Glossary
Glossary of Terms
(This will be a developing chapter that will include explanations for terms used within the book)
Aether: The raw current of magic that flows through every living thing. It is not inherently good or evil—it simply is. Fae draw from it naturally; mortals require sigils, runes, or catalysts to channel it safely.
Runes: Inscribed symbols that act as conduits between intent and Aether. Each rune holds a unique vibration that can be combined or layered to create complex enchantments.
In fae culture, runes are alive—they hum softly under the skin when carved or inked, and they can reject a caster whose magic feels unstable. Bureau-approved runes are simplified and tightly regulated, while ancient fae runes remain unpredictable and powerful enough to warp reality if misdrawn.
Wards: Protective enchantments designed to repel, contain, or cloak magic. Think of them as invisible fences woven from Aether.
Wards are often layered—outer rings for deterrence, inner cores for containment. Fae wards are living constructs that adapt to threat, while Bureau wards are static, programmed to a fixed frequency. A skilled caster can feel a ward’s “pulse” when passing close to it, like the beat of a living heart.
Ley Lines: Invisible veins of pure Aether that thread through both realms, connecting sacred sites, old forests, and fae cities.
Where they cross, power amplifies—spells become stronger, portals more stable, tempers more volatile. Bureau agents track ley surges to predict magical disturbances, but fae treat them like weather: inevitable, fickle, and deeply personal.
Legend says the oldest fae cities—like Luminaris—were built directly atop leyline nexuses, their spires channeling that magic into the sky.
Courtship Bond: A fae ritual that mirrors mortal engagement, sealed through shared magic rather than rings.
Memory Scrying: Forbidden fae magic allowing someone to witness another’s memories — used against Iris during her council humiliation.
The Stripping: The punishment proposed by the Council to remove magic.
Glamour: A spell used by fae to disguise their true form or emotions.
Resonance: When two magical signatures harmonize. In rare cases, it indicates a bond — such as mates.
