In an enchanted forest within the world of magic, lies a very special door. A door which connects Fairyland to the mortal realm. 

In this land, once every year, on a special night, fairies dance an ancestral dance, one passed down from generation to generation. These majestic, hypnotizing dances are only part of a grand and special courting ritual, one which bonds a fairy to the first individual who experiences it. The music the fairies dance to are enchanted themselves, leaving their listeners entranced in a state of pure, raw emotion. 

Audrey, a princess of Fairyland, is reaching her 21st birthday. A special day to fairies across the world of magic, as every year, on the day of their 21st birthday, they are allowed passage through the doorway between realms. However, this doorway is bound by a special set of rules, a set of rules designed to keep the two realms separate; the doorway will vanish at sunrise. Any who fail to return to Fairyland before then, will be unable to return. Each year that passes within Fairyland, they fairy will lose portions of their power as they gradually transition to a mortal.

In the heart of Fairyland, within the ancient and grand oak which Fairyland’s royalty calls home, Audrey sits in her room, perched upon a large, moonpearl petal. The walls of her room are adorned with naturally grown vines and flowers which branch out and extend to form a terrace which covers the ceiling. A terrace of which descends a long, delicate and intricately carved swing. Zelda, one of Audrey’s close friends and most loyal retainer, sits at the swing, smiling as Audrey speaks, “I’m twenty one, now, Zelda!” She bellowed, her voice carrying through the luxuriously large room as she excitedly bounced on the moonpearl petal. “I’ve waited five years for this day! I grew out my hair and even practiced my dance, day and night!” She then fluttered gracefully into the air, her slender form adorned in a gown woven from the petals of the most beautiful and the most rarest of roses in the realm. Her long, blonde hair cascaded down her back, entwined with tiny pearls and emerald leaves that gleamed with soft magical glow. “I can’t wait, Zelda!” She beamed, flying restlessly. “I can’t wait to go visit the mortal realm!”

Zelda smiled and giggled at her friend’s excitement, recalling her own visit years ago. “You have to be careful, though.” She warns, “The door is only open for a few hours, Audrey. If a mortal catches you or you get lost, you’ll be stuck there forever.” 

However, Zelda’s warning fell on deaf ears as Audrey’s focus was on preparing for the trip. She had decided to bring along her personal journal and her book of enchantments. As per the tradition, those who visit the mortal realm, always return with a story to tell, and the more grand or fantastical the story that’s told the more fame and recognition one gets. Audrey was determined to get the best story she could. However, she wasn’t going to just stop at a story. She had planned to do what no fairy had done before; she planned to bring back an object from the mortal realm. A souvenir for herself, and an object of admiration for those to revel in at her reveal party.

Once fully prepared, Audrey sets off for the doorway, determined to return with a story and piece of the mortal realm. As she stands, nervous, yet excited, Zelda approaches her from behind, a warm smile behind her face as she sees Audrey off. “Don’t forget, Audrey!” She reminds, “Also, remember that the first thing to go is our height! It’s usually around the time evening comes! You’ll be the same height as the mortals!” 

Audrey smiles and nods. “I won’t forget! Thanks, Zelda! You’re the best!” Eager to go, she doesn’t waste anymore time and sets off through the doorway. 

The transition is quick and seamless, one moment within an enchanted forest, the next she’s overseeing a mortal city far above in the clouds. The sight leaves her with awe and excitement as she flutters down toward the center of the city. She stops by what seems to be a shopping center, crowded with humans, both out on the streets and inside their buildings. She paused to gaze upon one of windows, a place which sells beautiful dresses and jewelery. “Clothes! Dresses! Gowns!” She shouts excitedly, having an idea for one of the many things she planned on bringing back to Fairyland. With a wave of her hand and the soft ethereal glow of magic, she changed the form of her own gown to match the one behind the window. 

She spun and twirled as she examined the gown, taking in the feel and look of mortal clothes. Audrey was ecstatic, more so than she’s ever been in a long time. With a satisfied nod, she continued exploring the city, her mind filled with wonder and adventure.

As Audrey explored, she began noticing banners posted along the city streets, all of which portrayed a handsome young man announcing the beginning of a Flower Festival. Audrey was captivated by the idea of a flower festival, but more than that, she was captivated by the man on the banner. She wanted to meet him, to learn his story, to add it to hers, and to learn who he was to be so important to be the face of the mortal realm’s Flower Festival. Following the instructions on banner, she learns where the festival will be hosted and prepares for it. She decides to wait for the early hours of the evening, as she knows, warned by Zelda, that she’ll lose her diminutive height in place of growing to be just as tall as a human. Although she still has her fairy wings, she now looks just like an ordinary human. The wings, she thought, wouldn’t be a problem. She could simply drape them over her back and pretend for them to be part of her already colorful dress. 

Now fully disguised as a human, she snuck into the Flower Festival. She didn’t have a entry ticket as the banner demanded, but she found herself easily able to sneak in alongside a dozen of the human dancers who were set to dance for the festival. However, under the belief that she was an employee, she was made to help set up the finishing touches for the festival. She had helped set up booths, lights and flowers, which she secretly used her magic to aid her in doing so. When it was done, the festival had a slight, mystical touch to it; a touch of fairy. 

Audrey had even helped spruce up the dancer’s dresses, adorning petals and vines to the fabric and hems of their dresses which added to the flower theme of the festival. As night began to fall, the lights she had helped set up looked like fairies, dancing under the stars. The booths had flowers never seen before on the mortal realm, food from the various cities scattered across the mortal realm. Food Audrey had never tasted before. This festival was a unique experience, she knew that this festival would certainly be included in her story, and she ensured to make the most of it. 

The time had passed quickly for Audrey. It was already 8 pm, and Audrey knew from the banner that 8 pm was when the real party started. The banner advertised music, dancing, and drinks, and the dancers were already dancing. Music began playing, and to Audrey, it was magical. It was music she had never heard before, played from instruments she’d never seen before. Music from the mortal realm. She absolutely knew this was going to be in her story. Audrey began dancing along with the dancers, mimicking their dances and having the time of her life.

Across the dance floor, at an exclusive table, sat a group of men, well dressed and excluding an air of prestige and success. Among them was the Jon. Jon was the organizer of the event. His face was plastered over the banners and advertisements across the city. He had funded the event with his own money and was celebrating it among friends. 

An hour had passed, and the DJ had invited the guests to dance alongside the dancers. Audrey, caught up in the moment, felt the need to impress. She had practiced her ritual dance, day and night, and tomorrow she would preform it at her reveal party. She knew fairy magic wouldn’t work the same way on mortals, and she was feeling impatient, the need to express the dance she had been practicing on for weeks. Without hesitation, she began dancing her dance. At first she went unnoticed, but when the clouds parted and the moonlight filtered through the dance floor, it seemed to place Aubrey on a spotlight. People began taking notice of her. Her dance was unlike any of the others, it was ritualistic, raw, and original. Audrey, herself, was absorbed into her dance. She hadn’t taken notice that everyone had stopped to watch. She hadn’t considered that her dance would be so different from everyone else’s that she’d become a spectacle to watch. 

When she finally finished her dance, and although music was booming throughout the festival, the guests were silent. They all watched, enraptured and awed, before finally applauding Audrey. They all considered her to have been a performer, hired by the event’s host. They cheered and danced, some attempting to recreate her dance, but none being able to do perfectly. 

Jon was stunned. He didn’t know who the girl was. The girl who caught everyone’s attention. He hadn’t hired a dancer like that. He hadn’t planned a performance during the dance. He needed to know who the girl was. He turned to one of the many caters walking throughout the event and handed him a glass of expensive champagne. “Offer my compliments to the young performer.” He says, pointing to Audrey. The caterer nodded and set off to do so. “Luca.” Jon called out to his best friend, one of the men who sat at his table. “Who is she? Did you invite a performer?” Luca shook his head, “No. She’s a guest.” Jon turned his head to Luca, his expression an amused, wide toothy smile. “A guest stole the show?” He asked, his voice low. “You have to get her name. Her information. I want all the details. I have to know who this woman is.” He says, having taken a fascination with Audrey. 

Audrey spun and twirled gracefully at the center of the dance floor, her dance mesmerizing and unique. The mortal realm’s music flowed through her and guided the steps of her dance with effortless elegance which captivated and drew eyes from all around. She knew she was being watched, that she had caught their attention and she thrived on it. She was lost in the rhythm of her dance and the beat of music. 

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

A caterer wove through the crowd, expertly balancing a tray full of drinks. He reached Audrey and presented her with a glass of champagne, offering a polite bow. “Compliments from the host,” he said with brief smile. 

Audrey beamed at the gesture, assuming it to be a special kind of sparkling juice, especially if it came from the host of the event. She accepted the drink, thanking the caterer with a nod before taking a generous sip. The champagne’s bubbles tickled her nose, and the unfamiliar taste made her pause. However, she had tasted many strange things from the booths earlier in the day, many foods of different tastes and shapes, and attributed the bubbly drink to being yet another of the mortal realm’s strange and exotic tastes. She took a liking to this drink, and downed one after the other.

As the minutes passed, Audrey’s dancing began to change. Her once-fluid and graceful movements grew sluggish, her steps less precise. She giggled at the sudden heaviness of her limbs, trying to shake it off. She continued to dance, her coordination slipping further with each passing movement.

Finally, Audrey’s energy began to fade and she stumbled to the edge of the dance floor. Breathing heavily, she sank into a nearby chair, her head spinning slightly. She hadn’t realized how exhausting dancing could be. She took another sip of champagne, though it wasn’t as good as the one gifted by the host, it was still bubbly, and she thought the bubbles were funny, just as much as they were strange. She leaned back as she set the drink down, closing her eyes for a moment. 

Jon watched from a distance, his curiosity and fascination only growing as he observed Audrey’s transition from grace. He glanced at Luca, who was already on his way to gather more information about their mysterious guest. Jon’s smiled widened. This was turning out to be a far more interesting event than anticipated.

As Audrey rested, her thoughts drifted to the next day—her reveal party. As she imagined the stories she would share and the laughter and revel that would follow, a soft voice interrupted her thoughts, “Are you alright, miss?”

She opened her eyes to see a concerned guest standing before her. Audrey smiled softly and nodded. “I’m fine, just… tired from all the dancing.”

Luca chuckled. “It’s no wonder. You were definitely dancing your heart out there” he said, reaching over to gently pry the glass of champagne from her hand and replacing it with a glass of water. “You should really go easy on these. If you keep downing them like you have been, you soon won’t remember who you even are,” he joked.

Audrey laughed lightly, a hint of confusion in her eyes. “Well, I still remember my name,” she said, a playful smile on her lips. “So no need to worry about that.” 

“So, what brings you to this event? You’re quite the dancer.” Luca asked, a warm smile on his face.

“Oh, I’m just here to enjoy the night,” Audrey said before taking another sip of water. “I’m hoping to bring a great story to tell when I go back home.” 

Luca nodded, his interest growing. “You certainly caught everyone’s eye. Do you dance professionally?”

Audrey blinked, her mind struggling to process Luca's question through the haze of champagne. "Professionally?" she repeated, her brow furrowing slightly. "Oh no, I don't dance for a living. Dancing is just... something we do."

"We?" Luca prompted, curious.

Audrey giggled, the sound airy and light. "I mean, it's a big part of our culture where I'm from. Back home, dancing is... well, it's everything. It tells our stories, celebrates our joy, mourns our sorrows."

Luca leaned in, fascinated. "Where exactly is home for you, Audrey?"

Audrey paused, suddenly aware of the delicate line she was treading. She hadn't planned on revealing her true identity to anyone here in the human realm. "Oh, it's far away," she said vaguely, attempting to divert Luca's curiosity.

Luca's expression softened with understanding. "I see. Well, you've certainly brought a touch of magic to this party tonight, Audrey."

Audrey beamed at the word 'magic', her eyes sparkling with mischief. “It’s what I do.” Audrey replied with a mischievous grin, her voice laced with playful mystery. She glanced around the room, taking in the dazzled expressions of the party guests as they continued to talk.

However, Luca’s expression shifted as he considered her words more deeply. He leaned in closer, his tone losing its earlier warmth. “You don’t fit in with this crowd. I know your type—privileged and out of your depth. I’m taking you home.” 

Audrey’s playful smile faltered, replaced by a look of bewilderment. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me,” Luca continued, his voice steady and his eyes hardening. “People like you think you can just waltz in and steal the show. But you’re out of your element. It’s time to leave.”

Audrey stared at him, her mind racing. She had encountered many humans during her brief time in their realm, but none had spoken to her like this. “You don’t understand,” she began, her voice tinged with desperation. She had to get her story. She couldn’t leave just yet.

Luca cut her off, his gaze unwavering. “Oh, I understand more than you think. I deal with your type more than I’d care to. With the amount of drinks you’ve had, I’m not going to wait for the mess you’ll undeniably cause. Now, let’s go.”

For a moment, there was a tense silence between them, the lively chatter of the party guests fading into the background. Audrey took a deep breath. 

“Thank you, but I’m more than capable of taking care of myself,” she said, with a her calm maner.

Luca shook his head, his jaw set and eyes narrowed. “Not tonight, you’re not. I’m taking you home and that’s final.” 

Audrey protested as Luca began to strong-arm her towards the exit “Wait! I don’t want to leave yet! I have more to experience here!” She tried to pull back, but Luca’s grip was firm.

“You’ve had more than enough for one night,” Luca said sharply, guiding her through the crowd and out the door.

Audrey reluctantly followed. But she knew she couldn’t stay in the mortal realm for much longer, and should be leaving anyway. Still, she wasn’t ready to leave yet. There was still much more she could add to her story.

Once outside, Luca ushered her into a sleek black car, ignoring her continued complaints. “This is ridiculous,” Audrey huffed as he buckled her in. “I wasn’t causing any trouble.”

Luca sighed as he started the engine. “And I intend to keep it that way.”

They drove in silence for a while, Audrey struggling to remember which skyscraper she needed to return to. The city lights blurred past her, and she fought to clear her mind from the haze of the champagne. “It’s… one of these buildings,” She muttered, squinting at the skyline. 

“Which one?” Luca asked, irritation creeping into his voice.

Audrey frowned, feeling the effects of the champagne dulling her memory. "I'm not sure," she admitted, biting her lip. "But it’s the tallest one."

Luca glanced at her skeptically but kept driving until the tallest skyscraper came into view. He pulled up to the building and stopped. "Is this it?"

Audrey nodded, though her certainty wavered. "I think so. I need to get to the rooftop."

Luca frowned. "The rooftop? You don't live on the rooftop."

"I know, but that's where I need to go," Audrey insisted. 

Luca sighed heavily, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "Fine. But you have to give me your contact information for my boss. He wants to know who you are."

Audrey nodded, relieved. "Okay, but I'll give it to you once we're on the roof." She said, not truly intending to.

They took the elevator to the top floor. As the doors opened, they were greeted by a gust of cool night air. Audrey stepped out onto the rooftop, the city sprawled out below them, twinkling under the night sky.

"Alright," Luca said, pulling out his phone. "Your contact information?"

They took the elevator to the top floor. As the doors opened, they were greeted by a gust of cool night air. Audrey stepped out onto the rooftop, the city sprawled out below them, twinkling under the night sky.

Audrey walked to the edge of the rooftop, her steps unsteady but determined. She paused at the ledge, gazing down at the blurry lights of the city. Even through the haze of champagne, the sight was breathtaking.

Luca watched her warily, his concern growing. "What are you doing?" he called out, his voice tense.

Audrey ignored him, closing her eyes to feel the cool breeze on her face. She took a deep breath, then took a step off the rooftop, preparing to leap and fly up to the doorway that would take her home.

From Luca's perspective, it looked as though she had stumbled in her drunken state. Panic surged through him as he sprinted towards her. "No!"

He reached her just as she stepped off the edge, grabbing her arm and pulling her back with all his strength. The sudden motion caused him to lose his balance, and they both tumbled backward. Their heads bumped into each other with a dull thud, and the world spun around them.

Dazed and disoriented, they lay on the rooftop, the city lights dancing above them. The effects of the alcohol and the shock of the fall quickly overwhelmed them, and they slipped into unconsciousness, their heads resting against each other.

As dawn broke over the city, the first light of morning found the two figures still sprawled on the rooftop, their heads resting against each other. The world below began to wake, the hum of traffic and distant sounds of the city morning slowly filling the air.

Audrey stirred, feeling the weight of a body pinning her down. She blinked groggily, her head pounding with the unfamiliar ache of a hangover. Confused and disoriented, she realized she was caught underneath Luca's sleeping form.

She tried to pry herself free, pushing and wriggling, but his weight was too much. Panic started to rise within her, and she let out a scream, then cried out in distress, the sound echoing across the rooftop. "Get off me!" she yelled, her voice cracking with fear and frustration.

The dull throbbing in her head grew worse, and she clutched at her temples, feeling the effects of the hangover for the first time. Her heart raced as she misinterpreted the sensation, believing she was losing her fairy powers. "No, no, this can't be happening," she whimpered and cried, tears beginning to stream down her cheeks.

She remembered the warning: she was allowed into the human realm for one night, and one night only. If she didn't return before daylight, she'd be stuck in the human realm for a year, with her powers waning until she became as powerless as a normal human. The thought terrified her.

Luca on top of her finally stirred, groaning as he slowly came to. He rolled off her, allowing her to sit up and gasp for breath. She scrambled to her feet, wobbling unsteadily as she tried to regain her balance. The city around her seemed too bright, too loud, and too overwhelming.

"Are you alright?" Luca asked groggily, rubbing his head where they had collided.

“No!” she cried out, her voice filled with anger. “Why did you keep me here?” She demanded, giving the man a weak, frustrated kick. “Who are you?”