It’s Complicated

Welcome Home

We met up with Amy. “We will meet you back at the castle. Go on without us.”
“Are you sure?” Amy asked with a concerned look. I knew she worried about my safety, but honestly, this was for the best. I gave her a reassuring nod. Amy and the others climbed into the carriage and took off, leaving a trail of dust behind. The castle wasn’t too bad of a walk, and it would give me time to learn more about Shade and ask some questions.
“So, how were you captured?” I asked quietly, trying not to pry too much.
“The hunters had been tracking me for nearly a year. I let my guard down and was cornered.”
“This might be a silly question, but how do they capture your spirit?” I pressed further.
He stayed silent for a few moments. “You’re innocent to the world and foolish.”
I pressed my lips into a tight line. We walked on in silence, though my mind raced with more questions. We carried on for what felt like hours till we stood at the edge of the property, the castle towering in front of us. Shade looked up raising his eyebrows in surprise.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, breaking the silence. He only shrugged. 
“You don’t talk much do you?” I tried once more to get him to open up but he kept the silence going. we walked in to see all eyes on us. Some in shock others in disgust even some giggling and smiling. To be fair he is an incredibly handsome fairy which is a crazy thing to say; the thought of humans and fairies, the two species hasn’t been able to coexist peacefully in a very long time. I’m sure Shade was around to see it all spiral out of control, Fairies live much longer than humans. My grandmother used to tell me random facts about the species but never told me where she learned it all. 
I led Shade up the staircase to the room next to mine and just down the hall from my grandmother’s room. “This will be yours if you choose to stay. It has its own bathroom, and you have access to the entire castle except my grandmother’s room. He entered and I turn to leave him to get settled in his new space. 
“It’s a witch.”
I turn. “Huh, what was that?” 
“You asked how hunters take our spirits... It’s a witch every group has one the hunters will hold the target down and the witch will perform a ritual to remove our spirit but still keep us alive. a very painful practice.” He walked to the window c*****g his head to one side looking out the dusty glass. 
My eyes watered and tears welled up behind my eyes at the thought of innocent fairies enduring such torture nearly every day by these hunters, being sold, and the beautiful creatures being forced to cater to human in exchange for not being abused. I only nodded I can’t pretend to understand the pain himself, and his kind has suffered. I can only offer peace and solace within the castle walls, away from the torture and disgust of the human ways.
I placed the box that contained his spirit on the table by the door and left without a word, wondering off to the kitchen where the workers scrambled and bumped into each other each making their own preparations for dinner yet still working alongside each other. If only it was that simple for humans and fairies. Why does the past dictate the future so heavily? Because of one fairy’s mistakes the entire species suffer the consequences, every single line water, fire, combat, love... every type of fairy born into the darkness of the world. Into the cold grasp of humans. Hunted down and stripped of their spirit made into nothing more but slaves to the crown, to humans. I sighed heavily dreaming of a different life, a better life.
A hand was placed on my shoulder. “What’s on your mind miss Thorn?” 
I look up to find one of the cooks staring down at me next to my seat at the kitchen table. “I just wish things didn’t have to be this way. Why everyone can’t just get along it’s quite sad when you really think about it.” 
The elderly woman by the name of Evie sat down with me placing her hands a top mine. “Is it because of your fairy miss? Has he shamed you?” 
“No! Not at all, I do not own him nor do I wish too! I saved him for the situation he found himself in. He accepted my offer, yet he is still quite guarded. I gave him his spirit back but, he still seems unhappy. I’m wondering if I’ve made a mistake by getting involved?”
“Follow your heart deary but, you must remember not to let your emotion cloud your judgement. The heart is a powerful thing if you use your head alongside it.” She patted my hand and got up from the table. “Just give him time deary he probably doesn’t understand your intentions yet.”
I nodded and got up grabbing a pastry and walked back up the stairs. I’ll offer him some food before bed, best I set a good impression whilst I can, right? I lightly knock on his room but there was no answer. He probably is still weighing his options on leaving; I mean honestly what do I have to offer a fairy here? I placed the plated pastry in front of his door, turning to leave I crash into a solid wall, Shade 
Catching me before I tumble over, he steadied me. “Is that for me?” He questioned. 
“Uh, yes sorry I was just...” I stuttered “You didn’t...” I sighed. “I knocked but there was no answer so I thought I would just leave it for you. I didn’t want to bother.” I blurted out.
“There is no bother.” His dark voice sending shivers down my spine. 
“I thought you may have declined my offer and had left; I really meant it when I said you’re free.”
"I was simply getting a layout of the castle and surrounding area. It's important to know the land in order to protect you." 
He stepped closer leaving only a few inches between us. Instinctively I backed up stumbling over myself. 
"I... I have to go! Eat... Someone will be by later to collect the dishes." 
My face flushed I made my way to the library. Images of him flashed through my mind, he's very intimidating almost threatening in an alluring sort of way. 
"What am I thinking?!" I said aloud. He's a fairy! he probably just wants to find his escape or kill me first. I face palmed myself and plopped down on one of the dusty red Victorian couches in the center of the library. I can't help but rethink my decisions, the mystery hooded man is probably just a coincidence. This is a small area after all; the next town is at least a day's travel. 
I picked up one of the many books that littered the floor and began to read. The sun coming through the wall of glass panes wrapped me in warmth and comfort. 

Celeste.... Celeste... 
A deep, menacing voice called out, I slowly open and adjust my eyes to the darkness to see a darker shadow backing deeper into the shadows making my heart race.