Last of Her Kind (Book 1, Part 1, of the LAST series)

elves of the underground

I glanced at Azriel, who gave me a nod of reassurance. Clutching Nyx’s reins tighter, I took a deep breath and stepped through the portal. The familiar tingle of magic spread through my body as the mist swirled around me, and when it cleared, my jaw dropped open in awe.

The elven sanctuary was breathtaking.

We were underground, but it felt as though I had stepped into a hidden paradise. The sanctuary was like its own village—except there was nothing small about it.

Square-shaped cottages sprawled out for miles, crafted from stones and logs. The rooftops, covered with thick layers of green moss, blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Some cottages had circular windows, others rectangular, and dirt paths weaved through the grassy terrain, connecting everything.

At the heart of the sanctuary stood a massive tree, its twisted brown trunk reaching high into the air. Above it, a large hole in the cavern ceiling allowed sunlight to filter through, casting golden rays over the village. Smaller holes dotted the roof of the cavern, letting additional light stream in. Elves, their children, and a handful of protectors moved about, busy with their daily tasks. Laughter filled the air as elven children played, their carefree joy infectious.

“What do you think?” Nissa’s voice broke the trance, and I turned to see her standing beside me, her eyes twinkling.

“It’s… it’s breathtaking,” I breathed, my smile widening. “There are so many. Did you rescue all of them?”

“Well, some,” Azriel chimed in, now standing on my other side. “Many have been here for years. Some were born here.”

As if on cue, thunder rumbled in the distance, and I looked up to see several seraphs swooping through the hole above the tree. They carried baskets of supplies and landed gracefully, greeted by eager elves.

“Ren,” Azriel called out, “let’s help with the deliveries.”

A portal shimmered open behind us, and more protectors stepped through, carrying woven baskets filled with bread, rice, seeds, clothing, and blankets. A hermit appeared last, a curved staff in hand, as they all began lining up the supplies for distribution. Elves came forward, accepting the goods with gratitude.

I stood there, utterly speechless, absorbing the life and warmth around me. This felt like home.

“Every two weeks, the protectors go on supply runs,” Nissa explained. “Though the elves here are self-sufficient, growing their own fruits and vegetables, and even making their own clothing and blankets.”

I watched as the protectors continued handing out supplies, my heart swelling with a sense of belonging. A young female elf, her face bright with gratitude, winked at Ren as he handed her a blanket.

I was about to turn away when a small child approached me, holding out a blue flower. “For you,” she said, her voice soft and shy.

I smiled and accepted the flower. “Thank you. What’s your name?”

“Lily,” she squeaked, her eyes widening as she glanced at Nyx. “I like your horse.”

I raised my eyebrows. “You do? Would you like to take care of him for me?” I offered her Nyx’s reins, and her face lit up with joy.

She squealed, grabbing the reins and skipping away, happily leading Nyx along. A group of women approached me next, talking and hugging me as if I had been a part of their community for years. It was incredible—the warmth, the acceptance. It felt like everything I had been missing.

“Hain ederra zara,” an older elven woman smiled, gently touching my locs. She glanced at the women behind her. “Ez al da bera?”

They nodded excitedly, but I let out an awkward laugh. “I’m sorry,” I said, “I don’t understand.”

“Ah, forgive us,” she said kindly. “It means ‘You are beautiful.’”

Before I could respond, I heard a familiar name. “Sorin!”

I turned my head just in time to see a young woman throw herself into Sorin’s arms. He caught her easily, his strong arms wrapping around her waist. As he looked in my direction, our eyes met for the briefest moment, and I quickly looked away.

No, Faeda. You have to get over this. I told myself, even as a pang of jealousy shot through my chest. He was obviously taken. It hurt, but I had to let it go. I couldn’t keep holding onto something that wasn’t meant to be.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ren smirking at me, fully aware of my internal struggle. I shot him a glare and turned back to the scene, only to find Sorin and the girl looking in my direction again.

“I’m sorry?” I asked, my voice a little too high.

The girl laughed, her melodic voice both beautiful and frustrating. “I said I could heal your wound for you,” she offered sweetly.

“Oh,” I stammered, feeling ridiculous. “Yeah, that would be great, thank you.”

She smiled and grabbed my hand, leading me toward the cottages. “I’m Ilyana, by the way.”

“I’m Faeda,” I introduced myself as she guided me around the village, my mind still spinning. I threw a glance back at Ren, who was grinning like a fool and waving. I stuck my tongue out at him as we entered Ilyana’s cottage.

It was small, cozy, and filled with warmth. The wooden floors were covered in knitted rugs, and the whole space smelled faintly of herbs and flowers.

“Sit here,” she said, pulling out a stool for me in the middle of the room.

I sat down, taking off my headband and letting my ears breathe. “So, how long have you been here?” I asked, watching as she unwrapped my bandages.

“A couple of months now. Sorin actually brought me here,” she said casually.

“Oh,” I muttered, feeling a familiar pang of jealousy return.

“Sorry,” she apologized as she touched the area around my wound. “This will feel a little weird and warm. Ready?”

I nodded, and as her hand hovered over my wound, a soft green glow surrounded it. A soothing warmth spread through my torso as the stitches slowly vanished.

“So,” I began, trying to sound nonchalant, “are you and Sorin… close?”

She let out a light laugh. “Oh, Faeda, don’t worry. He’s all yours. My heart belongs to another.”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “Sorry, I just… I don’t know. I wasn’t sure.”

She smiled knowingly. “It’s okay. I’d be upset too if the man I loved was hugging another woman.”

My eyes widened. “What?! Love?! No, no, that’s not it at all.”

She raised an eyebrow as she moved her hand to another spot. “Fae, you’re in love with him. It’s obvious by the way you look at him.”

I sighed in defeat. “So I’ve been told. I really need to work on hiding my feelings better.”

She laughed softly. “Well, I’m pretty sure he feels the same way. You just need to give him time.”

“I don’t know,” I said, shaking my head. “This whole ‘pull’ thing is confusing. It feels like I’m falling for him way too fast.”

Ilyana nodded in understanding. “That’s how it works with soulbound connections. It’s intense and quick, but it’s real.”

“It’s terrifying,” I admitted. “I try to stop it, but… my soul calls for him.” I scrunched my nose in frustration. “Ugh, I sound so ridiculous.”

She chuckled. “That’s love for you. It’s messy, confusing, and makes absolutely no sense.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah, it definitely makes no sense.”

We shared a quiet moment before I asked, “So, you’re a healer?”

“Yes, though there aren’t many of us left,” she replied, pulling her hand away from my torso. “All done. There may be a small scar, but you’re healed.”

I looked down and smiled. “Thank you, Ilyana. I really appreciate it. And sorry about before… I was just—”

“Don’t worry about it,” she laughed. “I admire a woman who knows how to claim what’s hers.”

I rolled my eyes. “Very funny.”

Before we could say more, there was a bang on the door. “Are you decent?!” Ren’s voice echoed through the cottage.

Ilyana sighed, marching to the door and opening it wide. “Ren! What have I told you about banging like that? You’ll break it down again.”

He grinned, walking past her with Sorin following behind. “We’re just checking on Fae,” Ren said with a smirk.

I averted my eyes immediately, feeling Sorin’s gaze on me.

“I told you, she’s fine,” Ilyana said, her voice amused as she stood beside me.

I could still feel his eyes on me, and it was too much. I had to leave. “Thanks again, Ilyana. I think I’ll go explore a bit.”

Before anyone could respond, I quickly walked past them, my heart racing as I tried to distance myself from Sorin’s intense gaze.

“Faeda.”

I stopped in my tracks. I still loved the way he said my name. Why did I love the way he said my name? Oh, right—because it turned my insides to jelly.

Okay, Faeda. Act normal.

I turned, forcing a smile. Was I smiling too big? Were my hands shaking? I quickly locked them behind my back, hoping he wouldn’t notice. “Yes?”

Saints, he looked so good standing there. The way the sunlight hit him—it was like the world was conspiring to make him look even more perfect. I wanted to engrave this moment into my memory forever.

“If you’d like, I can show you around,” he offered.

I should let him.

No, I shouldn’t. He didn’t like me—not really. Why would he? He was practically a gorgeous specimen, and I was… well, me. I had to keep my distance.

“Faeda,” he said again, his voice softer as he stepped closer.

Instinctively, I took a step back. “I think I’ll look around on my own, if that’s alright,” I said quickly, my voice strained. “Just to take everything in.”

Before he could respond, I turned and walked away, my heart racing as I put distance between us.