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

13. Threshold Of Destiny

Threshold Of Destiny

~AETHERON~

" M y Lord!" a familiar woman gasped, immediately dropping into a deep bow, her forehead nearly touching the ground.

Elenore, one of my most trusted agents in the human world, stood before us. Her eyes widened in recognition, a mixture of awe and fear flickering across her features.

I could see the moment she truly comprehended who stood before her, her aura flickering with a combination of reverence and trepidation.

"I... we didn't expect... I apologize profusely for not contacting the kingdom immediately about the riptide and spiritual interference. We were just ensuring the Princess's safety and-"

I raised a hand, cutting off her flustered explanation.

The scent of her fear was palpable, mixing with the lingering traces of my queen's presence. It took considerable effort to keep my power in check, to not let the shadows around us deepen in response to my impatience.

"Your loyalty is noted and appreciated, Elenore," I said, my voice carrying the weight of centuries of authority. "But right now, there are more pressing matters. I need to see her. Now."

I’m sure I didn’t need to express further who my heart was yearning to witness.

Elenor straightened, and I saw a flash of something in her eyes – determination, protectiveness. It was admirable, if ultimately futile.

No force in any realm could keep me from my queen now that she had returned.

"Of course, my Lord," she said carefully, her voice steadier than I expected. "But... I must ask. Can you swear that no harm will come to her? That she will be safe?"

Beside me, Kaelon bristled at her boldness, shadows swirling ominously around him.

His eyes, usually a swirl of galaxies, darkened to black holes of fury.

"How dare you question the Lord's intentions?" he growled, his voice resonating with otherworldly menace. "Do you forget who you're speaking to?"

I have to try and hide the smirk that threatens my lips. I don’t know what’s more amusing, Kaelon’s rash anger or Elenore’s daring actions to question our motives.

I placed a calming hand on Kaelon's shoulder, my eyes never leaving Elenore's face. Her courage was impressive, standing up to beings of our power out of concern for her charge.

It boded well for the kind of loyalty my queen would inspire in the coming days. It was also a good protocol of protection because our enemies could easily try to impersonate our arrival to acquire what all the Courts desired.

That’s how precious my little Songbird is.

Before I could respond, the movement behind Elenore caught my attention. A young man – barely more than a boy in our viewpoint of age – and an elderly woman had appeared, drawn by the commotion. The boy moved protectively closer to Elenore, his stance betraying years of combat training despite his youth. I could see the shift in his appearance, the tidal waves between young and aged, similar qualities of the Portal Master.

Intriguing to see a future Portal Master in our midst.

The elder who walked forward was the one to truly captured my interest.

Her eyes, clouded with age but sharp with wisdom, widened in recognition. There was something in her gaze, a depth of understanding that spoke of knowledge far beyond her apparent years.

"My Lord Aetheron," the elder said, her voice cracking with age but filled with reverence.

Then, to my surprise and secret delight, she began to speak in a language I hadn't heard spoken fluently in centuries – the ancient tongue of the Fae, lost to most in this age of blurred boundaries and weakened magic.

"Shalath vor'en, thylar na'eth," she intoned, the words flowing like liquid starlight. "Kel'nor vas'tera, lira'eth sul'van."

I felt my eyebrows rise in surprise and no small amount of respect. The others in the room looked on in confusion, unable to understand the ancient tongue.

Switching to the Fae language myself, I responded, my voice carrying the resonance of power that was its birthright.

"Vash'na lor, elder. Thy'lar suvren ka'eth nol.

Welcome, elder. Your wisdom honors us. How came you by this ancient knowledge?

The elder's eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and ancient sorrow.

"Shal'ven nor'eth, my Lord. Athy’ lar norvan ethlore. I nela’rove, keeper of ancienalora’ ravoke.”

The old ways endure, my Lord. The shadows remember, even when the light forgets. I am but a humble keeper of old ways.

I nodded, a newfound respect for this seemingly frail woman growing within me. Turning to the others, who were watching our exchange with a mixture of awe and confusion, I translated a portion of our conversation.

"She says, 'Welcome, Shadow Lord. The lost star returns to the night sky.' It's an old blessing, one I haven't heard in... a very long time." I didn’t see the need to explain the rest that was said. This was but a summary that would simply satisfy my subjects as we moved forward onto pressing matters.

The elder smiled, a knowing look in her eyes.

"Some of us remember the old ways, my Lord. We have waited long for this day."

I nodded, a decision forming in my mind.

These subjects, the protectors of my queen, deserved more than just my grudging acknowledgment. Their dedication in the face of forces they couldn't possibly comprehend was admirable.

"Your dedication is commendable. All of you," I said, including Elenore and the boy in my gaze. "For your loyalty and sacrifice in protecting my... the Princess, I grant you temporary immunity to speak freely. Consider yourselves equals for the duration of this conversation."

I say those words while retreating the power that laced my revelation, proving that I meant what I had declared.

The shock on their faces was almost comical.

Kaelon shot me a questioning look, but I ignored it.

Sometimes, ruling required more than just the iron fist of authority. And in the days to come, we would need allies who were unafraid to speak their minds and act, regardless if it was deemed rebellious.

Turning back to the elder, I slipped once more into the Fae tongue, my curiosity piqued.

"Vash'nor kel'eth, wise one. Princesa Le Delash’ Ruke Ve Kah”

Speak freely, wise one. The princess... how fares she truly?

The elder's face grew solemn, her voice lowering to a near whisper in the ancient language.

"Shal'ven ka'nor, my Lord. Ishlka L’avesa Ne Ke’athore. Desu Ru Thenao Delongta’ Esp tenado.”

She struggles, my Lord. The transition was... difficult. Her spirit remembers what her mind does not. The clash of worlds within her is... tumultuous.

That wasn’t good.

I could only assume her ‘human’ side was struggling to come to terms with letting her past self take full control. If both sides couldn’t come up with some sort of compromise, it would be like a war of mentalities, fighting for dominance.

Which could risk me losing my Queen in the process.

It didn’t mean I hadn’t become fond of the little Songbird. I just couldn’t process her acceptance of this form. At least, not the probability of it happening so effortlessly.

I felt a pang of guilt and worry at her words.

Maybe it was too soon. Had I pushed too hard, too fast? Was my eagerness to reclaim my queen causing her pain?

"Thy'lar vas'nor, elder," I responded, my voice heavy with concern. "Dezeus Le Vanorela de cruisa’nso nor Lantra Se"

Your counsel is valued, elder. What can be done to ease her passage?

The elder reached out, her gnarled hand coming to rest on my arm.

The touch, so casual and yet so daring, sent a ripple of shock through the room. Kaelon tensed, ready to intervene, but I stayed him with a look.

"Shal'ven thy'nor, Shadow Lord," the elder said, her voice gaining strength. “Lo'vren sha'nera. Sha'vren thy'nera. Nethora sha'lin. Yel'varan tal'shira nai, fae'quen har'len tithan ve. Sha'vethra lan'sha na’tiren il’ven, nai sha'vren vel'ain ithara sul'nar."

Patience, Shadow Lord. Love her. Guide her. But above all, let her find her own path. The prophecy speaks of a queen who will bridge worlds. She must forge that bridge herself, lest it crumble beneath the weight of expectation.

Her words struck a chord within me, resonating with a truth I had known but had been reluctant to accept.

My queen, my Lirael, would need to come into her power on her own terms. That may include the potential of having two sides of her: the human, Sparrow, and my Queen, Lirael.

I could guide, could protect, but I could not force her destiny upon her.

"Your wisdom is appreciated," I said, switching back to the common tongue for the benefit of the others. "Now, please, take me to her. I give you my word, no harm will come to her. She is...everything to me."

The vulnerability in my own voice surprised me, but it seemed to have the desired effect. Elenore's posture relaxed slightly, and she nodded.

"This way, my Lord," she spoke up, gesturing for us to follow her lead.

As we moved through the small cottage, I took in every detail.

The modest furnishings, the lingering scent of herbs and magic, the faint hum of protective wards woven into the very walls. This place had been a sanctuary for my queen, and I found myself grateful for its humble comforts.

It carried similar traits to the mundane realms, which could be a good environment to awaken in for my Queen. She wouldn’t feel so frightened at the foreign territory. At least, not with these comforting walls.

The elder fell into step beside me, her voice once again taking on the lyrical quality of the Fae tongue.

"Shal'nor vas'eth, my Lord. Sha’len’ora shi’vren yel’thira das’han dos’tar. Anai’vestra, vael sha’ren ven’shira de sha’vael naras bal’tra shen’eth faran ithan, nai’rel ithra sha’daros vel’tir sha’vellian.

A word of caution, my Lord. The coming days will test you both. Remember, even the greatest of storms cannot uproot a tree with deep roots and flexible branches.

I nodded, understanding the metaphor.

Strength alone would not be enough in the trials to come. We would need to be adaptable, and willing to bend without breaking.

“May I add my Lord?” the elder returned to the common dialect. "Your first bond shall be... potent, a force of nature unto itself, nearly magnetic in its pull. Heed this counsel: steel thy will against the temptations that may trail in its wake."

“I can resist temptation,” I note, almost in mockery. I noticed Kaelon’s smirk with a side glance that quickly had him clearing his throat.

“Yes, that’s true, my Lord,” the elder agrees. “However, you’ve never been able to resist your wife.” Amazing how she’d wield such information against me. "Hope is but a flicker, and I hold little faith it shall shift now."

I had to fight not to grimace at her lack of hope in me, but I didn’t argue with her wise words either.

Elders of her caliber are more than just vast knowledge. She has foresight, at least enough to look at me at one glance and see what the future has in store.

Finally, we reached a door at the end of a short hallway.

Elenore paused her hand on the knob and looked back at me.

"She's still unconscious," she warned. "The transition was... intense. We're not sure when she'll wake up, but she’s stable and in good health."

I nodded, steeling myself for what lay beyond. Though her assurance was granted, I needed to see my Queen for myself.

"Open it," I commanded softly.

The door swung open, and there she was.

Lying on a simple bed, her dark hair spread out on the pillow like a fan of shadow, was my Lirael.

My queen. My heart. My gleaming Starlight.

Even in sleep, she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Her face, so familiar yet changed by her time in the human world, was peaceful in repose. But I could see the faint lines of stress around her eyes, the slight furrow in her brow that spoke of the challenges she had faced.

I moved to her bedside, barely aware of the others in the room.

That was the effect she always carried upon me. A hypnotic grasp that made all eyes fall upon her, proving the level of power she carried in this domain.

But between us, it was special. Sacred. Untouchable in comparison.

Truthfully, she and one other were the only two worthy of having that effect on me.

I dare to admit.

Reaching out, I gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, marveling at the softness of her skin. The touch sent a jolt through me, a connection reforged after centuries apart.

"Lirael," I whispered, her true name a prayer on my lips. "My love. I'm here. You're safe now."

As if in response to my voice, she stirred slightly, a soft sigh escaping her lips. The others in the room held their breath, watching the reunion of a king and his long-lost queen with a mixture of awe and trepidation.

I knew from how weak her aura was that she wouldn’t wake so soon. She needed time to rest — to heal from the ripples she tore to fall into these realms and into our stronghold — which meant I had to force myself to be patient.

I’ve been steadfast for centuries. Only a few more hours and I’ll know where I stand with my Queen.

The elder's voice, once again in the ancient tongue, broke the silence.

"Shal'ven nor'eth, thylar ka'nor. Thar’vaen vel’ora, da’lethran astra var’thel. But tor’lanor, Kha’zar Vel. Lir’then var’ael ithar’val, na’reth tir’vael dal’khor il’vaeth chaos."

It begins, the great cycle. The wheel turns, and the lost star rises. But beware, Shadow Lord. Light and dark must balance, lest the world fall to chaos.

I turned to her, my hand still resting gently on Lirael's cheek.

"Vash'nor thy'lar, an’vethara. Thy'larth el'enar mel'lenar. But hei'shara – sha’lin rendar el’thar nar’len na’thar in’eth sha’relin."

Your wisdom is valued, Wise One. Your words are heeded. But know this – I would tear down the very pillars of creation to keep her safe.

The elder nodded, a sad smile on her face.

"And therein lies the greatest danger, my Lord,” she shifts her dialect, as if to ensure the others can grasp what her warning entails. “Love can save worlds...but it can also destroy them."

With those cryptic words, she bowed deeply and retreated from the room, taking Elenore and the boy with her.

Kaelon positioned himself by the door, a silent guardian against any who would disturb us.

I settled into a chair by Lirael's bedside, my eyes never leaving her face. In that moment, with my hand on her cheek and her breathing syncing with mine, I knew that everything was about to change.

The prophecy was in motion, the worlds were aligning, and the greatest adventure of all was about to begin.

Why was I still burdened with uncertainty?

Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever enemies we would face, I would be by her side. And together, we would reshape the very foundations of reality itself. Fear would not pause what has already been written to come to life.

I’ve come too far. Do not cower. Do not fear the unknown.

Trialing circumstances like this reminded me of my Queen and how she was my comfort. How easy it was for her to say a few words and uplift my spirits like no other. She made me feel braced. Feel worthy of the power granted to me so that I could protect this Court.

She saw my worth long before I ascended to the throne — centuries ago when I was but a commoner among the vast fields, and she was born warrior with delicate beauty.

"Welcome home, my Queen," I murmured, my voice carrying the weight of centuries of longing. "I'll be here when you wake. Always."

It didn’t matter if she couldn’t hear me or not. I wanted her to feel my presence. To know despite the shifts of time and space, I’d always be at her side.

No matter if the old her wouldn’t fully come to the surface.

As the night deepened around us, I felt the subtle shift in the fabric of reality. The barriers between worlds were thinning, the old magics awakening.

And at the center of it all was Lirael, my lost star, who finally returned to the night sky.

I was anticipating a confrontation sooner rather than later. I was positive tonight would not be as solemn as I’d wish. It didn’t matter to me, though.

For me, I was ready to go into war in my Queen’s steed.

She was the other half of my soul…and with that completion came a power that could reshape the very cosmos itself.

Are the Courts ready to enjoy a taste of my wrath? I wonder…