Chapter 4 Ch

"Are you certain you're okay?" Nora asked from where she was perched next to Eden at the foot of Elise's bed.

"I'm good. Really. I just wish I had also injured Jasper to match.

Oh, I believe you hurt him significantly by rejecting his intrusion into your personal space.

"Ha! Encroachment? Eden, that's wonderful. Yes, I think that by intruding on my face in that way, he was initiating an invasion.

He's fortunate that Father hasn't visited him, I suppose. Alternatively, I haven't.

Nora had volunteered to test out some of her new fighting techniques on the man to assist in her way, but she was promptly shot down. Elise believed it to be a brilliant concept. Not their father. No, he preferred to handle things on his own.

To say Edward was angry at little Jasper would be an understatement. Elise claims that the man hadn't knocked her off the rock only enough to calm him down enough for him to agree not to spank Jasper.

Eden gave a nod. Oh, I believe he'll finally face him. He is giving Jasper ample time to develop his guilt. Father is skilled at playing mind games with people.

The necklace around Elise's neck was the first thing her hand gravitated for. She could feel it through the thin material of her nightgown even though it was below.

"Well, it serves him right," Nora said. At least you avoided chipping any teeth. the socket of your eye. You just seem to have been involved in a brawl.

"One, I lost."

Elise's feet were curled up beneath the blankets in front of her while Nora stroked them. "That's right. Few manage to overcome the formidable boulder and remain unharmed.

Elise gestured at the enormous purple flesh blob on her face. "Do I appear to be unharmed?"

Nora gave a somber head shake. "No. You certainly don't look nice, which is excellent. To deter the idiot from trying to kiss you again, you should wish for some lasting harm.

Nora's arm was smacked by Eden, and Elise smirked while cringing at the sensation on her face. Usually, Elise was the one to lighten the atmosphere. She was happy that Nora's wit had become sharper with age.

All right, mother chickens. As you can see, the worst that could happen to me is a scar. I want to shut my eyes as the elixir Father gave me is starting to take effect. You're off now.

Eden got out of bed and began wrapping Elise's body in the covers tightly. In the motherly manner she usually exhibited, she ran a hand over her sister's head. "Goodnight, Evie."

"G'night."

"Get going, Nora. Let's let Evie relax.

Nora slipped off the bed reluctantly. She couldn't disguise her scowl at the sight of the fall damage as she walked up to Elise for a goodnight embrace. Faces are not designed to withstand impact. She turned her head away.

The light struck a flash of silver at Elise's collarbone. It attracted Nora, who leaned toward it. "Evie ..."

Rapid-fire pictures flashed in front of Nora's face as the world went black. Until the barrage of mental images subsided, her body hung in midair.

"Nora!" To avoid attracting the attention of any of the houseguards, Eden screamed in a whisper. She attempted to jolt Nora out of her reverie by grabbing her by the biceps.

The youngest moaned, "Stop shaking me.

"Sorry."

Eden's gaze caught Elise's attention. Occasionally, like their mother Elora, Nora experienced visions. Unlike their mother, Nora's came quickly, and she slept off until they were gone.

Can you let go of me?

"Yes. I'm not shaky.

Nora focused on what she had observed while taking several deep breaths. She was seldom able to interpret what she saw in her visions. To a Gwydion who was unable to use magic, it seemed as if she was being teased with power she couldn't utilize.

Liking her lips was Nora. "Demon. Together, Evie. You were allegedly dancing with a monster. one who is quite huge and has black hair.

"Really?" Elise made an effort to muffle her voice's eagerness.

"I believe so. I just saw glimpses of it since everything happened so quickly. Gah. What a pointless skill.

Eden encircled Nora with an arm. "Maybe not. It's better to have some information than none.

I'm unsure, I guess.

"Well, did the demon seem menacing to you or did you sense any kind of threat? As if it were a warning?

"No. Nothing like it existed. The reverse was true. He nearly was... I'm not sure. It's disorganized.

"So go with your instinct. If you ever encounter this monster, you'll probably remember it and the sensation will return. It will be up to you to decide whether or not he poses a danger. Your visions may not be in control of an aspect, yet they may be very significant nevertheless.

Doubtful, but I'll give it some thought.

"Good. Come on, let's give Evie a vacation now.

Nora awkwardly hugged her sister while stooping down. I apologize for your face.

Elise countered, "Sorry about yours, as well," and Nora puffed jokingly.

While leading Nora inside the door, Eden extinguished the light. In her motherly manner, she remarked, "Call for me if you need anything."

"I will."

Elise shifted to her side as the door shut to feel more secure. She relaxed and slept off.

* * *

Opening her eyes, Elise found herself in the clearing. She sagged with dissatisfaction. She had been experiencing emptiness after drifting asleep for the last week, and she was almost looking forward to it.

Her drowsiness was the result of the elixir doing its work. She had erroneously thought that it would also keep her from dreaming. It also didn't stop her from experiencing the pain of her injury in her dreams.

A voice moaned from behind her, "It's bloody damn time."

Elise twisted her head and peered over her shoulder, unfazed but startled. She hid behind her hair, which slipped over the side of her face and felt cold against her delicate skin. She was worried that her imperfect looks would deter the one person whose attention she coveted.

Kellan was lounging on the ground, relaxingly resting against the closest tree's trunk as if he had no cares in the world. The night air was filled with the low hum of his strength. She had trouble breathing.

Before him, one lengthy leg was extended. The other's arm was on top of his bent knee. Part of his face was obscured by the darkness, but she recognized him. This man is someone she knows everywhere.

Before her mind picked up on his criticism, Elise let her eyes linger on his figure for a time. Her delight at seeing him was dampened by his curt indictment. Two years of eagerness vanished more quickly than she could catch her breath.

She said, gritting her teeth, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize we had an appointment."

As he leaned closer, the moonlight made the sharp angles of his face stand out more clearly from the shadows. "I don't like the way you're sarcastic. You drew me here, but after that, you vanished. I've spent hours stranded in your forests.

"Impossible. I simply drifted off to sleep. Neither did I drag you here. Every night, I am called here. The pulling is being done by something else. I'm not the one pulling. Even how to perform such things escapes me. And why did you fall asleep so early? The only guys I am aware of who go to bed early are alcoholics. Do you feel drunk? Or an inebriate? I don't get around with inebriated people. Do you believe...

She grew more excited as she spoke. Kellan's tight stance relaxed as he watched the strange woman blather on. Little Witch is confusing. She would inevitably run out of air.

I ask, "Are you even listening to me?" She moved closer to him while clenching her fists.

"No."

She was emitting a faint magic scent that he could sense, mixed with outrage. Did the tiny girl consider attacking him? His lips raised a corner.

She lifted her chin and flicked her dark red hair in a huff as she demanded his attention with pursed lips. The right half of her face was exposed to the gentle blue light of the fake night sky. He snarled and sprang to his feet.

Elise jumped back so quickly that she hit the ground. She automatically raised her hands, strengthening the enchantment that separated the forest from the clearing.

She did not worry that he would hurt her, even if her body rose and fell with the heavy breaths she was taking. Simply put, he had surprised her. Elise just wasn't ready for his sudden shift in attitude. It didn't happen often that a powerful demon charged in her way.

Before he realized what he was doing, Kellan's attention briefly slid to her breast. He forced his gaze back to her face and refrained from gawking at the adolescent.

Who assaulted you? He spoke with a more gravellier tone than usual as if some of his control had somehow escaped.

The devils all whispered. They were so physically tense from intense emotions that even their voices were impacted.

Demons who rebelled and carried out heinous crimes to acquire power usually talked in this manner. It was the last thing his uncle had said before Kellan murdered him.

He was aware of his dark eyes. He was perilously near to either piercing the wall or forcing Elise to lower it so he could reach her. He was also aware that neither was a good idea.

Kellan couldn't help but want to reassure himself that she was OK by consoling her. His instinct was telling him to defend her and to eliminate any danger. Even though he can't legally claim Elise, he wouldn't stand for someone hurting his partner and getting away with it.

His thumbs stroked across his fingers at his sides. His hands ached to touch her tender flesh and ease her suffering. Perhaps if he knew who had attacked her, he could concentrate on that person instead. Plan beforehand. invade the dreams of the masculine. Take his heart out. Her revenge," his demon growled.

He needs the victim's name and a picture of their face. Please respond, Elise.

What's wrong with you, exactly?

"Nothing." Everything. The Southland situation had only grown worse. His long-term load, which he had previously been able to manage with ease, was starting to drag him down.

Even worse, it seemed that his partner had been assaulted and he had not been there to defend her. In Gwydion, she was meant to be secure. Elementals were a peaceful race that wasn't infamous for assaulting helpless victims.

Kellan felt his inner demon violently push against his thoughts for the first time in two years, yelling at him to fulfill his obligation to Elise. Since the night he decided to leave his partner, a circle of tension had been growing around him.

He hadn't decided to "gandeste," or to boldly enter another person's fantasy. The strongest of devils could only handle it. It wasn't an exact science even then. Such efforts might have a price to pay in terms of both physical and mental health. However, his status seems to have effortlessly drawn him back to her as he slept.

Kellan was aware that by attempting to prevent or, at the very least, extend the mating link as long as possible, he had taken a significant risk. He ought to be wise enough to know better than to naively think he could outwit the forces of the cosmos.

Other factors were at play if Elise hadn't been the one to call him. Over ten years ago, Fate first presented them. It had just been two years since he had to go back. It was asking for trouble from the Goddess to ignore the third calling.

Kellan felt worn out. He was on the verge of making a bad choice because he was so exhausted. Was wanting to defend his partner that badly?

The other half of his mind took in the harm done to Elise while the other half of his mind concentrated on matters beyond his control. He also observed that she didn't have an eyebrow now that her face was in full view. Its former location had pink skin that seemed to have been burned away.

She had been burnt and struck? He clenched his hands into fists and wondered what more wounds she had sustained. What kind of monster attacked his girl with such savagery?

Last opportunity before I pierce your defenses.

The melodic tones in her laughter attracted and roused him. Was it the small minx's gall to mock The King of Sundari? His well-crafted control began to weaken until it was barely holding on. Whether she wanted it or not, he would take care of her.

Have it how you want. Kellan activated his mental energy flow and focused it on the barrier.

Elise marveled as white and silver light strands erupted from Kellan's eyes. She was certain that the light would bounce back to him because of how hard they impacted her barrier. Instead, his forces were absorbed by the components of her wall.

Kellan had anticipated being able to easily breach the barrier or, at the absolute least, chip it away. Both surprised me and happened. He was astounded by how much more potent her defense magics were than he had last experienced them. They also seemed to grasp hold of his power stream and suck it eagerly.

His mate's demon iris shone, linking them even if they weren't in contact. Kellan reduced the flow out of concern that stopping it suddenly might harm one of them.

As Kellan's strength was directed into her and permeated every cell in her body, Elise gasped. Her body was overtaken by elation. Even though she wasn't near the wall of mingled magics, she was able to sense what he was doing.

He repressed his onslaught until it came to a full halt and said, "Damnit!" If he had realized that the power would combine with his mate, he wouldn't have assaulted the shield.

Elise felt more energized than she had in years as she stood on wobbly legs. In front of her face, she wriggled her fingers. "You ought to put this in bottles and market it."

She marveled at the strength flowing through her veins while Kellan looked in astonishment. It was typically fatal for an elemental to consume a demon's powers. Elise seemed to be tickled.

He had a powerful status. Formidable. Few could have accomplished her accomplishment of taking his strength and containing it inside her body.

Kellan felt a surge of pride at having a partner with extraordinary skills that Fate had developed for him. His demon snarled, "Claim her." Take her and stop tormenting us.

He disregarded it. Only seventeen or, at most, eighteen years old, was the girl. With someone so young, he would not fulfill the status connection.

Elise snickered. She seemed to be high-on his abilities. Now that his energy was coursing through her limbs, compelling her would be so simple. Additionally, something between them would be broken. He decided against trying to subjugate her to his will and instead went another route.

Lower your shield, I say. Moj draga, I simply want to look at your wounds.

Elise nibbled on her tongue, concentrating more on the endearment and what it may imply. The ancient language had a term for mine called moj. She had no idea what Draga meant, but he had identified her as something of his. She glanced aside as her face began to flush.

She weighed his request nervously. The wall was always in place. She had kept it in place ever since the day Brennen had first entered her fantasies. She had never thought about removing her protection since she didn't know whether others would be able to enter as Brennen had.

What if she lowered it, what would Kellan do? There's only one way to find out.