Chapter 1
She made a bargain to save her daughter. Today is that birthday.
Amira counts seven candles on the cake, but Luna is only six today. The seventh candle is for the debt.
"Make a wish, love," Amira whispers.
Luna shuts her eyes tight. "I wish to stay with Mama forever!"
The forest outside goes silent. Three slow knocks shake the cottage.
He is here.
The fae lord stands in the doorway, antlers brushing the frame, eyes like winter. "Seven days, Amira. You promised me seven days with her on her seventh birthday."
Amira steps in front of Luna. "Take me instead."
He smiles. "You already belong to me. This is about the child."
Seven years ago, Luna was dying. No healer could save her. So Amira went into the forbidden forest and called his name.
"I will save her," he had said. "For seven years of health, I will take seven days when she turns seven."
She had agreed. What mother wouldn't?
Now he extends a hand to Luna. "Come, little star. For seven days you will see my world. You will be returned unharmed."
Amira kneels, holding Luna. "You swear? On fae law?"
"On my name and my forest, I swear it."
Luna takes his hand, brave like her mother. "Will you bring me back, Mama?"
"Every day, I will wait at the edge."
The forest swallows them, and Amira is left with seven burning candles. She has seven days to break a fae bargain.
She will.
