Valerie let out a startled gasp, shooting up to a sitting position, only to be overwhelmed by a swirling sensation in his head. Clenching his head in his palm, he tried to make sense of what was going on.
The last thing he remembered was succumbing to the heat with Derek, which meant they should be dead. But he could feel the power and blood running through, the sound of his fastly beating heart and the dry, medicinal smell in the air. It didn’t feel like he had crossed over to the realm of his ancestors.
The dizziness subsided, and Valerie finally took in his surroundings. He found himself in a crudely constructed cottage, the bed beneath him a makeshift arrangement that was the hardest he had ever slept on. He felt soreness on every part of his body, but that was the least of his problems.
Confusion and panic surged within him. Where was he? How had he gotten here? And where was Derek? Dread crept over him at the thought of something happening to his companion. He would never forgive himself if he couldn’t protect his own person.
The door creaked open at that moment, causing Valerie to instinctively shift into a defensive stance, ready to confront whoever had entered. His jaw dropped in disbelief at the sight before him. "What the fuck?" he muttered under his breath.
"I know madness runs in our family, but that was extra," grumbled the older looking Fae as he entered the room, removing a portable container slung over his shoulder.
"Grandfather?" Valerie choked out in disbelief. "H-how?" he stammered, unable to comprehend how he had come face to face with his long-lost relative. How did he get here?
His grandfather made a disgruntled sound in his throat before tossing the waterskin at Valerie, who caught it with lightning-fast reflexes. "Drink. You need to be hydrated before I send you back on your way to the Summer Court," he instructed sternly.
Valerie took the waterskin, realizing how desperately thirsty he was. Without hesitation, he chugged the cool liquid down his burning throat greedily, some of it dribbling down the sides of his jaw and onto his toned chest. It was a move that would have been deemed attractive for the females if there were any present, but Valerie was too focused on quenching his thirst to notice.
As Valerie finished satisfying his crazed hunger for water, his grandfather’s words finally registered in his head. "Wait—what?!" he shouted, his brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about? I can’t go back to the Summer Court without fulfilling my purpose here. You don’t even know why I am here."
"Oh, I do know. How do you think I found you and your lackey? I am not omnipresent, Valerie. Jagon had been careful enough to send his messenger bird to me, and I luckily received the message early enough to go search for you in the mountains. Atleast don’t endanger another on your suicide mission," his grandfather explained, stepping closer and looming over him.
Years of dwelling in the fiery hot mountain had left its mark on him; his once fair complexion now boasted a medium bronze hue with warm golden undertones. The last time Valerie had seen his grandfather, his long hair was pulled into a high ponytail that nearly touched his butt and was the envy of the court. Gone was the effeminate appearance that had once characterized him.
His once long hair was cut short, grown ruggedly wild across his face, framing it with unruly strands. The tousled locks seemed to defy any attempt at taming, and a beard sprouted beneath, adding to the rugged appearance. This transformation gave the impression of a Fae untethered, rough around the edges, and unapologetically wild.
But that wasn’t all. His body was packed with an impressive display of muscle. His shoulders broadened, tapering down to a waist hinting at strength and agility. Years of training and battle had sculpted his physique, leaving him looking every bit the seasoned warrior he was.
Even now, his grandfather, once known as King Keon, looked at him with intimidating steely golden eyes that tempted Valerie to bow to his authority. There was an undeniable aura of power and prowess that surrounded him, marking him as a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Despite his imposing presence, Valerie withstood his father’s oppressive aura. However, Valerie knew that if they were to get into a fight, he could only win with a stroke of luck.
"Then if you know why I’m here, then you should help me!" Valerie snapped, frustration bubbling within him. He was tired of everyone telling him what to do and what not to do.
"And why should I do that? Because your scary brother challenged you to a duel and you’re not confident of defeating him?" Grandfather Keon taunted mercilessly, his tone dripping with disdain.
Valerie growled in response. "I’m not scared of him. I’m merely employing every strategy at my disposal to defeat him. Aldric is much trickier than you can imagine, and I refuse to leave anything to chance."
Keon remained unmoved by Valerie’s words, his expression grave. "The blue flame cannot be learned in just five days. It took me centuries to perfect it, and even then, look where I am today. I need the constant heat to survive. And here you are, asking to do the impossible."
"I am desperate and determined," Valerie asserted firmly, meeting his grandfather’s gaze head-on. "I would rather die while harnessing the blue flame than lose to Aldric. And besides, you have years of experience. You can teach me what to do."
Keon sighed heavily, shaking his head in pity, "So you can damage your magic core and render yourself useless? Then your crazy mother can come for my throat. No, thank you. As difficult as my life may be, I still wish to live."
Turning to leave, Keon froze as he caught sight of Valerie falling to his knees out of the corner of his eye. Frowning deeply, he turned back to face his grandson.
Valerie pressed his head to the ground, his voice filled with desperation as he pleaded with his grandfather. "You have to teach me the blue flame, grandfather. I promised the one that I love that I would free her from her captivity, and I intend to do so even at the detriment of my own life. Please help me, grandfather. This is my only request to you as your family. Do not turn your back on me."
A flicker of emotion crossed Keon’s face, his resolve crumbling in the face of his grandson’s earnest plea. It was clear that this was the first time Valerie had asked him for a favor, and Keon knew there was only one choice he could make – to fulfill it.