The gentle but unsettling tremors beneath the ground reminded Mira of the gravity of their situation. The world was changing, and not for the better. 

Since the destruction of Nox’s tree, the earth seemed to grieve, quaking with small but somewhat constant tremors that unsettled the fairies and terrified the humans and demi-humans. 

For Mira and her companions, the danger felt closer than ever.

The call for a council meeting between the fairy clans, which would occur in Balaydra, was a necessary but daunting step. 

Mira found herself torn between excitement and apprehension; Balaydra, the icy kingdom, was stunningly beautiful and filled with wonderful memories, but it came with its complications—one of them being Gideon.

As Mira, Zephyr, and their group (minus Roland and his crew, who stayed behind to assist the Earth clan) flew back to Verhmina from Glaemoor, Mira couldn’t help but glance at Zephyr’s furrowed expression. 

She chuckled, breaking the tense silence.

“Why do you dislike Gideon so much, Zephyr?” she asked, teasing.

Zephyr scowled, his distaste evident. 

“You’ve seen how he is—obsessed with Corinne and indifferent to the rest of the world. He sent his young nephew as a representative to Verhmina instead of someone with actual authority! Not to mention, Gideon only became King because his elder sister refused the throne. Zalaris has been in disarray ever since.”

Mira burst into laughter, clutching her sides. “Oh, yes! I completely understand now, Zephyr!” she exclaimed between gasps of air.

Zephyr groaned softly but was unable to suppress a small smile. He loved her laughter, even if it was at his expense. “Are you done, my love?” he asked, his tone teasing now.

Mira wiped tears of laughter from her eyes and grinned over at him. “Yes, yes! I’m alright now.”

Despite her cheerfulness, Zephyr could sense her unease. He didn’t push her to reveal her inner thoughts though; he knew when to give her the space that she needed.

---

When they reached Verhmina, they were greeted by Olivia and the royal family of Avaloria. Mira barely had time to take in their smiles of relief before Olivia hugged her tightly around her waist.

“Mom, I think you should check on Kiran,” Olivia said urgently as she looked up at her. “He’s been acting weird since you left.”

The distant sound of claws scraping against stone echoed through the air. Mira nodded, her heart sinking. “Alright, I’ll go. Zephyr, can you take over supervising the training for me?”

Zephyr cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing against her cheek in a comforting gesture. “I’ll take care of them. Don’t worry.”

As the others moved to leave to continue training, Olivia called out to her, “Be careful, Mom! Kiran might be in a bad mood!”

Mira smiled, appreciating her daughter’s thoughtfulness before taking flight toward Mount Kilford.

---

As she flew toward Kilford, she noticed the cave mouth was in disarray—stone scattered, walls clawed at in frustration. 

Mira’s wings slowed her descent as the sound of labored breathing reached her ears. She found Kiran, his enormous dragon form curled amidst the wreckage.

“Kiran?” she called softly, but heard nothing in response. Thinking him asleep, she turned to leave, fully prepared to check on him another time, until…

Kiran shifted, one dark purple eye cracking open. “Little fairy, you’ve returned,” he rasped, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

“Yes, hello again,” Mira replied, turning back to face him and stepping toward him. “I heard something happened while I was gone. Would you be willing to tell me what’s wrong?”

Kiran sighed, his gaze drifting to the damage around him. “Malakor has released another Demon Lord,” he said after a moment. “Ravyn the Necromancer.”

Mira’s breath hitched, and her hand flew to her mouth. “So soon? …This is terrible news,” she whispered, her legs giving out as she sank to her knees.

With a low rumble, Kiran transformed into his human form. He knelt before her, his sharp features softened with concern. 

Tilting her chin up, he said, “Calm yourself, little fairy. A leader shouldn’t fall to their knees so easily.”

Mira nodded, letting him help her stand. 

“I know, but… the odds are stacked against us. Two clans’ magic is gone. There are hardly any fairies left who can fight. If Malakor joins the fray, or if the last Demon Lord is released…” Her voice broke.

Kiran sighed, his frustration palpable as he led her to the edge of the cave, which overlooked Verhmina. “You worry too much,” he said, his tone carrying a rare gentleness as he looked down at the village.

“How can I not?” Mira asked, looking over at him.

He smirked, the golden light of the setting sun casting an ethereal glow over his features. “Because, with a good plan, we can defeat Vexis and Ravyn. And should Solara rise, we will face her together.”

Mira felt a surge of hope as she looked at his confident smirk. For the first time, she felt like they could truly win against these seemingly insurmountable odds. 

“Alright. Let’s do our best, Kiran!”

His smirk widened. “That’s more like it, little fairy.”

To be continued…