Beneath the Vampire King's Desire

Chapter 23

She was embroidering a scarf for Mira, who was celebrating her birthday today. As she worked, she thought about Mira's return to Elderglen later, now that her mission was complete. It had been days since she came back, and life in Elderglen had resumed its usual rhythm. She realized that the last time she saw Lucius was after their journey through the Seven Kingdoms. Since then, she had heard that he had been quite busy.

"Elara, oh my!" Humahangos na lumipad si Liwayway sa kanya.

"What happened? Bakit ka ba nagmamadali?" Mahinang tumawa siya at tiningnan ang pixie.

"There's been a fight between the vampires of Noctrisrealm and a pack of werewolves." Agad na nawala ang ngiti niya dahil sa ibinalita ni Liwayway.

"What? Why?" Nakakunot noong tanong niya.

"Some of the vampires of Noctrisrealm were killed and attacked by the werewolves." Kumabog ang dibdib niya sa sinabi ni Liwayway.

"Where's Lucius?" She asked her.

"Well, of course knowing that guy, he probably butchered the pack." Napalunok siya ng marinig.

"Where di you get that news?"

"I heard from your Amang earlier." Tumawa pa ito ng mahina.

Napatingin siya sa labas. Why is Lucius doing that? Werewolves are independent creatures. They don't like alliance with the other realms. They have their own beliefs and since from the beginning, vampires and werewolves are mortal enemies.

"I told him to stay away from trouble for a while. The Arcane Lords must have heard it already." Sabi niya habang seryoso lamang na nakatingin sa labas.

"Well, Elara, he defended his men." Liwayway said casually.

Liwayway disliked Lucius at hindi nito basta-basta sasabihin na tama ang ginawa ni Lucius. She's right. He did the right thing getting back on the werewolves.

"You know, from the start we don't meddle with the vampire and werewolves fight." Liwayway added.

"What did Amang's opinion about this?"

"He said that as long as he honor the peace treaty, it won't affect the agreement." Mahinang tumango lamang siya.

Pinagpatuloy niya ang ginagawa para hindi maisip si Lucius. Hindi niya namalayan na dumidilim na pala. Ininat niya ang braso at kinurap ang mata. Nag-ayos naman siya at tiningnan ang natapos ng scarf. Ngumiti naman siya. Sana magustohan iyon ni Mira. Palamig na ngayon ang panahon kaya alam niyang magagamit iyon ng kaibigan.

Bumaba na siya at nakita ang ibang elves na nagkakasiyahan na. Bumati naman siya sa mga ito. Bahagyang yumukod at nagbigay galang naman ang mga ito. Nilibot niya ang tingin at kinawayan si Vesto. Mabilis na naglakad suya papunta sa kaibigan. Nakita niya naman si Varek at Mira na kasama nito.

"Happy birthday, Mira!" She said to her friend.

Humiyaw naman ito. Mukhang malakas na ang tama nito dahil sa alak. Binigyan naman siya ng wine ni Varek pero umiling lamang siya.

"Elara." Lumapit sa kanya si Varek at naupo sa kanyang tabi. "I heard the news." He started. "Are you really going to continue the union with Ravenscroft?" He asked her.

"It will bring stability to the magical realm." She said to him.

"He lacks compassion and has been ruthless in his actions, Elara." Varek said firmly.

"My father wouldn't put me in danger if he knows that Lucius won't honor his words." Binalingan niya ang lalake. "This is the path I've chosen with conviction." She said seriously.