Chapter-53 The Golden Dawn

The first rays of sunlight pierced through the heavy velvet curtains of the Velvet Veil, transforming the atmosphere.

The deep purples and blacks of the night shifted, melting into a pale, shimmering white, while the hints of violet glowed into a warm, golden hue. The once-shadowed corners of the brothel were now kissed with a soft, radiant light, chasing away the lingering darkness of the long night.

And with the sunlight, he appeared.

Solas did not enter from the door. It felt as if he had stepped into this world from another plane, manifesting among the golden curtains like a figure of myth.

His presence was overwhelming, yet not oppressive... he radiated warmth and comfort, the kind of power that made you feel safe. Fertility and strength clung to him like a second skin, an aura that made it clear this was a man who thrived on life itself.

He was the peak of masculinity... broad-shouldered yet fluid in movement, his skin bronzed like he had been sculpted under the sun. His hair, long and dark with strands of shimmering copper, framed a face that balanced predatory sharpness with endless charm. His eyes, an unnatural gold-green, caught the light like the heart of a jungle.

This was not the elegance of the Sidhe; it was raw, primal perfection, the kind that ancient gods would envy.

Frederique felt the weight of his presence the moment he arrived. Even her Hunger went quiet, a rare moment of stillness as if the fairy inside her acknowledged something greater.

Solas moved with confidence, weaving through the waking brothel with effortless grace. His eyes lingered on every woman he passed, lips curving into a teasing smile that could melt hearts... and he did so without a hint of disrespect. He flirted openly, murmuring playful comments, but never pushed. If someone turned away, he accepted it with a knowing nod. For those who responded, he left them blushing, their gazes following him long after he moved on.

He greeted everyone. Not as a king, but like the best friend you hadn't seen in years.

"Selora, you look as radiant as ever," he purred, brushing a strand of her wild hair back as she rolled her eyes.

"Lira, still breaking hearts, I see?"

Lira giggled, curling her tail around her waist.

"Only the ones that deserve it, Solas."

Frederique tensed as his gaze finally turned toward her. She'd seen plenty of powerful beings since her life changed, but Solas was something... different.

His expression softened as he approached, the weight of his presence gentling.

No teasing.

No flirtation.

Only warmth.

"Frederique." His voice was rich, soothing.

"I've heard much about you. How are you feeling?"

She blinked, trying to find words.

"I... I'm fine. Tired. It's been a strange night."

Solas gave a knowing nod.

"It often is, the first time. You're holding yourself together well."

He glanced toward Lira and Selora, who stayed back, respectfully giving space but clearly listening.

"Walk with me?" Solas extended his hand, but not to touch... an invitation, nothing more.

Frederique nodded, following as he led her to a quieter corner of the Velvet Veil, away from the now-gathering women stirring from their rooms. Selora and Lira stayed back but lingered within sight.

Once they were alone, the playful charm dropped, leaving only sincerity in his voice.

"I wanted to speak with you... not as a leader but as someone who understands what you're going through. I know what it's like to change into something you never thought possible."

Frederique blinked.

"You... ? But you're a... I mean, you're so... in control."

Solas chuckled softly, the sound deep and rich.

"Now, perhaps. But I wasn't born like this. My first transformation was... difficult."

His gaze drifted toward the window, golden eyes narrowing in thought.

"I was not born a man, Frederique. I was born a crocodile."

She blinked, sure she'd misheard.

"You were... a crocodile?"

"Yes. A simple beast, born in a zoo, raised in a glass tank where children would press their hands against the glass. I knew hunger. I knew the heat of the sun. But I never knew what it meant to be human."

Frederique couldn't help but stare, fascinated.

"Then how...?"

"My father was the zookeeper. Or, rather, a shifter who became the zookeeper. When he was young, he could shift into many forms. He took the form of a crocodile... and he found my mother."

Her stomach twisted at the implication. Solas seemed to sense it and shook his head gently.

"She was not harmed. He was a crocodile when I was conceived, and so was she. That is our nature. But when I was born, my father stayed close. He waited... and on the day of my first Change, he was there to help me understand what I had become."

Frederique shivered.

"And what was it like?"

Solas exhaled slowly.

"It was... overwhelming. Imagine living as an animal your entire life... simple instincts, hunger, sun, sleep... and suddenly, your body shifts. You think differently. You feel things you never understood before. Words. Emotions. Desire. It was... chaos."

She nodded, biting her lip. That... sounded far too familiar.

"You're going through something similar, aren't you?" he asked gently.

Frederique hesitated.

"...Yes. I don't know how to explain it. I feel... out of control. Like there's someone else inside me, pushing me. I don't know if I'm losing myself or becoming something else entirely."

Solas tilted his head, studying her with an almost animal curiosity.

"You're not losing yourself. You're changing. And it can be terrifying. But it doesn't have to be. You can learn control. Trust yourself, Frederique."

She wanted to believe him. But the Hunger twisted in her chest, silent but restless, and she knew it wasn't that simple.

Solas seemed to sense her hesitation and stepped back.

"You're strong. And you have good people beside you. Lira. Selora. They will help you find your way. But if you ever need guidance, you can always come to me."

Frederique nodded, exhaling slowly as the conversation ended.

Lira and Selora approached from the shadows, the brothel returning to its strange, golden calm.

And as Solas turned to greet the waking courtesans once more, Frederique realized that for all his power... he understood.

And maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to understand herself too.