Chapter 8 - The first Meeting with the Enemy

The morning progresses at such a rapid pace that I am often unaware of the passage of time. The sequence of events unfolds so quickly that I find it challenging to maintain pace. The only thing I know for sure is that the enemy has realized that something is changing and, from now on, he will do anything to send me away.

-

I was too busy thinking about other things, so I forgot to see what was going on with Kael. I only recovered from my slumber when I heard Kaellen pulling my arm.

<> I say, fiddling with my fingers and looking at the ground. I do this every time I feel guilty - I've done it so many times in my life that it comes automatically to me.

<> he whispers sadly. <> he continues, holding me tighter to himself. <> he asks me with apprehension, giving me small kisses on the head.

I let out a chuckle. No one had ever consoled me like that, and I'm happy about it. I reassure Kaellen with a simple gesture: I take his left hand and kiss it. My heart beats a thousand times a minute.

<> I say with determination.

<> Selkhin encourages me. Thanks to his tone, I can see that he is proud of me. <> he then asks me curiously.

I don't know whether to confess it or not, but I remember our rules; I finally decide to tell him about it.

<> I explained.

<> he exclaims, interrupting what I was about to add.

<> I reply, assuming a slightly curled expression, and shortly afterward we burst into laughter. <> I ask him, once our hilarity is over.

<> he answers me. <>

<>

<> Kaellen says.

We look back at the hologram, realizing that we missed a lot of pieces because lunchtime had passed. We observe Kael in a quiet moment, reading and drinking tea. The surrounding landscape, characterized by a majestic garden and an elegant gazebo, arouses a profound enchantment in me.

<> explains Kaellen. Surprise turns into admiration: from what he said, I can see that he cares a lot about it.

The gazebo is surrounded by a surreal and mystical atmosphere. The four columns are white and embellished with golden, spiral-shaped decorations. Above them stands a dome whose external surface has similar decorations, while inside there is a mural. This artwork portrays a pair of young lovers holding hands, observing the passage of time. This painting, like the others, moves.

All of this is surrounded by climbing plants that twist to the dome, forming a heart-shaped design. Kael is positioned within a hammock intricately woven from these plants. This part surprises me because they seem to have a conscience of their own.

All around are bushes full of flowers that have not yet bloomed. The buds have different shades of color; at the base, they are night blue, and as they rise, the color lightens to pale blue. "They look like tulips! Who knows what they will look like when they bloom?" I think, intrigued.

<> I exclaim, admiring every detail to memorize the landscape.

<> Kaellen replies.

<> I sigh in regret. <> I ask him.

<> he replies. <> he continues.

I turn around and look at him with expectation. Seeing my reaction, he indulges in a tender smile.

<>

<> I ask after thinking about it carefully. He nods without uttering a word. I keep staring at him until he tells me.

<> he explains, stroking my cheek. I lean on his hand with a blissful smile, understanding that making a promise is very important.

<>

<> he says gently. I nodded gladly and remembered having two questions for him.

<>

<> he declares. <>

<> I ask.

<> he replies.

"It's so nice to lie around and do nothing... I wanted to do it too, even though I would have risked being homeless" I reflect. <>

I express my gratitude with a broad smile. I place my head on his chest, sensing the calm rhythm of his heartbeat. My heart starts to beat at the same pace as his.

Soon after, we distinctly heard Kael's voice. "Stop being lovebirds! If you continue, I will intrude." You could tell from his tone of voice that he was impatient, and at the end of the sentence, he snorted. I was aware that, after all, he was jealous and also wished to be embraced by me. Kaellen and I laugh, and after turning my head a little, I soften when I see his pout. "Don't worry, Kael! Tonight you will have all the hugs you want" I say softly, knowing that he hears me. I notice that his cheeks turn pink and he sneers as he starts babbling random words.

<> he urges me, interrupting the romantic atmosphere.

<>

<> he replies. I take a short break to stretch my legs, taking a few steps. I continue for a while, and then I go into Kaellen's arms, keeping my attention elsewhere.

<> exclaims Kael. I open my eyes in amazement and try to observe him, but he prevents me from doing so by clutching me. "He really wanted a hug" I think, amused by his behavior. But I'm confused by the sudden exchange between the two, so I ask him.

<>

<> he replies, and from the tone of his voice, I feel that he is annoyed by the small interruption.

<>

<> he says, sighing. I free myself from his arms and turn to look at the unwanted guest. When I see her, I become immobilized and start shaking in fear. My mind sends me signals telling me that this girl is dangerous.

Her night blue hair rests gracefully on her shoulders, reaching all the way to her mid-back. These frame her face, which is characterized by a round shape that gives her a youthful appearance. Her broad eyes, characterized by a purple shade similar to amethyst, make her look innocent. Her disarming beauty with a perfect build: average height and generous curves. But I see it... Behind her is a dark shadow.

<> I ask, stammering. The tremor that runs through my body cannot subside.

<> he replies, hugging me. From this gesture, I feel that he is concerned about my unusual behavior.

With a few of Kaellen's lines, the girl leaves, but I don't follow their conversation. Thanks to what I have seen, I have understood who our enemy is, and I will have to inform them. I also realized that I won't be able to defeat her alone.

<> he tries to calm me down, and after a while, he succeeds. <> he exclaims worriedly again, and Kaellen nods.

The rest of the day passes quickly and night arrives immediately. All the time I was in Kael's arms, both to find comfort and to keep my word. I'm now standing in front of the two boys who are sitting on the bed. I take a deep breath to give myself courage and start talking.

<>

At first, they look at me, surprised. Then they look at each other, and finally, they nod.

<> Kael proclaims.

<> continues Kaellen. I let myself smile, reassured by their words.

<> exclaims Kael, interrupting the perceptible tension. I nod, understanding what he was alluding to.

<>

"I promise you!" he replies with determination. A light envelops us, and I feel a warmth that begins near my heart and gradually spreads to the rest of my body. I look carefully at the symbol and cannot help but notice with some hilarity that the garden flower is tattooed. We all lie down in bed and sink serenely into Morpheus' arms.

-

This promise would have disrupted the lives of many people, including their own. At the same time that the symbol was formed, the citizens perceived it. The strength of that magic can only be explained by the fact that this is the first time the Dragon Prince has done it. Even Zeriff has felt its power and starts to worry because he knows he's not the only one who has felt it. In fact, in the depths of darkness, you can see a figure sneering.

"I found you!" he exclaims, beginning to think about the plan to implement.