Elven King

CHAPTER EIGHT

Lhathron couldn't help but roll his eyes at Sairion, stealing a quick glance at him. By the gods, Sairion was undeniably a stunning being. Fairies always possessed an otherworldly beauty, but it was Sairion's attitude that irked him. Lhathron didn't love Sairion, but there was an undeniable fondness for the man.

After all, one couldn't go through countless millennia without developing some sort of attachment as a joined partner should. Lhathron often wondered why, after all this time, he still harbored the same feelings for the fairy prince. However, it was after that dream, centuries ago, that Lhathron finally
grasped the truth - Sairion may not be the one meant for him.

For millennia, Lhathron had kept the dream locked within the depths of his soul. It was a vision from thousands of years ago, a glimpse of a boy nestled amidst the lush greens of the earth. The boy's tousled brown hair danced in the wind, while his eyes fixated on the distant horizon, as if anticipating the arrival of someone dear.

His smile radiated warmth akin to the sun's gentle caress, tugging at Lhathron's heartstrings. In that fleeting moment, Lhathron felt an inexplicable connection to the ethereal boy, his pale visage haunting his thoughts ever since.

As Lhathron ventured closer to the boy, an overwhelming desire welled up within him to run his fingers through the boy's hair, to experience the texture and feel the softness beneath his touch. However, before he could reach him, their eyes locked in a mesmerizing gaze. The boy's pale blue eyes met Lhathron's icy snow-colored ones, causing a profound shift within his very being. In that moment, words escaped the boy's lips, etching themselves into Lhathron's memory for all eternity.

The whispered phrase, uttered with a hint of mystery and longing, echoed in his mind over the passing years, never fading from his consciousness. It was a secret shared between their souls, a profound connection forged in the depths of that ethereal encounter.

"My moon has you come to find me?" The boy's words echoed through Lhathron's mind, leaving him both bewildered and captivated. However, before he could respond or comprehend the meaning behind the boy's enigmatic statement, the boy vanished, as if he had been a mere figment of Lhathron's imagination. Lhathron awoke from his dream, his heart heavy with a yearning to see the boy once more. It felt as if a part of him had been left behind in that dream, forever connected to the mysterious boy with the pale blue eyes. This lingering attachment to a dream figure made it impossible for Lhathron to fully commit to anyone else, including Sairion.

Unable to give Sairion the love and fulfillment he deserved, Lhathron allowed him to do as he pleased, knowing deep down that his heart still belonged to the boy from his dreams.

It was a bittersweet realization, for Lhathron understood that he couldn't offer Sairion the love he desired while his own heart remained entangled in the memories of another.

Lhathron felt a pang of guilt as Sairion's touch broke him free from the grip of his memories. He turned his attention to his partner, trying to push aside the lingering thoughts of the boy from his dream. Sairion's voice was laced with anger as he spoke, accusing the "little library lover" of being the cause of the pensive expression on Lhathron's face. Lhathron, feeling defensive, took a step back, creating a physical distance between them.

"This has nothing to do with him." Lhathron replied, his voice tinged with weariness.

"I did not come here to fight, Sairion. I came to tell you that I will be leaving again. There are matters below that require my attention."

Sairion scoffed at the news, his anger still apparent. The thought of Lhathron leaving once more seemed to fuel his frustration and disappointment. It was clear that Sairion had hoped for more from their relationship, and Lhathron's absence seemed to be a constant source of dissatisfaction. Lhathron sighed, his gaze fixed on the ground. He understood Sairion's frustration and the longing for a partner who could be fully present.

Yet, he also knew that he couldn't deny the responsibilities and obligations that awaited him below. The weight of duty tugged at his heart, further complicating his ability to give Sairion what he desired.

"I'm sorry, Sairion," Lhathron murmured, the words heavy with regret. "I wish things were different, but I can't ignore what needs to be done. Please try to understand."

Lhathron's eyes widened as he sensed the disturbance in the barrier surrounding Thelinora.

The feeling of something foreign breaking through the protective enchantment sent a shiver down his spine. He exchanged a quick glance with Sairion, both of them understanding the gravity of the situation. Without hesitation,

Lhathron sprinted through the halls, his steps quick and determined. He tapped into his powers, harnessing the energy within him, and released it throughout Thelinora. The surge of magic flowed through the elven city, connecting him to every elf within its boundaries. As Lhathron spread his senses, he focused on identifying the aura of the intruder.

However, to his surprise, he found nothing. The entity's race remained elusive, its identity concealed. This added an additional layer of concern to the already tense situation. Lhathron's thoughts raced as he continued his hurried journey. Who could have breached the barrier?

And more importantly, what were their intentions? The safety of Thelinora and its inhabitants weighed heavily on his mind, fueling his determination to confront the unknown intruder and protect his people at all costs.

Casden trudged along the tunnels, his skin exposed to the elements, drenched and shivering. His journey had commenced by daringly traversing an arched entrance underwater, leading him into a foreboding passageway. With unwavering determination, he pressed forward, propelling himself through the water until a stroke of luck guided him to an unexpectedly bustling wharf brimming with vitality. The sight before him left him utterly dumbfounded, freezing him in a state of sheer disbelief.