EMBRACE OF SHADOWS _a forbidden love

chapter 2. chronicles of the unseen

As Emma's fingers traced the ancient text, the words began to unfurl a vivid tapestry of an otherworldly realm. It spoke of an ethereal dimension inhabited by beings whose existence transcended mortal comprehension. Among these entities, one stood out-a being of beguiling charm and unbridled allure.

The Incubus, a denizen of this realm, was described as a figure of captivating magnetism. His appearance morphed seamlessly between otherworldly splendor and an earthly guise that could seduce even the most guarded hearts. In his celestial form, he bore an ethereal beauty-mesmerizing eyes that held the secrets of eons, a countenance adorned with an otherworldly grace, and an aura that pulsed with an enigmatic allure.

However, it was in his mundane guise that he wandered amidst mortal realms-a creature of charm and temptation, his presence veiled in the guise of an alluring figure, blending seamlessly into the human world. His handsome visage, magnetic charisma, and unspoken magnetism could ensnare hearts with an effortless grace.

In the chronicles of the other realm, the Incubus was painted as a figure embodying desire and temptation, an enigma that traversed the boundaries between human desires and supernatural allure. His charisma, often mistaken for mortal charm, concealed the depths of his existence, his origins shrouded in the mists of ancient lore.

Yet, beyond the Incubus, the chronicles hinted at an array of beings-creatures that roamed the ethereal landscapes, each bearing a dual nature, existing simultaneously in the mundane world and the realms veiled from human perception. These entities embodied a spectrum of emotions and desires, their mundane forms concealing the boundless potential of their supernatural existence.

"Em'".."Emma,em...."Bella,Emma's mother's voice snapped in the hallway as she forcefully pushed the door into her daughter's room. Emma was so engrossed in the book,she was so captivated by the magnificent stories and the description of the demands of seduction, the Incubus, her lustful thoughts taking the better part of her. She became oblivious to the passage of time as she journeyed through the pages.

"Em,what in Christ name are you doing locked up in the dark at this time when we should be at the dinner table?" Her voice carried with it some concern and mild disappointment as they flew across the room to her daughter who struggled through the moonlight room to hide her book,

"I'm sorry mother, I just got caught up reading a book I took from Mrs Beatrice this Friday. Emma said as her mother reached for the switch.

"Dear,how do you read in the dark,do you want to cause harm to your eyes?

"I'm sorry mother!" Emma said,eyes downcast as the rays of light hit her eyes.

"Let's go eat dear,before you completely disappear in the pages of those books of yours and your room need some proper cleaning young lady" Bella said in a motherly tone as she let Emma walk ahead of her to the dinner table.

---

The dining room was bathed in the warm glow of candlelight as the family gathered around the polished oak table. The aroma of a hearty meal wafted from the steaming dishes, filling the room with a comforting embrace.

Jacob cleared his throat, his weathered hands resting gently atop the table, and a serene hush fell over the room as he began the age-old tradition.

"Let us bow our heads in gratitude," Jacob's voice resonated with reverence, a solemn tone that commanded attention. "Dear Lord, we thank thee for this meal before us, for the nourishment and the bounty you provide. Bless these hands that have prepared it and the hands that receive it. Amen."

"Amen," the family chorused softly, their heads still bowed in reverence.

As the meal commenced, Bella, her voice carrying the gentle authority of a mother, turned her attention to Emma.

"Emma dear," Bella's words interrupted the clinking of cutlery, her gaze gentle yet firm. "I need you to run an errand tomorrow morning, sweetheart. The bakery on Elm Street is expecting an order. Could you please pick it up for me?"

Emma nodded, her response masked by a mouthful of food, but her acknowledgment was clear.

Bella smiled, the soft curve of her lips a testament to her gratitude. "Thank you, dear. They'll be expecting you around ten."

---

The clinking of utensils accompanied the family's enjoyment of the meal, a symphony of contentment and familial warmth. Bella turned to Jacob, her voice carrying a hint of concern veiled in unwavering support.

"Jacob, dear," Bella's eyes met his with an understanding glance, "how's the wheat harvest looking this season? And what's the word on the weather for the coming weeks?"

Jacob, a man of the land, glanced up from his plate, his expression reflecting years of experience. "The wheat's coming along fine, Bella," he replied with a reassuring nod. "But the weather's been playing tricks lately. Need to keep an eye on those clouds rolling in from the west."

Their younger son, Thomas, perked up at the mention of the farm chores. His youthful enthusiasm spilled over as he eagerly volunteered, "I'll fetch the eggs for you, Ma! And I'll help Pa in the field after."

Jacob ruffled Thomas's hair with a fond smile. "That's my lad! Eggs for your mother, bright and early. Then, you can join me. We've got a bit of work to do before noon."

Thomas beamed, his youthful energy resonating through the room, a testament to the shared responsibilities that bound the family together.

Bella nodded appreciatively at her son's offer before returning her attention to the meal, a subtle nod of gratitude for the harmony and support that echoed through their daily rituals.
Emma,on the other side was in her own world, trying to piece up the possibility of existence of another world, or maybe it was just a fictional story with her demon Prince charming. The kind which provided the tough kind of love,who'd make you crave for him and crawl on your knees to beg him to extinguish the fire his presence ignites on your skin,To snap you off the hypnosis his eyes trap you in. Maybe it could be,but was it really fiction?
From a young age,Emma always felt like there was more to this mundane world, she believed in fallen angels and supernatural being, she started reading books about such from a very young age. She would always tag along with her father whenever he took the wheat and cotton harvest for threshing,to get books from the kids library. Mrs Beatrice fell in love with her passion for books and she always kept the new arrivals for her. She had gone through almost all the books in the library before she came across this old treasure locked away in the basement and hidden from anyone even miss Beatrice herself was not aware of his existence.
Emma had tricked her into letting her bring home the book.

After dinner, Emma wished her parents goodnight and took Thomas to bed before going back to her world of fantasy.