💖FROM HATE TO HEART 💖

A DANCE OF HEARTS

💗CH -7💗

As the first rays of sunlight poured through the towering windows of his chamber, Alec found himself wide awake, anticipation thrumming in his veins. The letter he’d received from Magnus lay open on his bedside table, the carefully penned words seeming almost magical in their simplicity. Magnus had agreed to meet him, and Alec couldn’t ignore the rush of excitement building within him.

He hadn’t expected a response so soon, let alone an invitation to meet in the ancient and mysterious Aetheria's Forest. The idea of finally seeing Magnus again—of speaking to him without the walls of formality and distance between them—filled him with a mix of excitement and nervous energy he hadn’t felt in years.

Dressing quickly, Alec selected an outfit befitting the importance of the day: a dark tunic adorned with silver embroidery along the cuffs and collar, subtle yet regal. He fastened his cloak, its rich midnight-blue fabric draping gracefully over his shoulders, as he took one last look in the mirror. He wanted to be presentable, not as the intimidating Dragon King, but as a man who wanted nothing more than to make things right with Magnus.

As he adjusted his cuffs, Alec’s mind drifted to the last time they’d met. Magnus’s amber eyes had held a fierce independence, yet there had been something else—a vulnerability, a quiet strength Alec found both captivating and humbling. The memory only fueled his excitement, stirring a desire to learn more about the fae who had unexpectedly become so important to him.

He folded the letter and tucked it into a hidden pocket of his cloak, finding comfort in knowing it was close. The words Magnus had written were simple, but they carried a weight that Alec couldn’t ignore. He wanted this meeting to be perfect, a chance to speak openly, without the constraints of title or expectations.

His friend and advisor, Izzy, entered the room just as he was finishing. She raised an eyebrow at his attire, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.

“Someone seems a little eager,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re practically glowing, Alec. This must be some important meeting.”

Alec felt his face flush slightly, though he tried to maintain his composure. “It’s… it’s important, yes,” he admitted, unable to hide the slight smile that crept onto his face. “I didn’t expect Magnus to respond so quickly. I thought he’d need more time to decide.”

Izzy tilted her head, studying him thoughtfully. “ ohh magnus he did decide, and that says something, doesn’t it? He could have ignored you, but he didn’t. Just… be yourself, Alec. Show him the person behind the title. That’s what he deserves.”

Alec nodded, her words grounding him. “You’re right. I don’t want him to feel intimidated or pressured. I just want him to know I’m willing to understand, no matter what he tells me.”

She gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “Then go. You’ve waited long enough for this. Just remember, don’t let your excitement make you rush things. Give him the time he needs to speak.”

With one last reassuring nod from Izzy, Alec left his chambers, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and purpose. The Aetheria's Forest lay just beyond the castle walls, its towering trees and ancient beauty calling to him. This meeting felt monumental, not just for him but, hopefully, for Magnus as well.

As Alec approached the edge of the forest, he steadied his breath, feeling the quiet strength of the place surround him. The forest was like a silent witness, a sanctuary where he could finally lay his intentions bare. With renewed determination, Alec stepped into the woods, his thoughts filled with hope for what lay ahead.

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As dawn broke, Magnus moved around his room, each step purposeful yet carrying a hint of hesitation. He knew today would be a turning point, a day when he would confront not only Alec but also the memories that haunted him. Sleep had eluded him through the night, and he could feel the weight of his emotions in every heartbeat.