Court of Ivy and Desire

Aurora

Maya

I went inside of my family' old study searching for anything that would help me rebuild this kingdom. We needed to start with cleaning up the streets, but the problem was that we needed more people with us. I knew others were out there, but I had to earn their trust since this war divided us. I wasn't sure if I would successfully get them to agree, but I had to try. This place was once full of magic, happiness, mystery, and peace. As I continued to search through my family's things, a  heavy, brown book stood out to me. It was an old, weathered journal tucked away at the bottom of drawer easy to miss if I wasn't paying attention.  My curiosity was instantly piqued. It was like the book was calling me. The journal's cover was adorned with intricate designs of fairies dancing among the flowers, hinting at the secrets it held within. Immediately, I was drawn to open it, so  I did.  The pages were yellowed with age, but the words written in elegant writing were still clear and legible. As I dove deeper into the journal, my fascination grew. It spoke of a hidden world inhabited by fairies, a realm of enchantment and wonder that existed just beyond the veil of reality, Korynthia. The name was beautiful and it made me wonder what the fairies was like.  The author, Aurora, detailed her encounters within this ethereal kingdom. She described their magic and beauty in vivid detail. I wanted to visit, but may be this place no longer existed. But it was when I reached the final pages of the journal that I gasped in astonishment. There was a revelation that could change my life forever. According to Aurora's writings, there was a secret portal to the fairy realm hidden somewhere in the nearby forest. A portal that only appeared once every hundred years, on the night of the summer solstice. And if the journal was to be believed, the next solstice was just days away. What are the odds?

My heart raced with excitement as I realized the significance of this discovery. Could it be possible? Could I really seek help with the fairies and rebuild Ivy Court? I was hopeful. All of this time, the book was here, but why.  My parent's never mentioned anything to Malcolm and I about it. What was so important about this book that they kept it hidden. I didn't have time to ponder on it. So, I closed the journal and tucked it carefully under my arm. I knew what I had to do. I had to find the portal and uncover any truth that laid hidden within the pages of this mysterious journal.

My heart raced with anticipation as I gathered Trey and Lila in my living room. The journal was clutched tightly in my hands. I knew I had to share what I found with them. 

"Oh my God, you won't believe what I found," I exclaimed, my voice trembling with excitement. I paused as Trey and Lila's staring in confusion. "It's a journal about fairies, and it's filled with amazing stories and secrets." I plopped down on the sofa and Trey moved from one sofa to the one I sat at as Lila leaned in closer to get a better look at the journal. 

"A portal?" Trey breathed, his voice filled with wonder.

"Yeah and its in the forest not too far from here. But it only opens during the summer solstice and I think we need to be there when it happens."  

Lila nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the journal's intricate illustrations. "I've always believed in magic, but I never imagined we'd stumble upon something like this. Your parents had this?"

"Yes. I found it in their things. I am not sure why I never knew about this. But here's the thing... It only appears once every hundred years, and the next time is just days away."

Trey and Lila exchanged apprehensive glances. While the prospect of visiting the fairy realm was undeniably exciting, I knew I had to approach it with caution.

"We should wait," Trey suggested, his voice filled with apprehension. "We don't know what dangers might be waiting for us on the other side." I thought of it, but it wasn't enough to stop me from going, but I still nodded in agreement. 

 "You're right. We should be cautious and make sure we're prepared before we attempt to visit the fairy realm."

The next two days we rested and prepped to go to Korynthia. I was excited, yet nervous, because I didn't know what was on the other side. Today was the day. I gathered my backpack and tucked the journal inside of it before we left. There was no indication of Caedmon's men, so we quickly made our way into the forest.  It was a risk and it took a while, but we found the exact spot where the portal would open up and then we waited. for almost an hour before the ring formed, spreading wider and wider. We stepped inside just to end up in another forest. We looked around, basking in the beauty of its nature before we proceeded to walk. A sudden rustling in the trees caused us to freeze in our tracks. Before we could react, a group of fairy-like guardians emerged from the shadows, their faces shrouded in darkness.

"Who are you?" Trey demanded in a protective and authoritative tone.

They stepped closer to us with their weapons drawn. "What are you outsiders doing in our realm?"  I shifted and before anything happened, voice rang out from the darkness, silencing the guards.

 "Stand down," the voice commanded, its tone both powerful and serene. Emerging from behind the guards, was a beautiful woman with  She was beyond beautiful. Her melanin glowing skin matched similar to my own. Her eyes were familiar. Her wings were turquoise and gold, glowing as she gracefully flew towards us. 

"You must be Maya," she directly at me. "I'm Aurora."

I frowned at her. "How do you know my name?"

With a gentle smile, she said, "I've been waiting for you for a long time."

"Now, tell me," Aurora said, her voice gentle but firm. "Who are your friends?"

"This is Lila, my cousin. And this is Trey, my-"

"Mate?" she asked, although it sounded more like a statement.

"Friend," I answered her anyway.

"Ahhh, I see. I'm assuming you read the journal."

"Yeah."

"Okay, I'm sure you either have questions or you need my help with something. Come with me. We have so much to talk about." She guided us back to their kingdom. Wow was an understatement. The castle sat high on the cliffs of the mountains. White, representing purity and surrounded by beautiful greenery. Below it were smaller houses that resembled cottages that sat right off of the ponds that were filled with beautiful creatures-frogs, turtles, and fish. It was beautiful compared to Ivy Court.

"Welcome to Korynthia," she smiled lightly as we got a full view of the castle.  It was Aurora's presence radiating with an otherworldly grace. When we entered, I gasped loudly. Aurora chuckled before she dismissed her guards and guided myself, Trey, and Lila to a private chamber, where we could speak in peace. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest as I recounted the events that had led us to this moment She sat across from us at her desk. The room was silent, I was unsure of how to approach her. 

"So, how can I help you?" She spoke first.

I cleared my throat. "I-" I paused. "A year ago, my kingdom was attacked. I believed humans and vampires were both deceived in believing that we were betraying each other. This started a war that left many people dead, including my brother, Malcolm." 

"Your brother died?" There was a sadness that flashed across her face. Maybe empathy? I wasn't sure. 

"Yeah. I hated humans  for that, but then I," I looked at Trey and Aurora must have picked up on it. 

"I see."

I let out a breath. "Trey and I discovered that it was in fact my own kind that betray everyone. Ivy Court is now in ruins. It look so dead and its up to me as princess-I guess I should say queen- to bring it back to life. I'm afraid it won't be easy, these vampires are after me and for some reason they don't want me to rule and I think its going to brew another war."  I could feel Aurora's gaze upon me, but I couldn't tell what she was thinking. When I had finished speaking, Aurora nodded thoughtfully, her expression grave.

 "I see," she said again, her voice tinged with sadness. "So, you all taken a risk coming here to seek assistance from the possible dangers that plague your realm. We will help you. But for now, you all are safe here in Korynthia and you are under my protection."