I tentatively reached up to touch the spot where the gash had been, but to my astonishment, there was no trace of it remaining. It was as if it had never been there at all."Thank you," I muttered, my voice barely audible as I struggled to find the right words to express my gratitude.Valen merely nodded, his expression unreadable as he took a step back, putting some distance between us. The tension between us lingered in the air, thick and palpable, as we stood there in silence, the weight of our unspoken words hanging heavily between us. As I grappled with the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me, the abrupt sound of approaching footsteps shattered the uneasy silence that hung between us. We both turned to see Rhaenan standing in the doorway, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity, his eyes flitting between me and Valen."Are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern as he stepped closer, his gaze lingering on the unmarred skin of my neck.I forced a sm
Whatever bond I thought Valen and I had forged over our shared ordeal with the Algoths seemed to have vanished into thin air.As we sat around the dining table for dinner, a heavy silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the clinking of utensils against porcelain. Valen brooded, his mood palpable even in the dim candlelight. I couldn't fathom what was weighing on his mind, but I dared not disturb his thoughts with idle conversation. Rhaenan, too, seemed lost in his own thoughts, his expression unreadable as he picked at his food.The revelation that there were indeed people bustling about the mansion had left me feeling hyper-aware of my surroundings. I found myself stealing glances at various places in the mansion and imagining what some folks might be doing there. I stare at the food, now burying my previous assumption that there was no cook and everything materialized at the snap of Valen's fingers.My gaze drifted across the table to Valen, who sat in stony silence, his attenti
Valen's breath sends a shiver down my spine as he lingers close, his presence both comforting and unsettling. His words penetrate the haze of my thoughts, drawing my attention back to the present. "The blemish is totally gone," he whispers against my skin, his voice sending a jolt of electricity through me.My mind races to catch up with his words. "What blemish?" I inquire, my voice barely above a whisper."The one left by the Algoth," he explains, his tone soft yet matter-of-fact. "I healed the cut, but there was still a pink mark. It's gone now."His proximity leaves me feeling exposed, vulnerable even. Instinctively, my hands rise, coming to rest on his chest as I gently push him away, the contact sending a jolt of awareness coursing through me. Clearing my throat and fussing with my dress, I avoid meeting his gaze, choosing instead to focus on anything but him. I can sense his smile, though, a knowing grin that lingers in the air like a tantalizing secret."Thank you for lifting
The charming melodies wafting up from the hall downstairs beckon me like a siren's song, filling the long corridor with an air of anticipation. Unlike the predictable rhythms of my days in Ferngrove, where each sunrise brought familiar routines, stepping into this new world feels like diving into the unknown depths of a vast ocean.Downstairs, the sounds of laughter and animated conversation echo through the grand hall, mingling with the soft glow of candlelight. My hands clench in front of me, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through my veins. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever awaits me below.With each step down the ornate staircase, the polished marble floors reverberate beneath my feet, amplifying the rhythm of my heartbeat. As I approach the heart of the festivities, a surge of anticipation courses through me, mingling with the thrill of the unknown. The party unfolds before me like a tapestry of enchantment, the air alive with the cadence of lau
We all experience those moments when we're caught in the crossfire, uncertain of whether to intervene or remain silent. Right now, I find myself in the heart of such a moment.The tension between the two men is palpable, their gazes locked in a fierce battle of wills. Malevolence hangs heavy in the air, and I realize with a sinking feeling that I've unwittingly stumbled into the midst of their animosity. I need to extricate myself from this situation, and fast.Stumbling away from Baelorin, I feel his hand reach out as if to stop me, but it hesitates, frozen in mid-air. I come to a halt, my gaze fixed on Valen, who stands before me with a look of unbridled hostility directed at Baelorin. It's as if he's preventing him from touching me with his powers."Stop it!" I exclaim, my voice ringing out in the charged atmosphere. Valen's piercing gaze shifts to me, but I refuse to back down. "You really are insufferable, you know that?" I step closer to him, tilting my chin defiantly upward. Ba
The rhythmic crunch of twigs beneath approaching footsteps pierced the stillness of the night, jolting me from my fitful slumber. With a sharp intake of breath, I peered into the enveloping darkness, my senses heightened by a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins.Every muscle in my body tensed as the unseen intruder drew nearer, their presence shrouded in the inky blackness of the forest. With bated breath, I strained to catch any sign of movement, my heart pounding in my chest like a frantic drumbeat.The soft glow of my torch cast flickering shadows across the underbrush, illuminating the gnarled roots of ancient trees and the tangled undergrowth that carpeted the forest floor. Yet, despite the feeble light, the identity of the approaching figure remained elusive, concealed by the veil of night.My hand instinctively sought the comforting weight of the bow slung across my chest, fingers curling around the smooth wood as I prepared to defend myself against whatever lurked in
As I gradually regain consciousness, the gentle caress of the wind brushes against my skin, offering a soothing embrace. Sheltered by a comforting presence, I discern the rhythmic beat of wings above, their steady cadence a reassuring melody in the stillness of the air. With hesitant movements, I blink my eyes open, seeking to acclimate to the gentle sway of flight.My gaze drifts upward, and I am met with the sight of my savior—Valen, his form silhouetted against the expanse of the sky. His focus remains fixed ahead, his movements fluid and graceful as he navigates the currents of the air. The realization that we are suspended high above the forest floor sends a shiver of apprehension down my spine, and I instinctively cling tighter to him, seeking solace in his reassuring presence."Stay still. You're safe now," Valen murmurs softly against my neck, his breath warm against my skin. I heed his words, allowing myself to relax into his embrace, finding comfort in the strength of his a
The sun cast a soft glow over the garden, its rays filtering through the foliage to create intricate patterns of light and shadow upon the statues that adorned the lush landscape. Yet, despite the midsummer season, the sun seemed strangely subdued, its brilliance tempered by a veiled haze that hung in the air like a gossamer curtain.As I stepped out into the garden, a sense of disquiet settled over me. Shouldn't the sun be at its zenith during this time of year? The discrepancy gnawed at the edges of my consciousness for the longest time.The mansion bustled with activity, a hive of frenetic energy as maids scurried to and fro, attending to last-minute preparations for the impending festivities. Everywhere I looked, there were signs of bustling activity: ribbons being woven into intricate designs, flowers arranged in elaborate bouquets, and the faint hum of magic as faeries worked their enchantments to embellish the surroundings.One faerie caught my eye as she effortlessly conjured a