Arya

I sit down, the weight of the day pressing on me as the shock of killing that woman settles deep in my chest. I can’t shake the image of her lifeless body from my mind, my hands trembling slightly as I stare at them, still feeling the cold sting of the ice I summoned.

Daisy, Maya, and Marco gather beside me, their presence grounding me in the moment. I can feel their concern like a warm blanket, trying to shield me from the guilt gnawing at my heart.

“I saw everything, my queen,” Daisy speaks softly, taking my hand in hers. Her touch is gentle but firm, a silent reassurance. “The raven saw your spikes, but she still chose to charge at you with her dagger. She made her decision.”

Marco nods, his expression serious but compassionate. “Your body acted on instinct, Queen Lenora. If it hadn’t, her dagger may have reached you. She left you no choice.”

Maya’s voice is barely a whisper, her sorrow spilling out in quiet tears. “If you hadn’t protected me, I would have died. I’m so sorry, my queen. I failed you—I wasn’t strong enough.” Her tears drip silently onto her lap, each one a testament to her guilt.

I look at the three of them—my friends, my guardians—and a warmth spreads through me, easing the tight knot of anxiety in my chest. I manage a small smile, feeling a bit lighter in their presence. “You were all incredible out there,” I tell them, my voice steady now. “I couldn’t have asked for better guardians or friends. Thank you.”

Maya looks up, her tear-filled eyes meeting mine, and I squeeze her shoulder gently. “You were strong, Maya. We all were.”

As we share this moment of comfort, I notice the villagers beginning to gather in front of us, their eyes filled with a mixture of hope and fear. I stand, brushing the dirt off my clothes, steeling myself for what comes next.

I face the crowd, my voice strong but compassionate. “Hello, dear fairies. My name is Lenora.” I pause, feeling the weight of their attention on me. “I am aware of the curse placed on each of you by the dark sorcerer. He keeps you weak and prevents you from blossoming into your true selves.”

I let my gaze sweep across the crowd, seeing the exhaustion in their eyes but also a flicker of hope. “I can lift the curse and free your true selves, but understand this—once the curse is broken, you must train and protect each other. I cannot always be here. If you wish for me to break the curse, stay standing.”

I wait, my heart pounding in my chest. The silence is heavy as I glance around, but not a single fairy sits down. They’re all still standing, their determination palpable in the air. A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips.

Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and concentrate, reaching out with my energy to connect with each and every one of them. There are more people here than at the last village, and I can feel the strain as I push myself to break the curse over such a large crowd. My magic swirls within me, growing brighter and brighter until, with a final surge of power, light bursts from me in a radiant wave.

I stagger back, drained, but my guardians are quick to catch me, their hands steadying me as I gasp for breath.

As the light washes over the villagers, I watch in awe as they begin to transform, blossoming into their true forms. Wings of all colors and shapes unfurl, eyes glowing with newfound power, and gasps of wonder fill the air. The beauty of it all steals my breath, and for a moment, everything else fades away.

The fairies kneel, their voices rising together in a chant that makes my heart swell with emotion. “Our Queen has arrived, glory to our Queen.”

Tears well in my eyes as joy courses through me. I blink them away, smiling as the fairies begin to celebrate. Music fills the air, and the fairies sing songs and dance beneath the stars. Their laughter is infectious, and I can’t help but feel the love and appreciation surrounding me like a warm embrace. My guardians mingle with the villagers, helping them adjust to their newfound abilities, and it fills my heart with pride to see them all working together.

I sink into a nearby seat, exhaustion tugging at my limbs but not enough to pull me away from this beautiful moment. As I sit, a fairy with striking red hair and matching eyes approaches, her aura glowing with warmth, is this the same fairy I protected earlier?

“May I sit with you, my Queen?” she asks politely.

I nod, gesturing for her to join me. She sits gracefully, her presence calming and strong. “My name is Arya,” she introduces herself. “Queen Lenora, I cannot express my gratitude enough for what you’ve done for our people—and for me.”

I smile softly. “I came here to save you. Never again will fairies be treated as slaves, not as long as I can do something about it.”

Arya holds my gaze, her red eyes shining with admiration. “I find you admirable, my queen. I’ve gained the power of fire… If you will allow me, I would like to fight alongside you. I would be honored to defend you as you had defended me.”

Her words warm my heart, and I nod, feeling a deep connection with her. “I would be honored to have you by my side, Arya.”

She kneels before me, reaching out to take my hand. As I place my hand in hers, her eyes glow a brilliant red, as she recites the guardian pledge and I feel the link snap into place, her life and emotions flooding into me. With a final pulse of light, a teleportation rune appears on her arm, signifying our bond.

She beams at me, her joy radiating like the sun. With a burst of enthusiasm, she sends large flames into the sky, creating a dazzling display of fiery fireworks. The fairies cheer as the night sky lights up in reds and golds, and I can’t help but laugh in delight at the spectacle.

I introduce Arya to Daisy, Marco, and Maya, all of whom welcome her warmly, diving into conversation as they get to know her. It’s been a glorious night, full of hope and unity, but exhaustion begins to pull at me, my eyelids growing heavy.

Realizing I need rest, I create a fully furnished four-bedroom home nearby, its warmth and comfort beckoning me. “Goodnight, everyone,” I say softly, my guardians smiling as they bid me goodnight in return.

The moment my head hits the pillow, I fall into a deep sleep, knowing that, at least for now, my people are safe.