Forged in Frost and Fire (Book 1 in the Chronicles of Kings trilogy)

Chapter Nine

"Remember, there really is no patrol in the forest, but once you get into civilization you'll have to keep your head down and make sure those papers we forged are nearby. Keep those safe as well, grubby hands will take them from you before you can call out," Elda said. I nodded, her words were just mere echoes of what she had told me before. She had warned me of fae magic, though thanks to my 'stubborn mortal mind' I'd be able to resist pretty much all glamorous and mind-twisting spells. Their magic wasn't created to manipulate mortal brains in fae bodies. I was too complex for them.

"And remember to keep a knife in arms-reach at all times. And to keep one in your boot for safekeeping," Anastasia said. I might've imagined it, but I could've sworn I saw something...protective flash inside her cat eyes. "Be brave and keep that ice close to you. It should be your last weapon of choice since its rather...flashy, but it is your strongest weapon, remember that." She was right. Elda had warned me not to use any form of my ice magic in Hiraeth unless I desperately needed to. My magic was not a common one, and any form of otherly magic was extremely valuable in Hiraeth. And the last thing a spy needed was any extra attention on them.

"Right, and remember to keep your eyes as well as your ears open. Listen to everything and report anything you hear, wether or not you think it could be valuable," Dimitri said, placing a hand on my arm. He let out a sigh before pulling me into his arms. He was warm and soft and smelt of comforting things. He stroked my hair once.

"Please be safe." He pulled away from me and offered me an encouraging smile that I struggled to return.

"Remember, you'll never be alone in there, someone will always be watching out for you. Think of it like I'm watching your every waking move," Elda said, coming up to my side.

"Well, that's not creepy at all," I said, offering her a grin. She barked out a laugh before wrapping me in her arms. She smelt of something sharp and dark.

"Remember you'll always be welcome back to us. You have a family in us now." Her words brought tears rushing to my eyes and I clenched my jaw, trying to keep them in.

"You have no idea how much that means to me," I whispered, my voice trembling.

Elda held me tighter, letting out a weak chuckle. "I do. I really do." She squeezed my arm gently before pulling away. She turned her face away too quickly but I could've sworn I saw her eyes flash with something glossy.

"Oh gods above. Since we're all giving gods damned hugs," Anastasia said, reaching out an arm and pulling it around my shoulders. She hugged me tightly, the smell of something akin to brandy and orchids greeted my nose. An odd combination, but it somehow worked for her.

"I'm not going to pretend I hate you anymore," she said lowly in my ear. "You've made quite the impression on not only me but Elda so make sure you come back in one piece, okay?" She gave me a gentle pulse before letting me go. And all I could do was gape at her in return. I had never heard her say anything so genuinely...kind before to me.

"You should get going now," Elda said, making sure my bag straps were well adjusted on my shoulders. "You'll want to try and get out of the forest before day breaks." She had told me of the monsters and many, many dangerous creatures that prowled the forest during the nighttime. How it wasn't suitable for anyone, not even a powerful full fae with ice powers.

"Alright. I think I'm ready." I said. Even though I felt like I'd never be fully ready for this journey.

"Do us proud, Eira," Dimitri said, causing Anastasia to elbow him in the ribs.

"I already know she will." Elda said, some sort of dangerous twinkle glowing in her deep blue eyes. I didn't have time to question it though because then I was facing the forest, and the invisible border. One couldn't see the border but it was very much there. Mortals could not physically pass it, and without the right help, fae could not cross over to the mortal side. Half fae could though, which was how Elda had escaped from Hiraeth in the first place.

"Alright, go kick fae ass, mortal girl," Anastasia said, grinning at me. I found myself grinning back as I scanned the faces around me. Three people who had become so much to me in such little time.

"Thank you," I said, glancing between the three of them. "For everything." Elda nodded, clasping her hands to her chest and bowing her head.

"Good luck. We'll be in contact," she said, winking at me. I bid them one more goodbye before sucking in a sharp breath and taking that one step over the border. Magic washed over my skin, sending prickles of something like electricity skittering over me from my scalp down to my toes.

Glancing around, I saw that the world around me had changed. While it still looked like a forest, something about it was more...vivid. The colors seemed brighter, the sounds sharper. The smells were louder and it felt like I could see things more clearly. The magic in my veins pounded and swirled as if it was excited. I suddenly realized why. My fae body was home.