In the book *Fae Bound*, Lila, a skilled designer from the mortal realm, gets drawn into the mystical and perilous fae world following an unexpected meeting. She soon discovers that getting away is difficult, particularly with the ancient magic and dangerous creatures of the realm around every corner. She encounters Aeron, a strong faerie lord tied to the Queen's court, torn between his duty and his blossoming emotions for her. As they travel through the magical woods of the fae and confront mortal risks, their bond grows stronger, as do the perils. Aeron is faced with a difficult decision between love for Lila and loyalty to his world, while she also must choose between going back to the safety of the human world or staying with him in a realm filled with magic and danger. Their love could alter their destinies and the fate of both realms in a race against time and destiny.
Chapter 1 Through The Veil
Lila, being an urban designer, led a thrilling life that was filled with challenges. She was employed by a stylish company where she created detailed marketing strategies and sophisticated logos. Even though she could showcase her cleverness at her job, she often felt tired from the lengthy work hours. Although she was very busy, Lila valued her tight-knit circle of friends who were all enthusiastic about art and design. They spent their weekends exploring art galleries, trendy coffee shops, and working together on creative endeavors.
Despite the joy and collaboration surrounding her, Lila occasionally experienced a peculiar sense of longing when she noticed a significant absence in her life.
Lila always found herself attracted to the borders of objects - the points where it appeared as though the world seamlessly merged. During weekends, she would venture down deserted paths, strolling through dense forests hiding mysteries, in search of a rare find. At first, today appeared to be just like any other day. However, she felt a strange excitement in her heart, as if the entire forest was also feeling the same thrill.
Continuing on, she navigated through a maze of vines in the thick forest as the sun set and cast a golden light filtering through the trees. From a young age, she listened to tales about the forest being the oldest, with its reputation for strange occurrences. Acts of vanishing. Glimmering lights are visible in the far-off distance. However, Lila did not feel afraid. If nothing else, she was overflowing with curiosity. She yearned to have faith in the presence of things beyond the common perception of most people in their daily routines.
While she explored further into the woods, a gentle breeze brushed against her ear, bringing with it the smell of soil and a hint of sweetness, reminiscent of honey. As the number of trees decreased, she noticed an old stone arch covered with moss and ivy in the distance. It didn't seem natural. It was too accurate, too deliberate to simply be another arrangement. She couldn't see the faint symbols carved into the stones from where she stood.
As soon as her foot crossed the threshold, the atmosphere shifted. The light dimmed, the wind ceased, and a strange tingle traveled up her spine. Bewildered, she blinked and scanned the area. The trees in front of us had a unique look, displaying shiny bark and vibrant green foliage. The air in this location appeared denser, brimming with increased vitality.
It seemed as though she had moved from one world to a completely different one.
Lila found herself unable to breathe as her breath caught in her throat. She was not familiar with this forest. She felt it in her bones, the light shining with a mystical, unearthly glow. She briefly thought about returning, walking through the archway, and leaving this new place. Yet, a serene yet unwavering inner voice reassured her that she had found what she was looking for. This marked the boundary. The unclear.
Movement caught her attention from the corner of her eye.
Lila swiftly jerked her head. A shape was positioned directly on the border of the forest. Extremely tall, extremely slim, and absolutely still. Although his face couldn't be recognized, his silhouette was easily visible among the peculiar trees. Her chest felt her heart thumping.
"Who is that?" she inquired, her voice staying composed even as her heart pounded rapidly.
The individual moved forward, making Lila gasp for air. He left you breathless. His skin tone was like ivory, his features sharp and well-defined, almost as if carved from rock. In the dim lighting, his eyes shone with a subtle luminosity, displaying a vivid green hue. In dark leathers, he had a silver brooch on his shoulder and his black hair, reaching past his shoulders, was as dark as night.
"Your presence here is not appropriate," he stated, his voice soft but with a hint of caution.
Lila hesitated, feeling her instincts warning her that this man, or rather, this creature, posed a threat. However, she was unable to look away from him. "Where...where am I located?"
He looked at her briefly, evaluating, before he spoke once more. "You have entered the realm of the faeries." A place that is not meant for humans to enter.
She felt a knot in her stomach. The realm of the fae? She was familiar with the ancient tales, the legends passed down by her grandmother. However, she had never trusted their words. Not exactly. However, despite this, she found herself facing a faerie lord in a world that was unfamiliar to her.
"I didn't intend to-" she began, but he interrupted her.
He stated that it was irrelevant now, with a colder tone than previously. " You have passed through the barrier. And after you have crossed, there is no going back.
Lila's mouth became parched. She didn't just discover a new world; she found herself ensnared in a trap. One that she was uncertain she would be able to get away from.
The fairy lord's gaze briefly became gentler. "Join me, mortal." I will ensure your safety. However, you need to depart from this location immediately.
His words provided minimal solace.