Prologue
There was once a time when humans and fae lived together in harmony. Both species had much to gain from each other. Humans gained knowledge and experience from the fae about medicine, science, and the arts. The fae gained the opportunity to procreate with humans and ensure the survival of their species. Since fae births are rare and extremely dangerous, procreating with humans was a way to ensure their bloodlines would continue.
The fae were a great species with diverse creatures among them. Creatures that transform on a full moon. Creatures that live off blood and nightmares. Creatures that live in the dark, still waters and call to weary travelers. And, of course, there were the dark fae. Dark fae had many human characteristics...except for their elongated canines, pointed ears, and illuminated eyes. Of course, they often possessed magic and could wield many powers. The children born to fae and human parents often inherited their fae parent's gifts and immortality, while the human mother often died birthing a child of such power.
Since the fae were old and powerful, they had vast knowledge to share with the humans and helped them build their cities and advance their knowledge. But this union was not meant to be. After centuries of peace between the species, the fae grew tired of sustaining the humans, who would fall ill and starve without them. Likewise, the humans grew tired of being used for their breeding potential by the fae, as these unions weren't always performed with the humans' consent. And so, the relationship between fae and man strained.
But it was a natural disaster that would sever the ties. When a new disease emerged among humans, one that caused blisters and boils and death, threatened to eradicate the fae, the two species separated permanently. This disease killed thousands of humans and hundreds of fae infants. And so, a great wall was built to separate the species. The fae left the humans to their own devices, knowing full well that they would likely go extinct because of the disease or the hunger that followed. And the fae would likely go extinct because of a lack of offspring. Neither species would flourish, but they would have a chance of surviving.
For 500 years, the wall stood in the middle of the Forbidden Forest. And for 500 years, each species fought amongst itself for survival, knowing little about what happened on the other side. That was, of course, until one brave heart ventured across the wall in search of answers she was most certainly unprepared for. This is her story. The story of a girl who changed the fate of two worlds trying to protect those she loved.
