Soulbound: Embers of Defiance

Chapter 12: A Legacy of Silence

"What in the world..." I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper as I reached out to touch the shimmering light. But before my fingers could make contact, it vanished into thin air, leaving nothing behind but a sense of bewilderment in its wake.

As the boys exchanged knowing glances, Caleb called out into the hallway, his voice carrying a sense of familiarity and reassurance. "Elyse..."

A moment later, a pale, slender figure peeked through the doorway, her presence ethereal and otherworldly. Her features delicate and refined, her hair a cascade of shimmering white that fell in loose waves around her shoulders. Her eyes, the color of purest ice.

The boys offered the girl a warm smile, their eyes twinkling with affection as they welcomed her into the room. "You can come in," Caleb said gently, his tone filled with reassurance. "They're friendly."

With hesitant steps, she entered the room, her movements graceful and fluid, like the gentle sway of a willow in the breeze. I watched in awe as the young woman approached.

Caleb offered me a warm smile, his gaze softening with fondness as he introduced their friend. "This is Elyse," he explained gently, his voice carrying a note of affection. "Don't be surprised, she doesn't speak."

Elyse nodded shyly in response, her movements almost ethereal as she glided across the room to join us. She wore robes of white and blue, the colors of the sky and sea, and a circlet adorned with a single blue stone rested atop her head, its light catching the soft curves of her face.

Despite her youthful appearance, there was something about Elyse that defied easy categorization. Though her face held the delicate features of a girl, her eyes held a depth that spoke of wisdom far beyond her years. The way she carried herself, a quiet confidence tinged with a touch of sadness, hinted at a life already filled with hardship and experience.

With a curious gaze, she studied Kass and me, her white eyes reflecting the soft glow of the ball of light she once again conjured.

The light danced around the room at Elyse's command, casting playful shadows across the walls as it flitted from one corner to another. However, its mischievous antics led to an unexpected mishap when it knocked over Finn's water goblet, causing him to grumble in annoyance.

Finn shot Elyse a mock glare. "Hey now, watch where you're sending that thing," he chided, his tone teasing despite his feigned irritation.

In response, Elyse let out a soundless giggle, her laughter echoing softly in the air as she continued to manipulate the ball of light with practiced ease.

Marcus chuckled as he watched Elyse's antics, shaking his head in fond exasperation. "You know, sometimes I think she enjoys causing trouble more than you do, Finn."

Finn grinned mischievously, raising an eyebrow in mock offense. "Hey now, let's not get carried away," he retorted, his tone playful as he leaned back in his chair. "I've got nothing on our resident ghostly prankster."

As Kass and I exchanged bewildered glances, I finally voiced our shared question. "She's a ghost?"

Elyse responded immediately, vigorously shaking her head and waving her hands in denial. Then she reached up to ruffle her own hair, gesturing towards Marcus to provide the explanation.

Marcus offered a reassuring smile, understanding our confusion. "No, she's not a ghost," he explained patiently. "She's just an elf. Very pale."

Elyse nodded enthusiastically, pointing to her unmistakably pointed ears as if to confirm Marcus's words.

"And very much alive."

Elyse, eager to clarify further, pantomimed a beating heart with her hands, her movements animated and expressive.