Forest of Dreams and Whispers (The Fae of the Forest)

by Katherine Macdonald

“My sweet, despicable villain! You’re looking just as hideous as I remember.”

Her father told her the ache would grow less, in time, like they were a scab that would heal over. But instead they were a scar, one that would rise up unbidden, out of nowhere, impossible to heal.

But if she had forever, she could become the best knight in the kingdom. She could master every weapon, conquer fear itself. If I had forever, I wouldn’t be afraid.

With reverence and desperation he kissed her, half saviour, half storm.

Hawthorn snorted. “I enjoy hating things together. We should do so more often.”

I am what I am because of what you have made me.

She had to live with the person she’d become—or grow into a better version of it.

“I am what you made me,” she whispered, though the wind stole half her words. “I break or bend for no one, and certainly not you.”

“Rest easy, knight of the realm. You have served your country well. The earth is your blood now, the trees your bones. Wherever your spirit goes, a part will remain with us still. Farewell, brother-in-arms…” Her voice stalled on the next words, throat tight and aching. “Farewell, my friend.”

My entire life, I’ve made an enemy of my own heart.

“I like you. Immeasurably.” Now it was Juliana’s turn to blink, as if the words were alien to her. “For… for my personality?” “I know, I’m rather shocked too.”

He stared at her like a creature to be worshipped. A god of the forests. An eldritch terror. Something to be feared, adored, respected. “You’re magnificent.”