Ella's eyes met Nitya’s, her guard still firmly in place. Though she appreciated the princess’s offer, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of suspicion deep within.
“Thank you, Princess Nitya,” she replied politely, her voice tinged with a hint of wariness. “But I assure you, I don't require any assistance.”
Princess Nitya’s gaze held a mix of understanding and curiosity, but she didn't push further. Instead, she offered a warm smile before taking her leave. “If you ever change your mind, remember that I'm here for you.”
As Nitya walked away, Ella couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that there was more to the princess's offer than met the eye. Ella’s instincts told her to remain cautious.
She resolved to keep an eye on the princess, silently vowing to protect herself and those she cared about, regardless of the consequences.
~
“You will be happy to know that you can go back to your village now,” Ryu said, his voice steady. “You can finally be free from this place and from me.”
Ella’s mind raced as she tried to process his words.
“You mean—?”
“I cannot wait any longer,” Ryu spoke softly, his words tinged with a touch of regret. “The Council has spoken, and I must obey. I will have to do this myself, as I did the night I healed you.”
He sighed, and met her gaze. “On the next full moon night, when the moon is at its highest and my magic is at its most powerful, I will attempt to break the bond between us.”
Ella’s heart sank at his words, before she mentally shook herself. She’d wanted to go back to Strayhaven. She was just being silly. This was the fear of the unknown, that was all.
After all, she’d lived with the bond for six years, she was bound to feel some uncertainty at the thought of breaking it.
Still, the finality of Ryu’s decision stung, and she struggled to hide the sadness that welled up within her.
She knew she had expressed her desire to return to her village, but a part of her couldn’t help but feel a pang of hurt at his seemingly dismissive tone. She mustered the courage to voice her concerns.
“But what about your treaty with Sunvaara?” Ella asked. “What will they think if your human ward suddenly disappears?”
Ryu’s eyes met hers, frustration swirling within them. “One would think you actually wanted to stay back in the Twilight Court,” he retorted, his words laced with a hint of bitterness.
Ella frowned. “I have no interest in remaining here,” she said sharply. “I never did. In fact, I have people waiting for me at home.
Ryu glared at her; his eyebrow raised in enquiry. His eyes glinted silver, and the tip of one pointed tooth emerged as he sneered. “Oh? I wasn’t aware I had interrupted a love story when I brought you here.”
Ella tossed her hair. “Not everyone is as focused on their biological needs as you Elves,” she sniped, feeling the glow of satisfaction when Ryu went red.
“I’m talking about my foster father, William.” She fought down a sudden lump in her throat. “He loves me like his own, and I hope he has been alright in my absence.”
There was a moment of silence between them, the weight of their unspoken emotions lingering in the air.
Ryu’s gaze softened, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his guarded facade. Seeing the gentle light in his eyes, Ella’s heart squeezed.
Despite herself, she couldn’t deny the connection they had forged between them, however complicated it may be.
“Here,” she said, lifting the necklace around her throat and taking it off. She held it out to him, offering its return. “I won’t be needing this anymore if I’m going back to Strayhaven.”
Ryu closed her fingers around the necklace, pushing her fist back toward herself.
“No, you keep it,” he said, shaking his head. “It is a gift. I had it commissioned for you.” He shrugged. “No one else can wear it.”
Ella blinked. He’d told her that he’d had Lady Maya, the genius inventor, make the necklace made for her, but hearing that he’d had itcommissionedfor her…
Ryu’s grip tightened on her wrist, before dropping. He cleared his throat, breaking the moment.
“I’m sure you’re glad you won’t have to endure my presence much longer,” he said, his mouth turning down in a self-deprecating smile.
