The moon shinned over Eldoria, its silvery glow spilling through the castle windows as the palace settled into the quiet hum of the night. Y/n lay in her chambers, staring at the canopy of her bed, her heart still restless despite the exhausting evening.

Her mind wasn't on her new husband, Prince Alistair, nor on the heavy future that loomed ahead of her. Instead, she thought of the darkened forest beyond the castle gardens—the one she had longed to explore ever since she was a child. The tales of mythical creatures and ancient magic called to her like a whisper on the wind.

She had to go. Tonight.

Slipping out of bed, Y/n moved cautiously, careful not to make a sound. Her maids were gone for the night, and only the occasional flicker of candlelight from the hallway signaled the presence of wandering guards. She pulled on a dark cloak over her nightgown, tucking her loose hair beneath the hood before quietly opening the balcony doors.

The cool night air wrapped around her as she climbed onto the stone ledge. Below, the castle gardens stretched out like a labyrinth, the towering trees of the forbidden forest just beyond the hedge walls. Taking a deep breath, she lowered herself onto the vines creeping up the wall and began her descent.

Her heart pounded with exhilaration as her feet touched the grass. She didn't hesitate—she dashed through the moonlit garden, her breath visible in the crisp night air. As she reached the low stone wall separating the gardens from the forest, she hesitated for just a moment, her fingers brushing the cold stone.

I'm really doing this.

Swinging her legs over, she dropped into the untamed wilderness of the forbidden forest. The scent of damp earth and pine surrounded her as she ventured deeper, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. Everything felt alive—the rustling leaves, the soft glow of fireflies hovering in the air.

Then she heard it—a soft chime-like sound, almost musical.

Y/n's breath caught in her throat as she turned towards the source. Between the trees, a small creature hovered in midair, its wings shimmering like stained glass. A sprite. A real, living sprite.

She took a step forward, enchanted.

But before she could reach out, a strong hand clamped around her wrist, yanking her backward.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Y/n spun, her pulse racing as she found herself face to face with Prince Alistair. His sharp blue eyes bore into hers, his expression unreadable in the dim moonlight. He was still dressed from the evening, though his tie was loosened and his dark cloak billowed slightly from the wind.

Her lips parted, but no words came out.

"You're sneaking into the forbidden forest" he stated, his grip firm but not painful.

Y/n narrowed her eyes, trying to shake him off. "Why do you care?"

Alistair's jaw tightened. "You're my wife now. That makes your safety my responsibility."

She scoffed. "My safety? You don't even know me."

"No" he agreed. "But I know this forest. And it's not a place for foolish princesses playing hero."

Anger flared inside her. "I'm not playing anything" she snapped. "I know what's out here. I've read about them."

He raised a brow. "Books don't prepare you for what's real."

"I'll take that risk."

"No, you won't."

Y/n bristled, but before she could argue, a low growl echoed through the trees.

Her breath hitched. It wasn't like the gentle chimes of the sprite. This sound was guttural, primal.

Alistair's hand tightened on her wrist. "Move."

He pulled her behind him as a shadow shifted between the trees. A pair of glowing yellow eyes stared at them from the darkness. The air grew colder. Y/n swallowed hard, gripping Alistair's arm despite herself.

"Shadowhounds" he murmured. "Don't make a sound."

The creature stepped forward, its sleek black body nearly invisible in the darkness except for the faint shimmer of its smoky form. Its breath was like mist, curling in the air.

Y/n barely breathed as Alistair slowly reached into his coat, pulling out a small dagger etched with runes.

Magic.

Without looking at her, he said lowly, "When I tell you to run, you run."

Y/n opened her mouth to argue, but then the Shadowhounds lunged.

Alistair moved fast—faster than she thought possible. He twisted, blade flashing in the moonlight as he slashed at the beast. The creature howled as the runes burned into its smoky flesh, forcing it to recoil.

"Run!" Alistair commanded.

Y/n didn't hesitate. She turned and sprinted back toward the castle, her heart hammering. She heard Alistair right behind her, his footsteps swift and controlled. As they cleared the treeline, the beast let out one last furious snarl before vanishing into the night.

They didn't stop until they reached the castle gardens. Y/n gasped for breath, turning to Alistair, who looked as composed as ever, though a sheen of sweat glistened on his brow.

He stared at her, his gaze sharp. "Still think you're ready for this?"

Y/n's hands clenched into fists. "I—I didn't know—"

"That's exactly the problem."

Silence stretched between them. The weight of what had just happened settled onto her shoulders. Alistair wasn't just some cold noble. He had magic. He knew about the creatures she had only dreamed of.

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "If you want to survive in this world, Princess, you need more than curiosity."

Y/n swallowed, her heart still racing. "Then teach me."

His brows lifted slightly. "Excuse me?"

"You clearly know more about magic and creatures than I do" she said. "If I'm not ready, then make me ready."

Alistair studied her for a long moment. Then, to her surprise, a small smirk touched his lips.

"Fine" he said. "But be warned, Princess. You might not like what you learn."

Y/n lifted her chin. "I'll take that risk."

As the night stretched on, the princess realized something: this marriage might not be the fairytale she feared. But perhaps, just perhaps, it was the beginning of something much more thrilling.

Something real.