Birthright

Chapter 19 - behind the waterfall - Jackson pov

With one last bow, Prince Eerie and his glowing court drifted back into the trees, their light fading until only the soft shimmer of pollen hung in the air.

“Well,” Lex said, slinging his pack over his shoulder, “guess we’re headed for a waterfall.”

“Guess so,” I replied, glancing toward the faint sound of rushing water echoing through the forest.

The path ahead wound through silver bark trees that glowed faintly beneath the sun rays escaping through the dense leafs. Tiny motes of light floated between the branches perhaps magic, perhaps curious fae still watching us go. The air smelled of rain and wildflowers, of something ancient and kind.

“You think they were serious?” Lex asked after a while. “About waiting for me.. no you, I mean the ‘true heir of Talvarna’ stuff?”

I smiled, though I wasn’t sure why. “I think in places like this, the forest always knows more than it tells.”

We followed the sound until the trees opened into a clearing bathed in sunlight. There it was, the waterfall taller than a fortress wall, crashing down into a pool so clear it mirrored the stars. Mist hung in the air, cool and glowing, and behind that endless sheet of water, I swore I saw movement.

“Behind the waterfall,” I murmured.

Lex grinned. “Well, after you, Alpha.”

The roar of water swallowed our voices as we stepped closer, and for a moment I thought I could hear faint whispers hidden in the mist, voices welcoming us home.

The water was shockingly cold as we stepped through the curtain of it, soaking us to the bone. For a breathless moment, there was only the thunder of falling water and the shimmer of light bouncing off the walls. Then, as we emerged on the other side, the sound softened and the world opened up.

A vast cavern stretched before us, lit by a thousand flickering lanterns that clung to the stone like captive stars. The air smelled of damp earth and campfire smoke. Dozens of figures moved between the shadows men, women, and creatures alike, some with wings, others with glowing eyes or clawed hands. Rebels. Survivors.

A few stopped what they were doing to stare at us, whispering quietly to one another. I couldn’t tell if it was suspicion or hope that lingered in their eyes.

“Friendly bunch,” Lex muttered under his breath.

Before I could answer, someone stepped forward. She was tall, dressed in weathered leathers with silver threads woven into her dark hair. There was power in her stance, but no threat just quiet authority.

“So it’s true,” she said, her voice carrying easily through the cavern. “The Alpha of Talvarna walks again.”

My heart thudded. “You know who I am?”

A small smile tugged at her lips. “We’ve been waiting for you. The fariees sent word.” She extended a hand. “I’m Captain Mira of the Rebellion. Welcome home, Alpha.”

Around us, murmurs rippled through the cavern, some cautious, some reverent. For the first time in a long while, I felt something stir deep inside me.

Hope.

Lex elbowed me lightly. “Guess we found the right waterfall.”

I smiled, still half in disbelief. “Yeah,” I said softly. “Looks like we did.”

Mira led us deeper into the cavern, the soft hum of voices following like a tide. The further we went, the more the space opened arches of stone rising high above, carved with runes that glowed faintly as we passed. The rebels had built more than a camp here; it was a refuge, old and alive with hidden magic.

We reached a wide chamber where a fire burned in a hollow of stone. Around it sat a circle of figures. Their eyes lifted as Mira entered with us at her heels.

“Leaders of the Rebellion,” she said, her tone steady but proud, “the Alpha of Talvarna has arrived.”

The group stirred. A man with silver scars along his jaw stood first, bowing his head. “The fairy prince spoke true,” he said. “We felt the forest shift when you crossed its border.”

“We’ve been waiting for a sign,” added a woman with copper skin and eyes that shimmered like molten gold. “The balance has been broken for too long.”

I wasn’t sure what to say. Part of me wanted to laugh, to tell them I wasn’t anyone’s prophecy, I was just here to claim what was mine.

Mira stepped closer. “There’s something you need to see,” she said softly. She gestured to the far side of the chamber, where an ancient stone tablet rested upon a dais. Etched across its surface were swirling runes and a crest I recognised immediately a sword with my bloodlines sigil.

My throat tightened. “That’s..my family’s mark.”

Mira nodded. “It was found after the fall of King Alpha Kade, and brought up here to for fill its purpose. The prophecy of Talvarna speaks of his line returning to unite the fractured realms when darkness rises again.”

Lex gave a low whistle. “So, that’d be you then.”

I stared at the sigil, its faint light pulsing like heartbeat

The fire crackled, casting long shadows over the faces around me, faces full of belief. For the first time, I didn’t feel like a visitor in someone else’s story. I felt… claimed by it.

The rebellion had a purpose.

And, apparently, so did I.