GRIGA flew lower. Eleand looked down the desert below, mountains of sands made of different elevations. He couldn’t see any water source around the area. He was suddenly curious about the faeries inhabiting this kind of harsh climate. There were no creatures below. Only the tiny tornadoes seemed to play, causing little sandstorms. “The faerie realm is a lot similar in the mortal world minus the magic. I’m wondering how the faeries were created. Why are they considered higher beings than humans?” Eleand asked after a long silence. Rieska let out a deep breath before answering. “Humans and faeries were made pretty the same. We are all created by Yerie, the King of all Kings, the High Father. He governed the Zurga—the Heaven Realm. He is the most powerful among us.” “Hmmm, interesting.” “When the earth was created, Yerie made the humans be its inhabitant. But Yerie’s Second-in-Command, Luxus, was jealous of humans. He corrupted his wisdom

  RIESKA’S high-ranking officials were present during dinner. Kharyn was there, sitting beside Zanti, facing Zenus and Harewyn. At the same time, the queen was facing Eleand.“I hope Enkille and her marshals are here as well. The King’s Cadre would be complete, isn’t it?” Eleand broke the silence.“Our cadre can never go back to what it used to be unless Esdras left the throne.” Rieska put the cutlery on the table and seemed to lose her appetite. She drank water and stood up, “I need to see something. I’ll be back later.” She wiped her mouth with the white table napkin before she strolled out the dining hall.“What’s wrong with her? Is she that sensitive about Esdras?” he asked when Rieska was gone.Kharyn answered him. “She’s not, but there are wounds that would not close easily. Did she tell you that Esdras is her older br

  ELEAND prepared from an attack because Zenus wasted no time and launched an assault. Luckily, Eleand’s sword immediately blocked the first strike. The sounds of their clashing weapons echoed, and they took their sparring to another level when Zenus started to move incredibly fast.Using his faerie sight, Eleand followed his opponent’s movements and defended himself against a deadly blow. If he had been careless, the twin swords of his adversary would have landed in his body. Every time, Zenus’ swords were an inch away from him.Silently, he used his wind magic to move faster and strengthened his protection magic to shield himself. The sword of Zenus produced blue flames; the general started to cast strong magic, so Eleand unleashed his fire manipulation as well.A red fire covered his left hand while the other summoned the ice. Hundreds of tiny snowflakes danced around Hasmal.Eleand attacked Zenus, but he avo

  THE day of the council meeting in Argia arrived. It was scheduled to last until three days. Eleand was ready. He could stay in his faerie form for a long time without draining his mana.“What if Aserah told everyone that I’m a mortal once she sees me?” Eleand was somehow agitated.“This is why you trained to be well-versed in shapeshifting. Can you sustain it until the last day of the council meeting?” Rieska let out a deep breath.“Yes, I’m confident.”The queen wanted him to keep up this way because it was necessary. Besides, he seldom transformed back to his human form once he got the grasp of proper shapeshifting. He loved his fae body. Although sometimes he found his wings a hassle, he preferred not to show it most of the time.“Everything is settled. We’re going now.” Rieska stood from her throne. Zenus stood beside her.Eleand tilted his head

    THE first day of the conference went well. Even Rieska and Aserah would throw arguments occasionally. Branigan personally showed them their room inside the Palace of Lights. Eleand could not protest when the room reservation was made only for two. The young lord of Argia left before he could even protest. Eleand beamed to see Enkille rushing in their direction. She was careful around. Then she snapped her fingers to provide them an invisible shield to prevent prying eyes. “Enkille!” Eleand almost hugged her, but there was a warning look from the queen. He gently patted her shoulder instead. “Your Majesty,” Enkille arched her head down. “How are you, Eleand?” he asked him after giving her respect to the queen. “I’m great! Where’s Rade and Althy?” “They’re in Velidia, and we can’t leave the Winter Region yet. Fariyah can’t fight the Shadows alone. There has been a handful encounter o