the ancient prophecy flooded my mind. The words of the Fae Elders, spoken millennia ago, echoed in my thoughts as if they had been uttered only yesterday:

From the realms of tainted, null, and aether,

A Queen shall rise, unlike any other.

Thrice-born, thrice-blessed, a triple threat,

In her, the power of all courts is met.

Chaos shall follow in her wake,

The old order, she will break.

But from destruction, unity will bloom,

A new age dawning, dispelling the gloom.

The history of our world, the delicate balance between the four great Fae Courts, had been shaped by this prophecy for countless generations.

Each court – Shadow, Light, Void, and Elemental – had interpreted the words to their own advantage, believing that they would be the ones to find and claim this prophesied Queen.

I closed my eyes, recalling the lessons taught to me in my youth about the formation of our world and the schism that led to the creation of the four courts.

In the beginning, there was only the primordial chaos, a swirling maelstrom of pure, unbridled magic. From this chaos emerged the first Fae, beings of immense power and beauty. They shaped the realms, creating lands of wonder and terror, of light and shadow, of emptiness and abundance.

But as time passed, differences arose among these first Fae. Some reveled in the darkness, finding beauty in the mysteries of shadow and night. Others were drawn to the brilliance of light, basking in its warmth and clarity. Some sought the quiet emptiness of the void, while others embraced the wild energies of the elemental forces.

These philosophical differences eventually led to the great schism, the sundering of the Fae into four distinct courts:

The Shadow Court, my domain, embraced the power of darkness and twilight. We were the keepers of secrets, the weavers of dreams and nightmares. Shadowling or a title with Shadows embedded normally trailed our existence.

The Light Court, our eternal rivals, championed illumination and truth. They saw themselves as beacons of hope and purity in a world of encroaching darkness. Many labeled them Aether or Aether Court. A misconception that was never corrected.

The Void Court dwelt in the spaces between, masters of nullification and absence. They sought perfect stillness, the ultimate peace of non-existence. Some enjoyed taunting them as the Null Court, bickering that they are probably humans with a pinch of power.

The Elemental Court embodied the raw forces of nature, wild and unpredictable. They were as varied as the elements themselves, a chaotic mixture of fire, water, earth, and air. With how chaotically enriched their energies are, some enjoyed referring to them as Divinity while those who painted them as evil labeled them as the Fae’s ultimate ruin.

For eons, these courts maintained a precarious balance, each vying for supremacy but none strong enough to overwhelm the others. It was in this climate of constant tension that the Fae Elders, beings so ancient they remembered the time before the schism, came forth with their prophecy.

The promise of a Queen born of three realms – tainted, null, and aether – set all four courts ablaze with speculation and plotting. Each believed that they were destined to claim this Queen, to use her power to tip the scales in their favor.

But I knew better.

I had seen beyond the veil — had glimpsed the truth that others could not or would not see. The prophesied Queen was not meant to be a weapon for any one court to wield against the others.

She was the key to our reunification, the bridge that would span the chasms that divided us.

And now, after centuries of waiting, of carefully maneuvering pieces into place, she was here. My little songbird, my chosen Queen, still unaware of her true heritage and the destiny that awaited her.

I opened my eyes, returning my gaze to the mirror.

The image of her true Fae form still shimmered there, a tantalizing glimpse of what was to come. But as I stared, my own reflection began to bleed through, overlaying hers.

My molten gold eyes blazed with an inner fire, reflecting the passion and determination that had driven me for so long.

The silver markings etched into my obsidian skin came alive, pulsing with barely contained power. They were the physical manifestation of my magical essence, the visible sign of the shadows that dwelt within me.

I watched as tendrils of darkness began to coalesce around me, responding to the turmoil of emotions roiling beneath my carefully controlled exterior.

Fear – an unfamiliar sensation – clawed at my insides. Fear for her safety, for the trials I knew she must face before she could truly become who she was meant to be.

With a deep breath, I exerted my will, taming the wild magic that threatened to spill forth. The shadows receded but did not disappear entirely. An idea formed in my mind, a way to ease my concerns while still adhering to the delicate balance required by fate and prophecy.

"Come," I commanded softly, reaching out to the lurking shadows. They responded eagerly, twining around my outstretched hand like affectionate pets. "I have a task for you, my faithful servants."

I poured my will into the shadows, imbuing them with a spark of my own essence. "Go to her," I instructed. "Watch over my Maiden until she has grown strong enough to pierce the veil between worlds. Protect her, but do not interfere unless her life is in true peril. She must face her trials and emerge victorious of her own accord."

The shadows pulsed once in acknowledgment, and I watched as it briefly created a vessel of scales, one no different from a snake. It wrapped around my wrist, as though creating some sort of vow — pulsing and shedding to briefly display a wonderous shade of white. The scales taint to darkness not seconds later before the entity of pinched aura slipped away, passing through the mirror's surface as if it were no more substantial than mist.

I felt a piece of myself go with them, a constant connection that would allow me to know if she was ever in real danger.

With that done, I turned away from the mirror, my gaze sweeping over the grandeur of my throne room. Soon , I promised myself, she would stand here beside me, resplendent in her power and beauty. But until then...

"Be safe, my love," I whispered to the empty air. "Be strong. The trials ahead will not be easy, but they are necessary. Persevere, and know that I am waiting for you on the other side."

With those words, I strode back to my throne, ready to continue the intricate dance of politics and power that would pave the way for her arrival.

The prophecy was in motion, the pieces were falling into place. All that remained was for my Queen to awaken to her true nature and claim her rightful place at my side.

And when she did, all the realms would bear witness to the dawn of a new age – an age of shadow and light, of void and element, all united under our rule. The thought brought a smile to my lips, anticipation coursing through my veins like liquid fire.

They’ll all bow down to your reign, my Queen.