When Eryl returns, he greets me with a grin. “Are you ready for your transformation?”
I nod.
He raises his hands and I watch as glowing blue light gathers in his palms. It turns into swirling wisps and glowing tendrils that move toward me, circling my form. Warmth travels over my skin like a gentle caress and I watch in wonder as a beautiful pale-blue dress appears, replacing my tattered servant’s clothing. With tiny crystals embedded in the fine silk, it reminds me of pure starlight. It is the most gorgeous gown I’ve ever beheld.
Eryl smiles. “What do you think?”
“It’s beautiful.”
He flicks his wrist and a full-length mirror appears before me. My mouth drifts open as I stare at my reflection. I reach up and touch my face. My eyes are the same shade of blue, but with a soft glow like Ryvan and Eyrl’s. My face is unchanged except for my now pointed ears. The top half of my hair is pulled back in a series of intricate braids like a crown while the rest frames my shoulders in long, chocolate waves.
I turn slightly and then smile when I notice a pair of gorgeous Fae wings peeking out from the back of my dress. I gesture to them. “Does this mean I can fly?”
Eryl shakes his head. “Unfortunately, not. Do not worry. I have another way for us to get to the ball.” His expression turns serious. “My enchantment will not last very long. Only until the last stroke of midnight. So, we must get you away from the ball before then and on your way to Luryndale to board the ship for Arnafell.”
I nod. I glance down at my feet and notice my tattered shoes peeking out from beneath the fabric. “What about—”
Eryl hands me a pair of glass slippers.
“But how will I walk in these?” I wonder aloud, since the crystal shape is unyielding.
Without waiting for him to answer, I slip them on, marveling at how they conform to my foot, the material surprisingly as soft as satin.
My brow furrows deeply. “They are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. How is that possible?”
“They are magic,” he answers. “They will allow you to pass through the barrier undetected. He gives me a pointed look. “Both slippers must remain on your feet at all times, else the magic of our kingdom will recognize you are an outsider and expel you.”
As excited as I am to attend the ball and see Ryvan again, I am desperate to understand what happened between us when we kissed. He said we cannot fall in love, but I do not understand why. I look to Eryl. “Ryvan told me he is Dark Fae. But what exactly does that mean? Why is it dangerous?”
His expression sobers. “Because Dark Fae possess the Dark Magic of destruction.”
“What does that mean?”
“They are capable of wielding the destructive forces of the elements. But it is more than just that.” He frowns. “It is dangerous because these things are tied to his emotions… he must control them lest they unleash the energy within him.”
“Is it not the same with Light Fae?” I ask, still not sure I understand.
He shakes his head. “Dark Magic is more powerful than Light.”
“But he can control it, can he not?”
“I believe that he can, but Ryvan doubts himself.”
“Why?”
“The last Dark Fae King Erebyr… his powers drove him mad. He destroyed everything and everyone he loved. He would have led our kingdom to ruin if his brother had not killed him.” He pauses. “That is why they are feared. That is why Ryvan worries as he does. He believes he is cursed.”
My heart clenches. Tears sting my eyes but I blink them back as I think on how terrible it must be for Ryvan. To be both feared and to be fearful as well because of what he is.
I meet Eryl’s gaze evenly. “That’s why he wanted me to accompany him to the ball. He does not want a wife because he worries that she could be hurt.”
His brother lowers his gaze and nods solemnly. “Yes.”
In my heart, I know he is not dangerous. My soul aches for him because he is in such misery. I’d thought he didn’t want a wife because he valued his freedom. But now I know it is because he fears what he is and does not wish to burden someone else with the dark secret he carries within him.
“Are you ready to leave?” Eryl asks.
“Yes.”
Determination fills me. I love Ryvan and I do not care if he is dangerous. It’s a risk I am willing to take and now… I need to convince him of this.
