I wasn’t sure what to expect when Emiliano finally opened the door. A knot of tension in my stomach unraveled at the sight of his familiar face, a face I’d worried might no longer reside here. That thought had gnawed at me the entire way over, each step echoing with the fear that he was gone. Now, standing in his foyer, with his unsettling gaze fixed unwaveringly on me, I felt a strange, creeping sense of anticlimax.
The cabin itself was far more ordinary than I had imagined. There were no immediate hints of magic, at least none I could detect on sight. Cloaked in warm shades of gold, wine, and dark brown, the interior radiated a quiet comfort. The furniture, though worn, looked soft and welcoming, molded by years of use. At the back, a large kitchen held a pot of stew simmering on the stove, its hearty aroma reminding my stomach just how long it had been since I’d eaten something substantial. I felt myself inching closer to the heat source in the living room-a crackling fire in a rustic hearth that cast a golden glow, reflecting the vibrant color of Emiliano’s hair.
No one seemed to know what to say. Though it was clear Emiliano recognized me and likely understood why I was here, he remained silent. In truth, I’d expected something less mundane, a glimpse into the life of an elusive Fae. But the cabin felt…normal. The only magic in sight was Emiliano himself, radiating a warmth that felt out of place in this cold, remote forest. His fiery hair and golden eyes were like a splash of summer in the depths of winter, a lone ember encased in ice. Despite the ordinary setting, a faint electric current prickled along my skin, subtle but unmistakably magical. It felt oddly comforting yet unsettling, as though it wanted to seep into my thoughts. Suddenly, a flash of heat ignited in my mind, and I gasped.
Leonardo’s reaction was instantaneous. One moment we were standing side by side, the next I was pinned against the front door, his body shielding mine. My back hit the wood with a dull thud as he moved in front of me, nearly pressing me into the door, a low growl rumbling in his chest. I could feel the cold fire of his anger mingling with the warmth in the room, dousing the invasive heat from moments before. His voice, cold and sharp, cut through the stillness.
“What did you just do, Fae?” he snarled, his protective stance never faltering.
Emiliano’s gaze remained steady, his expression a mixture of wariness and something unreadable. “I had to ensure you weren’t followed. The quickest way was to take a brief look into her mind.”
Leonardo’s snarl deepened. “You could have asked.”
Emiliano’s face softened, but his voice was edged with restrained patience. “The wall blocking her memories is weakening. Even if I’d asked, I would have had to enter her mind to assess the damage. If I wanted to harm Isabella, I assure you, I would have done so long ago.”
“Followed?” I asked, stepping around Leonardo’s rigid form, my brows knitting in confusion.
Leonardo’s eyes flashed, and he scoffed. “You can’t seriously trust him after that.”
“I don’t,” I replied, my voice quieter than I intended, softened by the worry etched in his gaze. “But he’s the only one who might be able to fix me.”
Leonardo’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though he remained close, his protective energy unwavering. I knew, in spite of our differences, that he’d stay by my side no matter what. He gave me a small, steadying glance, murmuring low enough for only me to hear, “You’re not broken, Isabella.” His eyes held a warmth reserved only for me, a spark that eased the unsettled ache inside.
Leonardo turned back to Emiliano, his tone regaining its commanding edge. “Can you help her, or are we wasting our time?”
Emiliano let out a low breath, assessing us both before nodding. “Yes, I can help her. But listen closely to what I have to say, and then you’ll decide if it’s worth the risk.”
“Risk?” I echoed, the word sticking in my throat. What risk could there be in reclaiming my memories? A twinge of dread twisted in my stomach, but I pressed on. “What would happen if I choose not to restore my memories?”
Emiliano’s expression darkened, his gaze shifting to something uncharacteristically grim. “If you walk away now… death, much death.”
A chill settled over the room, seeping into my bones. Emiliano’s words carried the weight of truth, and despite my fear, I knew there was no turning back.