Chapter 26

Eryx awoke with a heaviness that lingered in the air around him, his senses assaulted by the remnants of a restless night. The dim light cast a pallor over the tent, emphasizing the disarray within his own conflicted mind. Shadows danced on the canvas walls, mirroring the tumultuous thoughts that swirled within him.

As he lay there, a subtle ache settled in his chest, a longing that seemed to weave through the very fabric of his being. Meera's presence lingered, a lasting mark etched in the recesses of his thoughts. The memories of the previous night unfolded in his mind like a haunting film, and a wave of remorse and confusion washed over him.

The sheets clung to him like a reminder of the tangled emotions that gripped his heart. Eryx sat up, tousled hair falling across his forehead, a disheveled reflection of the inner turmoil that threatened to consume him. The tent felt stifling, and as he drew in a breath, he swore he could still sense the lingering fragrance of Meera, a scent that seemed to entwine with every inhale.

Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, Eryx faced the storm that raged within him. The memories of Meera's tears and the weight of her words echoed in his mind, intensifying the ache in his chest. Before Meera entered his life, Eryx's path had been clear, defined by duty and honor. He was meant to be her protector, her guardian, with rules and expectations that provided a structured framework for his existence.

Yet, in the wake of Meera, everything seemed to unravel. The clarity he once possessed now muddled like a disastrous painting, each stroke of emotion creating a chaotic masterpiece that left him feeling lost. The lines and roles blurred, leaving Eryx in a state of confusion that echoed through every fiber of his being. As he faced the new day, the weight of his own actions and the tangled web of emotions surrounding Meera weighed heavily on his soul, casting a shadow over his every move

Outside the tent, the soldiers bustled around, packing up the camp with military precision. Eryx's mood mirrored the brooding storm within him. His normally composed demeanor was replaced by a visible irritability that seemed to radiate from him like an invisible force. His jaw clenched with each passing moment, and his brows furrowed, casting a shadow over his piercing gaze.

The clatter of armor and the rhythmic sounds of tents being disassembled were like an aggravating symphony, aggravating his already troubled state. He moved with a tense energy, snapping orders with an edge to his voice that even the most seasoned soldiers hesitated to challenge. The weight of his internal conflict manifested in his actions, as if the mere act of commanding the soldiers could dispel the frustrating attraction that consumed him.

"What's the matter with you?" Andrick taunted, unable to resist getting under Eryx's skin. "Wifey make you sleep on the floor last night?"

Eryx's gaze, razor-sharp and unforgiving, locked onto his brother. "Watch yourself."

Andrick scoffed, a cocky grin playing on his lips, as if reveling in the anger he caused. The brothers were like a pair of ignited fuses, each word adding fuel to the simmering animosity.

"I thought you said the walls were guarded," Eryx spoke, his brows knit together, the intensity of his anger palpable.

"They were," Andrick replied, nonchalant, his casual demeanor serving only to stoke the flames of Eryx's frustration.

"Then how the hell did Jasper and Arthur get inside?" Eryx hissed, closing the distance with a threatening step towards Andrick. "Did you actually do the one job I gave you, or did you manage to screw it up?"

Eryx's words dripped with venom, his anger a palpable force that seemed ready to explode. Andrick stood his ground, meeting Eryx's glare with a smug expression, pushing all the right buttons.

"I did my job," Andrick retorted, his tone defiant. "While you were fucking around with the elemental."

Eryx's eyes darkened like a storm brewing on the horizon. His fists clenched at his sides, itching to deliver a physical blow to wipe the smug look off Andrick's face. Before the tension could escalate further, Zeya stepped in between them.

"For god's sake," she complained, her voice a frustrated plea. "Less than twenty-four hours together, and already you two are back at it again like wild dogs."

Eryx paid Zeya no mind as she pushed him back, his gaze fixed on Andrick. The simmering hatred between the brothers hung thick in the air. Andrick, reveling in his own audacity, met Eryx's glare with a glint of defiance, fully aware of the card he held – the power to snitch and create more chaos within their already tumultuous relationship.

"Andrick, go make yourself useful," Zeya ordered, her frustration evident as she turned her gaze toward the prince.

"And you," Zeya directed her anger at Eryx. "I hope you're happy with yourself. I hope you're gloating on the inside. I hope tears of joy are coming out of you, knowing you completely crushed her."

Eryx's chest tightened with the ever-present ache, Zeya's words cutting deeper than any physical blow. He stood there, feeling breathless under the weight of her accusations.

"She wouldn't even talk to me," Zeya continued, her voice filled with disappointment. "I told you this was a horrible idea. You're all sick in the head. Monsters."

Eryx's patience snapped like a frayed rope. "I don't remember you telling her the truth in Azmeera," he glared at Zeya before turning sharply toward Meera's tent. "Face it, Zeya. You wanted her to come to Voreios by any means necessary, just like the rest of us."

Zeya's face tightened, and her eyes narrowed in response to Eryx's retort.

"Get off your high horse and dismiss this self-righteous role you're trying to sell," Eryx jeered, his own frustration boiling to the surface.

"She's not in her tent," Zeya stopped Eryx in his tracks.

"Where is she?" Eryx demanded, his impatience palpable. Zeya's stubbornness only fueled his rising anger.

"She went to the stream earlier."

"Alone?"

"She looked like she needed some space from all of this."

"Oh, yes," Eryx laughed mockingly as he turned toward the trees. "You care so much about the elemental, Zeya. You make us all very proud. Good job letting her walk around on her own with Arthur and Jasper lurking around."

"She's by the water."

"How stupid can you actually be?" Eryx questioned, his words laced with disdain.

Ignoring Zeya's presence, he stormed off towards the narrow trail that led into the woods. As he neared, he motioned for a few guards to spread out and circle around. If Meera needed space, he would respect that, but it didn't mean she had to be out there on her own. The worry for Meera fueled his actions, overshadowing any lingering frustration with Zeya or Andrick.

Eryx pushed through the thick underbrush, the narrow trail leading him deeper into the woods. The air grew colder as he approached the stream, and a gnawing worry clawed at his insides. The sound of running water became clearer, and as he emerged from the trees, he saw her.

Meera sat on a solitary rock by the stream, her silhouette outlined by the soft glow of the snow and the morning light. The gentle cascade of the stream formed a melancholic backdrop to the scene. She was huddled, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. The sight struck Eryx like a well-aimed arrow to the heart.

For a moment, he hesitated, his gaze lingering on the vulnerability of her form. The icy breeze seemed to cut through him, but it paled in comparison to the ache that settled in his chest. Meera, once so strong and resilient, now seemed fragile and broken.

He approached cautiously, the snow crunching beneath his boots betraying his presence. As he neared, she looked up, her tear-stained eyes meeting his. The raw pain in her expression sent a shiver down Eryx's spine, a mixture of guilt and concern flooding his senses.

"Meera," he whispered, the name escaping his lips with a tenderness that betrayed the turmoil within him. He took a tentative step closer, mindful not to startle her.

She looked away, her fingers tracing patterns in the snow on the rock. The silence hung heavy, broken only by the distant murmur of the stream. Eryx's heart pounded, the weight of his own actions settling heavily on his shoulders. He couldn't stand to see her in pain, not when he was the cause.

Without a word, Eryx sank down onto the snow beside her. The cold seeped through his clothes, but it was nothing compared to the coldness in her eyes. Eryx reached out tentatively, his hand hovering over hers. After a moment of hesitation, Meera allowed him to intertwine their fingers.

"Please don't cry," Eryx pleaded. "I swear I'll make everything better."

Meera's lashes lifted as her tears continued to fall. Eryx observed a flicker of something in her eyes – a mix of pain and hesitation that sent a chill down his spine.

"I..." Meera spoke softly, her voice a fragile whisper broken by sobs. "I was starting to fall in love with you."

Time seemed to freeze. Eryx felt the world around him shatter, his senses overwhelmed by the weight of her confession. His ears rang, and his heart plummeted from his chest. The air in his lungs vanished, leaving him gasping for breath, as if the ground had been pulled from beneath his feet.

"What am I supposed to do now?" Meera sobbed, her eyes pleading with him for answers. "How are you going to make that better?"

Eryx shook his head in denial, his mind racing to process the gravity of her words. Panic surged within him, a torrent threatening to drown him in the reality of the situation.

"No," he spoke, almost in disbelief. "No, Meera, you can't. You can't do that."

Meera's sobs intensified, each cry a sharp reminder of the pain she felt. She pulled her hand away from his grasp, covering her mouth as if trying to stifle the cries, as if she wished to push the emotions back inside.

"Meera, please," Eryx pleaded, his voice desperate. "Don't think that way. It's not possible."

The weight of her confession bore down on him as if the sky was falling. Eryx struggled to find the right words, his mind a chaotic whirlwind of emotions. He reached out tentatively, wanting to comfort her, to erase the anguish etched on her face.

"You really feel nothing for me?" Meera's voice trembled as Eryx took her cold, numb hands. "All the time we've spent together."

"I feel so many things for you, M," Eryx spoke, his voice heavy with an unspoken pain. "But not the kind of love you want to hear about."

"I don't believe you," Meera shook her head, a desperate plea in her eyes. "You didn't kiss me like a man who felt nothing for me."

"You've never been kissed before," Eryx deflected, attempting to divert attention away from the inexplicable actions that even he struggled to comprehend. "You don't know what you're talking about."

Meera's eyes filled with a profound sadness that turned Eryx's carefully constructed lies into stone within his stomach. She held his hand tightly, placing it over her beating heart.

"Please..." Meera whispered, her voice a desperate plea. "Please tell me I didn't imagine everything we had."

Eryx swallowed painfully, his throat tight with the weight of his own heartbreak.

"It wasn't real," he uttered, the words leaving a bitter taste on his tongue.

"Don't say that," Meera's chin quivered as she cried, tears streaming down her face. "It was real to me."

"It wasn't!" Eryx jumped to his feet, the world around him spinning as he struggled to maintain his composure. The air felt poisonous, burning in his lungs. The fear in Meera's eyes intensified, mirroring the anguish within his own.

"I had a job to do," he said, his voice strained. "And I did whatever was necessary. I know the role I play in this lifetime, M, and it is not as your significant other. You have a role to play too, and it's greater than the one you're choosing to cry over right now. This isn't who you were meant to be. Not this frightened girl crying in front of a boy. Try to understand that there are bigger things waiting for you."

As the words spilled from Eryx's lips, they hung in the air like an oppressive fog, each one a heavy weight tethering him to the ground. The truth, stark and unforgiving, reverberated through the quiet stillness of the snowy landscape. He stood there, frozen, waiting for Meera's reaction, but the silence stretched on, becoming an unbearable void.

The ache in Eryx's chest deepened, a knot of guilt and sorrow tightening with every passing moment. He yearned for Meera to say something, to react, to challenge the harsh reality he had just presented to her. But time seemed to have come to a standstill, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

Meera, however, remained silent. The glimmer of hope in her eyes extinguished, replaced by a haunting emptiness that echoed through the frozen expanse around them. Eryx could see the shutters closing within her, like a fortress erected to protect her vulnerable heart.

He waited, his heart pounding in his ears, for Meera to break the silence. But she didn't. Instead, she rose from the rock, her movements quiet and methodical, devoid of the energy that once animated her. Eryx's gaze followed her as she stood there, a sorrowful figure in the snow, waiting for him to lead them back to camp.

Meera's silence was deafening, her eyes vacant as if gazing at a distant horizon. Eryx felt the weight of her unspoken pain, a burden he wished he could erase. As he took a hesitant step forward, she turned away, a quiet surrender that cut through him like a blade.

In the eerie stillness, Meera's unspoken words echoed louder than any spoken language. Eryx felt the weight of his own decisions settling upon him, a haunting reminder of the heartbreak he had inflicted. With each step back to camp, the unspoken chasm between them grew, and the once vibrant connection they shared seemed to crumble beneath the weight of their intertwined destinies.

_______________

Returning home felt like entering a realm frozen in time—a kingdom where the landscape reflected the internal struggles and conflicts that defined the ruling family. The black stones of the castle bore witness to centuries of triumphs and tribulations, their cold facade standing as a testament to the endurance of Voreios, a kingdom entrenched in the heart of the imposing mountains.

Voreios was a kingdom shrouded in gloom beneath overcast skies. The mountainous landscape wore a somber veil as snow-covered peaks loomed overhead. Gray clouds hung low, casting a muted pallor over the vast expanse of the kingdom.

The fortress that housed the ruling family stood proudly amidst the snow—a formidable castle perched on the mountainside. Its architecture was imposing, constructed from black stones that seemed to absorb what little light the day offered. The castle's silhouette cut a stark contrast against the snowy backdrop, a dark sentinel standing sentinel against the elements.

As Eryx approached the palace gates, the air grew colder, and the winds whispered through the mountains like ancient echoes. The soldiers opened the gates, revealing the cold, stone courtyard within. The fortress walls rose high, imposing and impenetrable, guarding the secrets and histories of the Voreian lineage. Towers reached towards the heavens, their turrets disappearing into the low-hanging clouds.

Beside him, Meera's careful eyes scanned her new home. Her face had grown pale from the journey and the somber look in her gaze still pierced Eryx's soul with enough intensity to leave him gasping for air whenever he looked at her.

"Welcome to Voreios, Meera," Andrick said gallantly, assisting her out of the carriage.

"Thank you," Meera's voice barely rose above a whisper. Stepping away from Andrick, she cast her gaze around the fortress walls that enclosed her. The maroon cloak draped around her shoulders stood out vividly against the pristine snow and the black stone facade of the palace.

"Meera," Eryx called to her.

Her movements were mechanical, like that of a marionette responding to invisible strings. Slowly, she turned and walked toward him, her eyes betraying a sense of detachment. Eryx waited, his gaze unwavering, until she reached his side.

Eryx sensed the watchful eyes of the highlords within the palace, peering from the windows as if appraising the newly arrived elemental. The maroon cloak marked her as more than just a visitor; it denoted the significance she held in Voreios. As the guardian of an elemental, Eryx knew that the attention of the court would soon be fixated upon her. Meera was a figure of great importance and every living soul in Voreios would want her.

Eryx felt a possessive instinct rise within him, an unspoken determination to shield Meera from the prying eyes and potential schemes that could unfold in the corridors of the palace. In the eyes of the court, to be the guardian of an elemental was a high honor, and marrying one was a coveted achievement. Eryx didn't want Meera to be left alone for even a moment, knowing that the hungry gazes of Voreios' elite would soon be fixed upon her.

As the highlords and ladies observed from their perches, Eryx stood at Meera's side, a silent sentinel, ready to ward off any unwarranted attention.The black stone walls of Voreios whispered with the weight of history, their ancient secrets echoing through the corridors of the fortress. Within their confines, Eryx bore the heavy responsibility of safeguarding Meera.

As the watchful eyes of the highlords lingered, the only solace Eryx found amidst the murmurs of the stone walls was the knowledge that Meera wore his insignia on her chest. The emblem, a symbol of his guardianship and a silent declaration of their connection, provided a tether to her amidst the currents of the court's expectations.

In the hallowed halls, Eryx kept a vigilant watch over Meera, the insignia gleaming against the maroon cloak. It wasn't merely an emblem; it was a testament to their shared destiny.

As they moved through the majestic corridors of the palace, Eryx longed to reach down and take Meera's cold hand, to offer her reassurance that he would not leave her side. The hollow look in Meera's eyes cast a shadow over her features, a stark contrast to the gleam of the insignia. It was a gaze that mirrored the gloomy skies outside, carrying an emotional weight heavier than the ancient stones that surrounded them. Eryx wished to dispel the haunting emptiness in her eyes, to replace it with a warmth he knew she had within her.

Yet, amidst the grandeur of Voreios, his gestures remained restrained. The courtly protocols and unspoken expectations prevented him from openly displaying the depth of his connection with Meera.

As Eryx and Meera neared the grand throne room, the heavy doors creaking open to reveal the opulent space. The polished black stone floors gleamed beneath the flickering torchlight. The vaulted ceilings soared overhead, adorned with intricate carvings. At the far end of the room, the imposing thrones stood, carved from the same black stone that adorned the fortress. The King and Queen, Eryx's parents, sat regally, their presence demanding respect from all who entered.

Eryx's gaze swept across the highlords and ladies of the court, their hushed whispers and scrutinizing glances directed at Meera, turning her into an object of fascination. An instinctive urge surged within him, compelling him to draw her closer, to shield her from the penetrating gazes that sought to claim her as a prize. With each step toward the throne, his protective instincts intensified

"Mother, Father," Eryx announced as they approached, his tone formal. "May I present Princess Meera of Azmeera, the water elemantal."

King Hemming, rising from his throne with a deep breath and a proud grin, commanded attention as he descended the steps, the fur around his shoulders brushing the black floors. His piercing gaze fixated on Meera, the corner of his mouth curving with a subtle satisfaction. Eryx, standing by, felt a discomfort settling in his chest as his father approached her.

With an air of formality, Meera bowed, and Hemming extended his hand to her. Eryx clenched his jaw, struggling to keep his hands by his sides. His father's gaze flickered towards him, a silent reminder of the time it took for Eryx to bring Meera to Voreios.

"Welcome, Princess," King Hemming's voice resonated, deep and commanding. "We've been eagerly waiting to meet you for quite some time now."

Eryx, caught in the discomfort of the moment, averted his gaze as Meera responded politely, her attempt at a smile mirroring the underlying pain. The exchange intensified his unease, and he focused all his attention on his father.

"I hope your journey wasn't too bothersome," King Hemming inquired, his tone measured.

"No, not at all," Meera replied, trying to smile, though the effort seemed painful. Eryx, unable to bear the sight, turned his attention back to his father.

"I'm sure Eryx has told you how important you are to us and to everyone else in the four kingdoms," Hemming continued.

"He has," Meera acknowledged his words, her attempt at a smile falling short of reaching her face.

"We're honored to have you as Eryx's Elemental. You can rest assured, no harm will ever come to you. I've trained him myself." The king reassured her. "Come. I'll introduce you to the council."

Meera's attempt at a smile faltered once more, but before Hemming could lead her away, Eryx's control snapped. His hand shot out, firmly grabbing Meera's arm. Hemming paused, confusion filling his eyes, as Eryx guided Meera back to his side.

"She hasn't met the Queen yet," Eryx interjected, his eyes shifting from his father to the regal figure on the throne

Queen Tulla, resplendent in her regal attire and heavy crown, turned her attention toward the newcomers. Standing before her, Eryx searched for a sign of approval on his mother's face that had always seemed elusive. As Tulla stepped forward, her expression remained unreadable. Eryx held his breath and waited for her to speak.

He watched as Tulla's attention fell upon Meera and a smile illuminated her face, warming Eryx's heart with a fleeting hope.

"Welcome," she greeted warmly, her discerning gaze assessing the elemental with a regal scrutiny.

"Your grace," Meera bowed once more, her gesture respectful and filled with a certain grace.

Seizing the moment, Eryx took the opportunity to introduce Meera to his mother. He looked toward Queen Tulla, straightening his posture and pulling his shoulders back. Holding his head high, he made the announcement that had been years in the making.

"Mother, this is Meera. My elemental," he declared, his voice carrying a mix of pride and anticipation. The weight of his words hung in the air, and he awaited his mother's response.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Tulla squeezed Meera's hand and turned towards her son. "And it's good to see you too."

Eryx bowed his head as Tulla placed a warm hand against his face. But before he could ask her anything else, Andrick, who had followed closely, caught his mother's attention.

"Your Highness," Tulla smiled, her voice filling with a softness she only seemed to reserve for Andrick. "It is a pleasure to have you back. I have missed your presence dearly."

Eryx felt a pang of hurt as he observed the light in his mother's eyes and the smile on her face. Her attention lingered on Andrick as she kissed his cheeks and wrapped her arms around him.

"He has been working so hard since you've been gone, Eryx," Tulla said. "Your father had him stay at the camp for two days when you sent words that you were coming home. I was worried sick."

"Mother, I am not a child anymore," Andrick clicked his tongue. "I passed on the title to Will."

"Speak of," Tulla looked around. "Where is he?"

"Do you see Veena anywhere here?" Andrick asked. "He goes where Veena goes."

"That boy," Tulla sighed. "He can't come say hello to his mother."

"I'll get him," Andrick comforted her. "And I'll bring Venna. I'm sure Meera will want to meet our dear baby sister."

Eryx stood watching the warm interaction between his mother and brother. He felt like an outsider peeping in throught a glass window.

"You have a sister?"

Meera's soft voice startled him, snapping him out of his head and back to reality.

"Ah..." Eryx cleared his throat. "Yea."

"Did he not tell you?" Tulla, overhearing Meera's question, frowned. She turned her gaze towards Eryx, "I'm sure Venna will be very happy to hear that."

"If it helps, he didn't tell me about Andrick or Will either," Meera revealed.

"Eryx?" Tulla's frown deepened. "Is this true?"

"We didn't have much time together-"

"Oh, but I bet he told you all about your training and the history of the whole world," Tulla turned toward Meera and gave a carefree laugh. "He is his father's son after all. I'm sure we were the last thing on his mind."

Eryx clenched his jaw, his mother's words stinging more than he cared to admit. The ache gnawed at him as he stood there with Meera. She remained composed, yet Eryx couldn't shake the hurt that lingered beneath his stoic facade.

"But I hope I wasn't the last thing on his mind."

Eryx's gaze swept away from his mother as a tall, slender figure approached Meera.

Dawn, with her long, pin-straight black hair and high cheekbones that could have sliced through ice, exuded an air of confident grace. Her big blue eyes sparkled with as they settled on Meera.

"Princess Meera," Dawn greeted, her voice carrying a certain familiarity that irked Eryx. "I'm Dawn, Eryx's fiance. It's an absolute pleasure to finally meet you."

Eryx felt a twinge of annoyance at the sudden attention from Dawn. He couldn't help but notice the overly affectionate manner in which she stood beside him, as if claiming some unspoken right to his proximity. Tulla, however, beamed with pride at the sight of Dawn.

"Meera, allow me to introduce Dawn. She's been a jewel of our court for quite some time. A remarkable young woman, truly."

Dawn smiled sweetly, her gaze never leaving Eryx. Eryx rolled his eyes subtly, before catching a glance with Meera. Dawn leaned toward Eryx, a playful glint in her eyes.

"You've kept me waiting for a very long time, your grace," she whispered, her words meant only for him.

Eryx found himself unable to hear anything Dawn said. His eyes were drawn inexorably to Meera. The air in his lungs felt heavy as he met Meera's gaze, her eyes betraying a mix of emotions that felt him struggling to breathe. He couldn't look away from Meera, the depth of her hurt evident in her eyes.

"Dawn has been excelling in her training since you've been gone, Eryx," Tulla continued to sing Dawn's praises, unaware of the nuances playing out between the three of them. "She's been waiting early to show you."

Meera's eyes lowered, and a palpable worry gripped Eryx's insides. The urge to shield her from the courtly complexities that threatened to suffocate them both was unbareable. He longed to push everyone away and envelop Meera in his arms, reassuring himself that she was safe, if only for his own sanity.

Eryx had envisioned this day for years, dreaming of the moment when he would find his elemental and bring them home. Yet, as he stood before Meera, the weight of expectations and the unexpected twists of courtly life pressed upon him. The grandeur of the throne room faded into the background, replaced by an overwhelming desire to take Meera's hand and retreat from the intricacies of Voreian politics. The imagined triumph of their return had transformed into a complex dance of emotions, and Eryx yearned for a simpler, more intimate return.

As the weight of Meera's emotions bore down on Eryx, a sudden interruption disrupted the solemn atmosphere of the throne room.

"You're home."

A beautiful girl with snow-blonde hair that framed her small face in a neatly styled bob entered the throne room and headed straight for Eryx. The transformation on Eryx's face was evident as he extended his arms, welcoming her into a warm embrace.

"Meera, this is Venna," Tulla introduced. "My youngest."

"Next time you go to Azmeera, I'll be coming with you," Venna declared as she pulled away from Eryx, her words carrying a hint of determination.

"Of course," Eryx replied with a smile. However, as he raised his hand to touch the edge of Venna's face, he immediately noticed the subtle changes. Her skin felt cold, and her eyes appeared sunken. Venna seemed frail, thinner than Eryx remembered her to be. As his brow arched in concern, Venna quickly stepped away and redirected her attention to Meera.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, M," Venna said, taking Meera's hands and squeezing them. The exchange between the two held a brief intensity, their eyes meeting for a moment before they exchanged polite greetings and stepped away from each other.

Eryx couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled within him. He stared at his sister as Dawn stepped closer and took his hand, intertwining their fingers.

"You must be so tired from your journey," Venna genatly rubbed Meera's arm as if she was the elder between the two. "Mother, where should I have her settle in?"

"Well, the elemental tower," Dawn announced mater of factly with a light chuckle. "Where else, Venna?"

"Right away?" Venna frowned, looking toward Eryx.

"Yes-" Dawn nodded.

"No," Eryx stopped her. "Meera can stay with you for tonight."

"With Venna?" Tulla frowned. "We have plenty of guest chambers."

"She'll be comfortable with, Vee," Eryx remained firm in his decision

"Wonderful, Venna can help her settle in then," Dawn said with a bright smile as she tugged on Eryx's arm. "We have business to attend to, your grace."

Eryx cast a fleeting glance at Meera. The pull of his responsibilities forced him to follow Dawn, leaving Meera in the care of Venna and the looming shadows of Voreios. The weight of the hollowness in her eyes settled heavily on his shoulders as he took reluctant steps away from Meera, each one a painful reminder of the heartbreak he caused her. 

Welcome to Voreios, hope you have a pleasant stay. 

How do you guys feel about Voreios?