My eyes fluttered open, and the sight of Silrae sleeping beside me welcomed the day. He lay serenely, his chest rising and falling with each shallow breath, his silver-white hair cascading gently above his eyes. I averted my gaze for a moment, contemplating what dreams danced behind those closed lids. Was it a peaceful reverie, or did tempestuous storms rage beneath his seemingly placid exterior?

His arms found their way around me. “Good morning, Asara," his voice murmured as he nuzzled into the crook of my neck. “What if we just stayed in bed all day like this?”

The notion was undeniably tempting. To remain in his warm embrace, close to someone I... No, I refused to entertain such thoughts. I carefully extricated myself from his grasp, eliciting a dissatisfied grunt from him. “I... I can’t do that to you,” I signed, conveying my hesitation. “It wouldn’t be fair.”

My eyes traced the scars and burns that adorned my body, some of them still visible beneath the thin fabric of the sheet. “I have so many scars and burns. I can’t let you get absorbed by them.”

Silrae's gentle fingers brushed against my back, a delicate caress that spoke volumes. “I saw them last night,” he confessed in a hushed tone. “I want to know all of you, to feel all of you. To protect you from the monsters that want to harm you. To fight alongside you against the demons you’re facing.”

I could no longer avert my gaze from his eyes. When our gazes met, it was as if my defenses crumbled. Desire surged within me, an ardent longing for him to understand every facet of my being, to experience every nuance, to shield me from harm, and to stand by my side. However, it simply couldn't happen right now. “Can you wait?” I gestured, the weight of my question palpable on my hands.

“I can wait forever if that’s how long it will take,” he responded, sitting up. The blanket draped loosely over his lower half, revealing his tanned arms and pale chest.

“Go put some clothes on,” I signed, feeling my cheeks flush. Last night was a memory that danced like a dream in my mind. While I knew what I'd witnessed, if I saw any more of him like this today, history might repeat itself. I wasn't sure if I was ready for such an event to transpire again, despite the immense joy it had brought.

“Very well,” he acquiesced, sliding out of bed without concern for his lack of clothing. I lowered my gaze.

“Are you disappointed about last night?” I summoned the courage to ask.

“Goddesses, no!” he exclaimed, settling on the edge of the bed. He then proceeded to don a loose-fitted white shirt and snug black pants. “Last night was like a dream, but more than that. It was the best night of my life.” Silrae scooted over next to me. “What about you?”

The question caught me off guard, though I knew it was inevitable when I brought up the topic. “I felt complete for the first time in a long while. We could have done anything together last night, and I would still have felt that completeness, because it's you.”

A blush tinged his cheeks. His smile warmed my soul. “I’ll turn around while you get dressed, even though I wish to gaze upon your beauty again.” His remark sent butterflies through my stomach.

"Thank you." I watched him, his silhouette turning gracefully in the soft morning light filtering through the window. As he did, I slipped out from beneath the warm, comforting covers, embracing the sudden chill that eagerly embraced my skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.

Before me lay an elegant black dress, a canvas of darkness adorned with a gilded belt that wrapped sinuously around my waist, like the echo of a sunset. Slipping into its silky embrace, I marvelled at the way it draped and moved, a dance of shadows and light. The dress bore a daring slit that revealed most of my right leg, a testament to its bold design.

"Do you need help with the rest?" Silrae's voice reached me, echoing in the room.

I turned to face him, finding him reclining on his stomach, eyes fixed on me. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I rolled my eyes, the corners of my mouth betraying a hint of amusement. "Yes."

He rose gracefully and made his way over. His fingers deftly gripped the excess fabric at the back, sweeping it over my right arm, leaving a delicate trail of sensation along my bare skin. The gold belt with tassels swung gently from its position, finding its home snugly around my waist, a touch of opulence against the darkness of the dress.

My hair, woven into a braid, had its own role to play. Silrae shifted the braid, letting it cascade over the front, like a cascade of dusky waves. A golden necklace adorned my neck, resting upon my chest like a whisper of the morning sun. Then, he moved in front of me to crown the ensemble, placing a simple golden circlet, an understated yet regal touch, on my head. It settled between my horns, a symbol of grace and poise in this newfound realm of mine.

“You look beautiful.” He brought my hands up to his lips and kissed it.

“Thank you.” My gaze met the reflection in the mirror. The fine clothes draped over me in a way that felt unfamiliar. The absence of patches and the pristine lack of battle scars made me feel oddly exposed, as if a part of my identity had been stripped away. “Thank you for buying this outfit for me.” Shifting my weight from foot to foot, I stood in the opulent chamber, a tad uncomfortable in my newfound elegance.

“Would you like to go to the temple?” Silrae's inquiry pulled me from my thoughts.

I blinked, considering the proposition. Perhaps it would be for the best, even if I harboured a dislike for such places. “Only for a little bit,” I agreed, my anticipation of seeing Zershoon and Wren momentarily outweighing my hesitations.

“After breakfast, perhaps?” he proposed.

“I’m not hungry,” I responded.

“It’d be best if you ate something. After last night, you will need the food.” The voice snickered within my mind.

I looked at Silrae, conveying my desire for a light breakfast with a series of gestures.

“I’m surprised I didn’t have to convince you to eat,” he remarked, gesturing his response.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

“Someone else beat you to it,” I smirked.

“I need to meet this person.”

After that remark, we ate in silence. It felt strange to hear that. I know he wanted to take care of me, but it felt like he was making me out to be some sort of child that couldn’t take care of them. But last night, he saw me for who I am. All my scars and wounds. He loved me, so maybe he was just concerned about me.

The fresh eggs was nice to eat. They filled me up quickly. I am curious about what they were seasoned with though. They had heat to them, but it was almost subdued by a gentler flavour.

I set my fork and knife on the side of the plate. “I’m done,” I gestured.

“How was everything?” Silrae asked. He moved his chair closer to mine. “You still have quite a bit left on your plate. Are you sure you had enough?” He grabbed my hand gently and his thumb rubbed along the side of it. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I had more than enough. I’ve eaten more here in Kharisa than most of my life.”

A frown covered his lips. I cupped his face with my hand. “Don’t be sad,” I whispered. “I’m okay.”

He blinked in surprise. I understood why. It’s the first time he heard my hoarse voice. I’m surprised I could still speak after not speaking for so many years. Was it really the right choice to open myself up like this again?

“Where would you like to go today? I could show you the library or we could go to a cafe.” His eyes lit up with delight.

I removed my hands from him. “Anywhere,” I signed, the feeling much more comfortable to me.

“Then both!” His tail wagged back and forth. He reminded me of the dogs that the kids would play with when I was younger. They were absolutely loyal to the kids. And the way their ears perked up everytime they said something to the dogs. I patted his head.

The doors slammed open. “Pardon the intrusion sir!” An armoured tiefling walked in. He stood tall and straight. He saluted Silrae as he stood. “Erisa requests your presence at the temple immediately.”

Silrae’s brows furrowed. “I’ll be there right away.” His gaze met mine. “I’m sorry. We’ll have to go to the library and cafe some other day.”

I nodded. “Could I come with you? I want to speak to Wren and Zershoon.”

“Of course.” Silrae grabbed my hand and pulled me out of my chair. “Are you sure you want to head to the temple? I could ask Wren and Zershoon to meet you somewhere else.”

I nodded. I can’t run forever.

Silrae and I were escorted through the streets by several armed guards. Worry filled me. Had an attack from bandits or something far worse infiltrate the city of Kharisa? If it did, why would they come now to Silrae instead of right away? Silrae had many trained units under his command, and not only that, he was the General of the Gryphon riders. Everything about this meeting seemed off.

“Wait here,” the guards commanded as soon as we entered the temple’s main entrance.

I crossed my arms. What did Erisa want to say to Silrae that was so important that not even I could listen in on? I know I rejected being the priestess, but she fought so hard to change my mind about the role. Wouldn’t this be one of these critical moments?

“Asara!” The familiar jovial tune of Wren’s voice called out. I turned on my heels and was immediately greeted with a hug. For the first time, I embraced Wren back. She was wearing quite a promiscuous outfit. Her back was mostly exposed and her midriff was open for the world to see. She donned a skirt that had slits in the side that went up to her mid thigh.

I released her from the hug. “You look different,” I signed. Her blonde hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders. A flower crown rested on her head. She looked glorious in the desert clothes of Kharisa. I wondered if envy filled my gaze towards her. While she looked beautiful and at ease in the desert, I felt trapped and hopelessness.

Fingers tapped on my shoulder. I turned my attention over and faced Zershoon. A warm smile crossed my lips.

“Nice marks you have on your neck,” he signed.

My cheeks heated and I covered my face with my hands.

“Nothing to be ashamed of. All’s well that ends well,” Wren said. She removed my hands from my face. “It’s nice that there is one part of Kharisa you’re willing to accept.”

My cheeks reddened even more. A weight bore down on my chest though. Guilt and shame hung heavy around me. “I’m not so sure though. I’m not sure if I made the right choice or not,” I signed.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Zershoon asked.

“Yes please, but not in here.”

We moved out of the temple and sat on the stairs by the main entrance. The desert sun warmed my face.

“What’s on your mind?” Zershoon gestured.

“I do not know how I feel about Silrae. I have an attraction towards him, but I feel guilty and ashamed of last night. This morning during breakfast I felt like a little kid next to him,” I signed the words. The weight lifted off my chest after I admitted these feelings.

“He loves you deeply. You do not have to feel obligated to return those feelings though. You will always come first, and no matter what, we will be on your side,” Wren said. She leaned on my shoulder and hugged me. “Just take your time to think about it.”

“Thank you.” I smiled. I wrapped my arms around the two of them. The weight, guilt and shame left me. For once, I wasn’t a failure.

“Is that you Asara?” Though I haven’t talked to her much, the voice was undoubtedly Iyalenths. “And here all I heard was about how tough you are.”

A soft chuckle escaped my lips. I removed my arms around from Zershoon and Wren. “I’m nice to those I like.”

“Good to know that I just have to get on your good side.” Iyalenth’s dark blue lips formed a smile. “On that note, I would love for you to meet the love of my life.” She stepped to the side, revealing a lilac tiefling. Pink horns went over her head, but didn’t cut through her mostly white hair. The tips of her hair was pink. Strange metallic butterflies flew around her.

“Hello there Asara. My name is Kallista! Iyalenth talked so much about you. She may be cold hearted, but she is definitely your biggest fan.” Kallista’s smile was bright. The butterflies lined up perfectly behind her. “And these are some of my creations,” she said as she gestured to the metallic insects. She reached into the heavy pouch that was on her side and pulled out even more metallic butterflies. “I have several more at home, but these ones are ones I built for you.” She stepped up to me and dropped the three in my hands.

They were lighter than I thought they would be. They didn’t glow like the ones she had floating around her. They were even more lifeless than hers.

I set them on my lap. “Why aren’t they moving?”

“You have to infuse them with your magic.” Kallista brought another butterfly out. “Like this.” Water flowed from the tips of her fingers and circled around the butterfly. The butterfly glowed a soft pink as it came to life. Like the others, it fluttered around her.

“I don’t have magic,” I gestured. My brows furrowed.

“You do. You just have to trust yourself.” Kallista held my hand. “Magic comes from within. Think of what you want to create and expel it.”

Blue flames formed at the edges of my fingers and danced along my skin. They were warm and right. I moved my hand around, and the flames stayed ablaze. They were gorgeous. With my free hand, I picked up one of the metallic butterflies and brought it to the fire. It came to life and flittered about around me. My eyes opened wide with delight.

“Amazing,” I spelled the word out with my hand. The flames matched the movement.

Iyalenth stepped forward. “It seems that you’re in perfect control already. If you need any help at all, you’re more than welcome to come visit our house.” She bowed and smiled. Her white braided hair fell over her shoulder.

“Thank you,” I mouthed the words.

Kallista and Iyalenth walked down the steps and dissipated into the crowd of people.

“I’m going to head back to Silrae’s estate. Can you tell him for me?” I signed. The flame disappeared from my hand like I willed it to be.

“Of course,” Zershoon signed back.