"Students of Wells Park Middle School," Mayor Stanley began, his tone carrying authority and warmth. "It is my honor to stand before you today and deliver my inaugural Fayette speech as the Mayor of Wells."
"It is my duty to remind you all that the Fayette is more than just an event; it is a celebration of our community's strength, unity, and the rich tapestry of traditions that bind us together," he declared, a smile gracing his lips. "As you partake in the festivities, remember that this occasion transcends mere spectacle and merriment. It is a cherished reflection of our town's heritage, where every burst of color symbolizes the resilience and determination of humankind."
As Stanley's gaze shifted to his papers, his tone took on a more somber note. "Today, as we gather to commemorate the Festival of Wells, I cannot ignore the shadows that linger beneath the dazzling lights," he began, his words carrying a weight of history. "This festival, born from a chapter in our past that many would rather forget, serves as a reminder of the conflict between humans and fairies that once cast a shadow over our town. While this tradition is celebrated far and wide, it is here in Wells where it holds the deepest resonance. It was within these very streets that the battle began, and it was here that it ultimately reached its conclusion. Though much was lost in those tumultuous years, what we gained was immeasurable."
"It falls upon me to stand before the future leaders of Wells and remind you all that together, we are formidable. If history has taught us anything, it's that no magic can overpower the resilience of humankind," Stanley asserted, punctuating his statement with a tap on the podium. "Therefore, as we journey through this month and approach the Fayette, let us not lose sight of the festival's true essence."
He paused once more, his expression grave. "We must remain vigilant and reflect on the choices that have shaped our town."
Ray is low on time, luck, and hope; his only chance is an artifact that may not even exist. But upon meeting Landon, Ray is beginning to believe he might find all four.
*****
Cambions are doomed to tragedy. They are weak, sickly creatures that rarely live to see their twentieth year. Ray refuses to resign himself to that fate. Upon learning of the Crimson Sheath-an artifact capable of preserving his life-Ray is prepared to fight, steal, and kill to get his hands on it. He is not prepared for Landon. Landon is an orphan with no memories of his parents, the only inheritance left to him a dagger, sleeping in a crimson sheath. Though he has no love of bloodshed and no use for a dagger, Landon isn't about to let Ray take his only link to his forgotten history, even if that means following the cambion past the edge of the world and into the shadow beyond.
Content Warnings: Violence, semi-graphic gore, character deaths, profanity, mild drug and alcohol usage, abuse discussed but not shown, and morally-questionable people doing morally-questionable things.