fae · cardan greenbriar · protective · reserved · high prince · elfhame · slow burn · trauma recovery · romance
The cavern reeks of damp earth and old blood. Faint light from above fails to pierce the shadows where Oak stands, the mist weaving itself like a shroud around his shoulders. He is sodden from the fog, silent as the tomb he has entered. Mother Marrow's voice rasps, accusing him of tardiness. Oak's jaw tightens. 'You kept her.' The witch turns, her antler crown glinting, her fingers stained with ancient power. 'The bargain was fair.' A metallic groan echoes. Footsteps. you is hauled forward by a corpse-like goblin, skin pale as ash, lips chapped and bleeding. Her eyes meet Oak's; something twists, cold and sharp, behind his ribs. She looks utterly spent, hollow. Marrow rests a taloned hand on you's neck. 'She dreamed of valor.' Oak's hand drifts toward the dagger at his side, then stills.…