Mark of the Exiled Prince

Chapter Six-Between Two Worlds

I stood outside our villa with my parents, the cool breeze brushing against my skin. My dad’s expression was unusually serious, his eyes scanning the quiet street with a weight I hadn’t seen before.

“What are we waiting for?” I whispered to my mum, sensing the tension in the air.

“Just wait,” she replied softly, squeezing my hand. Her voice was gentle, steady—like an anchor in the middle of a storm.

A subtle, heavy breeze rolled through the street, carrying a faint shimmer in its wake. Then, almost as if stepping out of the air itself, a woman appeared. She moved with an effortless grace, and my eyes widened as her gaze fell upon my father.

For a moment, the world seemed to pause.

She smiled—a soft, knowing smile—and without hesitation, she walked to my father and wrapped him in a tight embrace.

I froze, my heart thudding. My mum had always been protective of my dad, often quick to keep others at a distance when it came to him. But now… she didn’t flinch. She didn’t tense. Instead, she stepped closer, a serene calm settling around her like a warm cloak. Her lips curved in a quiet smile, and her eyes held only reassurance and trust.

“Mythros…” the woman said, her voice like wind through silver leaves. “It has been so long.”

She turned to my mum, her gaze softening as it landed on her. “Liora, how have you been? I see you’ve been caring for this moody man all this time.” Her tone was teasing yet gentle, and the flowered scent that clung to her—a delicate mix of roses and something older, wilder—was intoxicating.

Then she looked at me. “And who is this little cutie?” Her eyes glimmered with curiosity, and she took a step closer. “You’ve grown so much… I’d almost say he’s one of us, he’s so… cute.”

I felt heat rush to my face, my stomach twisting as I tried to find words to respond.

“Let’s go inside, Valthira,” my dad said abruptly, his voice taking on a measured authority that made my chest tighten. We followed him inside quietly, and for a brief moment, I noticed something in his aura—sharp, deliberate, and unyielding. A presence that hinted he was more than just the man I knew.

⸻

Once inside, we settled in the living room. I chose a seat close to my mum, and she took my hand, placing it over hers in a gesture that was both comforting and grounding.

“Thae… up… up…”

Elena came in, her little hands reaching toward me. I lifted her onto my lap, smiling as she nestled into me.

“Hey, baby girl,” I whispered, and she hummed softly, curling closer.

“Well, Val,” my dad began, his voice carrying a new weight, “let me introduce my son to you.”

The words hung in the air, and I felt a mix of curiosity and unease tightening in my chest.

“This is Thae,” he continued. “He’s a Fae. We found him when we were traveling here, and we chose to keep him safe.”

He paused, his gaze unwavering. “We want him to learn our ways, so I need you to take him back with you. He will continue his schooling there, and I trust you’ll guide him well.”

Valthira examined me with a subtle tilt of her head. “He seems like a lesser Fae,” she said softly, almost as if testing the air around me. “I can’t sense much from him.”

I scoffed lightly, and my mum nudged me with a knowing smile.

“And rude,” Valthira added, her lips curving into a gentle grin. “But a troublemaker, I imagine.” She studied me carefully. “Not ordinary, though. There’s… something about him.”

She finally nodded. “I’ll take him with me. But I cannot use your name,” she added, dragging her fingers across her throat in a silent gesture, the implication chilling yet oddly casual.

“Thank you, Vae,” my dad said, his tone softening with relief.

“You owe me,” she replied, smiling faintly. “I’ll return in the morning. I’m sure you have things to discuss.”

Then, almost like she had never been there, she vanished, leaving only the lingering scent of roses and something ancient in her wake.

⸻

“What did she mean,” I asked my dad quietly, “that she can’t use your name?”

He hesitated, then looked at me and the sleeping Elena in my arms. “We were part of the royal guard,” he began softly. “We were loyal to your mother. They sent us to kill you…”

My chest tightened.

“But your mother,” he continued, voice heavy, “she stopped it. She told us to take you and run. I don’t know what became of her after that, but she saved you.”

My mum reached for me, her fingers curling around mine. “And Thae,” she said softly, “never reveal your full name. Ever. They can use it as a weapon against you.”

I exhaled slowly, letting the weight of it all settle.

“This is… a lot,” I whispered.

“When you get there,” my dad said, “you’ll learn more about who you are. And you’ll understand things better.”

I nodded, my mind spinning.

“And… no phones,” my mum added. “But we will send letters.”

“Where exactly am I going?” I asked.

My dad’s eyes were steady. “To an island called Nythera. Humans have not discovered it—it is hidden.”

I swallowed hard. “I… I’ll go put Elena to bed and take a shower. Then we can talk.”

Carefully, I stood, lifting her gently in my arms.