My Beast

13.

The following day dawned bright and clear, and with a determined spirit, Elizabeth and Kieran set out to locate the second to last gem. However, the destination they needed to explore was not one that Kieran felt comfortable visiting.

"Kieran, it's really not that bad. We could always ask for help if we need it," Elizabeth suggested, sprinting to keep pace with Kieran, whose long strides seemed to echo his reluctance.

"No! Are you serious, Elizabeth? It's like you don't care about me at all. They're the reason I'm cursed. It's entirely their fault," Kieran snapped, frustration seeping into his voice.

Elizabeth paused, her brow furrowing. "No, it was one person's fault, and they just happen to belong to the Sun Court. And for the record, I do care about you! Why do you think I'm going through all this trouble?" In a bold move, she dashed ahead, blocking Kieran's path to his room.

"Because you're bound to me. You have no real choice in the matter," he retorted, his eyes icy and hard.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "You're such a brat! I'm starting to see why I wanted to join the Sun Court in the first place."

At the mention of the Sun Court, Kieran spun around, the proximity of their faces almost electrifying. "What did you say?" he demanded.

"I said I'm starting to understand why-"

"You wanted to join the Sun Court," Kieran interrupted, his tone incredulous. "I overheard you and Luna talking about it. Let me just say, I'm not pleased. He's not what you think he is, Elizabeth."

"You fae are so extreme. And what else have you heard, Kieran? Do you even understand the concept of privacy?" Elizabeth shot back, her voice rising.

"Elizabeth, this is my house, so-"

Before he could finish, Luna entered the conversation, her voice cutting through the tension. "Are you two going to help me mop, or should I advise you to get over whatever it is you're arguing about?"

Luna emerged from the kitchen, her keen senses picking up the palpable tension between the pair.

Both Kieran and Elizabeth took a step back, shock etched on their faces. "No, it's not like that," Elizabeth clarified quickly. "I suggested we go to the Sun Court. We're on a deadline, and since Kieran was cursed by someone from there, one of the gems might be hidden among them."

"Well, I don't see why not," Luna replied, her tone pragmatic. "I understand you're uncomfortable, Kieran, but this is for a good cause."

Kieran exhaled heavily, the weight of resignation settling on his shoulders. "Fine, I guess we can go."

"You'll be alright, Kieran. Elizabeth will be by your side," Luna reassured him.

• • • • • • • • •

As they approached the Sun Court, the scene before them was nothing short of breathtaking. The grandeur of the festival unfolded in a spectacular display of light and color, illuminating the intricate architecture that was bathed in brilliant golds and shimmering yellows. The sun's rays danced off elaborate mosaics and statues, all depicting celestial battles and radiant beings. The air buzzed with the melodies of music, laughter, and the occasional burst of fireworks, painting the sky in hues that felt almost unreal.

Kieran's face was taut with discomfort. The Sun Court held painful memories for him-not just because of the curse that had befallen him, but also the haunting recollections of Cassey. The anger and betrayal he felt from her lingered just beneath the surface, manifesting in a deep-seated aversion to everything this place represented.