The Veil of Darkness
Chapter 337: Meeting the Seelies (Part Two)

The room was filled with silence as no one spoke, most eyes were focused on Esmeray while some were sneaking glances toward Annalise and the Dark Lords.

"I have done my job. It’s your turn now." Esmeray’s words were directed toward Annalise as he stepped back and left the space for her.

Taking in a deep breath, Annalise stepped forward, her voice commanding attention as she spoke. "I’m just a Princess of the Seelie Empire, who somehow ended up in the very center of all the chaos that is trying to turn our world upside down. I always dreamt about having a normal life and living in peace with my family, leading an army and facing a war to save the world was never my plan. Even though I’m not strong and powerful, and so much afraid of the possibility of losing against our enemy, I can no longer run away from my responsibilities."

She too needed to stop for a moment to take in another deep breath before she continued speaking - "I must share with you all the extent of the danger our world is currently facing. There have been attacks in recent years, the enemy attacked several portal halls to steal the divine artifacts and the guardians of the portals. Their plan is to breach the wards that have been keeping the dark energy sealed inside the Seelie Realm. They seek to plunge our world into darkness once more and destroy everything."

Murmurs of concern and consternation rippled through the council. Annalise continued, her tone resolute. "But we have a chance to stand against this threat, to protect our realm as we should have ten thousand years ago. We need your help, your magic, and your warriors. We need you to return to the real world and fight alongside us."

A leader from one of the clans raised a hand. "Why should we risk our safety in the Secret Realm?"

Annalise met their gaze. "Because if we fail, if the dark energy is released, it will consume everything, including the castle that has provided you this safe sanctuary for so long. There will be no safety left here. It’s not about you all fighting to regain your realm back, it’s a fight for survival."

Once again murmurs erupted and everyone seemed shaken by the information. Their calm and peaceful lives were on the verge of destruction and they were only getting to know about it now.

Another leader among the Seelies spoke up, "And what of the sealed light energy?"

Annalise nodded solemnly. "That is another reason we must act. The late light queen sealed it somewhere in the depths of the Seelie Realm. If our enemy gets hold of it, it will tip the balance of power beyond repair."

The room fell into a contemplative silence, the weight of their decision heavy in the air. Annalise concluded, "This war is not just for the outside world; it’s also for your home, your people, and your future. We stand at a crossroads, and together, we can shape the destiny of our world. You can’t expect the rest of the world to fight the battle alone when you all are equally a part of it."

"Do you think we can win?" It was none other than the Crown Princess of Dawn Court who asked the question.

Annalise turned her attention toward the woman before she responded - "Why not?"

The question hung in the air, creating a heavy environment as everyone slowly became silent and just looked at Annalise.

"Why do you think we can’t win this war?" Annalise repeated the question as her scanned the room and looked at each Seelie leader one by one.

"Because even the late Light Queen was unable to defeat them." The leader of the Shifter clan spoke in an almost dejected tone from among the Seelies.

"Indeed. Unfortunately, the late Light Queen was unable to win against the enemy..." Annalise agreed as her eyes once again scanned the faces of the Seelie Leaders, "... but you all are forgetting that she fought all alone. And we will be fighting as one. If we work as one, why will be not able to win?"

She shifted her gaze toward her husbands and Esmeray, and was surprised to see that all four men were looking at her with pride in their eyes and smiles on their lips.

Their reactions made her feel much better and when she turned to look back at the Seelies, she felt more confident and composed.

After a moment of reflection, the leaders began to discuss and deliberate, their voices filling the grand hall. Annalise, Valerius, Damien, Kenric, and Esmeray watched, hopeful that the Seelie Clans would unite once more to face the looming darkness and secure their world’s future.

They took their time but after their discussion, the Summer King was the first among them to stand up and answer - "You will have the support of the entire Summer Court. We will fight the war alongside you, Princess Annalise."

A grateful smile spilled on Annalise’s lips as relief washed over her. She bowed politely to show her gratitude to the Summer King.

"Why would the Dawn Court be left behind then? We will be joining the war as well. You are right, Lady Annalise, we should be fighting together to save our world." The Crown Princess of the Dawn Court spoke as she too stood up.

Annalise’s heart was filled with warmth and hope. They were getting more powerful as a team and their teamwork could be their greatest weapon against their enemy.