From the Heart of a Fae
Chapter 7

Demacia Swoop, North Sea of the Empire, the year 508, 13th day of Rose, Summer.

Kora stood on the balcony of her rooms, staring out at the sea. Moving to the Swoop last year was her attempt to be closer to the coast. Today was her birthday and she did not want anything to do with it. The deaths of her friends weighing heavy on her heart. She felt warm hands on her hips, and she smiled weakly, leaning back into Drew, as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

" You know, if I had known today was your birthday a year ago, I’d have shown up to your study with a gift.” He kissed the shoulder his chin was resting on and turned her around to face him. She stroked the side of his face and looked back over her shoulder at the sea.

" I really do not want to celebrate this year. The Empire has lost so much, there isn’t a reason to celebrate.” She closed her eyes, listening to the waves crashing far below. A tear escaped.

"Ikalla’s death was not your fault, Kora. She died a warriors’ death.” He was trying to comfort her, she knew it. Still, she felt hollow. How could one feel alone with someone holding them so tightly? Like they were a precious prize and did not want anyone to steal them away. Ikalla had been her friend since she was a child, the only one she had left except for Drew. She had not meant to fall for him so fast, but the passion between them had been strong and she had been so lonely. It felt good to have someone to hold her, and comfort her at night. Since the death of her brother and father, the pressure on her to put a stop to the Men of the Grey was building. The nobles whispered of her inadequacy, as every attempt she made to squash the monsters failed. It is like they were always one step ahead of her! Ikalla’s death had been in a skirmish when they had tracked the devils on the shoreline. Kora should have been there, but Ikalla insisted that she remain behind, safe within the swoop’s walls. Drew’s insights had made huge headway, and they were currently tracking the enemies growing Navy. He had become invaluable to her, as a companion and as an ally. The Men of the Grey had murdered his family, and sensing a kinship in each other, they eventually found solace in each other’s arms. Drawing her back inside, Drew began kissing Kora, trying to distract her from her dark thoughts, and not wanting to hurt anymore, Kora succumbed.