Page 97 of Shifting Winds
“Come closer, child,” the ancient voice said.
I did as they bade, my gaze everywhere all at once as I looked for threats. My magic was calm and lazy inside me, feeling at home in this strange place. I stopped a few feet away from the thrones and waited, my senses seeking out the flower with the irresistible scent.
There. I itched to step closer but didn’t want to seem overly curious.
“You may explore, daughter of Cernunnos,” the voice said.
Had I detected a note of amusement? The voice was deep but female.
I didn’t wait to be told twice. Moving from my spot, I made a beeline toward the crystal chair. A strange double-bloomed flower waved in a phantom air. The color was mixed with vivid purple and burgundy, its glowing filaments bright, electric blue.
Taught at a young age to be wary around unfamiliar plants, I came close enough to examine it but stayed far enough away to avoid any airborne pathogens or pollen.
A shimmer in the air revealed five fae.
I turned. My mother sat in the crystal chair. Cernunnos took the antler horn seat. A massive red-haired man with two axes strapped to his back took the silver one. A stunning woman with flowers woven in her pale hair took the greenery chair, and an older woman with long silver hair and proud features took the gold.
I moved away from the flower to retake my original place. Knowing I should do something, but also conscious of myposition, I dipped my head and offered them a short bow before rising.
“Welcome, Evangeline,” the silver-haired woman said. “Thank you for attending our summons.”
The invitation literally said attendance was not optional, but I chose not to point that fact out.
Look at me. Maturing already.
I dipped my head again and stayed silent.
Mom’s azure gaze rested on me, but Cernunnos looked past me, at a point over my shoulder.
When no one spoke, I cleared my throat. “May I ask about the unique flower I was looking at before you entered?”
The pale-haired woman smiled. “We simply call it a fae flower. It blooms only when and where it wants to, but seeing such a bloom is a good omen.”
Evie - 1, I guess. “Is there a way to grow it in the human world?”
“I’m afraid not,” she said. “Earth’s atmosphere isn’t quite right for the bloom to flourish, even on fae owned land.”
“Too bad. It’s stunning. Is it poisonous or in any way harmful?”
“No. It’s merely what it appears to be—a rare, stunning bloom.”
“Thank you for the knowledge.”
A small dimple peeked from the woman’s cheek. “I am always happy to share knowledge of flora and fauna. Please call me Aine.”
A goddess. One of summer, I think. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Aine.”
“Likewise.”
“Do you know why you are here?” the huge red-haired man asked.
“No idea,” I said honestly.
“You are Cernunnos’s chosen heir. We wished to see you for ourselves,” the giant boomed.
Again, this could have been a casual barbecue. “Alright,” I acknowledged. “I’m here.”
“We know,” he said. “We can see you.”
