“We will search the forest again,” I told him. “We will find her.”

“No. She’s gone. I know it.” Aric sobbed as he cradled the bracelet.

In that heavy moment, grief hung thick in the air around us. Promising never to forget Lyra’s memory was all I could offer. She wouldn’t be overlooked; her story would be told.

I placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll make things right," I said firmly.

Watching sadly as he slowly retreated, his posture full of anguish, I felt the weight of my duty to my people pressing down on me. The disappearance of Lyra, the sudden departure of the Lycans, and the abnormal amount of dark fae couldn't be mere coincidence. My jaw clenched as a thought suddenly crossed my mind. Why Lyra? Of all the fae, why one healer?

I clenched my teeth, my anger boiling as I demanded, "We need to find out if others have gone missing. Now!"

My determination to uncover the truth and protect my people at all costs fueled the fire of justice in my soul as I spoke.

I turned to my guards, the fury in my eyes evident. "Spread the word. We need to know if anyone else has disappeared," I commanded urgently. The weight of the situation pressed down on me, urging me to seek answers and take action.

Watching them scatter to gather information, I paced back and forth, trying to make sense of what little I knew about the situation.

When the guards returned with grim news, my heart sank. "What do we know about them?" I inquired, steeling myself for the unsettling truth.

"They were all last seen near the outskirts of the village. Lyra, healer. Seraphia, healer. Elowyn, flora magic. Isolde, seer. Last seen last night," one guard reported.

Four women were taken last night, the same night that both werewolves and dark fae were in town.

"Gather our best trackers and hunters immediately," I commanded hesitantly.

We needed answers at any cost. As Allyster and Ember explained their lack of vigilance over those who disappeared mysteriously, frustration bubbled up within me. The thought of dark fae or mercenaries being involved only fueled my anger even more. It was supposed to be a time of celebration- the harmony festival- but while I was getting drunk, four innocent women were taken from their homes.

"Allyster!" My voice cut through the air sharply. "Prevent that ship from leaving our lands! Take our water fae to secure our eastern borders immediately."

I was angry, and my vision was getting blotchy. I barely even heard Ember over the internal rage growing in me.

“My lady, we must get you back to the palace.” She said she sounded more serious than usual.

“I’m needed here.” I snapped back, trying my hardest to push back the tears I could feel forming. I shook off Ember's command. She will have to drag me back to the palace.

Allyster left to command the troops with precision and determination. The urgency of the situation pushed us into action, his forces mobilizing swiftly as they aimed to track down the culprits responsible for the disappearances.

I need to speak to the dark fae. I’m sure some stragglers are still hanging around; I have to find one willing to talk to me.

“Any dark faeries that can hear me, I command you as your Queen to take me to see your commander,” I yelled into the square as I hopped onto the wooden band platform into the square.

I have no idea if they will even acknowledge me. The dark fae are elusive and secretive creatures, not ones to reveal their intentions or loyalties quickly. Despite my uncertainty, I stood there in the square, waiting for any sign of response from the shadows.

Moments passed like hours before a figure emerged from the darkness, gliding towards me confidently. His dark, ebony skin blended seamlessly with the shadows around him. His beady black eyes bore into mine as he stopped a few feet away, tilting his head curiously.

"What does the powerless Queen of the Light want from us?" His voice was smooth and melodic, sending shivers down my spine.

"That is for your commander and me to discuss," I replied, trying to keep my tone firm despite the unease creeping over me.

“Your Majesty,” Ember called after me, her voice tight with exasperation, “you cannot simply march into enemy territory!”

I didn’t slow down. “Watch me.”

“Ciara!” she snapped, abandoning formality altogether, jogging to catch up. “This is reckless, even for you. Do you have any idea what kind of danger you’re walking into?”

“Danger?” I scoffed, throwing a glance over my shoulder. “The dark fae agreed to a treaty. What’s the worst that could happen?”

The dark fae standing in front of me looked as unimpressed as ever, his sharp features etched with what could only be described as perpetual boredom.

Ember stepped between us, her flame-colored hair sparking with her rising frustration. “This is absurd! You’re the Queen, Ciara. You can’t just—”

“Watch me,” I interrupted again, grinning at her indignation.

“I can’t believe I’m hearing this,” she muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. “We’re going back to the palace. Now.”

“No, we’re not,” I said firmly. “I’m the queen, and I’m giving you both a royal order to take me to the dark fae commander.”

He sighed dramatically, his black eyes narrowing as he regarded me. “You’re lucky I have nothing better to do tonight. Fine. But don’t say she didn’t warn you.”

His lips curled into a sly smile, revealing rows of sharp, pointed teeth. "Very well," he sneered, “Climb on and hold tight.”

"What? Hold on tight?" I could hardly believe my eyes as I watched, transfixed, his body shifted and morphed. His ebony skin melted into a sleek, black fur coat, his legs lengthened and transformed into powerful hooves, and his face extended into a noble muzzle.

He became a majestic draft horse standing proudly before me in mere moments. I felt awe and trepidation as I gazed upon his powerful form, knowing I would ride him to meet their commander.

The horse snorted, pawing the ground impatiently.

“Oh, no,” Ember said, crossing her arms. “Absolutely not. You are not getting on that—thing.”

“Watch me,” I said for the third time that night, grinning at her.

Ember gawked at me, her hands flying up in disbelief. “Ciara, you cannot—”

With a deep inhalation, I steadied myself and approached him, my hands reaching out to grasp his muscular neck. His coat was smooth and warm beneath my fingers, and I could feel the power coursing through his body. I swung myself up onto his back, my legs automatically finding their position on either side of his broad torso. He snorted, and I felt his muscles bunch and flex beneath me as he prepared to move.

"Hold tight," his words echoed in my mind, and I did so, my hands gripping his neck tightly as he surged forward, galloping through the village streets at an otherworldly speed.

"My lady, WAIT!" Ember's voice echoed behind me, but we were already outside the village and heading toward the mysterious dark fae's territory within seconds.