starfall. [ Rhysand ]

I

the Fall.

The fall seemed endless as everything blurred around her, leaving her disoriented. She attempted to speak or break free from the invisible restraints that held her, but her efforts were in vain. Hoping for relief from this overwhelming sense of being lost, darkness engulfed her.

***

Lucien and Tamlin engaged in yet another discussion, plagued by the recent encounter with the wingless faerie who sought their assistance. Tamlin had just returned from burying her, still grappling with thoughts of Fayre and her desire to stand by the dying faerie until her last breath. While he felt drawn to her, he needed time to sort out his feelings.
As usual, Lucien voiced his anger and weariness over the situation with Amarantha, ranting about Fayre and Andras. Suddenly, he paused, shocked by something that caught their attention.

Together, they turned to witness a figure enveloped in light descending and landing in the garden a few meters away from them.
Without hesitation, they rushed towards the scene, Lucien gripping one of his knives and Tamlin readying his claws, prepared for a potential fight. However, no confrontation was necessary. Before them lay a peacefully sleeping, unclothed woman.
She possessed a stunning beauty, with long blonde hair gracefully draping her curvaceous body, providing minimal coverage. Her flawless, porcelain skin, plump lips, and heart-shaped face exuded both sweetness and sensuality. Tamlin and Lucien exchanged embarrassed glances, aware of their shared thoughts. A hiss escaped the woman, followed by teeth-clenching motions in her sleep, as if she were in pain. Her body ntermittently shimmered of a golden light. Both males widened their eyes in astonishment.

"Do you think...?" Lucien muttered unable to finish the question because of his shock.

"It is impossible." Tamlin refused to believe it shaking his head in disagreement.

"We haven't seen anything like this in over a thousand years."

"It cannot be!"

"What if it is?" Lucien chuckled disbelievingly. "If she is, our problems might be solved. We could finally liberate ourselves."

Tamlin couldn't respond, as the girl-or rather, the creature-gasped loudly, awakening from her slumber, visibly terrified. "Wh-who are y-you?" she stammered fearfully, her eyes darting between them and her unfamiliar surroundings.

"Here," Lucien offered his jacket, extending it toward her. He noticed her shivering, likely due to both the spring chill and her disorientation and horror. Gratefully, she took it, swiftly wrapping it around herself to ward off the cold.

"Who are you?" she repeated, her eyes wide, tears shimmering. Lost and confused, she felt apprehensive, unsure if these two males meant her harm.

"No need to fear us. I am Tamlin, and this is Lucien. You are in the Spring Court."

"S-Spring Court? I don't know where that is. Where am I?" Her tears flowed freely, tugging at Lucien and Tamlin's hearts. She appeared fragile and vulnerable. With shaking hands she reached to her cheeks feeling a wet sensation. Strange, she thought distracting herself by the fingers laced in her tears. What were these feelings haunting her?

"You are in Prythian. This realm is divided into courts, and you are currently in mine-the Spring Court. Don't worry; we can assist you." Tamlin reached out his hand, causing the creature to flinch and shut her eyes. But when she cautiously reopened them, she saw that his hand remained extended. Now it was her turn to scrutinize them closely.