💖FROM HATE TO HEART 💖

BETWEEN ASHES AND DESIRE

It was a bright, busy day in the market of Aetheria. The air was filled with the smells of spices, fresh fruits, and the sound of people chatting. Dragon King Alexander walked calmly through the crowd. His tall and powerful presence turned heads, but he didn't pay much attention to it. He had grown used to people staring, whether in awe or fear, but today his mind was somewhere else.

His friend Theo was busy with his own things-talking to merchants and handling trade deals-so Alexander wandered around on his own. He enjoyed the lively energy of Aetheria's market, a nice break from the quiet and heavy atmosphere of his kingdom.

As he walked past stalls selling colorful fabrics and exotic foods, Alexander's sharp eyes caught sight of something-or rather, someone-familiar. Standing by a stall that sold beautiful, handcrafted jewelry was the fae he had met in the forest just a few days ago. The memory came flooding back-the honey-toned skin, the long, intricate braid that fell down their back, and those striking amber eyes that seemed to glow like the warm light of sunset.

Alexander had met them under unusual circumstances, deep in the forest, where their paths had crossed by chance. That encounter had stayed with him, lingering in his thoughts. Now, seeing them here in the open, bustling market felt like fate.

The fae was studying a delicate necklace, running their fingers over the fine silver chain, completely unaware of Alexander's gaze. His heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected to see them again so soon, yet here they were, looking as graceful and enchanting as he remembered.

Without thinking too much, Alexander made his way over. As he approached, magnus looked up, their amber eyes meeting his. There was a flicker of recognition in their gaze, a silent acknowledgment of their shared past encounter.

"Fancy seeing you here," Alexander said, his voice calm but with a hint of warmth. The fae smiled, a small but genuine expression, as if amused by the coincidence.

"I could say the same," they replied softly, their voice as smooth as the wind through the trees. "I didn't think I'd run into you again so soon, especially not in a place like this."

Alexander's lips curved into a rare, gentle smile. "It seems Aetheria has a way of bringing people together."

They stood there for a moment, the noise of the market fading into the background as they exchanged a quiet look of understanding. Both knew that this chance meeting was no accident, but rather the start of something new. Something that neither of them could quite put into words yet. Until Magnus's voice interrupted it .

The fae studied Alec, their lips curving into a playful smile. "So, you're the infamous Alexander-Dragon King, feared hunter, ruler of kingdoms-and yet, here you are, disrupting the delicate balance of my forest like some clueless newcomer."

Alec raised an eyebrow, catching the teasing lilt in their voice. "Clueless? That's not quite how I'd describe myself," he replied, his tone light. "But I'll admit, I didn't think I'd be scolded by a fae in the middle of Aetheria's market."

The fae laughed softly, the sound as light as the wind rustling through leaves. "Someone has to keep your ego in check. For someone so powerful, you sure know how to make a mess in places you don't fully understand."

Alec crossed his arms, a small smirk playing on his lips. "I wasn't exactly trying to ruin your forest. I thought you'd appreciate the challenge-keeps you on your toes."

The fae tilted their head, their long braid sliding over their shoulder as they stepped a little closer. "You think I need you to keep me sharp? Please. If I didn't intervene, you'd have half the forest turned upside down."