I remained there, my sobs wracking my body as I buried my face in Fae Aurora's embrace. "But what about the knowledge he was supposed to impart, Mom? Everything could unravel like this."
"Barbara," Fae Aurora's voice was a soothing murmur, her hand gentle against my head. "We'll find a way out of this together." Yet, my tears persisted, a torrent of fear and uncertainty.
Footsteps echoed, a thunderous intrusion. "What's happening?" Timothee's voice swept through the pavilion, urgency etched into every syllable. I lifted my head from Mom's shoulder, shaking it in response.

"Barbara, mate, what's going on?" Timothee pressed, his blue eyes narrowing. I couldn't find words, but his gaze shifted to Dwarf Altair, unmoving, blood staining his clothes. Timothee checked Altair's pulse, his jaw clenched, emotions held in check.
In a matter of seconds, Timothee bowed, gently folding Dwarf Altairs' hands across his chest. "Who harmed him?"
"No one knows, Timothee," Fae Aurora replied. "When we arrived, Dwarf Altair was already gravely injured. It seems to be an internal wound, and his final words only revealed that all this chaos was caused by someone who despises Barbara. Perhaps the culprit targeted someone with Hybrid lineage due to their unique blood cells."
Timothee exhaled heavily. "Elder Darius was found near the lake, unconscious. Someone brought him there. But we couldn't corner them—they ran too swiftly, as if they had wings."
"Is it safe for today?" Fae Aurora asked. "I don't want any disturbances during Dwarf Altair's funeral. He was the only dwarf who aided me when I was injured in the forbidden forest. His kindness has left me indebted time and again."
Timothee nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll handle the funeral arrangements with utmost care."

I remained there, my tears flowing. Why did I feel this emotional tremor upon learning of his passing? Dwarf Altair had been a stranger to me until we delved into magic together. But over time, he became the one who bolstered my confidence in my own abilities.
"He didn't deserve this," I choked out, feeling the emptiness of loss yawn open inside me like a ravine. "Altairs was good...he only ever wanted to help."
Timothee's jaw clenched, his eyes blazing with conviction and barely restrained fury. "And we'll make sure his death wasn't in vain. I swear it."
His vehement words should have been reassuring. But all I could think about were Altairs' final cryptic warnings about a twofold threat - one that seemed intent on tearing everything we loved asunder.

Was this the opening gambit of that sinister force? The unknown enemy who harbored such hatred for me, they wished to see me erased? A shudder ran through me at the thought.
Or was this brutality the work of something...or someone, else? Some shadowyoft we hadn't even conceived of yet?
"Barbara."
My mother's soft utterance of my name broke through my whirling thoughts. I looked up to see her watching me with tired, concerned eyes.
"We will lay Altairs to rest with all the honor he deserves," she said gently. "But then...then we must look ahead, my dove. To what treacherous path awaits."
I opened my mouth to respond, but no words would come. How could I possibly voice the tangle of dread and doubt and sickening uncertainty coiling within me?
Timothee seemed to sense my inner turmoil. Moving with silent grace, he gathered me into his arms, cradling me against his chest. I trembled, overwhelmed by the swell of emotions - fear and sorrow, but also a profound sense of feeling protected in his embrace.
"We'll get through this," he murmured fiercely against my hair. "No matter what force wishes you harm, I will never let it touch you. This I swear."
Beneath the half-moon’s glow, we bid farewell to Dwarf Altair, lowering his casket with solemn reverence. Disbelief gripped me I bowed my head, heart aching against the cruel twist of fate. Yet, deep within, I knew I couldn’t defy the moon goddess.
Timothee’s hand brushed my back. “Ready to go home?”
“Can we stay a bit longer?” I looked up, meeting Timothee’s blue gaze.
“Of course.”
I nodded and approached the fresh mound of earth. Drawing a deep breath, I laid a white lily atop it.
“Dwarf Altair, thank you for helping me find confidence. Now, I’ll avenge your death and the pain of all who suffer such fates. Thank you,” I whispered, my voice barely audible as I caressed his grave. “I won’t waste the elixir Mom gave me.”
Rising, I joined Timothee, who stood resolute, as if bracing for another attack.
“Done?” He arched an eyebrow.
I nodded silently.
“I know this is hard for you, mate. But listen, I won’t let it happen. And if it must, I won’t let them destroy us. No matter what,” Timothee said, hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on a future only he could see.
“That would be better, Timmy. We need to plan something crucial. This will continue unless we end it,” I said with a bitter smile.
“Barbara, you’ve honed that power well. You’re amazing and captivating,” Timothee said, locking eyes with me.
My cheeks flushed. “Thanks, Timmy. It’s all thanks to Dwarf–”
“It’s you, because of your growing confidence,” Timothee interrupted, tapping my nose with his finger.
Uncertainty gripped me, a maelstrom of denial and grief. “I-I don’t know what to do now. I can’t even accept this reality. Mom must be devastated by Dwarf Altair’s departure.” My gaze drifted past Timothee’s hopeful smile, settling on Mom, who remained seated before Dwarf Altair’s grave.
“Of course, mate,” Timothee’s voice was a soft echo of our shared history. “They lived together for ages. Despite the old tales of Dwarves and Fairies at odds, those two were different. They were in harmony, always complementing each other.” His hands cupped his chin in reflection.
A sudden clap jolted us, Dave, clad in mourning attire, stood before us, a somber figure against the twilight.
“Lycan, the meeting room is prepared. Leaders and healers from Riverwalk are expected by morning,” he whispered to Timothee.
“That’s a glimmer of hope,” Timothee’s voice softened, a rare note of optimism amidst the shadows. “Ensure the hearth is warm and the chambers welcoming for our guests. Charge Prily with the care of the young souls, to keep their laughter and curiosity bound safely away from the lake’s whispering waters. And let vigilance be our sentinel, eyes keen for the slightest ripple of discord among our ranks.”
“Understood, Lycan,” Dave nodded, a firm resolve in his gesture. “I’ll see to your orders immediately.”
“Don’t waste any more time,” Timothee’s voice was a low growl. “We’re under siege.”
Dave’s nod was a silent testament to the gravity of the situation, a solemn affirmation of his duty. His silhouette, outlined by the fading light, spoke of the urgency that lay ahead. With a respectful bow, he turned on his heel, his footsteps a soft murmur against the hushed whispers of the night. The air seemed to hold its breath as he departed, leaving behind the weight of impending decisions and the echo of a promise to safeguard what remained of their world.
“Is a council to be convened?” I inquired, the mantle of command draping heavily upon my shoulders, as if each thread were woven with the gravity of our plight.