Lorien POV
When the guard straightened, his posture filled with either pride or confidence I couldn’t tell which it reassured me that I was still doing the right thing. They were counting on me, after all.
So I lifted my chin, steadying myself, and allowed Riven to lead me to Aelira.
Her workspace was a whirlwind of creation and chaos. Mannequins draped in half-finished gowns stood like silent sentinels, surrounded by cascades of fabric in every color imaginable. The air shimmered faintly with magic threads and needles moved on their own, stitching fabric without a single touch from the fairy herself. The sight stole a gasp from me.
“Aelira, darling,” Riven called, his voice warm with affection. At hearing his endearment, I let out a quiet breath of relief. Maybe his interest wasn’t in
