Prologue (1)
========== In a cozy cottage, bathed in the warm glow of light, a piercing scream shattered the tranquility, startling butterflies from their delicate perch on blooming flowers. The sound, long-awaited by Bellamy, filled the room as she lay in bed, her hand releasing the green fuzzy branch of the magical calming tree that had provided some relief during the painful contractions. Though the tree's mystical properties had eased her suffering, they hadn't taken it away completely. As if sensing her need for support, the branch curled around her wrist. A wave of relief washed over Bellamy as she caught sight of the midwife cradling the tiny baby at her feet. Finally, her child was here, safe and sound. Thoughts of the "what-ifs" raced through her mind as she had pushed, reminding her of the countless others who had birthed children only to have them never take a breath. It had become all too common after most of the elves lost their magic four centuries ago. Colton, her husband, trembled with emotion as he whispered, "A girl. She's so small." The scent of jasmine and citrus wafted into the room, carried by the gentle spring breeze that flowed through the open window. Sunlight streamed in, casting a brilliant glow on the ivory walls. Outside, a weeping lilac tree swayed, its pink blooms dancing in the wind. It was a beautiful day for the birth of their child, a good omen. Leaning back against the feather pillows, Bellamy admired the dark tuft of hair on her baby's head, as black as her father's. The newborn curled her legs towards her belly, displaying her perfection from her delicately pointed ears to her rosy, pink toes. Despite the lingering pain of childbirth, overwhelming joy consumed Bellamy, causing tears to well in her eyes and her cheeks to ache from smiling. With anticipation, Bellamy looked at the midwife, awaiting the moment when her daughter would be placed in her arms. She longed to see her little girl's face, to hold her close and hear her heartbeat. But the midwife's gaze remained fixed on a mark on the infant's shoulder, her brows furrowed in concern. "What is it? Why won't you give me my child?" Bellamy's impatience grew, and she stretched out her arms, yearning to hold her daughter. "She bears a strange mark," the midwife finally spoke, her voice laced with uncertainty. Colton, still clutching Bellamy's hand, glanced briefly at her before turning his attention to the midwife. "What do you mean? A birthmark?" Growing more impatient, Bellamy tugged her hand away and reached out for her child. "Give her to me." With the umbilical cord still attached, the midwife carefully passed the wide-eyed baby into her mother's waiting arms. And there it was, a mark unlike anything Bellamy had ever seen before. A black birthmark, the size of a small coin, shaped like thorny vines entwined around the stem of a lily. Was it real or just a trick of her eyes? Colton exchanged another worried look with Bellamy. Despite the foreboding nature of the mark, she pressed her baby against her chest and savored the precious moments of her daughter's life. * * * Seven sunrises later, it was time for the child's naming and testing day. Every new elf infant was brought before the king to be presented and assessed for their magical abilities. Though few elves remained, there was always hope that a new mage would be born. A pit formed in Bellamy's stomach as she made her way to the grand hall, filled with hundreds of elves who had gathered to witness this momentous occasion. The midwife's rumors about the baby's mark had spread, adding to the anticipation and excitement that filled the air. The high elves, dressed in pastel colors and adorned with fine jewelry, exuded an aura of serenity and beauty. Bellamy wore a gown of the lightest blue, with golden embroidery and a necklace featuring a willow tree centerpiece, a cherished heirloom passed down through generations. Her golden-brown hair was elegantly styled in a high bun, accentuating her pointed ears and cheekbones. But as she stood frozen in the entryway, a sense of unease washed over her, contrasting with the beauty and brightness of the day. Colton placed a comforting hand on her back, urging her forward. The silence was deafening as their light elven footsteps echoed through the hall. All eyes followed Bellamy and Colton as they made their way through the sea of elves, passing under the towering white stone archways that led to the king at the end. Sunlight poured in through colossal windows, casting an ethereal glow as it bounced off the diamonds adorning the king's golden crown. He sat regally on a white throne, its back so high that three kings standing atop one another still wouldn't reach its peak. The blond king's gaze was fixed on the sleeping bundle in Bellamy's arms as she approached. Roman, the light mage, stood to the king's right, his pale hair half-tied in ceremonial braids entwined with a crown of silver branches. With a warm smile, he descended the steps and met Bellamy and Colton at the altar. "Many have gathered here today for the testing and naming of this child. What shall she be known as from this day forth?" Colton cleared his throat before answering, "She shall be known as Sophia Kelly." Bellamy held her child even closer, gently patting the baby's back. She didn't want to part with her for the testing, but it was a necessary tradition. All mothers had to go through this. The mage dipped his head, the silver bracelets on his wrists clinking softly as he touched the gray stone altar before him. "Please place the infant Sophia Kelly here." Bellamy's eyes met the king's, who seemed impatient, his chin raised ever so slightly. With great care, she set the swaddled baby down on the altar, keeping a hand against her chest to ensure she wouldn't fall. The mage nodded. "This will be quick, and do not worry; the child will not be harmed. I will say a few words and then we shall wait for a sign. If nothing happens, it means the child does not possess magic."
Prologue (2)
Bellamy knew this. She’d seen it hundreds of times herself. No child she witnessed possessed magic. No sign ever came. Mage Roman, one of the last elves born with magic to exist in Adalon, touched the crown of Sophia’s head with his fingers. With but a few chanted words an onyx swirl of cloud amassed around the tip of the staff. It soon traveled like a serpent, winding and moving around the four of them until it circled only Sophia. Flower buds appeared above the dark mist around her; the lily’s blossomed into such a deep purple they nearly looked black. Bellamy was all too familiar with the absence of magic in the children she had encountered. It was a sight she had witnessed countless times before. However, when Mage Roman, one of the last remaining elves with magic in Adalon, touched Sophia's head, a surge of onyx clouds gathered around his staff. Slowly, the swirling mist began to encircle Sophia, leaving only her within its grasp. As the mist took shape, flower buds emerged, their lilies blooming into a deep shade of purple that bordered on black. A pang of unease settled in Bellamy's chest. The birthmark and now this manifestation of dark magic... What did it all mean? What would happen next? And what did they do with children who possessed such powers? Her gaze fixated on Sophia's innocent face, so delicate and beautiful. Love filled Bellamy's heart, but it was accompanied by a tinge of worry. How could darkness exist within something so pure? Mage Roman recoiled as if struck, his gaze shifting towards the king with a bewildered expression. The High King, his eyes gleaming with greed, rose from his throne. "She has magic," he declared, gesturing to a female elf standing nearby, her hands resting gently on the shoulders of a small boy. The child had dark brown curls framing his angelic face, and his large green eyes darted nervously through the crowd. This was the king's wife and son, a family that Bellamy recognized as they approached. "Ensure that it is done," the king commanded with authority. Panic surged within Bellamy as she shifted her gaze between the king and Mage Roman. "What needs to be done?" she urgently inquired. "As the first child to be born with magical abilities in over four centuries, this child will be betrothed to my son when she comes of age," the king announced, his eyes hardened with determination. "They will be bound by magic, serving as a powerful alliance for our people in the future." A weapon? But Sophia was just a baby, barely a week old. How could they label her as such? While Bellamy should have been overjoyed that her daughter would become a princess, her stomach sank. It was all happening too quickly. How could they claim Sophia without her consent? Before she could voice her protests, Mage Roman began to chant. Bellamy scanned the crowd in desperation, but the smiling faces around her failed to comprehend the turmoil that churned within her. She clutched her husband's hand tightly. "Do something," she pleaded in a hushed tone. "What can we do?" he whispered back, his hand resting reassuringly on her shoulder. "Refusing this claim would mean our death. We can devise a plan later." Within moments, a tendril of white light passed from the king's three-year-old son to Bellamy's baby girl, forging an unbreakable bond between them. A rune materialized on the infant's left wrist, symbolizing their destined union. The king nodded at a guard, then turned his dark gaze towards Mage Roman. "Take the child to the royal nursery. She must be raised properly, trained, and kept safe," he commanded. Anger replaced Bellamy's panic. Before Mage Roman could make a move, she swiftly snatched the baby into her arms, holding her tightly against her chest. "You cannot take my child away from me. Allow me to raise her. I promise I will ensure she receives the necessary training," she pleaded, lowering herself before the throne. "She will stay," the king declared firmly. "She will be raised by Queen Orlandia and me. Her safety is of utmost importance, and it can be guaranteed within the castle walls." Desperate, Bellamy spun around, searching for support among the elves. However, not a single one stepped forward. "Please, let me stay with her," she implored. "No, that is not an option. Having someone unfamiliar with magic raise her will only weaken her," the king dismissed coldly. Colton's hand hovered over his sword, but he gave Bellamy a subtle shake of his head. Defying the king would lead to their demise. Guards began closing in. In a moment of sheer determination, Bellamy fled. Tears blurred her vision as she barreled through the crowd of elves. Gasps and murmurs filled the hall, parting the way for her escape. No one attempted to stop her or the baby, but they also didn't hinder the guards chasing after them. Familiar with the castle's secret passages from her time as a servant, Bellamy navigated through the labyrinthine corridors. She rounded a corner and collided with a woman holding a basket of fruit. Relief washed over Bellamy. It was Delaney, her dear friend and one of the few humans working in the city. Although Delaney was not permitted to witness the testing, she had found a way to be present nonetheless. "Take my baby," Bellamy demanded urgently. "Take her to your home. Don't go anywhere near mine. I will come for her." Confusion flickered in Delaney's eyes. "Why are you asking this of me?" Footsteps and shouts grew louder in the distance, causing Bellamy's heart to race against her chest. "Where did she go? Find her!" a male voice bellowed nearby. Bellamy thrust the baby towards Delaney. "Please, Sophia possesses magic. The king intends to exploit her powers. We cannot allow that." Setting the fruit basket down, Delaney nodded and cradled the infant in her arms. A silent understanding passed between them, tears glistening in their eyes. Bellamy knew that she would never see her beloved child again, at least not in this lifetime. "If I don't make it to your house by nightfall, take her far away from here... Make sure she knows that I loved her with all my heart." Delaney nodded, a tear trickling down her warm brown cheek. Bellamy kissed her baby's soft head, savoring her sweet scent one last time. She tore the generational necklace from her throat and handed it over to her daughter. "Tell Sophia that her father and I fought until the very end for her. Let her know that one day, she will have to fight too."
Chapter 1 (1)
========== Chapter 1 — TWENTY-FOUR YEARS LATER — ~Love is a powerful force. It cannot be bought. It cannot be taken or stolen. Although sometimes it must be fought for, it must be given freely.~ The rain hammered the ground as if the tepid drops were the hooves of a thousand charging horses. A thunderclap boomed, and yet a piercing scream cut through the cacophony. Sophia's keen elven eyes could see well in the darkness, but on this starless night, deep in the midst of towering redwood trees, the darkness almost took on a life of its own. The limited visibility only revealed vague outlines of the forest, leaving the source of the scream shrouded in mystery. It echoed from all directions, bouncing off trees that should have absorbed the sound. Her skin tingled, but she pressed on with her task. She pulled her hood up, obscuring her waist-length black hair, and crept low among the ferns and shrubs, listening for any whimper or movement. Every seventh day, she made her way to the statues erected in honor of her parents, their memory kept alive by her offering of rich blue forget-me-nots. It was the least she could do when they had sacrificed their lives for her. The most she would do was yet to come. The fluffy white pup her aunt had entrusted her with sneaked out as the storm brewed, darting into the Redcrest Woods, which served as the backyard of their cottage. The woods carried a scent of mild spice with damp mossy undertones and a hint of sweetness, but tonight, a rotten egg odor permeated the air. Placing her hand on a decaying fallen log, Sophia leaped over it and dropped low when another shriek tore through the air. It was a war cry, the sound of an animal or something on the prowl, searching for its next meal. She didn't want to entertain the thought, but those cursed by the long-dead Black Mage screeched like that. She had first heard those haunting cries as a child, like the wail of a dying wildcat. The sound still made her cringe to this day. If one of them was nearby, she had to eliminate the creature or risk it reaching the others in town. A faint whimper caught her ear. She scanned the underbrush and halted her gaze on the shivering pup partially concealed under a fern frond. Its white fur was muddied brown from dirt and grime. Emitting a soft whistle, Sophia inched closer, extending her hand. "Come on, Dregous." The pup perked up and started to retreat. This dog is going to be the death of me, she thought. Before he could escape, she lunged, rolled, and scooped him up around the middle, swiftly getting back on her feet. "Bad puppy," she whispered, holding the pup close as she began making her way back to the house. "Why do you always run off at the worst times? Do you enjoy being wet and cold?" "Mmmm," a deep voice purred behind her. "I smell she-elf." A cool sensation ran down her spine, causing goosebumps to rise along her arms. Gripping her dagger tighter, she glanced over her shoulder, catching sight of the pale figure mere feet away. It was the heavy rain that had masked his footsteps. His unnaturally white complexion and hair stood out starkly against the darkness around them. Even in the dim lighting, the smear of blood around his mouth was visible, dribbling over his black lips and down his chin. The ashen circles around his eyes and the sickly pallor of his skin, once smooth as an eggshell before he turned, were now cracked and wrinkled like a parched desert floor. He must be hungry. "Don't come any closer," she commanded sharply. "For if you do, you won't like what comes next." "Sounds like a challenge." He charged, emitting a horrid shriek. Sophia's boots sank into the soft ground as she took off, with the pale figure hot on her heels. Risking a glance backward, she saw his clawed hand mere inches away. Utilizing her forward momentum, she flipped onto a fallen log, whirling around to face the creature. The dagger flew from her fingertips, driving straight into his forehead. A dying groan escaped the pale one's lungs as his legs gave way, collapsing in a heap on the mossy ground. Still clutching Dregous tightly, Sophia covered her mouth and nose with her cloak, hopping down from the log to get a better look at him. This was the first pale one she had seen in years. What had drawn it to Briar Hollow from the Void? It couldn't have been her magic; she hadn't used it since she was young. Perhaps the curse was spreading? No one in Briar Hollow knew how the pale ones were created after the Black Mage's demise. Some believed it was akin to a disease, infecting elves and killing humans. She wanted to retrieve her dagger but decided it was best to leave it behind, just in case. Getting too close could be dangerous. If it spread like a plague, she didn't want to catch it. Becoming one of those vile, man-eating beasts, twisted shells of their former selves, serving a master who no longer lived. Their true desire was to turn all elves into their kind, a perversion of the people they once were. Wasting no time, she hurried back home. Pushing through the round cottage door, Sophia closed it tightly behind her, securing the iron latch. With her palm pressed against the warm wood, she caught her reflection in the smooth metal. The light blue eyes staring back at her revealed the fear that still made her hand tremble. That was too close. She shuddered at how near the pale one had come without her knowledge. If he had wanted to, he could have pounced on her from behind. Elves naturally had light steps, usually inaudible to humans and barely noticeable among their own kind, and the pale ones were no different. She might have sensed his presence before he reached her, but it wouldn't have been enough time. Extending her palm, she brushed her fingers across the leaves, vines, and stalks of the numerous plants hanging from the cross beams above as she entered the sitting room. Aunt Delaney was obsessed with collecting the rarest foliage. Some brought luck, while others could put someone to sleep for a week. The one with bright blue berries and black leaves with sharp edges could cause near-instant death, and the burnt orange leaves of the Pottifer enhanced speed and energy for hours when ingested. Sophia had once consumed a couple of the leaves and outrun a horse at full gallop.
Chapter 1 (2)
The arched red brick fireplace roared as did the tea kettle over it. She dropped Dregous in his crate then grabbed a hook to remove the kettle and stop the ear-piercing whistle. Once it was out, she took off her wet cloak and hung it on the pewter hook by the door. The fireplace, with its arched red brick structure, emitted a roaring warmth that matched the ear-piercing whistle of the tea kettle. She carefully placed Dregous, her loyal canine companion, in his crate before using a hook to remove the kettle from the fire. Once the noise ceased, she took off her wet cloak and hung it on the pewter hook by the door. Settling into her rocking chair, wrapped in a cozy blanket with a book in hand, her mind wandered to fleeting images of a meadow filled with vibrant wildflowers. These visions were so brief that they almost seemed nonexistent. Then, whispers of unfamiliar voices filled the room, echoing from every corner yet remaining indiscernible. Pressing her hands against her temples, she clenched her teeth in frustration. These occurrences had become more frequent lately. Strange flashes of places she couldn't recall ever visiting, accompanied by voices she couldn't decipher. What was causing this? Was it a side effect of her magic, which she deliberately avoided using? A weight seemed to settle on her shoulders, as if someone or something was constantly weighing her down. The feeling of impending doom lingered, and she couldn't shake it. Suddenly, two boisterous men singing loudly approached her cottage, saving her from the enigmatic voices that abruptly ceased. Their singing was followed by a series of knocks on her door. "Aye, Sophia! Come have a drink with us!" Roman's voice boomed. "You know you want to!" Fletcher chimed in, his voice carrying a melodious tone. An involuntary smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Did they really have to drag her out almost every night? It had become such a routine that the townspeople practically expected it. "You boys need someone else to entertain you for once," Sophia hollered back, crossing her arms in mock annoyance. "Only the fair Sophia will do," Roman playfully replied, peeking his head through the window above the gray washed-stone sink. She realized she should have closed the curtains. Roman waved at her with a mischievous grin. Letting out a sigh, Sophia lifted the latch and opened the door to the pair. "By the looks of things, you've already started drinking without me." Roman's curly dark blond hair was even more unruly than usual, despite the rain having stopped. Fletcher's glassy brown eyes gazed at her intently as he leaned against the doorway, using his forearm for support. She wasn't dressed in anything particularly special—black trousers, knee-high boots, and a sky-blue long sleeve top that buttoned at the wrists, revealing a hint of cleavage. However, it was the black corset cinched around her waist that seemed to catch Fletcher's attention tonight. Most women in town wore dresses or skirts, but she preferred the freedom of movement that her chosen attire provided. "We might've had a couple, but the real fun starts when you join us," Fletcher remarked, running his fingers through his dark brown hair. It had grown past his shoulders recently, and she couldn't help but notice how good it looked on him. His lazy smile elicited a sharp pang in her chest. He resembled his older brother Novak so much. Even though it had been over two years since Novak's passing, it still hurt to look at Fletcher sometimes. "I suppose I can come out for a little while." All she had planned was to read, anyway, to distract herself from the haunting memory of the pale one she had killed. "Yes!" The boys exchanged a high-five. "Aunty Delaney is on fire tonight." "Oh, is she?" Sophia grabbed her dripping cloak and threw it back on. "How much has she won?" "Enough that Baker Oswin owes her two weeks of fresh bread," Roman replied, casually draping an arm around her shoulder. "Naturally, we'll be heading over there to enjoy some of it." "Of course," Sophia added with a smile. Her gaze drifted towards the woods. Should she tell the boys? No, there was no need to frighten them when the creature was already dead. But what if there were others? She couldn't dwell on that now. It wasn't as if she could go searching for more at this hour. The boys continued their jovial singing as they made their way to the Smoky Dragon Inn and Pub. The wooden sign hanging from the pole depicted a blue dragon with smoke billowing from its nostrils. Another sign on the door read: No Elves. No Dwarves. No Sprites. Sophia was the only exception to that rule. The Smoky Dragon was the focal point of entertainment in Briar Hollow. As Sophia and the boys entered, the air was thick with pipe smoke, the scent of ale, and a hint of cinnamon potpourri. Aunt Delaney insisted on the potpourri, claiming it masked the "dirty old man smell." The pub was divided into round tables on the left, where men and a few women engaged in card games, and the drinking section on the right. Oval metal chandeliers hung from the wooden rafters, casting a warm, yellow-orange glow as candles flickered above. Amidst the loud chatter and clinking of mugs, Sophia's elven hearing threatened to overwhelm her senses. Over the years, she had learned to tune out much of the noise. Suddenly, the town's horse trainer sprang to his feet, slamming his cards down. "How can you win so often?!" He pointed an accusing finger at the young guard sitting across from him. "It's impossible!" "Old Boris is at it again, accusing people of cheating when he's lost everything," Roman drawled. "Maybe Sophia will toss him out on his arse once more." Fletcher and Roman chuckled mischievously. Sophia hoped it wouldn't come to that. "I only did that because he grabbed my behind." "The black eye was the best part. It lasted a solid fortnight," Roman remarked. "The men at the training yard never let him live it down." "I know. I was there," Sophia replied, a smile playing on her lips. Aunt Delaney waved them over to her table, her golden bracelets tinkling with each movement. Her shawl, adorned with vibrant red, blue, and yellow floral patterns, draped loosely around her shoulders. "The boys dragged you in here again, I see," she said, grinning and patting the rickety wooden chair beside her. "Take a seat." Before long, Sophia found herself downing a couple of mugs of ale and puffing on a pipe. Smoking was not something she enjoyed; in fact, she despised the smell. But it made the men bristle, and that was what she wanted. After what happened to Fletcher's brother Novak because of her, she vowed never to fall in love again.
Chapter 1 (3)
More ale. Smiles came easier. Her head felt a little lighter, her body warmer. Aunt Delaney started telling stories about Sophia’s mother and father. She always did this when she had too much to drink. At least she hadn’t brought up Novak tonight. There was only so much talk of death a person could handle. Sophia's mind raced with questions as she observed the mysterious figure. Who was this stranger, and why did he have an apple? The townspeople had always been vigilant in warning her and Aunt Delaney of any unknown individuals passing through Briar Hollow. Yet, here he stood, seemingly out of nowhere. Sophia couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity that washed over her, even though she couldn't place why. The man's presence sent a shiver down her spine, but she refused to let fear consume her. Mud clung to his black boots, suggesting he had traveled from afar, yet his dark cloak remained immaculate, untouched by the storm outside. Sophia couldn't help but wonder who had offered him shelter in this small town. The inn's rooms were usually vacant during this time of year, and no one had mentioned the arrival of any travelers. As the stranger approached her, Sophia's heart pounded in her chest, urging her to flee. However, she held her ground, determined not to show any signs of weakness. She tightened her grip on the handle of her knife, her fingers tingling with anticipation. There was something about this man that made her instincts scream, yet she couldn't ignore the pull she felt towards him. The hooded figure placed the bright red apple on the boy's head, causing Sophia's gaze to linger on the perfect balance of the fruit. It seemed almost surreal, as if everything had fallen into place for this moment. The crowd around them grew silent, their attention fixated on the impending challenge. Sophia's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation unfolding before her eyes. With a deep breath, she focused her gaze on the stranger who now stood in front of her. His scruffy chin and straight nose were partially revealed by a sliver of amber light that sneaked under his hood. He exuded an air of mystery and danger, and Sophia couldn't deny the electric energy that crackled between them. Although her instincts urged her to run, she couldn't tear her eyes away from him. As the stranger sauntered towards her, Sophia's heart pounded in her chest. Every fiber of her being screamed at her to flee, but she stood her ground, refusing to let fear control her. The man's boots were caked in mud, suggesting a long journey, yet his cloak remained pristine and untouched by the storm outside. She couldn't help but wonder who had provided him refuge in this sleepy town. The inn was usually empty this time of year, and no one had mentioned the arrival of any travelers. Sophia's gaze fixated on the stranger as he approached her. Her heart raced, torn between fear and curiosity. There was something about him that felt familiar, though she couldn't quite place why. His scruffy chin and straight nose peeked out from under his hood, illuminated by a sliver of amber light. It sent a shiver down her spine, the hairs on her arms standing on end. As he walked past her, Sophia couldn't shake the eerie sense of recognition that washed over her. Mud clung to his black boots, suggesting he had traveled from afar, yet his cloak remained pristine, untouched by the storm outside. She couldn't help but wonder who had offered him shelter in this small town. The inn's rooms were typically vacant during this time of year, and no one had mentioned the arrival of any travelers. Sophia's eyes remained fixed on the stranger as he made his way towards her. There was an undeniable magnetism about him, drawing her in despite the warning bells ringing in her mind. His scruffy chin and straight nose were partially revealed by a sliver of amber light that seeped through his hood. It sent a chill down her spine, an inexplicable feeling of familiarity that she couldn't quite place. As he approached, Sophia's heart raced with a mix of fear and anticipation. Her instincts urged her to run, to escape this unknown danger, but she couldn't tear her eyes away. The mud on his boots suggested a long journey, yet his cloak remained pristine, untouched by the storm outside. She couldn't help but wonder who had offered him shelter in this quiet town. The inn's rooms were usually empty at this time of year, and no one had mentioned the arrival of any travelers. Sophia's gaze remained fixed on the stranger as he walked towards her. Her heart thudded in her chest, torn between fear and intrigue. There was something about him that felt familiar, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it. His scruffy chin and straight nose peeked out from under his hood, illuminated by a sliver of amber light. It sent a shiver down her spine, an inexplicable sense of recognition that made her blood run cold. As he passed by her, Sophia couldn't shake the eerie feeling that washed over her. Mud clung to his black boots, suggesting a long journey, yet his cloak remained immaculate, untouched by the storm outside. She couldn't help but wonder who had provided him shelter in this secluded town. The inn's rooms were usually vacant at this time of year, and no one had mentioned the arrival of any travelers. With each step the stranger took towards her, Sophia's heart pounded in her chest. Fear and curiosity warred within her, urging her to flee while also compelling her to stay. His scruffy chin and straight nose were partially revealed by a sliver of amber light that seeped through his hood. It sent a chill down her spine, a strange sense of familiarity that she couldn't explain. As he drew closer, Sophia's eyes remained fixed on the stranger. Her heart raced, torn between fear and intrigue. There was something about him that felt familiar, though she couldn't quite pinpoint why. His scruffy chin and straight nose were partially revealed by a sliver of amber light that snuck under his hood. It sent a shiver down her spine, an uncanny sense of recognition that made her blood run cold. As the stranger approached, Sophia's heart pounded in her chest. Her instincts screamed at her to flee, to escape this unknown danger, but she couldn't tear her eyes away. Mud clung to his black boots, suggesting a long journey, yet his cloak remained pristine, untouched by the storm outside. She couldn't help but wonder who had offered him shelter in this secluded town. The inn's rooms were usually vacant at this time of year, and no one had mentioned the arrival of any travelers. Sophia's gaze remained fixed on the stranger as he walked towards her. Her heart raced, torn between fear and curiosity. There was something about him that felt familiar, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it. His scruffy chin and straight nose peeked out from under his hood, illuminated by a sliver of amber light. It sent a shiver down her spine, an inexplicable sense of recognition that made her blood run cold. As he passed by, Sophia couldn't shake the eerie feeling that washed over her. Mud clung to his black boots, suggesting a long journey, yet his cloak remained pristine, untouched by the storm outside. She couldn't help but wonder who had provided him shelter in this quiet town. The inn's rooms were usually empty at this time of year, and no one had mentioned the arrival of any travelers.
There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading "Blossom of the Valley: A Magical Birth"
(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app).
❤️Click to read more exciting content❤️