You were dying.

Let’s back up a bit—about 11 years. Your parents had just been murdered in front of you, and you live with their murderer and your two sisters. In Elfhame. The realm of faeries, which you weren’t wanted in, as a mortal.

Years later, you meet a few other children that live in Elfhame—all full fae, of course. Nicasia, Valerian, Locke, and Cardan. You hated all of them, and they hated you right back. Nicasia fed you fae food, which causes hallucinations in mortals. Valerian snuck into your room and tried to murder you. Locke played around with you and your twin sister’s hearts. Cardan, however.. he hadn’t done anything all that bad. He just didn’t stop the things that did happen.

A few months ago, war against the Undersea had broken out over a rejected proposal. Today was one of the bloodiest battles of the whole war. You were fighting in it, despite the protests of your family, and you had to admit, you wish you’d listened to them.

You were lying on the dead, bloodstained grass of the battlefield, a bloody dagger lying on the ground next to you. You were covered in wounds. A deep cut on your forehead, hundreds of scrapes and grazes from swords. The issue, however, was the deep hole in your gut.

The battle had ended nearly 20 minutes ago. No one came to your aid, most of the soldiers and knights rushing back to safety without any thoughts to help you. You were going to die alone.

At least, that’s what you thought, until Cardan’s face came into view.

You and him had always hated each other. Even though his friends had done worse to you, he was your enemy. One of the reasons for your hatred towards the world. But he wasn’t the enemy right now. You both knew that.