Chapter 24: Three shades of magic
Despite everything that had transpired recently, Ren couldn’t deny the sense of security her husband radiated. It was a dominating presence, one she trusted instinctively, even before fully understanding when it had begun.
As their feet hit the last step, Ren exhaled sharply. The air was cold, but the sight before her was breathtaking. The temple yard was veiled under a delicate blanket of snow. Carved stone pillars flanked the path ahead, leading to the grand building. But it was the statues of gods that made her stop in her tracks. Ancient and imposing, they were the old Fae gods, beings from an age far before human history. Her eyes were drawn to the one with dragon wings, and she stood frozen, mesmerized.
Kai’s voice broke through her trance, his brows furrowed. "We should go inside, and stop staring at these cursed statues."
She barely registered his words, still staring at the statue. It had a strange, powerful allure. But when she noticed the change in his expression, she nodded, snapping herself back to the present. She hurried to catch up with his long strides.
They neared the massive wooden door, and suddenly Kai’s voice boomed, irritated. "Open the damn door, Agara. It’s freezing out here for her."
The door groaned, its sound echoing like a warning through the cold air.
Ren shot Kai a warning glance. "Be nice to him. I’m fine." She hid the small shiver in her hands, trying not to let him pick a fight with the only one who could help her.
"I am being nice," Kai growled under his breath, though the sound sent a tremor down her spine. Was that really his version of ’nice’?
The door creaked open, releasing a rush of warmth that instantly shrouded her. Ren let out a quiet sigh, her body finally easing into the comfort she’d longed for.
From the shadows, an old man emerged, his robes flowing with a quiet authority. His presence was steady, and measured, but as his gaze landed on Ren, her breath caught in her throat. His eye, a deep, unsettling red, bore through her like a blade.
"Long time no see, Your Highness!" His voice was warm, but something about the way his eyes flickered at Ren made her skin crawl. A sly smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. What was he?