ECLIPSED

CHAPTER 15

Lea sat cross-legged on the wooden floor of her small cabin, her only refuge within Azrath's estate. A dull knife in hand, she carved a line into the wall another day gone. With each scratch, the days leading to the border trip dwindled, and with them, a flicker of hope. She leaned back, pressing her palms into the cool floor, her thoughts running wild.

How do I escape? she thought. There has to be a way... Maybe during the trip. Maybe I can slip away, hide, and find my way back to New York. The weight of the plan crushed her chest, filling her with equal parts hope and fear.

She sighed, hugging her knees to her chest. I can't do this alone. I need to talk to someone anyone before I lose my mind. The silence of the cabin was unbearable, and the isolation gnawed at her like a slow poison.

Through the small window, she spotted the elf standing by the gate. His tall, lean figure loomed like a shadow, his hand resting lazily on the hilt of his sword. Lea recognized him immediately the elf who had taken her that night. A cold chill slithered down her spine at the memory of how he'd stalked her, a silent predator in the darkness. He still scares me, she admitted to herself. But I have to do something, or I'll go insane in here.

With that thought, she stood, brushing off her clothes, and made her way outside.

Theron leaned against the gatepost, boredom etched across his sharp features. Of all the tasks he could have been assigned, babysitting the human was by far the most irritating. He flicked a stray leaf off his shoulder, sighing through his nose.

Then he felt it that uncomfortable sensation of being watched. His sharp gaze slid toward the cabin, and there she was the human girl staring directly at him from the doorway. Bold, he thought, a flicker of amusement tugging at his lips. Most humans would tremble and look away by now. But not her.

Lea didn't waver under his gaze; she stared back with a stubborn defiance that surprised him. This one's different. He sniffed the air instinctively, trying to place what made her so unusual, but it eluded him. There's something about her... I can't quite figure it out.

Shaking off the thought, he turned his attention back to his post, ignoring the strange unease she stirred within him.

That was, until the cabin door creaked open, and Lea stepped toward him.

As Lea approached, she wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly unsure if this was a good idea. But the weight of her own thoughts was suffocating her. She needed someone anyone to talk to. Even if the elf scares me

When she stopped a few feet from him, she hesitated, then forced a small, nervous smile. "I'm Lea."

Theron raised a brow, clearly puzzled by her sudden friendliness. "What are you up to, human?" he asked, suspicion lacing his voice.

Lea shrugged and sat down beside the gate, her back resting against the wooden post. "I just need someone to talk to," she admitted softly, avoiding his sharp gaze.

Theron eyed her with mild curiosity but sat down as well, turning his body away from her slightly as if to guard against whatever scheme she might have. What harm could it do? he thought to himself.

"Theron," he said after a beat. "That's my name."

Lea smiled faintly. "Nice to meet you, Theron."

There was an awkward silence for a moment, but Lea pressed on, needing the distraction. "So... where exactly am I?"

"South Eldarheime," Theron answered curtly.

"What's the south known for?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Theron narrowed his eyes. "Why are you asking so many questions?"

Lea grinned, a little cheeky now. "Fine. What's the best food here, then?"

That question caught Theron off guard. His suspicious frown softened, and a small, genuine smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Now that's a better question."

He straightened a bit, his voice losing its usual sharpness as he spoke. "The best food in the south? That'd have to be roast pheasant with wild berries. Or maybe the honeycakes from the market those are worth fighting for."

As Theron went on about the delicacies of Eldarheime sweetbread pastries, spiced venison, and soups brewed with rare forest herbs, Lea felt herself relaxing for the first time in what seemed like ages. His love for food was infectious, and she couldn't help but smile at the ease of their conversation. This is nice, she thought. Just normal conversation. No schemes, no threats. Just... talking.

Theron noticed her smile and found himself a little surprised. She's lonely, he realized. And somehow... I understand that.

Their quiet conversation continued until the soft clink of armor announced Faelar's arrival. The messenger inclined his head toward Lea. "You're needed in the kitchen."

Lea groaned but stood up reluctantly. Theron followed, escorting her toward the kitchen with slow, steady steps.

As they reached the doorway, Lea glanced back at him. "Thanks, Theron," she said with a small smile. Then, without waiting for a reply, she dashed inside the kitchen.

Theron stood there for a moment, watching her go. Strange human, he thought, shaking his head. But there was a flicker of something unfamiliar in his chest a twinge of sympathy, perhaps.

With a quiet sigh, Theron turned on his heel and headed toward the training grounds