Shadows Over Arcadia Chapter 21: 21. Misconceptions

Read chapter 21 of Shadows Over Arcadia by Zacheas on NovelPedia.

21. Misconceptions I am Willow of the Fae, and I have lived for 5,095 years. At this fleeting moment in my vast existence, I find myself the guardian of Ren Drakemore, the second prince of Arcadia. https://shadowsoverarcadia.com/api/storage/objects/uploads/e36e5201-b5f5-4e9c-bdf0-03b5ea1f4af9 Ren looks pale and shaky as we step into the crystal-lit tower. His hazel eyes hold a suppressed fear, despite the brave face he tries to wear. I’ve observed humans for five thousand years, and in that time, I’ve come to understand their nature better than they do themselves. No matter what Ren says or how determined he appears, I know this: humans are always afraid of the true form of the Fae. A child who sees what we really are will inevitably feel unsafe, lose their trust in us, and eventually run. I am certain of this. It’s only a matter of time. “Can I get you something to eat, young Master?” I ask gently as I look down at him. The sorrow in his eyes twists something deep within me. I hate that I am the cause of that expression. I’ve worked so hard to be what he needed, to make him feel happy and safe. But after what happened in the alley, all of that effort feels wasted now. “I’m not hungry,” Ren murmurs, his voice heavy with fatigue. “I think I just want to sit and rest.” He gestures weakly toward the nearby couch. “Very well,” I reply, guiding him with a gentle hand. We both sit down. He curls into himself, pulling his legs up to his chest and burying his face in his knees. He’s trying so hard not to cry, but I can see the struggle etched into every movement. The sight of him like this fills me with regret. I shouldn’t have held back so much with the sleep spell. If I’d used just a little more power, he wouldn’t have seen what I did. I underestimated how strong his mental defenses have become. I made a mistake, and there’s only one solution. “Is there anything I can do for you?” I ask softly, my voice barely above a whisper. I already know the answer. The only thing I can do to truly help him violates the terms of our contract. I can’t act until he tries to run away. “No,” Ren whispers, his voice muffled against his knees. “Just stay close, please.” Stay close? He wants to keep me in sight. What is he planning? I narrow my eyes, watching him closely, analyzing his every move and expression. He wants me to believe he desires my company, but I know better. Whatever he’s doing, it’s a prelude to an escape attempt. I can’t forget that I’ve been enhancing Ren’s intelligence with magic for years. He’s clever, dangerously clever for his age, and that means I must tread carefully. Then, I sense it, a familiar mana signature entering the tower’s secret basement entrance. He’s summoned that damned metal golem. I stand, stepping back from Ren instinctively. I hadn’t predicted he would go so far as to try to kill me, but summoning his mechanical killing machine now is no coincidence. Well done, Ren. Your emotional performance was convincing, skillfully hiding your true intention to destroy me. Clever indeed. Still, if Shadow intends to attack, I need to put some distance between myself and Ren. He’s fragile. If a fight breaks out, I can’t risk him getting caught in the crossfire. “Shadow has arrived, Master Ren,” I say, keeping my tone even despite the tension in the air. I casually back away under the pretense of straightening a stack of books on a nearby desk. Ren looks up, first with anticipation toward the staircase, then quickly shifts to something else, sadness. His gaze follows me as I retreat. It’s okay, Ren. I’m not angry that you planned this. It’s in your nature as a human to fear what you don’t understand, to want to destroy what frightens you. This is my fault for showing you what I truly am. Don’t worry. When this is over, I’ll fix you. I’ll erase the painful memories that make you fear me. The sound of heavy, armored boots echoes up the staircase, each metallic step growing louder. Shadow is ascending from the basement. My sens