The human realm.
For a moment, I simply stare at her. Of all the places she could have suggested, the human realm is the last one I expected to hear. But as the idea sinks in, I realize she may be right.
Our of the eight realms, it is the only realm where we are nothing but myths. Our existence is reduced to cautionary tales meant to frighten children into obedience, our lives nothing but glittering anecdotes for their entertainment. Even those humans lucky enough to be matched by an amore faerie or granted wishes by a genio fae forget the encounters entirely, as though they never happened.
“But what of Vaeloncia?” I am desperate, evident by the fact that I’m seeking guidance from a child.
“Vaeloncia will only survive if you do.” Valentina places her small hand over my heart. “You, Sir Dominic, are a good faerie. When we need you, you will return.”
Can I do this? I’ve been to the human realm before, and on impulse, traded one of the jewels Mother always leaves lying about. It fetched me millions in their currency, so I don’t need to worry about living in poverty.
I glance at Nix, searching for reassurance. My heart drops when I realize he cannot accompany me. Worse still, I can’t bring the Cupid’s Heart either. The human realm is monitored—any artifact that crosses into it is logged, and I can guarantee Mother has those records reviewed by the hour. The moment I step across the barrier, both Nix and the Cupid’s Heart will reveal my intentions to her.
Nix hops closer, then leaps up to settle on my shoulder. His dark gaze meets mine, and when he dips his head slightly, offering his support, it feels as though my heart might burst. I’m sorry, Nix. The pain of our imminent separation sits heavy between us. I know he can fend for himself, but being realms apart is a harsh reality.
As for the Cupid’s Heart…
I glance at Valentina. She’s watching me quietly, her wide eyes filled with patience, giving me the space I need to decide.
“Valentina,” I say, my voice steadying. “Go find the most beautiful stick you can.”
She dashes off without a single question, her small form disappearing through the trees. I take a quick look around to make sure I am alone, then reach inside my tunic. A moment later, the glamour shrouding the Cupid’s Heart fades away.
The moment Father entrusted me with it—telling me to keep it hidden and safe—I vowed to keep it close. Over the years, I’ve used my glamour to disguise it as a protruding bone, an unsightly scar, a festering wound, or even a beauty mark. I even wore it woven into my midnight hair for an entire year. Now, I pull it from where it’s disguised as an innocuous button inside my tunic, holding it in the palm of my hand.
At first glance, it could easily be mistaken for a shard from a broken vase, as it is a tiny, glass stone no bigger than my thumbnail. But as it makes contact with my skin, I feel its power hum, thrumming deep within. The potential I feel… I understand why Mother is obsessed with it, even if I loathe her intentions.
“I found one!” Valentina’s return is heralded by her loud rustling through the undergrowth. Just in time, I disguise the Heart as one of the ordinary stones from our game. She drops a stick—indistinguishable from those at our feet—into my lap, beaming with pride. “Isn’t it wonderful?!”
“Indeed, it is. Excellent work, little one.”
“What will you do with it?” she asks, curiosity lighting her eyes.
“Watch,” I reply.
She kneels beside me, her gaze glued to my hands as I weave my power. First, I imbue the stone with a deep midnight blue, flooding it with an iridescent shimmer. Next, I work on the stick, stripping the bark and transforming it into gleaming silver metal. Slowly, I shape it, using both hands to mold a setting for the Heart.
“Give me your hand,” I say once the stone is balanced atop the newly-formed bracelet. She offers her arm without hesitation, her eyes wide as I bend the silver around her wrist. Once the ends meet, I ensure it’s snug enough not to slip off her delicate arm but flexible enough to grow with her.
“Sir Dominic! It’s beautiful!” Valentina twists her arm, marveling at the bracelet now glinting in the sunlight. The simple band, adorned only with an engraved bird on either side of the setting, holds the Heart at its center, gleaming like a promise.
“Consider it a token for your upcoming seventh year,” I tell her, smiling fondly at her rapturous expression.
“Thank you!” She throws her arms around my neck, squeezing tightly. “It’s the most beautiful gift anyone’s ever given me!” She admires it again before hugging me once more.
“You’re very welcome. But listen, little one.” I wait until she meets my eyes, her gaze filled with innocent curiosity. “You must never take it off.”
“Oh, I won’t! I pro—”
“Wait,” I stop her. “Never take it off, and never let anyone else remove it either.”
She nods earnestly, her small hand covering the bracelet protectively. “Never!”
I study her face, the joy radiating from it, and I know what must be done. “Valentina, look at me.”
“Yes?” She meets my eyes, and I hold her gaze, letting my power flow toward her. To my surprise, she resists—something many fully grown faeries struggle to do. If she’s this powerful at just six years old, perhaps Vaeloncia’s future is in capable hands. But after a gentle, persistent nudge, she succumbs, her expression softening as she falls under my glamour. I take a deep breath, steadying myself.
“Little one, you will not remember our conversation today. All you will recall is playing and meeting a new friend and his sparrow. Understood?”
She hesitates, but as I overpower her resistance again, she nods. “Yes.”
“You will remember nothing about Vaeloncia, the Queen, Lady Florence, my plans to leave for the human realm, or the Cupid’s Heart. Understood?”
“Yes.”
“You will guard the bracelet as though your life depends on it, but do not draw attention to it. When asked where it came from, say it was a gift from a kind friend. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” she replies, nodding solemnly.
“You will respect the Queen, but remain wary of her. Never let her gain the upper hand over you. I don’t foresee you meeting her, but you are immensely powerful, and life has proven unpredictable. Understood?”
“I understand.” She nods again, her curls bouncing about her face.
“Good. As I release you, your last memory will be urging me to stand, so I don’t harm your friend. Okay?”
“Okay.” I brush my knuckles gently under her chin, regret weighing heavy in my heart. I wish I could let her keep the memories of today, but I know it’s too dangerous.
“Valentina? Child, where are you?” A woman’s voice calls out from the woods. I have seconds to release my hold, reasserting my glamour to hide my true identity. A moment later, a woman—presumably Valentina’s mother—appears, her eyes widening in surprise when she sees us.
“Mama!” Valentina calls out loudly. “This man nearly crushed Friend!”
“Oh!” The woman’s shoulders visibly relax as she approaches. “I apologize. She’s eager to be Sparrowed and has taken an imaginary one until then.”
“Mama!” Valentina stomps her foot in protest. “Friend is not imaginary! He’s my sparrow!” she insists, and her mother smiles indulgently.
“Very well, dear. But now, it’s time to head home.” She glances up at me, offering a small smile. “I apologize if she was a bother.”
“Not at all,” I assure her, bowing my head. “She’s been delightful.”
The woman dips into a curtsey, gently tugging Valentina’s hand. “Come along now.”
“Wait!” Valentina pulls away from her mother, rushing over to Nix, who is perched on a low branch. “I didn’t get to say goodbye to this sparrow!”
“Very well,” her mother sighs. “But come straight home after.” She offers me another curtsey before disappearing down the path. I step closer to Valentina and smile at her.
“He is my sparrow. Would you like to pet him?” Her eyes widen in delight, but then she glances toward her mother’s retreating figure, biting her lip.
“I really want to, but I have to catch up with Mama.”
“We understand. Perhaps another time.” I place my hand over my heart, bowing slightly. “May your heart be at ease, little one, and may you always be in good health.”
Valentina offers an awkward but endearing curtsey, her smile bright. “And for you, I wish the same!” she exclaims. With one last gentle pat on Nix’s head, she turns and dances down the path. “Farewell, kind sir! Farewell, Lennox!”