Birthright

Chapter 18 - enchanted forest - Jackson PoV

It was around midday when we finally reached what Ephy called the Enchanted Forest, a stretch of land that once belonged to the fae. The air felt different here, humming softly with old magic. In the distance, Mount Kanjuna towered over everything, its tip disappearing into the clouds like it was trying to poke a hole in the sky.

My muscles ached just looking at it. Lex chuckled when I groaned, but he didn’t look much more eager than I did.

We were supposed to use our senses to track down the group of rebels hiding somewhere in this wild maze. Walking deeper into the wood I was doing my best not to trip over the twisted roots that seemed determined to grab my boots. The deeper we went, the more I could feel the forest watching us, not in a hostile way, just.. curious.

Great. Just what we needed, an audience.

I nudged Lex with my elbow.

“I can feel it too,” he said quietly, his eyes scanning the trees.

Whoever was watching us clearly wasn’t trying to hide. The air tingled, like the moment before a storm or a laugh you’re trying not to let slip.

“I was told it’s rude to stare,” I said, raising my voice just enough for the trees to hear. “My name’s Jackson.”

The forest seemed to listen. The energy around us shifted, soft and curious. Whoever they were, they belonged to this place, and if they knew we came in peace, there’d be no reason for trouble. So I decided to be honest, proper introductions and all.

“Alpha Jackson Thorne of Talvarna.”

The response was immediate. The air sparkled to life, tiny lights blooming between the branches like living stars, drifting toward us in a slow, graceful dance. A chorus of small, musical voices filled the clearing, too many to make out, each one bright and quick as laughter.

Lex took a step back, but I couldn’t help smiling.

“Well,” I murmured, “looks like I’ve made an impression.”

The lights swirled around us, and for a heartbeat, it felt like the forest itself was grinning.

The brightest light of them all drifted from the trees, weaving gently through the air until it hovered before me. As it drew closer, I realized it wasn’t a firefly or a wandering spark, it was a faerie.

The Faerie floating gracefully infront of me was no taller than my palm, with glowing, fluorescent wings that shimmered like dew in sunlight. His hair was a tousled shade of dirty blonde, his eyes a sharp emerald green that seemed far too knowing for a creature so small.

“Alpha Jackson Thorne of Talvarna,” he said, his voice clear and musical. “We welcome you to the Enchanted Forest. I am Prince Eerie of Flarewood. We knew you would come one day, we felt your presence the moment you stepped beneath our trees. We have hidden here since the reign of King Alpha Kade. We are at your service.”

I blinked, unsure if I should bow or shake his hand.

Lex let out a low whistle. “Well,” he said with a grin, “looks like we’ve found our first allies.”

“Thank you, Prince Eerie,” I said, inclining my head. “Your welcome means more than you know. We came to the Enchanted Forest seeking allies, creatures like yourselves, who might stand with us when the time comes to take back what’s ours.”

The tiny prince’s wings fluttered, scattering a faint shimmer of green light between us. For a heartbeat, he studied me, eyes bright with something I couldn’t quite read, hope, maybe, or the weight of old memories.

“We have all been waiting for your rise,” Prince Eerie said, his voice like wind through crystal leaves. “The true heir of Talvarna has finally stepped into the light. You don’t know how long people have waited for this. I know the ones you seek, they have been waiting for you as well. They’ve taken refuge within these woods. Follow the stream until you reach the waterfall, behind its veil you will find them.”

“Thank you,” I said. “And will you and your court come with us?”

Prince Eerie shook his head, wings glimmering softly. “No, Your Majesty. We shall remain here and keep watch for any unwanted souls. We have much to prepare for. My court is well known for forging and wielding weapons. We shall have armour prepared and swords to wield. When the time comes, we will follow but for now, you must go. The moon will soon be at its highest.”

Lex’s head snapped between us. “Wait..how do you know that?”

Eerie’s emerald eyes sparkled with mischief. “I have the gift of foresight,” he said simply. “The future visits me when it chooses.”

Lex let out a low whistle. “Damn, that’s a good trick.”

I couldn’t help but smile. It always amused me how easily awed he was, especially now by the beings of this realm. Everything new and strange lit him up inside, like he was seeing the world for the first time.. we both were.