Ryu sighed, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his emotions.
“Uncle Erlan, I cannot escape the bitterness that plagues me. I despise this human blood that flows through my veins. It weakens me, shortens my life, and separates me from the purity of our Elven heritage.”
Erlan’s eyes softened, a deep empathy shining within them.
“Ryu, do not allow the ignorance of others to turn into self-loathing. Your human blood comes from your mother. A finer lady I have never known, Elf or human. Do you truly despise that part of your mother that is within you?” Erlan said sharply, making Ryu jump. A moment later, he softened his voice. “Your human blood is a part of you, a part of the greatness that resides within your heart.”
Ryu shook his head, his fists clenching in frustration. “But Erlan, it is because of my mother’s human blood that flows in my veins that my father sacrificed a piece of himself to give me this essence, to grant me power. I must be worthy of that sacrifice. I must ascend to the Twilight Throne, become the leader our people deserve, and prove that I am not just a product of my mixed blood.”
Erlan approached Ryu, placing a hand on his shoulder, the touch a comforting reminder of their bond.
“Your father loves you, Ryu. He saw greatness within you, not in spite of your human blood, but because of the strength that you possess. You do not need to prove anything to anyone, especially not to yourself.”
Ryu’s nodded half-heartedly, his gaze dropping to the floor.
“What is it, Ryu?”
Finally, Ryu confessed: “I fear that I will never be enough, Uncle Erlan. That no matter how hard I strive, I will always fall short. That my existence will forever be tainted by this inherent imperfection.”
Erlan’s grip on his shoulder tightened, his voice filled with determination.
“Ryu, listen to me. You are loved by your family, cherished by your friends, and respected by those who know your true worth. The path to self-acceptance is not an easy one, but remember that your value lies not in the purity of your blood but in the kindness of your heart, the strength of your character, and the choices you make.”
Ryu had said nothing in reply. Erlan would never understand. The second son of a minor Daywalker noble who had made his place in the Twilight Court, Erlan had always been free to follow his heart.
But Ryu was his father’s only child. His heir. He couldn’t let him down.
And Ryu had kept the promise he’d made all those years ago. He had trained himself to become the best he could be, accompanying Erlan on diplomatic trips, learning administration from his father, and observing the way his mother meted out justice as the Consort of the Twilight Prince.
This bond with the human girl was just one more obstacle in his path.
One he would cross with ease.
His mind made up, Ryu gathered the scrolls and books in his arms, and took them to his chambers.
He needed to gather provisions for the human’s awakening. Food and drink would be essential to sustain her while she remained hidden in the stable.
As he gathered fruits, bread, and a flask of water, his mind continued to whirl with unanswered questions. Could he truly sever the ties that bound him to the human without causing irreparable damage?
Leaving the chambers with the provisions in hand, Ryu made his way back to the stable, his mind still consumed by thoughts of the bond, of their intertwined destinies. Intuition told him that there were no easy answers, no clear path forward.
Approaching the still unconscious human, he set the food and drink beside her.
With a lingering glance, Ryu settled in to wait at her side, his only company his own swirling thoughts.
CHAPTER FIVE
Ella slowly came back to herself, her memories returning to her in bits and pieces. As the face of the Elf flashed in her mind, Ella’s eyes snapped open to see that she was in an unfamiliar place.
The room was dimly lit, its walls adorned with intricate elven tapestries. She tried to move, but her body felt heavy, as if she were bound by invisible chains.
Panic surged within her, and she frantically scanned the room for an escape.
“You’re finally awake, human,” the Elf's voice sneered from the shadows. He emerged, his form casting a tall and imposing silhouette. “I wouldn’t try to escape if I were you. You’re far from your precious village now.”
Ella’s anger sparked withing her, washing away her fear. “What do you want from me, Elf?” she said defiantly. “Why have you brought me here?”
The Elf narrowed his eyes. “My name is not ‘Elf’.”
