Odette

Twenty

Odette

"Are you sure this is safe?" Eric asked as we packed to leave the house 

"Eric we must introduce you to the council. If a war breaks out my people must know of our union and be aware you are not a threat" I explained putting my shoes on

Granny had called and informed me there was a mandatory meeting. Alfie apparently told everyone I was living with a human. Everyone was livid and now we must face the council. It wasn't how I wanted to introduce him but here we are 

"Don't worry all we have to do is make them know our bond is real" I rubbed his cheek before we left the house 

Since the humans invaded the forest has been quiet. The songs from the birds disappeared and it felt as if the life was fading away. My heart hurt nothing the dead roots on the road. In all my years of living here I've never experienced so much darkness 

"Are you okay?" Eric asked squeezing my hand

"Cordelia... is dying" I said as a tear escaped my eye

"How- how do you know?" 

"We as her ancestors are connected. The forest is alive because of her magic but since the invasion, I don't feel anything" I whispered as we got closer to the village 

Eric stayed quiet and soon we entered town. Everything was silent since it was late at night the council didn't want us to be seen in the open as if word spread the humans might find us. At first I was hurt but I understand the proaction 

Walking down the road I turned towards the forest. There were two paths but we went right 

"Where does that go?" Eric asked pointing to the left path 

"Cordelia's walkway remember the place you read about" he nodded his head connecting things 

"It's like our safe heaven. If anything happens to the village we go there as no humans are allowed. Cordelia herself was buried there but I haven't been since I was young" 

We finally made it to the council house and the elders stood outside shocked that the rumors were true. Once we got in front of them I bowed my head and Eric copied 

"So its true" Melody one of the younger council members commented 

"I always knew you were different Odette but this suppresses anything, I could have guessed you'd do" Poppy snickered 

Poppy and I were the same age and never had a good relationship. Ever since grade school she always had it out for me and started calling me a curse when they found out I was related to Cordelia 

"Nice to see you sisters" I responded walking inside with Eric still attached to my hand

I refused to let him go as the council members were the most powerful fairies in the village. They could kill him in an instant and I had to keep my guard up. Entering the room everyone was seated at the table. Granny was at the end with the other elders and I took a seat at the front

"Thank you for coming Odette" our elder Elida spoke 

The door closed and Poppy and Melody walked in giving me a nasty look as they sat with the council. Everyone was staring at us with looks of disbelief, anger, and shock. I wanted this meeting to go quick so I could go back to my home away from them with Eric

"We call this meeting as its been rumored you've harbored and mated with a human. How do you plead" 

"Guilty" everyone started whispering from my confession 

"As you know it is forbidden for any human to be in the forest as it is for you to create a... union with one" Poppy said 

I rolled my eyes at her. She thinks just because she's in the council she can say and do whatever. Elder Elida looked at her and Poppy sat down fast

"Odette, you know the forest is in grave danger. How do we know this human isn't a spy?" 

"Sister he is not a spy! I saved his life from the humans! His own brother tried to kill him and if Cordelia wanted him dead he would have not survived" I pleaded my case

Elida looked between Eric and I thinking about her next words, "human speak and explain why we shouldn't kill you here"

Everyone went quiet waiting for Eric's confessions. I looked at him and smiled letting it known I was here if anything happened 

"Ummm... I would first like to say I come in no harm. Odette did in fact save my life and though I planned on leaving her empathy won my heart. I am not ashamed of our union" 

He grabbed my hand and I couldn't help but tear up from his confession,"I am not a spy and with the humans invading I can stop it and help you guys!" 

The council was quiet and stared at us. I didn't care about what anyone though Eric was my soulmate and whatever accusations they throw could never pull us apart

"Elida if I may say what we're all thinking. The human is a threat we can't trust him all because Odette decided to be a tramp" 

I stood up fast and glared at her, "your one to talk Poppy! As if you're not an adulteress" 

"Don't speak on things you don't know" she yelled getting in my face 

"Ladies stop this" Granny protested but we weren't focused on her 

"You've always been jealous, admit it. You're a sneaky witch and walk around this place like your above us because your related to our late protector Cordelia but we all know she was a human harlot too" 

"Poppy!" Elida shouted

"Your parents loved them too and look where they are de-"

I slapped her hard across the face before she could finish. Poppy held her face in disbelief as tears began to run down my face 

"You can say whatever you want about me but never talk about my parents" 

"Poppy sit back down!" Elida roared 

Following her instructions Poppy ran back to her seat as my hand print was present on her pale skin. "You both are arguing like children! We are at war right now and I do not need this"

Just when Elida sat down the doors were busted open. We all turned to the Mores as he looked out of breath

"Elida! The humans... they found us!" 

Fear was present in everyones faces as the entire council stood glaring at Eric. I quickly stood in front of him as Melody attacked first 

"You liar! He lead them to us" she scrammed charging towards us but before she could strike I pushed her to the ground hard 

Granny and the other elders ran towards Melody as Elida stormed over to me. I tried to stop her but she threw me to the ground lifting Eric by his throat

"No! Please!!" I begged

"You are a terrible spy and liar! I will ki-"

"Stop Elida" a small weak voice crocked 

"Grandmother Celeste" we all bowed and Elida dropped Eric on the ground ground 

I crawled over to him to make sure he was ok, "You are all so quick tempered. My mother would have never wanted this" she laughed

"Humans are attacking and we must get ask our defenses. Poppy and Melody round up the solider. This man is no threat to us" at her word everyone started leaving the room heading back to the village 

Celeste grabbed my arm helping me off the floor and stared at Eric and I 

 "We need everyones help. This will be a bloody battle" she said giving me a stern look