Mated To The Cruel Prince-Chapter 891: Refugee Camp

The once bustling streets were now lined with tents and hastily constructed shelters. The air smelled of herbs and medicine as Fae healers worked tirelessly to mend the wounded. Around them, the hum of activity filled the space with wounded Faeries being tended to, children crying, and families reuniting.

Once teeming with danger, this part of the city had been rid of monsters, and now served as a refuge for the displaced Fae. Despite the dire circumstances, there was an atmosphere of relative calm and order, with rescued Fae being fed warm soup and offered blankets.

Volunteers moved through the crowd, offering comfort, and guiding those in shock to a place where they could settle down and rest. Fires burned in the center of the camp, casting a warm glow as Faeries huddled close for warmth and a sense of safety amidst the chaos.

The Fae woman who had been rescued by Islinda visibly relaxed as she realized she was among her kind. Her eyes scanned the camp, taking in the safety it represented after the terror she had just escaped. She clutched her child closer to her chest, but the fear in her eyes slowly ebbed, replaced with relief.

"You’re back," came a familiar voice.

Andre, his face a mixture of exhaustion and relief, approached Islinda. He nodded to the rescued Fae woman and her child. As soon as the Fae saw Prince Andre, she fell to her knees, her voice trembling with gratitude.

"Your Highness! Thank you! Thank you for rescuing me!"

Andre’s face flushed with embarrassment. He quickly motioned for her to stand, clearly uncomfortable with the praise being directed at him.

"You shouldn’t thank me," he said awkwardly, "It was Islinda who saved you."

The woman turned her gaze to Islinda, her eyes widening in surprise as the name registered.

"You’re Islinda?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief. "But you’re supposed to be...."

The words died on her lips, as if realizing she was on the verge of saying something inappropriate. But Islinda knew what she meant. The looks of shock and wariness had been the same ever since word had spread that she was now a dark Fae.

Islinda gave the woman a small, understanding smile. "You should go and rest. The others will help you settle down," she said gently, gesturing to one of the camp workers who appeared to guide the woman and her child to a safe place.

The woman bowed her head once more before being led away, still casting glances back at Islinda with a mixture of awe and confusion.

Andre, noticing the tension, stepped closer to Islinda and said softly, "Don’t take it to heart."

Islinda shrugged, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I already saw it coming," she replied, her voice calm but resigned.

She had grown used to the looks and the whispered conversations. Being part of the dark Fae now came with its share of stigma, even if she was on the side of the Fae who had been her family and people.

Before they could continue the conversation, a portal suddenly opened beside them, and Aldric stepped through. His expression was intense, focused, and as soon as Islinda’s eyes fell upon him, they lit up with unmistakable joy. He had returned from his own rescue mission, and although he was covered in dirt and blood, he looked as powerful and commanding as ever.

Aldric’s stern features softened the moment he saw Islinda. Without hesitation, she crossed the short distance between them and threw her arms around him, her lips crashing into his in a passionate kiss. The kiss wasn’t just a réunion, it was also a way for Islinda to replenish the energy she had expended during her rescue. As their lips connected, she felt warmth surge through her, the mate bond pulsing between them.

Aldric responded in kind, pulling her closer, his own weariness melting away in her embrace. They kissed fiercely, lost for a moment in each other despite the chaos of the camp around them.

When they finally pulled apart, Aldric rested his forehead against hers, his voice a low rumble. "I was worried about you."

Islinda smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face. "I can take care of myself," she teased, though the truth of it was undeniable. Still, her eyes softened as she looked at him. "But I’m glad you’re back."

As Islinda pulled away from Aldric, her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure amongst his people. It was Maxi, her dearest friend, striding towards her with her characteristic swag, though her face was marked by exhaustion.

The moment their eyes met, Islinda’s expression transformed. Her entire being lit up as a radiant smile spread across her face, her eyes shining with emotion.

"Maxi!" Islinda shouted.

Without a second thought, Islinda rushed forward, closing the distance between them. Maxi barely had a moment to react before she was enveloped in a tight embrace.

Islinda held her fiercely, as if the weight of everything she’d endured could be momentarily set aside in this reunion. Maxi’s arms wrapped around her friend and sister in return, a soft smile playing on her lips despite the tiredness in her eyes.

"I was so worried," Islinda murmured, pulling back just enough to look at Maxi, her hands still gripping her friend’s arms. "I’m so glad you’re okay."

Maxi gave a small laugh, brushing a hand through her disheveled hair. "I could say the same for you," she replied, her voice laced with relief. "It’s good to see you safe."

Andre, who had been watching the scene unfold, took a step forward, clearing his throat to draw their attention.

"Alright," he said, his tone gentle but purposeful. "As much as I hate to break up the reunion, we’ve got work to do. Come inside, and let’s go over the situation at hand."

Islinda and Maxi both turned toward Andre, their smiles fading as the gravity of the moment settled back over them. Islinda gave Maxi’s hand one last squeeze before releasing her, nodding toward Andre.

Aldric, who had been standing silently by, stepped forward as well, his protective gaze never straying far from Islinda. Together, the small group made their way toward the large tent at the center of the camp