A Light in the Shadows.

A Hybred.

I flew back to the palace, needing to be alone but scared what would happen when my thoughts acted up. Then I remembered the clue in my pocket. How did I not think of this until now?

I went up to my usual roof and took it out of my pocket.

So, you've found this.

I hope you're prepared to go to the lost city of the sky.

It requires hardship, and as I learned from the sky source, only the two heroes can reach it, and only together.

I gasped. I had to go there with some random elf? I guess I just needed Jelequi's help more than ever to find the earth source.

Often the heroes know each other because fate pushed them together.

The only earth elf I knew was... but that wasn't possible... was it?

To find it you must go together to where the sky source lies, but be warned, it is far from over.

 You must both face your greatest fears alone. Then, if you make it, you will find the key in the ruins of the ancient city.

Good luck, hero.

So I have to drag an elf into danger and then we have to face our worst fears alone.

I know what has to be done.

 I went to go talk to Lyka, but walked right into chaos.

There were guards carrying a girl who was crying.

She had short black hair covering one eye, with streaks of color like northern lights and beautiful teal eyes and tanned skin.

"What's going on here?" I demanded.

"We found a family of hybrids, then, when the parents put up a fight we had to kill them."

"Remember who you're talking to" I said, my voice going deadly low.

"Your majesty" he said, his eyes widening in terror, "please!"

"I know you're the leader of this patrol force. Was anyone else involved with the choice of killing this dragon's parents?" I asked, looking each and every one of them in the eyes.

They all shook their heads, and looked me back in the eyes.

All guards knew to never break eye contact in this sort of situation.

I finally nodded. "prison." I said. "No, please!" he cried "please! Give me a second chance!"

"this was your second chance" I replied, making sure to keep my face cold until he was out of the room.

As soon as he was out of sight, my face turned to despair and I rushed to this poor girl.

"Untie her." I ordered.

One of the guards stepped forward and cut the rope tied around her wrists.

"What's your name?" I asked softly.

"Melina" she choked out.

"Melina, I am so, so sorry." I said, my voice cracking, because this struck a very personal note.

 "Thank you." she said, still crying a little, but her tears had slowed. "Your majesty, I don't have anywhere to go. I'm only 200 and my family all despises me for being a hybrid."

 "That's horrible. You can stay at the palace. I owe it to you anyway."

"really?" she asked.

"of course. From one hybrid with no parents to another." she laughed slightly.

"Thank you so much," she said, sniffling. My heart melted. It was always harder for me to shut hybrids out.

"Why don't we find a room for you.'' I suggested gently.

"Okay."

"Do you have anything from your old house that you want?" she nodded, tears filling her eyes. "I'll make sure it's gotten for you. For now, let's find a place for you."

I ended up giving her a room down the hall from mine so that she could see me whenever I was around.

"Thank you," she said again.

"Of course." I said. "My room is just down the hall.

You can stop by whenever, but I can't guarantee I'll be there. Okay? So if you need to talk, or just need someone who understands I'm right there." I said.

She hugged me suddenly, and I wrapped my arms around her hesitantly, completely understanding.

I guess I have a new... friend?

"Do you want me to send guards to get your stuff?" I asked, pulling back uncomfortably.

"Mhm" she said.

She told me a couple of things and where to find them and I told her they would be there this afternoon.

She thanked me again and I left her alone.

Then it hit me.

If I was right, the world as I knew it was ending.

I felt a sudden surge of panic that I quickly suppressed.

Usually I love being right.

This time I hated it.

I just wanted to see Jelequi again.

Her sweet smile, her ability to make everything seem okay, her beautiful green gold eyes and silky silver hair.

Suddenly I realized how ridiculous I was being.

Jelequi would never like me.

She just saw me as a friend.

She liked some other girl I wanted to stab.

I sighed, picturing the amazingly hot girl she was with in my dream.

Jelequi could have her own life and she definitely deserved to be happy.

I just wish it was me.

I got another book and just read until that night when I realized I couldn't sleep.

 At least with these new dreams.

I just wanted to be with Jelequi.