Soon, it would be like she was never even here.
~
“What ails you, nephew?”
Ryu looked back, offering his Uncle Erlan a half-hearted smile.
His uncle would be returning to Kamenev the next day, now that the Darkwalker Council had given its decision, Erlan needed to get back to the tasks that he had left unfinished in the Drakazov Kingdom. He’d delayed his return longer than he’d planned, staying behind only to support Ryu as he faced the Council.
As his uncle Erlan joined him on the balcony of his chambers, Ryu’s gaze remained fixed on the distant horizon as the sun dipped below the skyline.
Erlan turned, his gaze meeting Ryu's. In the fading light, his features bore the wisdom of years, a reflection of the burdens he had shouldered as an elder of the Twilight Court. He placed a gentle hand on Ryu’s shoulder, frowning.
“I sense a storm raging within you, Ryu,” Erlan began, his voice tinged with empathy. "Are you worried about the Council’s decision?”
Ryu shrugged. “No, uncle. I know they are right. I’m only hoping an easier way to break the bond between myself and Ella will present itself before the next full moon night.” He winced. “I suspect breaking a life bond will be painful.”
Erlan sighed. “So, you are determined to go through with it??”
“Of couse,” Ryu said, frowning. “How could I not?” He shook his head. “It was always the plan—reverse the bond, and ascend the Throne.” He dropped his voice, finally confessing the message the Throne had sent to him, all those moons ago:Incomplete. Unworthy.
Ryu turned to fully face his uncle. “Don’t you see? The Throne thinks I’m incomplete because of this twisted life bond! If I break the bond between myself and Ella, it will choose me, and I can finally ascend, likeChichi uewants!”
His uncle frowned. “Kaito wants you to be happy, Ryu. Whether you become the next Twilight Prince, or not.”
Ryu scoffed. “I’m his only child. I’ve been training for this since I was an Elfling. Of course he wants me to be the next Twilight Prince.”
Erlan frowned. “I’m not saying he doesn’t want you to ascend the Twilight Throne—I’m saying he wouldn’t be unhappy with you—or disappointed with you—if the Throne did not choose you.”
Ryu remained silent, turning his gaze back to the horizon. Asking him to believe that was asking too much.
“Ryu, you are torn between the human and elven aspects of your being, grappling with the expectations thrust upon you by both worlds,” Erlan said, tightening his grip on his shoulder. “But it doesn’t have to be that way.”
Ryu's brow furrowed as he absorbed his uncle's words. As the child of a human-Elf pairing himself, Erlan had always possessed a keen understanding of his inner struggles.
"You must come to terms with your duality, Ryu," Erlan continued, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "Embrace all parts of yourself, for it is only by accepting and integrating these aspects that you can become truly worthy of the Twilight Throne."
Ryu sighed, his gaze drifting back to the horizon. "But how, Uncle? How can I find balance amidst the chaos that surrounds me? The council doubts my commitment to our elven heritage because of my fondness for humans. And now, my bond with Ella has been revealed, further fueling their discontent."
Erlan placed a comforting hand on Ryu's shoulder, a gesture of support and reassurance. "You must remember, Ryu, that true strength lies not in conformity but in authenticity. You have always had a compassionate heart, nurtured by your mother's love and guidance. It is a gift, not a flaw."
Ryu's eyes met his uncle's, searching for answers. "But how can I prove myself to the council, Uncle? How can I show them that I am worthy of their trust and respect?"
Erlan's voice grew firm, yet laced with wisdom. "You must lead by example, Ryu. Show them that your human side does not diminish your commitment to our elven heritage, but rather enhances it. Let your actions speak louder than words. Be compassionate, fair, and just in all your dealings."
Ryu nodded slowly, absorbing Erlan's words. He had spent so long suppressing his human side, fearing that it would undermine his standing in the elven realm. But now, he understood that true strength came from embracing all aspects of himself, without shame or fear.
"I will do my best, Uncle," Ryu said, determination coloring his voice. "I will show them that I am worthy, not just as an elf, but as a leader who values compassion and unity."
Erlan's smile was filled with pride and encouragement. "I have faith in you, Ryu. You possess the strength and resilience necessary to navigate these turbulent waters. Remember, the path to the Twilight Throne is not only paved with tradition but also with the power to adapt and grow."
As the evening sky darkened, Ryu felt a renewed sense of purpose coursing through his veins. The doubts that had plagued him began to recede, replaced by a newfound resolve.
With his uncle's guidance and support, he would face the challenges that lay ahead and strive to create a brighter future for the Twilight Court.
Together, uncle and nephew stood on the balcony, their spirits intertwining, as Ryu prepared to embrace the shadows that had long haunted him, forging his own path to the throne with courage, compassion, and a renewed sense of self.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
