The feast had not ended yet when Yaroslava stepped out of the crowded main hall, where half of the tribe was gathered. The men’s loud, crude laughter lingered in her ears like buzzing flies, even though she had already walked far down the hall. Under the dim candlelight, her eyes glistened with a blue glow as she stared at the path ahead. Her gaze was unwavering and her steps were firm. She knew exactly where she was going.

The memory of her previous conversation with her cousin, Oleg the chieftain, slipped back into her thoughts. It concerned the raid Oleg’s men had carried out a few days ago. They called it "successful", bringing back many trophies with their ships and horses. Yaroslava had gotten a fleeting chance to peek at the loot when the raiders returned to camp. Nothing seemed special: women, gold, food... almost the same as usual. But then something caught her attention.

A fae. A female fae stood among those poor human women—a splash of colour among the captives.

It was rare to see a living fae nowadays, as most had escaped to faraway places to hide from greedy humans. One well-known example in the Snowy Forest was Yaroslava’s great-grandparents, one born of fae blood and the other fae himself. Rumours said both had fled to faedom for reasons known only to themselves.

Now a fae had been captured and brought back here. Many curious eyes fell upon her, each subtle movement drawing collective gasps. Her existence quickly drew Oleg’s attention.

By his order, she was sent to his private room the moment she set foot on the muddy ground. Her fate was sealed, bound to the tribe—as a potential volva or worse, his concubine.

Before the feast began, Yaroslava found Oleg standing outside the longhouse near the forest. She spoke to him in veiled terms, suggesting he should not keep the fae without her consent, as she was not a mere human but a magical creature belonging to the wilderness. In response, Oleg shot Yaroslava a disapproving glance and dismissed her with a flick of his hand—a silent demand for her to shut up and leave. How hilarious, he thought she would obey, as though she were still the obedient child who once listened to his every word.

And here she was, on her way toward Oleg’s treasure room. If her cousin would not agree to let the fae go, she would take matters into her own hands.

As she continued her route, the noise from the feast faded into the distance, giving her a moment to reconsider. Her pace slowed.

She understood the benefits of owning a fae in the tribe. Her great-grandfather was a good example—the man had left the tribe at a young age and returned with a fae, her other great-grandfather. With the fae's help, he successfully overthrew the previous chieftain and claimed leadership. His rule remained stable for decades until both he and the fae vanished without a trace.

It was unfair to blame Oleg when nearly every ambitious man in the tribe desired a fae. But Yaroslava was never fair. Though she condemned her cousin, she too wanted the fae—not to free her, but to own her, to tip the scales of power.

So no more thoughts of rescue—the fae was hers to keep.

Surprisingly, no guard stood around the room. Oleg was clearly too confident, assuming no one would dare approach. With a gentle push, the wooden door creaked open. Yaroslava leaned her head in, searching for the fae, and within seconds spotted her sitting on a fur carpet with hands bound behind her by thick rope. When Yaroslava entered, the fae looked up at her.

"Good evening," Yaroslava greeted, her voice low and soothing. She lifted both hands, showing she held nothing. "I mean no harm; I'm not like those men." She paused, studying the fae's expression. She did not want to scare her away—she had to play this carefully.

"I'm Igorevna if you're curious. I know you're not happy here, I understand. That's why I'm offering you a deal." Yaroslava reached out with her palm up, a gesture of invitation. A fake smile played across her lips, a mask of friendliness.

"If you're willing to lend me your aid... in return, I'll assist you in escaping this place and returning to your homeland. Fair enough?" The words rolled off her tongue as her smile widened and her eyes narrowed with calculation.

"So speak, fae, will you strike this bargain?"