Quickly, he told his uncle about him trying to give away his human essence to Ella as she lay injured, and how it had formed the twisted life bond that now existed between them.
When he had finished, Erlan leaned back against the table behind him, his expression grave. “Ryu, my boy, what you share with Ella is no ordinary bond. It is a twisted version of the mating bond, an enchantment forged by fate itself. It is powerful and rare, connecting your very souls.”
Ryu’s eyes widened with realization. “You mean...we trulyarefated to be mates?”
Erlan nodded solemnly. “Indeed. The bond between you is a result of your destined union. It would never have formed otherwise.” He shook his head, sighing. “However, your mate bond has been affected by external factors, causing it to manifest in an uncontrolled manner. To break this twisted life bond, you must reconcile the issues in your relationship, allowing the bond to transform into a natural life bond between mates.”
Ryu’s mind raced with questions. “But how, Uncle? How can I repair something so intricate and overwhelming?”
Erlan leaned forward, his voice filled with wisdom. “First, Ryu, you must understand that the bond between mates is a gift. It allows you to share emotions, feelings, and physical sensations. Embrace this connection, for it can bring you strength and unity.”
Ryu scoffed. “Strength? It feels like a curse.”
“Ryu,” Erlan said admonishingly, his voice gentle but firm. “You cannot lie to yourself any longer. It is time for you to embrace the truth that lies within.”
Ryu frowned. “But—”
His uncle cut him off. “Your love for Ella is not a burden, my nephew. It is a blessing, bestowed upon you by fate itself. It is through her that you will gain a wider perspective, a deeper empathy for the human world that exists alongside ours.”
Ryu’s heart quickened at his uncle’s words, hope and trepidation rising within him.
Could it be that his love for Ella held a greater purpose? Could it truly be a path to understanding and acceptance?
“But uncle,” Ryu’s voice trembled slightly, and he straightened it with an effort. “How can I? How can I condemn Ella and any children we may have to the same fate that I had?” He shook his head. “To the same discrimination I faced?”
Erlan’s eyes softened, and he reached out to place a hand on Ryu's shoulder. The touch was comforting, grounding Ryu's swirling emotions.
“Love, my dear nephew, is never without its challenges,” Erlan said. “But it is through these trials that we grow, that we find the true essence of our being. Your heart will never be truly whole until you embrace this love, this bond that fate has bestowed upon you.”
Ryu’s gaze fell to the ground, his thoughts a tempestuous storm. He had been fighting against his feelings, denying the depth of his emotions for fear of the unknown.
But his uncle’s words spoke of a profound truth, one that he couldn’t ignore.
Could he find the strength within himself to embrace the connection between himself and Ella?
Did he want to?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Ella sat in the tranquil garden of the Twilight Court, enjoying the breeze as she had afternoon tea, surrounded by the company of Princess Nitya, Hiroshi, Mizuki, and Lord Kenji.
Ryu was not able to make it, busy as he was with other things.
Ella told herself that she didn’t miss him.
It was just that Lord Kenji and Princess Nitya were not quite welcome additions to their little group, and Ella wished it was just Ryu and her, and his two best friends with them again.
The sun cast a warm glow over the vibrant flowers, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of blossoms through the air. It was a perfect setting for an afternoon filled with lively conversation.
As they settled into their seats, Ella admired the intricate designs of the garden, feeling a sense of awe at the beauty of the Twilight Court. She marveled at the delicate balance between nature and architecture, a testament to the elven craftsmanship.
Princess Nitya, seemingly always eager for conversation, began talking of some of the inventions and advancements from her homeland.
“In Sunvaara, our ironsmiths have a secret technique of crafting iron that does not rust.” Her eyes shone as she looked around at the gathered group. “I would tell you all, of course, since you’re my friends, but then I would be exiled for treason.” She smiled. “And I love our Sunvaaran desserts too much to give them up. Even for you all.”
Everybody laughed, even as Ella’s mind spun with questions. As a child, she’d seen her father in his blacksmith shop, and even though Thomas was the one who had been eager to learn more about iron and steel and metal things, even she knew how valuable such an invention as the one the princess spoke of truly was.
“What about you all?” the princess said now, breaking into her thoughts. “Can you tell me of your realms?” Her gaze fell on Ella, and though she was sure she imagined it, Ella felt she could see the hint of mockery in the other woman’s face as she asked, “Ella? You seemed fascinated by the rust-proof iron my people have developed. What can you tell us of Drakazov?”
