💖FROM HATE TO HEART 💖

THE WEIGHT OF SHADOWS

💗CH-6💗

Alec sat in the throne room, the weight of his responsibilities pressing on him like a heavy cloak. His sister, Izzy, burst into the room, her face lit with excitement.

"Alec!" she exclaimed, her voice bright. "You've been back from Edom for days! What have you been up to?"

Alec looked up from his thoughts, a hint of a smile appearing on his lips. "Just settling back into things. You know how it is."

Izzy rolled her eyes playfully. "You're not fooling me. I can see you're hiding something. Is it about a battle strategy? Or perhaps a diplomatic meeting?"

Alec hesitated, his thoughts drifting back to a certain fae he had met in Edom. "Actually, it's about someone I met," he admitted.

"Oh? Do tell!" Izzy leaned forward, her curiosity piqued.

"A fae named Magnus," Alec said, his heart quickening at the thought of him. "He's... well, he's unlike anyone I've ever met."

Izzy's eyes sparkled with interest. "A fae? That's intriguing! What's he like?"

Alec's expression softened. "He's beautiful, with honey-toned skin and long hair. But there's something deeper about him. I feel a connection, like he understands me in a way no one else does."

Izzy grinned widely. "It sounds like you're smitten, brother. Did you get to know him well?"

"Not really," Alec admitted, a hint of frustration in his voice. "We spoke for a short time. I wanted to learn more, but there was so much going on."

Izzy crossed her arms, her demeanor shifting to one of support. "What's stopping you from reaching out to him again?"

"I'm just not sure if he'd want that," Alec replied, his brow furrowing. "I don't want to come on too strong."

"Take the risk!" Izzy encouraged, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "You're the Dragon King. If you want to see him again, go for it! Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"

Alec considered her words, his mind racing with possibilities. "You're right. I can't let fear hold me back. If there's a chance for something more with Magnus, I have to try."

Izzy smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "That's the spirit! Just be yourself and show him how you feel. You're a good man, and anyone would be lucky to have you."

With newfound determination, Alec rose from his throne. "I'll find a way to see him again. I won't let this opportunity slip away."

--------

In the heart of the forest, a soft glow illuminated the clearing where Magnus stood, his amber eyes reflecting a mix of determination and uncertainty. He had come to a crucial decision. He would meet Alec again, but this time, he wouldn't be alone. Clary, his sister, stood beside him, her expression fierce and protective.

"Are you really going to go through with this, Magnus?" Clary demanded, her fiery hair framing her face as her green eyes blazed with anger. "You know this isn't just about you anymore."

Magnus nodded, though doubt crept into his heart. "I have to confront him. Alec is a Dragon King, and he has no idea of the consequences of his actions. He doesn't know what he took from me."

Clary shook her head, pacing slightly as she struggled to contain her frustration. "You're right; he doesn't know. And that's the problem! He just waltzes into our lives, thinking he can play around with our emotions without understanding the damage he causes."