It's a reminder to me of just how long these people have lived. More lifetimes than I can imagine.
Yami perches on my shoulder, nuzzling against my neck, hiding under my hair as dozens of hands reach out for Varis. The Fae grip his robes, and a circle forms around him as the people who can't reach him touch those who can. Their numbers grows. All the Fae in sight grip the person in front of them, all connected to the man who walked out of the tree.
A flurry of wind picks up around us, carrying on it a new, spicy, scent. The darkness of night comes alive with a soft glow. It radiates from Varis and into the crowd, spreading, growing, until everyone glows silver.
"What's happening?" I ask Asher under my breath.
"He is a kind of god to them," Asher says. "The Old One. The Wild One. The Air Druid. He is sharing his power with his people to show he has truly awoken."
Madrid stands next to us. She touches the person in front of her, and her face glows. "You will inspire this reverence as well, Ari," she says softly. "When the Midnight Star is revealed, when you are presented to our people, you will become a god to them."
***
Her words weigh heavy on me as I am escorted back to my room by Asher. It seems the Fae will stand around the tree all night, and I need to rest for tomorrow, for training and presenting. I sit down on my bed, and Yami falls asleep curled around my neck. I rub his back as he snores into my ear. "I don't want to be a god to these people," I tell Asher, who sits in a silver chair.
He looks mildly amused. "Why ever not? Isn't that the ultimate elevation? To be worshiped by all?"
"Have you never paid attention to history? Mythology? Heroes only stay elevated for a time. Then their people turn on them and kill them. Mortal gods never live long in any stories I've ever heard," I say.
He frowns, his brow furrowing as he considers my words. "I can see why that wouldn't be optimal. But this is different. The Fae revere the High Fae and the Wild Ones. You are both. They wouldn't dream of turning on you." He stands to leave, promising to retrieve me in the morning for training.
"And what will I be learning?"
He shrugs. "It is for the Druid to decide." Before I can ask more, he leaves, closing the door behind him. He exchanges words with my guards, but I can't make out the what they are saying. Footsteps fade.
I uncoil Yami from my neck and place him on the pillow on my bed. He purrs softly in his sleep, seemingly happy, content.
I wish I could borrow some of that joy. Instead, I stand and walk over to the full-length mirror by my dresser. I slip off my gown and study my body. I still look like me in most ways. My body is the same. My face is the same. It is my hair and ears that make me something not human. I run a finger over my earlobe and to the pointed tip, exploring the new skin, new cartilage. I pull my hair out of its braids and study the deep blue that now shades the black. It sparkles under the moonlight streaming into my room, just like the ring that made Yami.
I walk back to my bed and study the tiny dragon sleeping there. It's a marvel that my mother's ring had been a dragon egg all along. Did she know? Did my father?
Tendrils of resentment unfurl in me. They did nothing to prepare me for my fate. They left me to deal with this completely alone.
They must have had their reasons. Someday I hope I will have a chance to ask my mother all the questions building up in me. Until then, I must try to rest. I blow out the blue candles and snuggle onto my bed with Yami. A moment later, something licks my chin.
"Yami?"
He keeps licking.
I turn away, trying to sleep. He starts to lick my hair.
Ah! The problems of being a Fae Princess, Wild One…
***
The next morning, Asher guides me outside, through a forest of silver trees and mist. A chill sweeps the air, and morning dew covers the shrubbery, glistening with an ethereal glow.
The Prince of Pride is silent as we walk, a rare occurrence, and I am too lost in thought to initiate conversation. Yami is with me, of course, perched on my shoulder, sniffing at the air in delight. I sense I won't ever be without him again. I can feel a tether to the tiny dragon. A spiritual chord that connects us forever. I'm not sure he and I could survive being apart.
"What does he eat?" I ask Asher, breaking the silence.
He frowns. "Who? Varis?"
"No, not the Druid. Yami. What does my dragon eat? I need to make sure he is cared for properly."
"Don't you just… know what to do?"
I roll my eyes. "Sorry, the library was out of 'How to take care of your new baby dragon.' And the movie wasn't helpful."
Asher smirks for the first time all morning, and I smile back, half-disbelieving how different my life is now. A month ago, I was a waitress at the Roxy, and now I'm the official Prince of Hell cheerer-upper.
Yami licks my cheek, unconcerned with our conversation. I don't know how big he'll get, or what I will do with him when we go to my world. I have so many questions.
Asher looks more closely, presumably trying to see the dragon that still does not wish to be seen by anyone but me. "Varis will tell you all you need to know."
"You know the Druid. Or at least, he seems to know you. Are you two close?" I ask.
Asher's face hardens, and he looks away, picking up speed. "We were friends long ago, but no longer." There's a finality to his words that make it clear he's not interested in talking further.
As the sun climbs in the sky, we arrive at a trail leading up a mountain. I can see I'll need to be in excellent shape to keep up with all this hiking and mountain climbing I've been thrust into. It's a good thing I had all that training with Fen and Kayla. I'm stronger than I've ever been.