Cursed By Thorns

Sparks and Shadows

Evelyn’s first night in the Winter Court passed in restless sleep, filled with vivid dreams of twisting roots, glowing orbs, and whispered prophecies. When she awoke, the weight of the Faerie Queen's words pressed heavily on her mind. Her new quarters, despite their beauty, felt foreign and cold. The walls were lined with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of fae legends, and the air was filled with the faint scent of winter blossoms. A large, arched window bathed the room in pale, early morning light, revealing the magical world beyond.

As she dressed in the soft, flowing garments that had been provided for her—gowns woven from a fabric that shimmered like frost on a winter morning—Evelyn couldn’t help but feel like an imposter. The Faerie Queen’s declaration of her destiny and the dormant magic within her seemed like a dream, one she wasn't sure she wanted to wake from or get lost in.

A soft knock on the door broke through her thoughts, and she turned to see a fae woman with delicate wings and an aura of grace. The woman introduced herself as Lira, one of the Queen’s handmaidens, and offered to guide Evelyn to the courtyard where her training would begin.

As they walked through the grand corridors of the Winter Court’s palace, Evelyn marveled at the craftsmanship and elegance of everything around her. The walls shimmered with enchanted light, and the floors were polished to a mirror-like sheen. They passed through halls filled with other fae—some ethereal and beautiful, others dark and ominous, their eyes following Evelyn with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

When they reached the courtyard, Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat. The space was vast and open, surrounded by towering trees whose leaves glittered with frost, despite the mild temperature. In the center of the courtyard, an ancient oak tree stood, its roots winding deep into the earth, and its branches stretching out like protective arms. This was a place of power, Evelyn could feel it in the air.

Kael was already there, waiting for her. He looked different in the daylight, his sharp features softened by the morning sun. His silver eyes, however, remained piercing and unreadable. He was dressed in dark, tailored attire that complemented his regal bearing, yet allowed for ease of movement—a warrior's garb.

“Good morning, Evelyn,” Kael said, inclining his head slightly. “I trust you slept well?”

“Well enough,” Evelyn replied, trying to suppress her nervousness. “Though I can’t say I’m fully rested with everything on my mind.”

Kael nodded, his expression serious. “Understandable. There’s much to learn and little time. The Winter Court is not without its dangers, and you’ll need to be prepared.”

Evelyn bristled slightly at his tone. “I’m not entirely helpless, you know. I managed to fend off those creatures back in my village.”

“Barely,” Kael responded, his gaze sharp. “What you did was impressive, but it was instinctual, uncontrolled. You have power, but without proper training, it’s more of a liability than an asset.”

His words stung, but Evelyn knew there was truth in them. She had barely survived the attack on her village, and the magic she had used had been wild and unpredictable. She needed to learn control, and she needed to learn fast.

Kael gestured for her to follow him to the center of the courtyard, near the ancient oak. “We’ll start with the basics,” he said. “Magic in the fae realm is different from what you might have experienced in the mortal world. Here, it’s woven into the fabric of everything—every tree, every stone, every breath you take. To wield it, you must first learn to feel it, to connect with it.”

He handed her a small, smooth stone. It was simple, unremarkable, yet as soon as Evelyn touched it, she felt a faint hum of energy coursing through it. “Close your eyes,” Kael instructed. “Feel the stone’s energy. Let it resonate with your own.”