Tainted Bloodline...🩸

8.

_POV:ASHER AND THE OTHERS_

Lax, approached Asher and extended his hand.

"Lax..."

Asher shook his hand, trying to play it cool, but his gaze involuntarily drifted to Lax's athletic physique. He felt a flush rise to his cheeks.

"A-asher"

"Do you guys... uh... just walk around naked?" Asher asked, hastily looking away.

He was the only clothed person among them, aside from Aria.

Lax chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"C'mon, we gotta get out of here and put that spell on you." With incredible speed, he darted away.

"Aria," she said, winking at Asher before following Lax.

Nimue gently guided Asher forward.

"Those are my friends... they might be a little weird... bear with them, okay?"

Asher nodded, still feeling a bit bewildered. Nimue moderated her pace to match his, allowing him to keep up.

They arrived at a narrow, winding path covered in fallen leaves and tangled stems. Aria raised her hand, and with a subtle gesture, she swept the leaves aside, revealing a hidden entrance.

"Welcome," Aria said, her voice merry, as she stepped into the cave-like opening.

Asher followed, his eyes widening in wonder. The cave transformed into an enchanting sanctuary, filled with:

Soft, ethereal luminescence emanating from crystalline formations
Delicate vines and moss-covered walls
A gentle, shimmering pool of water
An intricate network of glittering crystals embedded in the ceiling

Asher's gaze danced across the space, mesmerized by the beauty and magic surrounding him.

"This is incredible," Asher breathed, his awe evident.

Lax settled onto a nearby rock, his eyes gleaming with appreciation.

"All Nimue's doing" he said, nodding toward her.

" What'd you expect... fairys have beautiful taste" Aria smiled and nudged Nimue

Nimue smiled, her delicate features radiating warmth, and sat on a nearby cushion, adorned with intricate, shimmering patterns.

Aria began chanting softly, her voice weaving a melodic spell. Her hands danced in elegant motions, leaving trails of glowing, ethereal lights. The entrance behind her transformed into a veil, protecting them from prying eyes.

Asher watched, mesmerized, as Aria's magic swirled around her.

"She's clothing us away from predators," Nimue whispered, answering Asher's unspoken question.

"Like Callisto?" Asher asked, his brow furrowed..

Nimue nodded. "Yeah, like him and some others."

Aria approached Asher, her sapphire eyes sparkling with focus.

"I've already wrapped you in a scent-cloaking spell. Now, I'll perform the main protection ritual."

She glided to a nearby table, where a dusty, ancient tome lay. The book's cover gleamed with intricate runes, pulsing with a soft, golden light. Aria opened the book, and its pages fluttered..

Aria started scanning the pages.

"You don't resonate as demon, vampire, werewolf, wizard, or fae. Each requires a specific spell...maybe human I still doesn't fit"

Asher's curiosity deepened. "So... you're a witch?"

Aria nodded, her hair rustling.

"Laxy over there is a werewolf..and Nimue is..."

" A fairy.."he finished the statement staring at Nimue

Nimue's eyes widened, his gaze made her feel uncomfortable but in a good way, she stared away..

She felt an inexplicable connection to him, an attraction that went beyond mere curiosity. Earlier, she had sensed his distress, tracking him to Callisto...The experience left her feeling unsettled, yet drawn to this stranger.

Aria's eyes scanned the ancient tome, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Alright, I think I've found one."

She rose to her feet, the book clutched in one hand, while the other danced in intricate patterns. Facing Asher, she began to chant, her voice weaving a mystical spell. A soft, pulsing light enveloped Asher, and Aria's gaze locked onto him, searching for any sign of transformation.

Lax spoke up from behind

"He still smells the same to me."

Aria's expression faltered. Trial after trial, she attempted different spells, but none seemed to cloak Asher's scent.

"Argh!" Aria slumped, her shoulders sagging in frustration.

"It's all useless! Nothing's working!"

Nimue's voice came from across the room

"Calm down, Aria..."

Lax stood, yawning and stretching his muscular frame.

"I gotta head home before my brothers start looking for me."

Aria nodded, exhaustion etched on her face.

"Me too. I'm exhausted."

As they approached the entrance, Lax turned to Nimue. "You coming?"

Nimue shook her head.

"Nah, I'll wait out a bit."

Aria replied

"Alright, don't get into trouble... again." She emphasized the last word

With a nod, they departed, leaving Nimue alone with Asher. The entrance sealed behind them, casting the sanctuary in a warm, golden glow...

To be continued...