*MATURE FANTASY*
Bound by fate, torn by betrayal.
Their souls are intertwined.
She is his mate, and he is hers, whether or not this is something they want.
Elara has spent her life hiding from the oppressive forces of the Light, a powerful cult th...
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The dimly lit bar was a welcome break from the turmoil of the ship. The events of the past few days haunted me, memories of everything drudged up, and I needed a distraction. I sat at the counter, enjoying a drink as I watched the other patrons mingle and laugh.
"How's the drink?" Scarlet asked with a knowing smile as she moved behind the bar, acquiring several mugs of ale for customers.
"It's good," I admitted in surprise. Typically, I didn't do mixed beverages, but she insisted and, for once, I obliged.
"I am a bit impressed." Scarlet turned to pour a beer. "You have been coming here over the last four years and for two of them, I had been trying to get you to try one of my concoctions, yet you always refused." She slid a beer down the bar, perfectly into the outstretched hand of the man she poured it for. Luck still clung to her, always had. Her red hair swayed with her movement before turning her amber eyes towards me. Everything about her seemed tinged in reds. She had the look of a fire conjuror, even though she wasn't one. Scarlet was something far more interesting than that.
"Maybe I am in the mood for trying something new," I smirked then crinkled my nose. "You make me sound so predictable."
A melody of a laugh rang from her as she said, "That's because you are. This brings me to my next point. The inn is all booked up today. Lots of travelers stopping on their way to a neighboring town for some sort of festival. I would have held a room for you if I knew you were coming."
I waved a hand, dismissing the comment. "It's fine. I want to return to the ship soon, anyway."
"This is just a quick stop?"
"Just picking up some supplies." It seemed like all we were doing lately was gathering supplies.
A man called for Scarlet's attention down at the other end of the bar. She angled her head towards him. "Duty calls."
"You know where I'll be." I lifted my glass to her as a parting gesture.
As I savored the taste of the drink, I felt a shift beside me. My skin prickled, as if sensing danger. Glancing to my right, I found Rylan smoothly slipping between me and the woman seated there. His gray eyes locked onto mine, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his lips, as if to say, found you.
"Well, well, well," he greeted in his characteristic low, smooth voice. "Fancy seeing you here."
My lips quirked up in response. "I could say the same to you." It was ridiculous how I had hoped that he might find me here. Even though it was alarming and disturbing, here I was, enjoying that pull between us.
Rylan chuckled, catching the bartender's attention with a subtle nod for some rum before turning back to me. "Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all," I replied, gesturing to the crowded space. "Though there are no more seats available."
