“If you keep talking like that, we’ll never make it back home,” I warn her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, but she just laughs, her joy infectious.
“Colton!” A high-pitched voice cuts through the air, and I turn my head around in time to see one of the small Pixies dart out from the underbrush. I extend my hand, offering her as a landing spot, which she takes immediately.
“Hollie, what brings you so far from home?” I ask, knowing the Pixies rarely venture this deep into the Dream Forest.
“Haven’t you two heard? It’s dangerous to be out here in the evening. There have been Sarrol attacks in Nighthold and even a few here in the Dream Forest. The last one even occurred in daylight,” she warns us.
I frown, disturbed by the news of the increasing attacks but careful not to alarm Lyra. “We can handle ourselves. It’s you I’m worried about,” I reassure Hollie.
“I’m tiny enough to hide. If I even get wind of one of those smelly creatures, I’ll fly up into a tree hole where they’ll never find me,” Hollie declares, her light-blue eyes sparkling with a mix of defiance and bravery.
“Oh, Hollie, this is Lyra.” I realize Lyra has been eager to meet one of the Pixies. “Lyra, this is Hollie.”
“So nice to meet you,” Lyra says, beaming at her.
“It’s wonderful to meet you too,” Hollie replies, her voice chirping with curiosity. “So what brings you two outhere this evening?” She taps her foot impatiently on my palm, her tiny white dress and flowing pink hair rustling in the breeze.
“We were swimming at Ruby Falls and have just gotten engaged. Lyra here is going to be bonded to me for life,” I announce, drawing her close with my arm around her shoulders.
Hollie’s eyes light up with excitement. “I love weddings! Oh, you two are going to have the most beautiful babies!” she exclaims. I feel Lyra tense beside me. We’ve never really discussed a future involving children.
“Thank you,” Lyra manages, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and uncertainty.
“And where will the ceremony be? When is it?” Hollie buzzes with curiosity, twirling around on my palm.
“We still have a few details to work out, but you’ll be the first to know,” I assure her, trying to ease the sudden pressure of the moment. Hollie’s shimmering translucent wings flutter as she prepares to leave.
“I should head home before it gets dark, but it was such a pleasure to meet you, Lyra,” Hollie says, beginning to fly away into the deepening shadows of the forest.
“You too,” Lyra calls after her warmly.
“Don’t forget my wedding invite!” Hollie’s voice drifts back to us as she disappears among the trees.
“I can’t believe I finally got to meet a Pixie! Do they all have pastel-pink hair like that?” Lyra’s excitement is palpable as we resume our walk through the forest.
“No, they all have different colors—some are blue or purple. I’ve even seen green. But it’s always soft pastel shades,” I explain, avoiding the sudden jump into discussions about children.
“Are you worried about the Sarrol attacks?” she shifts the topic, her tone more serious.
“Yes, it’s concerning. I need to organize some patrols to ensure the Dream Forest is secure, and coordinate with others to get a clearer picture of what’s been happening,” I say, my mind already racing through logistics.
“You know who could help,” she suggests tentatively.
I sigh, knowing exactly who she’s referring to. “Yeah, I might have to pay Nikki boy a visit soon too. He’s likely got more detailed information,” I concede, and she nods in agreement, understanding the necessity despite the recent tensions with Nyx.
Chapter 12
Lyra
Once upstairs,I sift through the wardrobe full of clothes Colton had brought for me here, finally settling on a pale-blue nightgown. Its fabric is super soft, adorned with intricate lace designs across the top.
Downstairs, I hear Colton moving around in the kitchen, the clatter of dishes and the sizzle of something cooking—his promise of making us dinner tonight sparks a blend of anticipation and warmth in me. I can’t help but smile at the thought of him cooking me dinner.
I settle next to Chepi on the rug in front of the fireplace, stroking his fur as he rolls onto his back, tongue lolling out happily. “It’s finally happening, squish,” I murmur, a smile spreading across my face. “I’m going to bond with Colton. We’re going to have a ceremony and everything.”
Chepi responds with a couple of yips, his tail wagging excitedly.
As I stand and head into the kitchen, Chepi follows. Colton is there by the stove, apron tied tight around his waist. “Would you like wine, whiskey, or water?” he asks.
