Dancing with Darkness: Fae Soiree by Rowan Vale & Luna C Noire

Author:Rowan Vale & Luna C Noire [Vale, Rowan & C Noire, Luna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Planet Noire Press
Published: 2023-12-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13 Crysalis

The pale light of dawn cast dancing shadows across my bedchamber, stirring me to wakefulness. I blinked up at the frost-etched panes above my bed, marveling at the intricate patterns. When had I last taken time to appreciate their transient beauty? For too long, gloom had clouded my mornings.

Rising, I crossed to the window and traced a fingertip over the icy ferns. Ice had always soothed me, its stillness and strength resonating through my spirit. Lately, such peace had been elusive. But this morning, I found a glimmer of my old wonder. Some thaw had come upon my heart.

My gaze caught on two birds flitting between barren branches, their bright trills piercing the morning air. The cheerful sound no longer grated as it once had. Instead, it kindled the faint spark of curiosity within me. A curiosity for more than passing time between embroidering and dozing. When had life's simplest joys ceased to stir me?

Later, as pale sunlight streamed into my sitting room, I prepared tea with slow purpose. The rich aromas and warmth seeped into my senses, soothing away their habitual numbness. Each taste was a rediscovery, the flavors richer and more nuanced than I recalled.

A knock at the door broke my reverie. I opened it to find Fade awaiting me, eyebrows lifted in question.

"Shall we walk today?" He kept his tone light, leaving the choice to me. Once I would have demurred, pleading a chill or malaise. But the thought of exploring the frosted woodlands with him sparked a different yearning. I nodded assent.

The realm dazzled, familiar sights made new by my refreshed perspective. While Fade had seen it countless times, he matched my pace and wonder. At my exclamations, his eyes crinkled with soft amusement.

When we reached a crag wreathed in glittering icicles, my fingers itched to touch their chilled beauty. Fade stayed my hand gently.

"Best not. Their splendor is fragile as dreams." His tone held no judgment.

I drew back, thoughts turning to equally delicate things. "Some dreams linger, shaping us forever."

Fade searched my face, perhaps glimpsing the shift within me. "What shapes your dreams of late, Crysalis?"

I turned towards the woodlands, buying time. Did I dare voice hopes that felt too tender to expose?

"Many things," I hedged. "Beauty long overlooked. Forgotten pathways waiting to be walked again."

His eyes remained on me a moment before he gestured onward. We moved in contemplative silence through the silvery trees.

When we emerged atop a hill overlooking the valley, I drew in a sharp breath. The snow-cloaked evergreens marched to the horizon, backdropped by mountains fading into mist. Beside me, Fade smiled.

"Does it please you?"

"It's exquisite." My hushed tone reflected the awe I felt. "I'd forgotten how beauty can pierce like a blade, straight to the heart."

Fade's expression grew thoughtful. "Beauty takes many forms. I am learning to see it with new eyes." His gaze lingered on my face and I flushed.

Quickly, I pointed toward a hawk circling above. Its lonely cries echoed across the vastness. What unfathomed longings drove it onward? I sensed my own hollow spaces waiting to be filled.

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