The government, both Human and Fae, reached an accord. In exchange for knowledge and turning the tide on climate change, the Fae would be granted inclusion into our world. Peace seemed to fall over the lands, the broken world finally breathing a sigh of relief as the tension between our races dissipated on the winds. Of course, individuals had to make up their own minds on whether to tolerate the Fae or not. As has happened throughout history, anyone different from the mob, was seen with fear and hate. So the government sent out propaganda, soon there were Fae characters in tv, movies, books, and on social media. Acceptance through exposure, has always worked to dispel the fear of the unknown.

Days, weeks, and months passed. The Fae were a minority, but soon they infiltrated every village, town, and city. Forging friendships with the human inhabitants.

My stranger, that was how I thought of my mysterious Fae, Devka. Sitting in the small coffee shop, I watch the people walking the streets, some on errands, some simply killing time. The coffee smells wonderful, the rich scent enveloping me in borrowed warmth. I was getting used to the high temperatures now, Scotland had been transformed into something of a jungle. The plants growing unhindered. Celeem, a Fae waitress came over to clear the table next to me, her long copper hair glinting in the sun. “You doing okay honey?” She smiles at me.

“Good, and you?”

“I’m well, beautiful weather.” She moves on with her rag and dishes.

It was still strange, being around a completely different species. They had their own rules and customs. It was said that you should never ‘_thank’_ a Fae, for if you did, it would mean that you owed them a favour. Something that they could claim at any time. Taking my last sip of coffee, I gathered my bag and left the shop, to the tinkle of the bell hanging above the door. Climbing into my car, I sped back to the Manor House. The family had left in drips and drabs over the last few months. Only grandmother and I remained in residence. With the crises past, it seemed silly to stay cooped up in the one house. As soon as I turn onto the driveway, I sense trouble. A scattering of Fae milling around the front door gave me pause.

As I got closer to the gathering, I notice that they were buzzing with anxious energy, fidgeting and nervous. Devka was among them, standing closest to the front door of the Manor. He approached the car as I pulled up to the front of the house.

“My lady Chris.” He nods, holding out his hand to help me from the car.

“Devka, it’s nice to see you again, what can I help you with today?” Taking his proffered hand. I smile cordially.

Keeping hold of my hand Devka pulls me close, “it’s more of what I can do for you, my lady.” He lowers his voice. “You assisted me on the hill, so I’m returning that favour now.” My breath catches as he leans against me, whispering in my ear. “The royals are not going to be compliant with your human government much longer. They will enslave your race, you must hide and protect yourself from what is to come.” The fire in his eyes seemed to brighten as he pulled back from me, dropping my hand.

“Wait,” I frown as he turns his back. “Why warn me, if you plan to enslave my race?” I kept my voice low as I spoke, seeking some sort of comfort from him.

“I am planning nothing. We,” he gestured to the Fae milling around my driveway. “We just want to live, regardless of power play. But the royals, they will fight for supremacy and they will win.” He was serious, the intensity of his warning flashing in his ocean eyes.

“Humans will fight, there’s a chance we can win.” I was having difficulties processing Devka’s caution.

“They will lose, your only hope is to hide. I am only warning you to repay your kindness.” With that Devka turns, his people run behind the property and back up the mountains to their encampment.

Perplexed, I could do nothing but watch the Fae as they took off through the grounds. The warning ringing in my ears. Turning into the house, I immediately run to find my grandmother in the kitchen.

She was bending over a bubbling pot of lentil soup when I enter the room, the smell of carrots and turnip heavy on the air. “Hey gran, you need any help?” I spot a slice of lonely carrot on the chopping board and pop in into my mouth, crunching down on the sweet orange vegetable.

She looks over at me and smiles, “no thanks honey, did you see your friends outside. Strange folk, I invited them in but they were insistent to stay on the driveway.”

“Yeah, I saw them.” Leaning on the counter, I fidget with the knife that was left there from chopping up the ingredients. “They warned me about an imminent attack by the Fae, said that the royals weren’t going to stay ‘compliant’ with the government, he said that they were planning to enslave us all and that I had to run and hide.”

She stopped stirring the pot. “And why would they tell you this?”

“I helped him out on the mountain, and he said that he was ‘returning the favour,’ I really don’t know what to think of this.” The knife slipped out of my hand to clatter on the tiled floor.

“Be careful Chris.”

I stooped to pick up the knife replacing it on the counter. “I’m sorry.”

“Not about that, well not just about that. You have to be careful with these Fae. If he is right, then everyone is in grave danger. You haven’t had a vision, or dream have you?”

“No, nothing at all.”

“Then perhaps your friend is wrong about these royals and there motivations.” She turns back to the soup.

“Yeah, maybe.” Grabbing the knife and cutting board, I pace to the sink and begin washing up.

It was a full month later that the text alert blew up the phone of everyone in the country.

_Warning, a state of emergency has been called. The prime minister has been assassinated, please barricade yourselves in your homes. Britain is now at war with the Fae. the army is on full alert._

_ _

I look at the device in my hand like it was a venomous snake. Devka was right. I turn to glance at my grandmother, her face etched in concern. “It’s starting.”

✨this is the last instalment of this story. I hope you have enjoyed the take, although I think it can use a lot of polishing and more details.✨