The Demon King Fated Mate

The raspy voice echoed across the trees, "Come nearer, little one."

The ensorcelled voice of the monster reverberated off Elise's skin, making the hairs on her arms and neck stand at full alert. Thankfully, just his voice had been able to penetrate her impenetrable wall.

She lowered her head and focused on her doll, ignoring the guy. Her beautiful auburn hair fell over her shoulder, concealing her face from the sly beast like a dark, silken curtain.

He had been popping into her dreams more and more. He became more confident with each visit. He had gone all the way to the clearing's edge tonight to observe her from the tree line. He had never ventured thus far.

She was relaxing on a blanket while playing with a variety of toys in her dream. In the adjoining tiny field next to their house, her two sisters were chasing each other through the thick goldenrod. Elise chose not to call them. When the devil came, they were unable to see him.

In this dream world, he wasn't like her sisters. Nora and Eden weren't present. They were ethereal fragments of Elise's mind, unable to be anything other than what she imagined them to be.

It was a genuine demon. Corporeal. He had intended to be here. He was now hiding in her woodland after finding a way to get through.

Despite not having a clear view of him yet, she could feel his power. His voice had an inflated bass that was dark and threatening. Normally, demons had a low voice, but this one was strange-almost otherworldly.

She tried to feel his strength the first time he had made it through using her senses. When he resisted, it was frigid and vulgar, like a cold, wet tongue probing her taste.

She had become ill from it. It was... incorrect in some way.

"Girl, let me enter the meadow. All I want to do is chat.

He was lying, that much was clear. Her magical whispers urged her to keep him at a distance.

Elise wished he had never been. No matter how many times she wished he were gone, she had never been able to make him go.

It was frustrating not to be able to control her dreams. She had no choice except to erect a barrier and wait him out.

For a week, the monster had been appearing every night. He could ultimately figure out how to find her in the clearing, Elise feared.

She asked the Goddess of Sanctus Femina to either keep her safe or make her strong enough to fend him off before she went to sleep that night. She got the unsettling impression that she was about to learn if any of her desires would be fulfilled.

Elise tightened her hold on her doll as the man became impatient. She resisted, however, looking up.

As she reclined on her gold and black blanket, silence became longer. She was aware that he was still there, presumably making a show of leaving. Elise would not be duped. She was still aware of his vile magic.

Demons could be able to sneak into other people's thoughts using their abilities. Those they kept against their will were under their authority. Elise thought such abilities were odd.

King Edward, her father, had reassured her that she could defend herself against an assault, that her will was strong, and that she would not be at risk. Elise was reluctant to put his notion to the test.

She planned to either discover a simple technique to drive the demon away or discover a means to awaken herself from her nightmares. She had tried both but had failed despite her tremendous resolve. It didn't mean she wouldn't strive harder or that she wouldn't defend herself if necessary.

Elise eagerly awaited his departure. Her fingers itched as she stared at the tattered, worn-out figure in her palms. Her abilities were whirling, eager for a clash.

She was only six years old, yet despite her youth, she was not frail. She would be ready if he managed to get past the defense.

In the distance, there was a buzz in the atmosphere. It gradually became louder, reminding her of an impending storm. Elise lifted her face to the skies as the electrical currents in the air became more intense.

Overhead, a brilliant light burst. She followed it with her gaze until it vanished, settling behind the intruder amid the trees.

The evil guy hissed once more before running in the direction of where the moving light disappeared into the foliage. It was just out of her field of vision.

Even though she was tempted to look inside it, Elise stayed on her blanket. The echoes of snarls and moans coming from the woods took the place of the noises of her sisters' play.

The sounds disturbed the forest's peace. It sounded as if two fierce animals were engaged in combat. After a thunderous crash, there was stillness.

Concerned, Elise got up. She could make out the silhouette of a person rising to its feet through the gap in the trees.

Uncle, you've gone too far.", boomed the voice.

I haven't gone far enough, not at all. Kellan, you'll never rule as king. You're going to steal this kingdom away from me over my dying corpse.

Brennen, I didn't want the bloody throne. You've given me no other options now.

For her to follow, the two men were moving too quickly. Unexpectedly, a corpse fell against the magical wall she had constructed as protection for herself, dividing the clearing from the jungle.

Sparks of purple and white pulsated on the unseen shield. With dark eyes gazing at her through gleaming black strands of unruly hair, a large guy sprang to his feet.

Kellan. He had been dubbed Kellan by the nasty guy.

He didn't let go of her for a heartbeat, and she was unable to breathe. His eyes opened a little, then slanted down swiftly in irritation.

Elise saw some movement behind him. "Watch out!", she screamed.

The strange magic tentacles of Brennen soared out of the forest. Kellan darted to the side as Elise's barrier was pounded by the ethereal appendages as they attempted to punch through it.

Kellan raged, looking for his uncle's whereabouts in the darkness. "You'll never get to her," he said.

"So neither will you," he said.

As Brennen emerged from the thicket, a massive swirl of murky grey magics sprang out of nowhere and whirled about him like a nest of vipers. His eyes were crazy big. His lips twisted as if he were carrying a heavy weight.

Shite! Kellan cursed internally. Brennen had lost all self-control. He gave the child one final glance in the hopes that he might stave off the danger.

"Run! He growled at her, "

Elise threw the toy down and fled for her life.

* * *

Kellan jerked himself from the floor of the cave while gripping his chest. He felt for his heart, his heart racing.

still present.

His blood was pumping against his hand, and he could feel it. His skin was coated in a sheen of perspiration, which cooled him in the humid air. The discomfort from the dream persisted.

When he touched him, his pectoral burned with irritability. Kellan's shaking hand raised and drew blood with it. His clothing was torn to pieces by deep gashes caused by his uncle's claws, which easily cut through the flesh and muscle underneath.

He had dreamwalked, or had someone called him? It wasn't Brennen who went looking for him; his uncle had been taken aback to meet him.

the female. The child with the odd eyes had to be the culprit.

Some demons could get into people's heads, particularly if they were calm and asleep. More than simply the physical body becomes susceptible during sleep.

He could only speculate as to the horrible things Brennen must have done to learn the identity of the girl. The man had deliberately entered the child's imagination.

To what end? Kellan had no idea. Regardless of what Brennen had in mind, his uncle deserved the outcomes he'd brought upon himself.

Kellan knelt on his back and grinned at the idea of Brennen's exposed chest being discovered by the Sundari royal guards. without a heart.

"All right, Sir?"

When Kellan heard Favin's voice, his head jerked in that direction. The man with black hair who was lying across the alcove was scarcely visible to him. The fire from last night was mostly extinguished.

"Nothing's wrong, Favin. Tomorrow, we'll go back home.

"Truly? His Second muttered, "

"Truly. The guys will be informed in the morning.

But how...?"

The next morning, Favin.

Well done, sir.

Kellan closed his eyes while having a dream about the little boy who had just given him the kingdom.

The raspy voice echoed across the trees, "Come nearer, little one."

The ensorcelled voice of the monster reverberated off Elise's skin, making the hairs on her arms and neck stand at full alert. Thankfully, just his voice had been able to penetrate her impenetrable wall.

She lowered her head and focused on her doll, ignoring the guy. Her beautiful auburn hair fell over her shoulder, concealing her face from the sly beast like a dark, silken curtain.

He had been popping into her dreams more and more. He became more confident with each visit. He had gone all the way to the clearing's edge tonight to observe her from the tree line. He had never ventured thus far.

She was relaxing on a blanket while playing with a variety of toys in her dream. In the adjoining tiny field next to their house, her two sisters were chasing each other through the thick goldenrod. Elise chose not to call them. When the devil came, they were unable to see him.

In this dream world, he wasn't like her sisters. Nora and Eden weren't present. They were ethereal fragments of Elise's mind, unable to be anything other than what she imagined them to be.

It was a genuine demon. Corporeal. He had intended to be here. He was now hiding in her woodland after finding a way to get through.

Despite not having a clear view of him yet, she could feel his power. His voice had an inflated bass that was dark and threatening. Normally, demons had a low voice, but this one was strange-almost otherworldly.

She tried to feel his strength the first time he had made it through using her senses. When he resisted, it was frigid and vulgar, like a cold, wet tongue probing her taste.

She had become ill from it. It was... incorrect in some way.

"Girl, let me enter the meadow. All I want to do is chat.

He was lying, that much was clear. Her magical whispers urged her to keep him at a distance.

Elise wished he had never been. No matter how many times she wished he were gone, she had never been able to make him go.

It was frustrating not to be able to control her dreams. She had no choice except to erect a barrier and wait him out.

For a week, the monster had been appearing every night. He could ultimately figure out how to find her in the clearing, Elise feared.

She asked the Goddess of Sanctus Femina to either keep her safe or make her strong enough to fend him off before she went to sleep that night. She got the unsettling impression that she was about to learn if any of her desires would be fulfilled.

Elise tightened her hold on her doll as the man became impatient. She resisted, however, looking up.

As she reclined on her gold and black blanket, silence became longer. She was aware that he was still there, presumably making a show of leaving. Elise would not be duped. She was still aware of his vile magic.

Demons could be able to sneak into other people's thoughts using their abilities. Those they kept against their will were under their authority. Elise thought such abilities were odd.

King Edward, her father, had reassured her that she could defend herself against an assault, that her will was strong, and that she would not be at risk. Elise was reluctant to put his notion to the test.

She planned to either discover a simple technique to drive the demon away or discover a means to awaken herself from her nightmares. She had tried both but had failed despite her tremendous resolve. It didn't mean she wouldn't strive harder or that she wouldn't defend herself if necessary.

Elise eagerly awaited his departure. Her fingers itched as she stared at the tattered, worn-out figure in her palms. Her abilities were whirling, eager for a clash.

She was only six years old, yet despite her youth, she was not frail. She would be ready if he managed to get past the defense.

In the distance, there was a buzz in the atmosphere. It gradually became louder, reminding her of an impending storm. Elise lifted her face to the skies as the electrical currents in the air became more intense.

Overhead, a brilliant light burst. She followed it with her gaze until it vanished, settling behind the intruder amid the trees.

The evil guy hissed once more before running in the direction of where the moving light disappeared into the foliage. It was just out of her field of vision.

Even though she was tempted to look inside it, Elise stayed on her blanket. The echoes of snarls and moans coming from the woods took the place of the noises of her sisters' play.

The sounds disturbed the forest's peace. It sounded as if two fierce animals were engaged in combat. After a thunderous crash, there was stillness.

Concerned, Elise got up. She could make out the silhouette of a person rising to its feet through the gap in the trees.

Uncle, you've gone too far.", boomed the voice.

I haven't gone far enough, not at all. Kellan, you'll never rule as king. You're going to steal this kingdom away from me over my dying corpse.

Brennen, I didn't want the bloody throne. You've given me no other options now.

For her to follow, the two men were moving too quickly. Unexpectedly, a corpse fell against the magical wall she had constructed as protection for herself, dividing the clearing from the jungle.

Sparks of purple and white pulsated on the unseen shield. With dark eyes gazing at her through gleaming black strands of unruly hair, a large guy sprang to his feet.

Kellan. He had been dubbed Kellan by the nasty guy.

He didn't let go of her for a heartbeat, and she was unable to breathe. His eyes opened a little, then slanted down swiftly in irritation.

Elise saw some movement behind him. "Watch out!", she screamed.

The strange magic tentacles of Brennen soared out of the forest. Kellan darted to the side as Elise's barrier was pounded by the ethereal appendages as they attempted to punch through it.

Kellan raged, looking for his uncle's whereabouts in the darkness. "You'll never get to her," he said.

"So neither will you," he said.

As Brennen emerged from the thicket, a massive swirl of murky grey magics sprang out of nowhere and whirled about him like a nest of vipers. His eyes were crazy big. His lips twisted as if he were carrying a heavy weight.

Shite! Kellan cursed internally. Brennen had lost all self-control. He gave the child one final glance in the hopes that he might stave off the danger.

"Run! He growled at her, "

Elise threw the toy down and fled for her life.

* * *

Kellan jerked himself from the floor of the cave while gripping his chest. He felt for his heart, his heart racing.

still present.

His blood was pumping against his hand, and he could feel it. His skin was coated in a sheen of perspiration, which cooled him in the humid air. The discomfort from the dream persisted.

When he touched him, his pectoral burned with irritability. Kellan's shaking hand raised and drew blood with it. His clothing was torn to pieces by deep gashes caused by his uncle's claws, which easily cut through the flesh and muscle underneath.

He had dreamwalked, or had someone called him? It wasn't Brennen who went looking for him; his uncle had been taken aback to meet him.

the female. The child with the odd eyes had to be the culprit.

Some demons could get into people's heads, particularly if they were calm and asleep. More than simply the physical body becomes susceptible during sleep.

He could only speculate as to the horrible things Brennen must have done to learn the identity of the girl. The man had deliberately entered the child's imagination.

To what end? Kellan had no idea. Regardless of what Brennen had in mind, his uncle deserved the outcomes he'd brought upon himself.

Kellan knelt on his back and grinned at the idea of Brennen's exposed chest being discovered by the Sundari royal guards. without a heart.

"All right, Sir?"

When Kellan heard Favin's voice, his head jerked in that direction. The man with black hair who was lying across the alcove was scarcely visible to him. The fire from last night was mostly extinguished.

"Nothing's wrong, Favin. Tomorrow, we'll go back home.

"Truly? His Second muttered, "

"Truly. The guys will be informed in the morning.

But how...?"

The next morning, Favin.

Well done, sir.

Kellan closed his eyes while having a dream about the little boy who had just given him the kingdom.

Elise, Age 16

As they strolled arm in arm down the walkway, Elise said to her elder sister, "You don't seem at all disappointed, if you don't mind my saying."

Elise's observation caused Eden to slant his lips downward. She touched a nerve. Even if she hadn't intended to irritate Eden about the King of Burghard, it was her specialty.

How is it possible to contest Fate? Eden answered.

"Oh, well done on being elusive. You are proficient at this game.

Eden groaned, "It's not a game.

Elise's lips were pursed. "I am aware that it is not."

They strolled into the forest around their house. To prevent the kids from getting lost in the woods, several large walking pathways had been established long ago.

The inhabitants of Gwydion loved being outside. Since they were elementals, they were drawn to the world's natural order.

To be surrounded by so much vegetation was comforting. It was the reason Eden and Elise went outside after a particularly demanding day for their family.

Eden eventually said, "I-I am loathe to admit I am relieved."

"Why? You have every right to express your emotions.

To Nora, it barely seems fair.

Elise pondered Eden's remarks. Kellan, the King of Burghard, was in Eden today. Eden's whole life had been spent in a lifelong engagement. Their father encouraged the engaged couple to get to know one other now that she was eighteen.

This afternoon, the Wolf King and his Second, Foley, came. When Fate decided to get involved, they had just about finished the introductions.

When Kellan smelled his destined mate in their house-and it wasn't Eden-everyone was completely surprised. It was a wolf guy. All bets were off, and the betrothal to Eden was broken, as soon as their younger sister Nora was detected by his beast, who recognized her as his.

The problem was that Nora was considerably too young-only fourteen years old-to be married. She was a sickly young girl as well. However, they were challenges that could be surmounted.

Most likely, Elise mused to herself.

In time, Nora would mature. She would hopefully discover a method to be healthy as well. Elise decided to have faith. After all, Nora belonged to the wolf by predetermined fate.

She patted Eden's hand. You merely say that because Nora is young and seems to be so vulnerable, I said.

She is vulnerable.

"Physically. No, not emotionally. We all seem to forget from time to time.

"Perhaps. But what still annoys me is the physical. Elise will live in the Northland with the wolves. What if she is troubled? She scarcely has the strength to fight a wolf.

You are right.

Eden took a second look. The question "I'm right?"

Elise guffawed. No one said such words out of her lips very often.

"It's clear. Particularly when compared to a wolf, Nora is little. She is readily vulnerable to danger.

Elise omitted mentioning the harm Nora's soul had suffered on the day of her birth. It was not the right moment to bring up their mother's death or the fact that Nora did not possess the same magical abilities as the other elementals in the Kingdom of Gwydion.

Then, Elise, why are you so tolerant of this?

"Simple. It's destiny.

Eden groaned.

"I mean it. Fate. Destiny. Goddess up there. Whatever powers of the world produce mates, miracles like the capacity to transform into an animal, the power to manipulate nature, enchant others, or... wait, what precisely do demons do? Compulsion? It closely resembles hypnotizing. Don't you believe?

The eyes of Eden rolled. Only Elise could simplify difficult mental abilities to such an extent.

Elise disregarded her sibling.

It's irrelevant, she continued. "There are forces at work that we cannot fully comprehend. I find it hard to think that two creatures who were meant to be together wouldn't get along. or are indeed ideal partners. Why would they otherwise be destined?

Eden saw Elise with a fresh sense of admiration. She had always believed her sister to be an unrequited romantic. Elise could have had a little pragmatism after all.

It's hard for me to believe I'm about to say this, but you make sense, Elise.

Of course, I'm logical. You just won't pay attention to me.

They both laughed as they continued their lengthy stroll, as they often did after supper. Nora, who preferred to avoid going into the forest and unintentionally attracting energy to herself, seldom, if ever, joined them. That cost everything around her since that was how she fixed her soul.

Elise yawned after a while, and Eden turned them back in the direction of the mansion. They left the walkway and entered the beautiful meadow that surrounded their house while keeping their arms clasped.

Elise anticipated what more the future would hold since she felt as if some aspect of the cosmos had been made right today.

* * *

The lush grass at the edge of the woodland wriggled under Elise's bare toes. The summer moon's illumination produced odd purple and blue rays that pierced the trees.

These were the vivid, sparkling hues of her fantasies. The background of every nocturnal dream she could recall had been the forest and the moonlight since the death of her mother.

At the edge of the clearing next to her house, this place was a constant stop for her. It was an area she was acquainted with and often went to when awake with Eden and Nora. They played together like sisters in the meadow. She often experienced echoes of their laughing in her dreams.

Elise had no idea why the location was so unique or why she was attached to it as she slept. Over the years, she had attempted to float back to her home or along the edge. She repeatedly ended up in the same place after an effort.

She tested the conditions by wriggling her fingers. She once again felt the enchantment lingering in the air. She had learned to respect and pay attention to the elements since she was a small child.

Around the age of five, when she had fully mastered power management, she had become more open in her dreams, enabling her magics to enter her dream world.

The elements talked even when you were asleep. When she was awake, she only heard murmurs about who or what they were, but in her dreams, they were there. Always.

She had at this point realized that her nighttime habits weren't typical. She kept being drawn here by something other than her willpower. Every time she slept asleep, a power drew her here.

She has sometimes been accompanied. Elise disliked recalling those specific evenings from her youth. She was still aware of the phantom cold brought on by the evil demon's magic.

She looked to the left as she heard a sound. Twenty yards away, a wolf stood and regarded her. She wasn't taken aback. Her mind was conjuring up pictures of the familiar since she had just met a wolf today.

Elise's jaw opened wide as she recalled the day their younger sister, Nora, stormed into the room and abruptly grabbed the spotlight-or in this instance, the wolf.

Finding the one being the Universe made expressly for you had a romantic quality, particularly if you belonged to a race without mate destiny.

Elise had felt the faintest tinge of envy, but she swiftly suppressed it. Their poor father had been distraught, and if he believed Elise was unhappy, it would only make matters worse for him.

She turned her head after hearing a branch break to her right. A vampire's mesmerizing stare met hers. He had a flame in his outstretched hand and was as tall as the trees.

It was further evidence that she was in a dream. In reality, vampires did not exist in this size or with the ability to use fire. Eden, her sister, could. Her biggest strength was that.

Across the meadow, the elements were vibrating, changing, and moving on their own.

Elise saw right once that this dream would not be like the others. She made a conscious effort to concentrate and memorize everything. She would not disregard what magic had to say.

Elise could see the shape of an old man up ahead. What had to be Theron, the temple priest of Sanctus Femina, was framed by long, unkempt hair. He had already entered her fantasies. He slowly brought his finger to his lips in an attempt to silence the speaker.

Behind the priest, a shadow emerged. It grew larger as it boldly approached her, clearly displaying the shape of a warrior.

She could see the reflected gleam off black hair through the dim light. It was so black that it nearly seemed blue. Stretched skin over muscles that are in good shape. His body was not concealed by the clothing he was wearing.

He had been just how she had recalled. Or at least a bit less incensed.

His face was bathed in moonlight, exposing obsidian eyes. When his eyes widened completely and concealed what she knew to be golden irises, she didn't like it. Elise had only ever seen eyes that were bleeding black. It had already been enough once.

She was taken aback when his unusually deep voice, "Hello, poppet," stroked across her skin like silk.

Not Poppet is my name. Elise is here.

As brazen as ever, I note.

"You-remember me?" I said. She stumbled, shocked that he knew who she was. On her physique, a lot had changed since she was six.

She hadn't seen him in her dream world in over ten years. Even then, the interaction had only been fleeting.

I asked myself, "How could I forget?"

She blushed because of the passion she couldn't place in his words. "I guess you'd be aware of your surroundings. They are constant around here. There is never any change.

Kellan disregarded her misunderstanding of what he had said. While he was speaking, he saw that a wolf and a vampire were nearby.

Your dream is it, a tiny one. You could probably do anything here.

She sneered, "One would suppose.

Kellan turned his steady gaze back to the woman, closely observing her. It was an elemental girl. Although she was a teenager now, there was no doubt that she was the same woman who had called him that evening ten years before.

The same long auburn hair was now styled in casual braids. Fate would never let him forget the weird look in her eyes.

One eye was a tint of green reminiscent of the Westland's springtime fields. It was the hue of the Gwydion-dwelling elementals.

The second eye had a hue he had never seen other than on a monster. The same amber color as his own, with gold and russet specks. Even she had darker skin than other elementals had. Like a demon's, bronzed. such as his.

He may have assumed the woman was a she-demon if not for her one green eye and the hue of her silken hair. Male and female Sundari had just two color options for their hair. White or black. Never a different variant.

Her auburn long hair was remarkable. Her strange eyes are interesting. But what is presently tying him up is the pull of his soul toward hers.

His status was a vision that he purposefully avoided by declining to look for her. Many nights he'd had the want to check on her, but he'd resisted the urge, believing his steel will would hold.

How quickly he had forgotten her strong display. She had successfully prevented a renegade demon from entering this area as a little child. Even when she was asleep, her defenses and magic had been astounding.

It was no accident that he had failed to stop her from dragging him back into her fantasy. He questioned if she had assistance when he felt the elderly man's presence behind him.

He halted inches from the translucent forcefield dividing the forest from the little meadow and questioned, "What am I doing here?"

You inform me.

"I'm not the one calling people out in the dead of night," she said.

"I did not do such a thing."

Are you certain about that?

Eden's chest fluctuated in size. Sweat beads trickled out of her pores. His voice was like magic in and of itself; it pressed against her and encircled her in warmth.

She shouted, "Stop doing that.

His pupils shrank. "I'm not harming you in any way,"

It's you. Your voice is... it's. She was unable to finish. It was too humiliating to describe what his timber was doing to her.

Although Kellan couldn't see the blush under her olive complexion, he was certain that it existed. Early indications of the status bond were present. Even though she was only a little kid, he had understood from the minute he had first seen her what she was to him.

He should make an effort to avoid using his magic in his intonations. When they talked, demons naturally released strength. It affected Elise more than was reasonable given that she was an elemental and also his partner.

Fate, particularly about the demons, was not at all subtly indicating matehood. No, a demon knew when he saw his status-his genuine partner. She may not be aware of it, but when his magic touched her, she would feel something.

He could feel the little tug now that she was getting close to maturity. Fortunately, the young witch wasn't old enough to force either of them into a mating frenzy.

Her habit of including him in her fantasies was risky. He wasn't sure whether it would matter while he dreams walked or how strong the attraction would be when their bodies weren't touching. If this was any indicator, if she got just a little older, it would be an issue.

If the situation was different, he would send an army to her father's door in a few years and demand her hand. Nothing-not even the Goddess-could separate him from her.

Sadly, he was unable to enjoy that privilege. It was beginning to seem as if he would never. He had a troubled history, and now he had problems in the present. He could not afford to be optimistic about the future.

He was barely managing the disaster that was engulfing the Sundari Kingdom. His greatest worry was that the catastrophe would transcend the boundaries of the Southland and engulf the whole Imperium.

The impact of his severe actions was negligible. The chaos had at least stopped at the Corak Peninsula. Except for the rogues that sometimes pop up or those who manage to get past the wall.

He had resorted to building a prison colony on Sundari's southernmost point. The isthmus was sealed off from the rest of the kingdom by a barrier he had constructed.

Eons ago, spells were cast on the cliffs around Corak to fortify the region against invasion. To access the property, no one could get past the invisible barrier. Additionally, this meant that no one could cross the land to get to the lake.

He was at a loss for where to put all the demons since so many of them were going insane. With each passing day, he was uncovering more outlaws, and his life had turned into a series of conflicts as he fought to keep the peace. He either killed or transported the outlaws he hunted throughout the day to Corak.

For an elemental, life in the Southland was too hazardous. Even if it was just a dream, the girl should have forgotten she had never met him. Despite his demon soul's protests, Kellan managed to quiet it.

She approached him and said, "What's wrong?" She saw how sharply his long, thick eyelashes separated the form of his eyes. Women would feel envious.

"Nothing. Why do you inquire? He had been fighting his inner devil and hadn't even blinked.

"Your pupils were narrowed. Typically, they are so large that I cannot see the amber color of your eyes. The last time I saw you was at them. I believe it's because you become angry quickly.

What else, please tell me, am I if not angry over being brought here? Against my volition, I may add.

"Sad? You're at least dissatisfied. Whatever it may be, you're crying. It's not your greatest appearance.

His mouth twitched. She was very bright for a girl her age. If they talked at all, women seldom did so casually in his company.

All demons, but particularly she-demons, had a sixth instinct for other people's emotions. Their abilities were derived from mental energy. Even though many around him were aware of his mood, they avoided confronting him about it. Kellan was in charge.

Little Elise, who was almost unknown, had been able to accomplish it with only a glance and had no trouble stating it.

You're a perceptive little thing, aren't you?

"Yes."

Kellan laughed and considered continuing the discussion. She had me spellbound. Her bright intelligence was evident to him. A very hazardous thing was a seductive mind. Demons placed cerebral aptitude above everything else, even physical attractiveness. He may not be able to resist the temptation presented by the fact that she held both.

His nostrils flared when they were this close, only a few feet apart. He was still able to detect her fragrance despite the barrier. She had the scent of a rose in the desert at midnight.

Why is he here? Kellan needed to ensure that she wouldn't phone him when she was asleep once again. When she reached adulthood, he would think about finding her if he managed to put an end to the uprising in Sundari.

If not, he didn't want to consider the consequences of him and his group going rogue. He needed to make it extremely obvious to Elise that she should avoid him.

In a dangerous game, fate brought them together. Even if it meant losing his mind, Kellan would never put his partner in jeopardy. She didn't deserve to get involved in his battles.

Carefully pay attention, Elise. Please don't call me again. There is no way for you to win this game.

Which game? She scrunched up her brows in annoyance at his constant assumption that she was somehow to blame for his appearance.

He snipped, "The one you're playing and don't even know it."

Kellan made a U-turn and advanced into the woods. Theron's kaleidoscope eyes, which were swirling with violet and silver tones, prevented Elise from calling out to him as he slid back into view.

He indicated the wolf, who had moved over to stand close to Nora. The vampire follows. At his side was Eden. All four of them were fixated on the demon's backward retreat.

Theron once again made a muting motion, his eyes sparkling with magic. He said, "Status," in her head.

The pieces clicked into place and Elise smiled.

Elise, Age 18

King Edward commanded "Again,"

Elise let out a sharp sigh. The rearing of his girls was something her father took way too seriously. What specifically did he believe would occur that would need them to utilize their abilities in this manner? Still, it was always best to be cautious than sorry.

She pointed at the straw targets across the courtyard, eight of which were either missing their heads, pierced with carefully placed burn holes, or blasted to smithereens. "There are only two left, Father," she said.

I'll have more produced.

Elise forced her eyes closed to prevent herself from rolling them. They had fought Nora hand-to-hand throughout the whole of the morning. Their father was now primarily concerned with her instruction.

The youngest sister had no magic, therefore her only defenses were her hands or a physical weapon. Nora had undoubtedly improved, and the results were clear.

Recently, Edward had decided that all three of his kids needed to improve their abilities. Eden and Elise were compelled to join Nora this morning as a result. Many of his guys trained in the barn, so he had sent them out there.

Elise decided to cheat and send a current of air to confuse her opponent after receiving too many kicks in the behind. Unfortunately, she was up against Eden, who was not likely to find Elise's comedy amusing.

The oldest didn't find it as amusing as Elise did that her hair was attacking her face. Elise's eyebrow was burned off in retaliation by Eden. When Elise merely responded with laughter, Eden became even more irate.

The men of their father had watched amused. Simply starting again, Edward muttered something about the Goddess giving him such misbehaving girls. His merry expression in his eyes revealed his actual thoughts about the situation.

But hours later he was no longer laughing. Elise speculated that the hostility shown by his children may have alarmed him a bit.

Edward said, "Eden, shoot for the heart this time."

"However you like, Father."

Eden was the eldest and the most serious of the three. Even still, she began puncturing the targets in places where no man would want to be burnt since she had become weary of the training today.

The guards' laughter came to an end. But Elise couldn't help but chuckle at the brilliant assault. With each round, she grew to like Eden more and more.

Elise saw Eden destroy the straw figure with a smooth, painstakingly crafted beam of fire from fifty yards away. She created an almost symmetrical hole in the form of a heart. Amazing, Elise said.

An arrow pierced the form Eden had drawn before Edward could issue the following command. Elise applauded Nora's flawless shot.

"Nora, good job!" She commended.

Following a theatrical bow, Nora asked her father if they could call the performance a day if she removed the final person's head. I'm worn out.

Why do you still insist on beheading the targets, Nora? Edward exhaled.

"I-"

Without emotion, he said, "It was rhetorical." "Let's call it a day, then. Do not believe that any of you are exempt.

Father, I won't be leaving Gwydion for another four years. I believe we still have time.

Nora received a shoulder pat from Edward. "Daughter, we always think there is time. Sometimes events happen that you weren't expecting, and you wish you had been more ready. Count on me for this.

Nora lowered her head and nodded. Knowing that her father was referring to their mother's murder, Elise felt sorrow. Only Nora was unaware that Queen Elora hadn't died from delivery.

To guarantee that there was a balance of power across the Imperium, an ancient fraternity known as Sephtis Kenelm came together. No kingdom was capable of dominating the others. The most powerful elemental to ever exist, Elora paid with her life for her inherent abilities.

Their father had long since tracked them down and exacted revenge for his queen's murder, together with King Kellan, whose own father had perished as a result of the group's disastrous expedition.

Elise didn't support his decision to hide the truth from Nora. She prayed that one day he would see Nora's inner strength and be clean with her.

Eden urged her younger sister, "Come on, Nora," directing Elise's focus back to her.

Eden embraced Nora, "I'm famished," she said. "I'm sure stopping for food would be beneficial. Elise, will you be arriving?

Later, I'll join you. I need to take care of stuff first.

Elise moved to one of the wider trails at the southern end of the tree line as the group dispersed. When it turned near the tiny brook, she continued to follow it.

Several eroded boulders were seen at the stream bend. She climbed the largest one and sat there, gazing at the lazily flowing water below.

She shut her eyes and enjoyed the sound of the brook's gushing water. Her soul calmed, and her muscles began to relax.

Her affinity for water was Elise's greatest strength. She had been drawn to the stream during the last several days. Every Gwydion was somehow related to a certain element. Elise had power over many things, but her strongest connection was to water.

Her thoughts have recently been restless. She had been having trouble focusing and felt unsettled more and more. She couldn't explain the anxiety knot she was experiencing.

Her aspirations had also been impacted. She wasn't mostly dreaming. She wasn't being lured into the clearing every night for the first time in a very long time.

Each night when she dozed off, she encountered darkness. It danced and whirled about her in murky tones of black and grey. Beyond the force around her, she was unable to see anything.

She had stayed close to her sisters rather than going to the creek to meditate because she was worried about what it represented. The ocean, though, beckoned to her.

She came back today because she had faith in her connection to her element. As always, it gave her peace and perspective. She discovered that the melody of nature was lulling her into sleep.

A male voice said, "You probably shouldn't go to sleep up there.

Elise opened her eyes and turned her head to the right. When she realized she was just a few inches away from Jasper Rollands' sometimes bothersome, sometimes unfairly handsome face, she retreated.

He was too near for comfort, and she sprang to her feet. Jasper, a young guy from the town, seemed to be working hard in his preparation to join her father's army. The results of his effort were on his physique. He attracted a lot of attention due to his height and physique, especially from young girls.

To Elise's dismay, she wasn't immune to his allure. As a result, she maintained her distance. She had plans for herself that did not include rolling about in the hayloft with the attractive man next to her.

When she had regained her composure, she said, "I'm perfectly safe."

Despite rolling off? No matter how hard it is, I don't want you to strike your delicate tiny skull.

He laughed as Elise snorted. At least before he entered his teenage years, Jasper had a generally amicable disposition. They had been playmates since they were little. Once he entered adolescence, he became less frequent, but she still thought of him as a type of buddy.

He growled and hopped up onto the boulder next to her, saying, "Move over."

Elise moved as far down the edge as she could without going over.

He raked his sandy blonde hair off his forehead and scowled. "I don't spread diseases,"

She chuckled while shaking her head. "I know. However, your huge frame hardly fits here.

"Right." His attention shifted to her eye's blemish. What took place there?

That "Eden happened."

The question "Your sister attacked you?"

"Yes. It was amusing.

"Seems to be."

They exchanged smiling looks. First to turn away, Jasper threw some holding stones into the water.

He questioned, "What are you doing out here?"

I was meditating, I said.

With your mouth open wide and saliva streaming out? Doubtful."

She mock-swatted his arm in good fun. "It wasn't all that bad."

"It was."

The tone of his words caused certain areas of Elise's body to warm. the incorrect components. She shouldn't have any feelings for him-or any other guy, for that matter.

excluding one.

"What were you doing, aside from interrupting my rest?" she scolded.

I was heading out to assist the Greycen family with the summer harvest since I had the day free.

"Ah, out being a pillar of the community."

"I try."

And it wouldn't involve seeing Maggie Greycen tend to the fields at all? It sounds like quite a spectacle.

Jason grinned. "Do the ladies discuss her substantial... assets?"

Elise laughed loudly before swatting him once again. "You are awful,"

"Yes, I can. To answer your query, though, I will not assist because of Maggie. This is how I will pay back a loan I owe her father.

That is admirable.

"Not. She's not quite as attractive as the woman who usually appears to flee in the other direction when she sees me coming, he said, his eyes fixed on her lips.

As he drew in closer, Elise's eyes became larger. In response, she leaned away from him, but he persisted. She tilted backward and slid off the rock before she could ask him what he thought he was doing.

She made a futile attempt to turn and get her arms beneath her to stop herself from falling. Just as her body began to fall to the earth, Elise managed to smack her face on one of the smaller pebbles.

She fell awkwardly, her front stuck to the rock's side and her back resting on the ground. She quickly examined herself. Her face was the only part that ached excessively.

Elise scowled and reached up to see the injury, saying, "Damn, that's smart."

increasing already. rather bloody. probably beginning to bruise. It would be typical of her to endure hours of arduous training without suffering any harm-aside from the loss of one eyebrow-only to sustain damage as a result of her response to some idiot's crude conception of a sexual approach.

A quiet thump was heard near her as two huge boots touched down. Regarding said idiot.

Oh, Goddess. Jasper apologized, knelt, and put his hand on Elise's shoulder. "Here, let me see," he pleaded.

Her chin was softly raised by his fingers. He recoiled when Elise twisted her head to reveal more of the injuries. The intimidating young warrior whirled. Hard. She struggled to contain her laughter as her shoulders trembled.

His lips raised a corner. You're being unkind by making fun of me, Miss Elise.

"I'm not the one throwing women off rocks," I said.

Yes, well, I'm not used to such blatant hostility against my approaches.

"I don't think so. However, what were you thinking? You can't simply go around and give every female you see a kiss. Sure, convenience is essential, but do you believe that taking up thirty seconds of my time justifies making eye contact?

He laughed so loudly that it almost down a tree. He took a breath and said, "You are not like other females," with a grin.

Elise curled her lips in discomfort at his remark. He was accurate. She was different from the other women she knew. In her father's court, Elise was skilled at playing her part, but outside of the formalities, she had always been a touch clumsy. Blunt. a prankster.

She wasn't sure whether she appreciated Jasper bringing it up. What would he think of her, the one who never left her head, if a lovely guy such as him found her odd?

Her fantasy guy was nothing like Jasper. Jasper was cheery and enjoyable in contrast to Kellan, who was both dark and broody in appearance and demeanor. She could be more of a light and fun person than a broody one. Elise disliked the idea that she couldn't draw in a man like Kellan.

She added gently, "I should probably go home and clean myself up.

He extended his hand, urging her to get up, saying, "Let me escort you."

The path leading to the Greycens' farm was in front of Jasper as he peered along it. It was going the other way from Elise's house. Even though he would be late, he didn't want to send her out alone herself after that fall.

Shaking her head, Elise. You're good, Jasper. You have a longer journey than I do. I don't want you to be late.

She pulled him backward with air currents as soon as he protested by opening his lips. Before I throw you into the creek, leave.

Right, right. There is no need for violence, he joked. "Are you certain you're alright?"

"I'm good. Now depart.

As desired, my lady. Jasper made a nice bow. He stood up straight, a serious look on his face. "Evie, I truly apologize."

Since their early years together, he hadn't named her Evie. She found it amusing in a fraternal manner. She briefly considered how much simpler her life would be if she just caved into a man like Jasper and pursued the possibility of anything more with an elemental.

Never would it function. None of the men she knew were desirable to her. Even if she had let the kiss, she felt confident in Jasper's lack of interest in a long-term relationship.

In addition, she had been waiting for the demon to visit her dream world or, preferably, knock on her father's door for the last two years. How much time was she supposed to wait? It was not easy to believe in Fate.

She shrugged and waved him off. "It's okay. You may owe me a favor if it would help you feel better.

"Anything."

Oh, you shouldn't make such guarantees. I could decide to accept your offer.

Are you making out with me?

No, what?

He stepped backward, grinned, and saluted her. Fair Elise, till we meet again. then made a U-turn and ran off.

Elise slumped against the boulder and covered her eyes with her hands as soon as he vanished from view. She had a horrible headache and her face was hurting. Even her bottom started to hurt. Her adrenaline has likely begun to wear off.

She used her fingers to trace her lips as she imagined what it must have felt like for Jasper to kiss her. She said she was only curious. Any girl her age would be curious to kiss.

She was pierced with remorse, which caused her to squelch the idea. She was mostly certain that fate had chosen another for her. Such fantasies shouldn't be entertained by her.

So much for meditating to unwind. At least her sisters would enjoy hearing about the experience.

She looked at the ocean one more time as she stood up straight and exhaled heavily. She saw something flicker in front of her. Elise moved closer to the bank as she looked under the ground for anything that had absorbed the sun's beams.

She leaned down and peered closely after seeing a flash of silver. She got down on her knees and bowed. She invited the elements into her consciousness and asked them to deliver her the object.

The mirrored object soared out of the water with a plop and landed in her grasp. It was a spherical medallion that was strung on a substantial silver chain.

Elise used her thumbs to remove the mud. To get rid of the remainder of the sand and muck, she dipped it in the water. She placed it in her hand and drew it up to her face.

The medallion's center had a complex tree pattern. The roots could be seen, and the trunk was large. The letter M was woven into the pattern of the bark.

The name Kellan briefly crossed her thoughts. Her environment hummed in unison with the elements.

Her hands trembled. Demon Kellan was. Yes, he had twice entered her dreams, but he hadn't been in this woodland.

The medallion was handed over by her. Across the surface, words were inscribed.

ISTINA NIKAD NE UMIRE

The truth never dies.

It was a saying in the old language.

She hadn't heard the proverb in the ancient tongue since childhood. Sitting back on her heels, she waited for the elements to tell her something. Anything.

They held their silence.

Elise wasn't sure what to do with the ostensibly priceless jewel, so she chose to keep it. She may complete the problem at a later time.

She used the bottom of her shirt to dry it off. She raised the chain around her neck since her pants lacked pockets. She disguised the chilly metal from anybody who may come across her as she stood up by tucking it inside her blouse.

She wondered whether or not to display the necklace to her family as she walked home. She moaned as the elements whirled in protest.

Elise had faith in her powers. It didn't imply that she always liked it.