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

24. Morning In A New World

Morning In A New World

~ S PARROW~

I awoke to warmth and shadows, both wrapping around me like the finest silk.

The first light of the Twilight Court's eternal dusk filtered through the high windows, creating patterns of light and dark that danced across the bed.

Aetheron's arms held me close, his body curled protectively around mine as if even in sleep he couldn't bear the thought of separation — of me slipping away and returning to the world I left behind.

To think I should have been waking in that tiny cot, expected to do more research on my circumstances or summoned for another sort of mission from Vincent to prove my “worth”. Then again, who knows what would have happened at the Underground after the betrayal with Marco?

He could have slandered my name so if I returned, I wouldn’t have the questionable stability of the Underground to back me up until I found a “normal” job to exist in that society. The idea of returning makes me push it all away.

I don’t want to go back…not after last night. Not after experiencing a glimpse of this world…

The events of the night before sent a flush of heat through my body — memories of passion and power intertwined, of shadows and starlight dancing together in perfect harmony.

Peering slightly at Aetheron allowed me to admire him as he slept. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, and I felt his shadows pulse gently in time with his breathing, still wrapped around us both like a protective cocoon.

When I shifted slightly, his arms tightened.

"Stay," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep. "Just a little longer."

The shadows responded to his words, caressing my skin with gentle touches that made me shiver. I couldn’t help but smile because if only he knew how much I wished to remain here.

I want to make this unknown place a sanctuary from the chaos I’ve been dreaming of running away from for as long as I can remember.

"Tell me about her," I said softly, turning in his embrace to face him. "About your life together, about ruling this realm. I want to understand the past. Your past with your Starlight Queen."

His molten-gold eyes opened slowly, focusing on me with an intensity that made my heart skip. He raised a hand to trace my cheek, studying my face as if memorizing every detail.

"Our reign began in an age of chaos," he said, his voice taking on a distant quality as ancient memories surfaced. The shadows around us shifted, seeming to reflect the images in his mind. "The courts were at war, reality itself threatened to unravel. Liarel..." His voice softened on the name, filled with reverence. "She came like a storm, like the first light breaking through eternal darkness."

Liarel.

I could finally take the moment to grasp her identity in my mind and label it with the various memories and emotions I’ve endured even before arriving here.

Lord Aetheron’s hand continued its gentle exploration of my face; comparing, remembering that past he obviously held dear.

"She had your fire, you know. That same indomitable spirit. When she walked into a room, everyone felt it. Not just her power, but her presence. She could silence a room of quarreling courtiers with a single look, or inspire armies with just a few words."

The shadows around us began to form shapes, creating ghostly images of a grand throne room. I could almost see it — crystalline spires reaching toward an impossible sky, beings of shadow and starlight gathered in elegant disarray.

"We ruled from the Twilight Throne," he continued, his fingers now tracing patterns on my bare shoulder that felt like spells. "Side by side, shadow and light in perfect balance. She wore a crown of captured starlight, and her laugh..." He smiled, the expression softening his otherworldly features. "Her laugh could make flowers bloom in the darkest corners of our realm."

His power surged slightly with the memories, making the air thick with emotion and ancient magic.

"We would dance in the heart of our Court, our powers intertwining until reality itself bent around us.” I can see how intense his love for her is, especially with how it shows in his molten eyes. “She taught me that strength could be found in gentleness. That true power came from balance rather than dominance."

So different from the life I had to live. I can only wonder how she came to power and how the two of them met to fall so passionately in love with one another.

"What was your favorite moment together?" I asked, reaching up to trace the silver markings on his chest that pulsed beneath my touch. His skin was warm, almost feverish, as if the memories themselves raised his temperature. It was far different from when we made love and his body was so frigid, as if to tame the blazing heat leaving me with every thrusting movement.

A soft smile played on his lips as he caught my exploring hand in his.

"There were so many," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my palm. "But perhaps... yes. It was during the Festival of Falling Stars. Liarel had convinced me to abandon the formal celebrations."

“Convinced, huh?” I say with speculation that held a hint of mischief to it. I felt like that could be something I’d yearn to do rather than the old-school ways of throwing a party in this world.

The shadows around us shifted again, becoming more defined. I could almost see it — a night sky filled with impossible constellations, stars falling like diamond rain.

"We snuck away to the Mirror Lakes," he continued, his voice rich with remembered joy. "Places where the barrier between realms is so thin you can see other worlds reflected in the water. She wore a gown that seemed to be made of liquid moonlight. How she danced on the surface of the lake itself, each step creating ripples that spread across a thousand realities."

His free hand tangled in my hair, comparing its texture to ancient memories.

"She always did love to break protocol," he chuckled. "Rather like someone else I know."

“Hmph,” I huff, feeling both acknowledged and a little surprised he knew so much of my traits. That had to mean he kept a close eye on me once he began to appear in my dreams. He didn’t have to.

Heck, was it even allowed?

I felt a sense of thanks that he was some sort of guardian angel who sought to relieve me with something I didn’t allow myself to enjoy in real life.

To be vulnerable and intimate with these men who would only see me as an object of pleasure and never their equal. Not even on a stronger scale than them.

"Did you ever worry?" I asked, pressing closer to his warmth. "About the responsibility, the power, all of it? I don’t know…being such a powerful key figure in this world seems frightening because the balance is in your hands. Especially…well, I feel like this world may be the same as mine when it comes to assuming women can’t be powerhouses."

He gave me a look that proved my assumptions were absolutely correct, but he peered upward as he got lost in answering the question.

"Every day," he admitted genuinely. "But Liarel... she had a way of making even the most daunting challenges seem manageable. When the Void Court threatened war, she suggested we host a midnight feast instead. It sounded like chaos was going to erupt at the idea of dining with those who wished for our end, but how something so simple turned out to be a healing solution for our Courts. Turned bitter enemies into reluctant allies over dishes that defied reality itself."

His eyes focused on mine intently.

"She would be proud, you know. Of how you're handling all of this. Your strength, your adaptability…they mirror hers, yet remain uniquely yours."

“Thanks for the compliment,” I whisper, wondering if I can get more from him. About how they possibly met. "Tell me about your first meeting," I whispered, enchanted by the way his expressions shifted with each memory.

The shadows around us had grown more active, responding to his emotional state, and creating vivid pictures in the air around us. So many squares, showing various scenes using flickers of light that illuminated and played out like various films.

His laugh was rich and deep, rumbling through his chest where I pressed against him. He didn’t know where to start as his eyes enjoyed the display his shadows had manifested, but I saw the flicker of similarity in his gaze before he closed his eyes briefly.

"I was...less refined then. All shadow and storm, believing power meant control. She appeared during a court session where I was," he paused and opened his eyes, looking slightly embarrassed, "rather forcefully expressing my displeasure with some minor lords."

"Expressing your displeasure?" I raised an eyebrow, enjoying this glimpse of this embarrassed Lord Aetheron. It looked like an expression very few got a glimpse of, especially in his position of power and might.

"Let’s just say, a group of tedious sinners decided to be very verbal with their disappointment when it came to my potential ruling. It didn’t rid them of their countless actions to make me look like a horrendous individual or how they worked overtime to aid their companion in trying to claim my seat of power.” He shrugged slightly. “I may have been in the process of turning them into shadow creatures," he admitted, his fingers trailing down my spine in a way that made me shiver.

Ah. I guess that’s what he may have to do when it comes to rebellious subjects.

"Then suddenly, there was light. Pure, brilliant light that cut through every shadow in the throne room. And there she stood, radiating power like a newborn star, looking at me with such... disappointment."

“D-Disappointment?” I’m flabbergasted at the simple yet striking world. I was envisioning it all in my mind, so for it to reach this part of the unfolding love story felt…surprising.

The shadows swirled more definitively now, and I could almost see the scene unfold as the gleaming flickers of light attempted to create the scene with immense detail — a younger Aetheron, all barely contained power and rage, confronted by a short female woman, a being of pure light and authority.

"She walked right up to my throne," he continued, his voice filled with remembered awe, "completely ignoring the fact that I could have obliterated her with a thought. She looked me in the eye and said, 'If this is how the future Lord of Shadows conducts his court, perhaps he needs a queen to teach him proper manners.'"

I muffle a laugh, which shifts to a snicker, trying not to be so amused but it’s the sour expression on Lord Aetheron’s face that made me giggle.

"And you didn't obliterate her?" I teased, tracing the smile lines at the corner of his mouth.

"I couldn't," he said softly, though he didn’t sound very disappointed in how fate went. "The moment our eyes met... it was like finding a piece of myself I hadn't known was missing. I’m not sure if you’d call it love at first sight, but all that anger and rage suddenly melted. Like it was all insignificant. Even my shadows reached for her light instinctively, just as they reach for yours now."

As if to demonstrate, the shadows wrapped around us tightened slightly, caressing my skin with touches that felt like silk and smoke combined. His hand cupped my face, thumb stroking my cheekbone with infinite tenderness.

"Oddly enough, I feel you’d have the same effect on me," he murmured more to himself. "That ability to cut through my darkness, to challenge me, to make me want to be... more."

I sat up in bed, the shadowsilk sheets pooling around my waist as I tried to put my tumultuous feelings into words. It was interesting how I didn’t feel odd being naked before him.

In fact, this was as comfortable as I’d ever been with any other man who got the chance to share the same bed as me for a night.

"It's strange," I began, watching how the eternal twilight played across my skin. I was expecting to feel sort of shy to tell him what I’ve endured in secrecy for so long, but I didn’t feel an ounce of worry admitting what I was about to. '“When I used to be in the depth of missions, I’d hear a voice warning me of danger. Warning me not to go down this path or to aim higher…better…make decisions in the peak of a moment where my life would be at risk.”

I think of the various scenarios, now understanding the underlying power involved in helping me.

“I thought it was instinctive, but I guess it was her…or well, her energy protecting me. Just to feel her essence, like echoes of memories that aren’t quite mine. Truthfully, I assumed maybe there was something wrong with me. Thinking all the trauma I’d been through and continued to gather like trophies was making me envision a life where I didn’t have to fight to survive. Where…I didn’t have to be Sparrow.”

He peers into my eyes, not stopping himself from caressing my cheek as if to remind me of his presence.

“I wished to interfere,” he dares to admit, his words barely reaching the surface. Frightened to be heard other than from my ears alone. " Yet, I couldn’t ruin the path you were destined to walk upon. I couldn’t interfere in what was woven and enforced to allow you to reach this realm.”

“I get it,” I whisper, feeling a sense of comfort knowing he actually did wish to help me, but knew it wouldn’t reach us to this blossomed conclusion. “Honestly…I’m glad you didn’t. I needed to go through what I did, even if it was painful. My reality shaped me to be Sparrow. To be a woman who doesn’t easily conform to the world’s standards and desires for women. I’m proud of that, and you know, I think Liarel was proud of me, too.”

Smiling, I close my eyes for a moment while I let my hand reach over to press across my heart.

“All those memories and scenes that I thought I’d envisioned. They never felt foreign or invasive. Just hopeful projections that sometimes pushed me forward at the darkest times when I felt so alone,” I quietly confess. “They're more like...finding pieces of a story I've always known but somehow forgot."

He leaned in to lay a light kiss on my temple before I watched him slide off the side of the bed. He walked gracefully to my side, extending his hand. I didn’t hesitate to put my hand in his, ready to discover whatever he was silently planning as he helped me up.

With a gesture, shadows wrapped around us both, forming into comfortable clothing — though his touch lingered longer than strictly necessary for dressing.

"Come," he said, leading me toward what had appeared to be a solid wall but now dissolved into an elaborate balcony.

"Let me show you our realm."

That ignited immense intrigue, and I was a bit thankful that he was doing his part in trying to distract me from the anxiety I hadn’t realized was building deep within my chest.

Thinking of everything I’d endured and putting the pieces of all these memories and instinctive wonders made me feel anxious about what would happen now.

On whether I'd see the signs of discovering more about who I once was and what I’m capable of doing in this vast world.

When the chilled yet welcoming touch of air hit my face, I couldn’t help but widen my eyes to ensure the sight before me was real.

The view that greeted me stole my breath away.

The Twilight Court stretched out below us in impossible geometric patterns that somehow made perfect sense to my awakening senses. Spires of crystallized shadow rose toward a sky that contained three moons — one silver, one gold, and one the color of fresh blood.

"This is... incredible," I breathed, leaning against the ornate railing that seemed to be made of solidified starlight. "I've never seen anything so beautiful."

Lord Aetheron stood behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist as his shadows danced with the light emanating from my skin. How easy it was for him to be intimate with me, and I never realized how much I craved this.

To be touched, held, and comforted. To have a man boldly stand with you and express his affection without worrying about being seen. I wasn’t sure if anyone could see us from this balcony, but it was obvious that Lord Aetheron didn’t mind or else he wouldn’t be so confident in bringing me to this spot so openly.

"Watch," he murmured against my ear, igniting a sense of bubbling excitement through me.

Below us, the city came alive with the eternal twilight.

Buildings that seemed grown rather than built stretched toward the tricolored moons, their surfaces shifting between obsidian and crystal.

Gardens floated impossibly in mid-air, filled with flowers that glowed from within and trees with leaves of liquid silver. Rivers of starlight wound through the city, their surfaces occasionally breaking as creatures of pure energy leaped and played in the ethereal waters.

"It's like a dream," I whispered, watching as beings of various forms moved through the streets below. Some appeared almost human, while others were clearly something else entirely — beautiful and terrible in their otherworldliness. "A beautiful, impossible dream."

The thought triggered something in me, a wave of uncertainty that made my newly awakened power flicker anxiously. Lord Aetheron must have felt it because his arms tightened around me slightly.

"What troubles you, little bird?" he asked, his breath warm against my ear.

I leaned back against his solid presence, trying to find the right words and not sound so pitiful in admitting my worries.

My fear…

"My whole life has been about survival," I finally said, watching a group of shadow-winged beings soar between the spires. "Fighting for every scrap, every advantage, every moment of safety. I learned to pick pockets before I could read properly. Learned to fire a gun before I could drive. Everything revolved around getting that next meal. In scaling up in our odd hierarchy of ranks and skills. Always do everything to prove that I can do something better than my comrades, despite being a woman. I’ve done this for so long…"

His shadows wrapped around us protectively, responding to the pain in my voice. But I needed to continue, to make him understand.

"And now I'm here, in this place that feels like it came straight from the most beautiful fantasy novel one would ever read. A place I could only think of were just dreams that I enjoyed escaping from. Surrounded by magic, power, and beings I never thought could exist. I have abilities I don't understand, memories that aren't quite mine, and a connection to you that feels deeper than anything I've ever known." I turned in his embrace to face him, looking up so I could peer into the depths of his mesmerizing eyes. "How…can this all be happening now? Can this be my life? Can be…a place that isn’t temporary?”

Could this…be my home… permanently?

Aetheron's molten-gold eyes softened as he looked at me, one hand coming up to cup my face.

"Your life in the mundane realm shaped you. It made you strong and resilient, a force many knew they couldn’t mess with. At least not without consequences.”

“You say that as if you know what consequences they could face messing with me,” I mutter, noticing the hint of possessiveness in his tone.

Something I wouldn’t admit I actually like.

“You never questioned about those bodies that showed up after you got hit by that bullet, did you?”

The reminder leaves me pouting before my eyes widen.

“Y-You…”

“I may not be able to interfere in your life a few weeks ago,” he confesses with hooded eyes. “But there’s only so much I’d dare allow. Intentionally hurting you with a bullet not from the mundane realm crossed over a bunch of limitations and rules. Truthfully, I didn’t care if the Elders punished me for interfering. I wasn’t going to let that go.”

I’m so surprised by his expression which screams determination.

“No one gets away with hurting what’s mine,” he affirms like it’s the very law of order in these realms of Twilight and Shadows. “Not before. Not now. Not ever.”

He then leans down to lightly press a kiss to my nose.

“Your life from before and the experiences you had to deal with aren’t weaknesses. They’re strengths that will serve you well here, Sparrow, and more importantly, it allowed you to realize what you don’t want your life to be. What you’ll no longer tolerate with this new opportunity of life,” he admits. “The Court of Twilight can be your life. This place can be your sanctuary, which welcomes you with open arms, especially when your very soul was made to lead the threads of our world when the time is right.”

“But…that’s Liarel’s job,” I dare whisper. “I mean…eventually…I’ll…disappear, right?”

“No.” He shakes his head firmly and I can see the disapproval rooted in his expression. “Fate seems to have decided things will run differently than even I could predict. You won’t just one day wake up and realize you’re no longer you. That’s not how it works in our realms. You will still be Sparrow, and as you grow in power and strength, the magic and abilities Liarel carried through generations will awaken and come into use when the time is right. You won’t lose your identity. You’ll simply be empowered by who you once were. This I can promise you.”

That did give me a sense of relief, but I wasn’t sure I could allow my hopes to go up.

To dare think of the possibilities that have unlocked in my favor.

"But…can I stay?" I asked, voicing my deepest fear. "Is there even a place for someone like me in this realm of power and ancient magic? Yes…I guess in the future I’ll have a role to play, but right now…I’m not very useful, am I?"

"This is your home," he said firmly, his power surging slightly to emphasize his words. "Not just because of Liarel's memories, powers, or ancient prophecies, but because you belong here. Because the very fabric of our realm recognizes you as its own."

As if to demonstrate his point, the air around us shimmered with response, tiny motes of light rising from the city below to dance around us like fireflies made of starlight.

“And you are most certainly a gift. You’re more than just ‘useful’, but I need you to understand, Sparrow, that you’re worth isn’t being questioned. Court of Twilight and Shadows is your birthright. This is where your roots are. You not only belong here but were destined to return at a time when it would be safe and beneficial to you.”

I had to admit, I was thankful for his words of affirmation because I knew without a doubt he was speaking nothing but the truth with me. He did not need to sugarcoat any of this because what would he get out of return?

“If you feel inadequate in your skills and abilities to perform magic in our realms, that can be fixed. Can be learned. You’ve not shown a single act of rejection at the idea of discovering and acquiring knowledge, especially when it comes to this new realm you know little of,” he admits. “I know from observing you that you do enjoy learning and growing as a person. In honing your skills so they can work to the best of your ability in an unpredictable environment. I’m sure you’re striving to experience the same here, which may be why you feel anxious and uncertain of what the future has in store.”

He was right.

It was a bit of a habit to ensure I was prepared for any change or mission, but how does one prepare when they’ve entered a world they know nothing about?

That worried me because I wasn’t prepared to face whatever challenges were in store for me. If he helped so I could learn quickly and adapt so I could protect myself, I’d be less anxious about the possibility of being taken advantage of — if that had the potential of happening here.

"Besides," he continued, a slight smile playing at his lips, "I know several who would be honored to help you master your abilities. The Portal Master has already expressed interest in teaching you about realm-walking. Moira speaks highly of your potential for ancient magics. Even the Shadow Knights have noted your natural affinity for our court's particular powers."

“T-These people already know me?” I’ve been unconscious for the most part, but I guess having the Lord of their Court bring a woman into his royal chambers would get people talking as to who the hell I am. Wait… "You mean... I could learn to control all of this…power? Travel through realms? Maybe even travel back to the human…or mundane world like you guys call it?"

His smile widened.

"With proper training, yes. Though," his expression turned slightly possessive with a touch of longing, "I hope you won't be in too much of a hurry to leave."

I found myself returning his smile, feeling the truth of his words in the way my power naturally intertwined with his, in the way this realm seemed to welcome me despite my uncertainties.

"No," I said softly, reaching up to trace the silver markings on his face that pulsed beneath my touch. "I don't think I want to leave just yet."

"Then stay," he murmured, leaning down until his forehead rested against mine. "Stay here, at my side while you discover what I and the Court of Twilight and Shadows can offer you. Let me show you all the wonders of our realm while you unravel the many secrets it’s kept just for your return.”

He pulled back and further smiled with immense pride.

“Let me help you discover who you wish to become. Not with stressful missions and forced objectives that benefit everyone but you. Allow me the honor to give you the freedom you’ve earned long ago, but now can flourish and enjoy in an environment that wishes to see you blossom into your born element.”

Born element…

The three moons above us cast their multicolored light over the eternal twilight of his realm, our realm, and for the first time since entering this magical world, I felt truly at peace with my place in it.

"I'll stay," I whispered and felt his shadows wrap around us both in joyful response.

He did the honors of sealing it with a tender kiss.