Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Three
~Author’s Pov~
The streets of the human district buzzed with quiet activity. Candles glowed from the windowpanes of small stores, merchants called softly to customers, and a cool breeze swept the narrow alleys where Elias walked—guarded, surrounded, and watched.
“Tell me what you think of this one,” Anastasia’s voice rang sweetly beside him.
Elias blinked, looking away from the crystals in a jeweler’s stall. Ana held up a glittering necklace in front of her neck, posing slightly with a small smile tugging her lips.
Elias gave a small nod. “It’s nice.”
“Nice’ is such a boring word,” Ana pouted, handing the necklace to the vendor before turning back to him.
“You’ve got to learn to speak with a little more flavor, Elias. How do you think Lucien became so good at convincing people?”
He didn’t answer. Mostly because he didn’t know how to. He had barely said more than a handful of words since they arrived. The guards—two of them, talk and armed—hovered behind them like silent shadows. Now and then, Elias felt their eyes on him, like they were watching not just to protect, him but to make sure he didn’t…run.
Ana fitted through shops like a butterfly. She bought robes, silks, gold bangles, perfumes, and an expensive coat she insisted Elias hold for her. Every item she picked, she turned to him with an expectant look.
“You like this color on me?”
“Do you think Lucien would like this?@
“Tell me honestly, Elias, do humans wear fabrics like this?”
He offered short replies. Polite nods. The entire thing felt too showy, too heavy. He wasn’t used to this kind of attention. He didn’t like being paraded around like someone’s favorite pet.
But the one the sun started to dip, casting the world in amber hues, Anastasia took a deep breath and clutched his arm.
“Let’s take a small detour,” she said cheerfully. “There is a river not far from here. I used to go there when I was young—it’s calms the nerves. Come.”
Elias hesitated. “Shouldn’t we head back? It’s already—“
“Oh, hush. You will like it,” she was already walking ahead. “I need to rinse the dust from my skin anyway. These streets are so dry.”
Before much time, they were already in the vampire community but still far away from the palace. The riverbank was quiet. Peaceful. Not a single soul in sight, aside from the two guards she had ordered to stand watch a few feet away. The soft rustle of water and birdsong filled the air.
Anastasia slipped out of her sandals and stepped into the shallow water. Then, she began to untie her robes.
Elias immediately turned his back, his cheeks burning. “You could have warned me—“
“Oh, please,” Ana giggled. “You act like I’m naked. I’m not.” She splashed the water lightly. “Tell me something, Elias,” she said softly, her tone shifting. “How has it been between you and Lucien lately?”
He stiffened. “It’s fine.”
“Fine again?” She teased. “You are not very good at opening up, are you?”
“I don’t think I should be talking about him with you.”
“I’m just trying to be your friend.” Ana’s voice was softer now. “I know I’ve been…. difficult. But I really am trying. And I thought maybe, just maybe, you would want someone to confide in. I’ve known Lucien for centuries. Maybe I can help.”
Elias sighed but stayed quiet.
Minutes passed in silence until Ana suddenly hissed and looked down at her soaked dress. “Ugh! It’s wet all the way through.”
Elias turned his head slightly. “You said you wanted to play in the water.”
“I didn’t say I wanted to ruin my favorite gown,” she muttered, frustrated. “There should be a spare set of clothing in a storage hut deeper into the trees—go fetch it for me, will you?”
He frowned. “Why can’t one of the guards go?”
“I already told them to stay at the bank. It’s not far. Just pass that thicket.” She pointed. “Come one, Elias, don’t be difficult. It’s safe.”
Elias didn’t move.
Ana looked at him with innocent eyes. “Please?”
With a reluctant sigh, he turned and started into the woods.
Lucien was seated in the middle of a dinner event outside the town. The long table was rounded by other influential figures as well as Nyx and Jae. Even though, his heart had been hollow from wanting to see Elias. It had been different just a few minutes ago.
Lucien suddenly felt uneasy in his heart. His forehead furrowed together in confusion, nothing was happening that could cause the feelings but—Elias. He doubted it, and his fists tightened. He had not marked Elias but somehow, he knew deep down that Elias was special.
His heart ached further.
Tightening against his throat.
He was far away from his pack and his special mind-link couldn’t connect with Anastasia.
He needed to act as fast as he could.
The more he thought about it, the anxiousness in his chest heightened. The last time he felt that way—was centuries ago.
That day.
That night.
He couldn’t allow that to repeat itself.
“Lucien?” Nyx whispered, “Are you okay? You look pale.”
Without responding, Lucien stood up and dashed out of the huge window, breaking the glasses.
“Okay, that was dramatic….” Nyx muttered under his breath, smiling awkwardly at others who were shocked at the frantic exit.
The trees thickened faster than expected. Elias walked further, the damp leaves crunching beneath his shoes. Shadows grew longer. He turned his head once—he could still hear the river. But the silence was unnerving. No birdsong. No voices. Just the faint rustle of something…..
Behind him?
He paused.
Snap.
He whirled around. “Hello?”
Nothing.
He moved quicker now. The clearing Ana spoke of was nowhere in sight. Had he lied? His heart started to beat so loudly.
A sudden growl made him stop cold.