Prologue
17 Years Ago
The snow swirled gently around me as the icy wind began to pick up. Instinctively I pulled the bundle in my arms closer to me as I quietly crept through the forest. It was imperative I made it to the Cristallo before the moon reached its apex. Nathaniel’s instructions were very clear. If there was any chance of making it to the Summer Realm safely, it had to happen before the moon reached its peak. He promised me that he would meet me at the Cristallo to make the journey with me.
I tried to maintain focus on the present, but I could not stop my mind from drifting back to the c*****e I had just fled. The Winter Realm had been without war for so long. Each pack coexisted somewhat peacefully, honouring centuries-old treaties and laws as best as possible under the rule of the Fairy King and Queen. To other werewolf realms, the peaceful coexistence of fae and werewolves seemed preposterous. Werewolves were far superior in their eyes. Clearly, these wolves had not bedded a fairy before. The lustful thoughts of my mate’s naked body brought a wicked smile to my face.
“Stop it!” I mentally scolded myself. “Now is not the time to start fantasizing. Do you want to be caught?”
I delicately shifted the bundle in my hands, as I quietly scanned my surroundings. In the distance, I could see the iridescent glow of the Cristallo. As I approached the clearing I made out the familiar outline of my mate Nathaniel, waiting for me. I let out a sigh of relief as the bundle in my hands began to squirm. Becoming aware of our presence, Nathaniel quickly made his way to my side, peering down at our beautiful baby girl.
“There’s my precious little bambina,” Nathaniel quietly cooed as he traced his finger down her button nose. Turning to me, Nathaniel gently kissed me on the tip of my nose asking, “Are you ready?”
With my eyes glistening with unshed tears I questioned Nathaniel, “Are you sure this is the only option?”
Nathaniel looked at me heartbroken. “Yes my love, if there is any chance of our beautiful girl surviving, she needs to be hidden away.” Nathaniel looked up at the moon. “It is time. Have you got the portal?”
I nodded slowly, removing a rose gold necklace from around my neck. Hanging on the necklace was an intricately cut snowflake pendant made of the same crystals in the Cristallo. Trying to fight back the tears still threatening to fall, I gently placed the necklace inside my sweet baby’s swaddle along with a note.
Nathaniel took my hand, and placed his other hand on the Cristallo, closing his eyes and whispering in his native fae tongue. The Cristallo began to glow brighter, I had to close my eyes as the glow became impossible to look at. Suddenly I felt the familiar lurch in my stomach as we teleported to the Summer Realm.
Cover Art Credit: https://www.deviantart.com/itsdura/art/White-Wolf-206812665 and https://www.pexels.com/photo/scenic-view-of-dramatic-sky-during-winter-258112/
