Claude

As soon as they see me, my friends race toward me, their faces filled with a mix of relief and guilt. Tears glisten in their eyes as they wrap me in tight hugs, their voices overlapping with apologies.

“We’re so sorry, Lenora. We should have been there for you,” they cry, clutching me as if they fear I might disappear again.

I giggle softly, shaking my head as I pull them closer. “I’m okay, really,” I reassure them, though I can feel the lingering weight of their concern. “I got a little distracted with the iron guard, and that’s when he managed to land a hit on me. But honestly, you don’t need to worry.”

Their eyes widen in amazement as I casually mention the wound. “The cut was pretty bad, but look—it’s already healed,” I say, glancing down at my shoulder. To be honest, I’m just as surprised as they are.

Daisy steps forward, her face still pale from worry. “After you passed out, I teleported you here. The others took care of bringing the men back to the village,” she explains, her voice shaky with emotion. She blinks rapidly, trying to hold back the tears pooling in her eyes. “We were so worried we’d lost you, Lenora.”

Seeing her on the verge of tears makes my heart ache, and I reach out to give her hand a gentle squeeze. “You didn’t lose me,” I say softly, offering her a smile. “I’m still here.”

Marco chimes in, his usually stoic demeanor softened with relief. “The fairies were a little shaken when we got back, but most of them have been reunited with their families,” he reports, his voice low but filled with warmth. His eyes hold a quiet gratitude, though he doesn’t say it outright.

Maya, sitting nearby, smiles brightly. “They’ve all blossomed into their true forms, regaining their strength. If you hadn’t broken the curse before you passed out, they might not have survived the sunlight,” she says, her voice filled with admiration.

I nod, remembering the rush of light and power that had left me drained. I didn’t think I had anything left to give, but somehow…

Arya steps forward, tears glistening in her eyes. “My brother is doing well too, thanks to you, Queen Lenora. I will never be able to repay you for what you’ve done,” she says, her voice trembling with emotion.

I smile at her, feeling the warmth of her gratitude wash over me. As we all sit down to share breakfast, I glance around at my friends, this incredible group of people who have stood by my side through everything. It is I who am blessed to have them, I think as I take in their faces—each one a reminder of the bonds we’ve formed.

Just as we begin to eat, a knock sounds at the door.

I rise and walk over, opening it to reveal Arya’s brother standing in the doorway. I smile sweetly at him. “Come in,” I say, gesturing for him to enter.

He steps inside, and I’m taken aback by the transformation. The last time I’d seen him, he was frail and weak, his body ravaged by years of captivity. But now? Now, he stands tall, his broad shoulders and bulging muscles giving him an imposing presence. He towers over me, his striking blue eyes and thick blue hair lending him a handsome, almost regal appearance.

“It’s lovely to meet you, my Queen,” he says, his deep voice carrying a note of reverence. He bows before me, his gaze never leaving mine. “My name is Claude.”

The way he speaks is formal but filled with sincerity. He straightens up, and for a moment, his eyes flicker with emotion as he continues. “I wanted to thank you for saving us. The last six years have been pure torture, and I… I will never be able to repay this debt to you. But I would like to try by offering my life as your guardian—if you would accept me.”

His words catch me off guard. I watch as he kneels, holding his hand out in a solemn gesture. My heart flutters as I place my hand in his, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine. His voice is steady as he recites the guardian’s pledge, each word spoken with devotion.

A soft glow surrounds us, a golden light connecting us as the pledge is sealed. Claude lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to it, and I feel the bond solidify between us. A new rune appears on his arm—the teleportation rune. But my eyes are drawn to another one, a rune I recognize instantly.

“Water magic,” I murmur, my lips curling into a smile. How ironic, I think, glancing over at Arya. What are the chances that two siblings would be gifted with such opposing elements—fire and water?

Claude seems to sense my amusement and raises an eyebrow, but before he can ask, I take a deep breath, deciding to shift the conversation. “Claude, do you know anything about the village above the mine?” I ask, hoping he might have some insight into the mysterious place.

At the mention of the village, his expression falters. The warmth in his eyes dims, and I can see the battle of emotions raging behind his gaze. His once confident posture stiffens, and a shadow passes over his face.

His silence hangs heavy in the air, and I feel my stomach knot. Whatever memories are tied to that village must be painful, and I brace myself for the answer I know is coming.