He spent the next twenty minutes looking through the ancient scrolls and books he’d set aside for research, hoping to find something about mate bonds that could allow Elves to sense each other.
When a pounding began behind his eyes, Ryu knew he had to call it a night. Pushing away from the ancient books, he decided to take a stroll. Maybe the cool night air would help with his headache.
As he stepped into the moonlit gardens outside the main hall, Ryu felt his tensions melt away. Like all Elves, he had a deep connection to and a reverence for nature. Being around the forests and gardens that made up his home soothed and rejuvenated him.
As his feet wandered aimlessly, Ryu found himself moving back to the main house. And then, without quite knowing how, he found himself below the rooms he knew to belong to Ella.
The screen door was open; he could hear her maid’s voice as he drew near.
He heard the female Elf wish her lady a good night, and he knew Ella was alone. He stopped below her balcony, and looked up at her open window.
Ella was standing with her back toward him, entirely oblivious to the fact that he was watching her. She seemed to be unaware that the window was even open. Truly, she had had too much sake.
Even as he watched, she slipped thekimonoshe was wearing off her shoulders, leaving her body bare in the moonlight.
With languid grace, she tipped her head back, moving a hand up her throat and into her hair, which now fell unchecked to the middle of her back. She rolled her shoulders, her hand dropping to run slowly down her body.
With a faint sigh that nonetheless seemed overly loud to the watching Elf lord, she arched her back andstretched.
His mouth went dry as he stared at the apparition she made in the moonlight, her round bottom thrust out toward him as she moaned—a soft, shuddery sound that sent a bolt of lust shooting through him.
She relaxed like a cat, rolling her shoulders again as she picked up a cotton shift and pulled it on, her movements slow and utterly unbearable to the suddenly aroused Elf lord who stood watching her, unable to tear his eyes away from the sight.
She made to turn, and he suddenly realised that he had to leave before she would see him.
In a moment, he had taken flight, deciding not to go back to his bed chambers.
He had to go somewhere where he could clear these confounding thoughts from his head.
He had come across something that was never meant for his eyes, and it was imperative that he disregard these momentary feelings that he had no use for.
Ella was his means to ascent the Twilight Throne, nothing more.
CHAPTER SEVEN
After she had been discovered by Lady Clara, Ella had been escorted to the lady’s chambers.
As she had walked through the halls, taking in the splendor of the Twilight Court for the first time, Ella could understand why the Elves had dazzled her human ancestors so.
The grandeur of the room was unlike anything she had ever imagined. It was a sanctuary of beauty and elegance, filled with an otherworldly atmosphere that whispered of magic and wonder.
The throne room, adorned with intricate designs and ethereal enchantments, was bathed in a soft, golden light that emanated from the ceiling, casting a warm glow upon the marble floor. Elaborate tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes from ancient tales of elven lore. Tall pillars stood sentinel on either side, their surfaces shimmering with an iridescent sheen.
At the center of the room, elevated on a dais, stood the majestic Twilight Throne. Carved from darkwood and embellished with intricate patterns, it exuded an aura of power and authority. The throne itself seemed to shift and change, as if alive, its surface adorned with swirling patterns that glowed with a soft luminescence.
The courtiers, dressed in vibrant garments adorned with delicate embroidery, moved gracefully amidst the room. Their attire reflected the natural world, with flowing fabrics reminiscent of leaves and flowers. The air was filled with the scent of exotic blossoms, their fragrant aroma weaving through the chamber.
Ella's gaze was drawn to the ceiling, where a magnificent mural stretched overhead, depicting a starlit sky that seemed to come alive. Celestial bodies twinkled and danced, their colors shifting and blending, creating a mesmerizing display of celestial artistry.
As she ventured further into the court, Ella marveled at the presence of magic that permeated every corner. Delicate orbs of light floated gracefully through the air, casting gentle illumination and adding to the enchantment of the surroundings. Small creatures, invisible to the human eye, flitted between the columns and whispered secrets to one another.
The courtiers moved with a grace that bordered on ethereal, their every gesture imbued with elegance and poise. Their words carried a musical quality, flowing like a gentle melody that stirred the air. Ella couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and reverence in their presence.
As she observed the courtiers interacting, Ella noticed that each had a unique aura, a faint glow that seemed to reflect their connection to magic. Some emanated an aura of healing and tranquility, while others exuded an air of elemental power. It was a vibrant tapestry of mystical energies that wove the very fabric of the Twilight Court.
Amidst the splendor and enchantment, Ella felt a sense of belonging, as if the magic of this place resonated within her. She was drawn to its beauty, captivated by the harmony of nature and magic that thrived in the court.
Ella stepped further into the Twilight Court, her eyes continuing to drink in the ethereal beauty of her surroundings. The soft hum of conversation filled the air as she cautiously made her way through the throng of elegantly dressed courtiers. The Elves spoke in melodic tones, their voices carrying an air of regality and confidence.
