Inside the stables, the familiar scent of hay and the soft rustling of horses greeted them. Pepper nickered softly as Avelon approached, her large, gentle eyes glowing in the dim light. Avelon reached out to stroke the horse's velvety muzzle, feeling a soothing warmth spread through her.

Pepper neighed affectionately. Avelon wanted to believe that Pepper was excited to see her.

"See? Even Pepper knows you need a friend right now," Lugh said, his voice a quiet murmur as he stood a respectful distance away, giving Avelon space to connect with the horse.

Avelon glanced at him, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you for being here," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Even though she had originally wanted to be alone after her heated argument with Ernin, the presence of a friendly face was comforting.

Lugh's smile was soft and reassuring. "Anytime. You don't have to go through things alone."

Avelon smiled thoughtfully- her eyebrows knitted in confused surprise. She was enjoying the calmness that radiated from Lugh. She had not expected him to be as thoughtful as he was the first moment she had met him.

As the two of them settled into a quiet calmness, the sounds of the stables around them became a comforting backdrop. Avelon picked up a brush and began brushing Pepper, allowing herself to relax for the first time that day, the tension of her encounters with Ernin slowly melting away

As she leaned against Pepper's sturdy side, her mind wandered back to the unsettling thought of Balor and the questions that remained unanswered- she knew she had to get back to the library. She also knew that a question hung in the air that needed an answer.

The weight of everything was a constant, crushing reminder- a shadow over every moment. She hated that Balor had that type of hold and control over her. She cast a quick glance toward Lugh, meeting his already lingering gaze.

"Well," Lugh said, breaking the heavy silence, his gaze intense and searching. It was as if he could feel the weight of her thoughts just by observing the tension on her face. His footsteps crunched softly against the gravel as he moved as he moved toward the stable door.

"Once you're done here, there's something I'd like to show you. Something that might help with all that's been weighing on you." He said, his voice low and soothing as he leaned against the wooden frame, its rough texture visible under the fading light.

Avelon's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

The smile she offered Lugh was warm and filled with excitement, though the back of her mind prickled with the lingering voice of caution.

Lugh's eyes twinkled with a mixture of mystery and promise. "You'll see. It's not far from here, and I think it might help to clear your mind."

Be on your guard. The voice seemed to whisper.

Avelon turned back to Pepper, the mare's velvety coat gleaming in the dim light. The horse's large, inquisitive eyes seemed to study Avelon, as if questioning her decisions. Avelon extended her hand, her fingers brushing against Pepper's warm neck. The mare responded with a soft snort, stepping back into the dim shadows of the stable, her hooves making gentle clops on the wooden floor.

"We should go before it gets dark," Lugh said abruptly, jolting Avelon from her thoughts. Avelon frowned subtly but turned to follow Lugh out of the stables.

Avelon glanced back at Pepper, trying to interpret the mare's silent, shifting gaze. The mare seemed uncomfortable, which had Avelon perplexed. Did Pepper know something that she did not?

"Yeah, we should go," she replied absently, her mind still lingering on the stable, and followed Lugh out into the open dusk air.

The sky was the most beautiful hue of orange and yellow as they emerged from the stables. The brilliant hues cast a warm glow over the palace, making it seem more alluring and inviting. One thing that Avelon found breathtakingly beautiful in Teine, were the sunsets and sunrises. Avelon took a deep breath- Neither of them said a word, yet Avelon remained cautious. They casually walked toward the gates that lead to the never-ending sand dunes. Despite how much Avelon had enjoyed Lugh's company, she could not help the little voice within her that relentlessly whispered for her to keep her guard up.

"Where are we going?" Avelon asked softly, her voice barely more than a murmur as they veered left, toward the area that was previously marked for the ritual. The remnants of the red lint and wooden stakes were gone, but the memory of the ritual still hung in the air like a heavy fog.

Lugh's gaze followed her troubled eyes.

"Not here. It's a bit further on," he said, his voice calm and steady. He watched as she tore her gaze from the spot where the ritual transpired, focusing ahead.

"So many things happen at this palace. I can't believe a ritual was held here." Avelon said, her voice strained, the sunset's fiery light reflecting in her light eyes making them glow. She was surprised to find herself voicing her thoughts.

Lugh's expression softened with a hint of sadness. "I agree."

Avelon almost pressed him for more insight to his statement, she wanted to know more about him, but her curiosity was stifled by their sudden halt.

With a playful smirk, he bent and grabbed a fistful of sand in his hand. As he rose his hand ignited. Avelon stifled a gasp at the sight as he gestured grandly at the sand dunes before them. The sand sprayed form his hand with the movement. Fire erupted from his fingertips, crackling with a sudden, vibrant warmth. Avelon stepped back instinctively, her heart quickening as the flames danced across the sand, leaving traces of glittering stone.

Glass. He had made glass.

The colours danced beautifully against the setting sun. His affinity made her chest tighten, she had expected an affinity from him though she was unprepared for its beauty.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with awe as Lugh's fire painted the dunes with shimmering hues of gold, red and sparkling glass pieces.

It was unlike anything she had ever seen before.

Lugh stepped closer, his hand gently enveloping hers.

"Yes, you are," he replied warmly, his eyes locked with hers, the light emanating from the fire reflected in their shared gaze. Avelon almost burst into a fit of laughter at his words, though his closeness invaded all of her senses.

Avelon's breathing quickened, a flutter of nerves racing through her as she deciphered the situation and Lugh's deliberate closeness. Lugh's free hand rose, his fingertips grazing her cheek with a tenderness that sent a variety of emotions through her mind. He guided her face towards his with a deliberate slowness.

"What are you doing?" Avelon asked breathlessly, uncertain whether she wanted to pull away or lean in.

Lugh smiled, the firelight illuminating the gentle curve of his lips. "What I've wanted to do since the first moment I saw you."

Avelon froze, her body locking up in a blend of confusion and desire. She remained locked in place as his warm lips brushed against hers in question, the fire's heat seeming to flow into the touch. She pressed in, granting him permission to kiss her. His lips pressed against her with a force that would have made her stumble back, had it not been for his hand navigating its way into the small curve of her back. The sensation was intoxicating—his touch radiated a comforting warmth that caused her to gasp, her breath mingling with his. As their bodies pressed together, fire erupted within her- different from the fire dancing around them. All of her reasoning emptied out onto the sand as their bodies moved in sync. She knew better than to get tangled with someone she did not fully know or understand, yet she could not find it within her to refuse the attention.

She craved the touch and grounding presence. Amidst everything that was happening to her and around her, she gladly surrendered herself to the reprieve of distraction.

"You taste better than I imagined," Lugh murmured against her lips, his voice low and raspy, sending a thrill that resonated deep within her core.

Avelon smiled into the kiss, her senses overwhelmed, and her cheeks flushed with warmth. Lugh pulled back slightly. Avelon instantly missed the contact.

"Gods." It was the only word she could manage as she processed the intense experience. She held a straight-faced composure, reeling in her whirling emotions.

Lugh frowned, biting his lip to try and ascertain her emotions.

"I'm sorry if I overstepped or misread the situation," he said, his eyes darkened yet sincere, betraying the depth of his emotions.

Avelon traced her lips, savoring the faint, spicy taste of cinnamon that lingered. "You didn't. It was just," she paused, a strand of hair twirling around her fingers as she tried to find the right words, "unexpected."

Lugh sighed, his shoulders slumping with self-doubt. "I know we don't know each other very well, and I'd like to change that. I couldn't help myself if I'm honest. I've been drawn to you since the moment I first saw you."

Avelon scrunched her nose, recalling their initial encounter. "You weren't nearly as pleasant then, as you are now."

Lugh chuckled, the sound rich and warm, lighting up his eyes as the firelight continued to ebb and flow. "I'm aware. I tend to disappoint on first encounters, but I make up for it later."

"Does that work on a lot of ladies?" Avelon teased, a playful glint in her eye.

"Not really," Lugh admitted with a shrug, his laughter ringing out like a soothing melody. The sound settled in Avelon's chest, spreading a comforting warmth through her body.

"I'd like to see you tomorrow, Avelon." Lugh whispered as silence settled. Avelon watched the fires surrounding them settle, leaving traces of glittering stones, their surfaces catching the last rays of the setting sun in a vibrant display.

Avelon considered his words, the sincerity in his voice striking deep within her. He truly wanted to spend time with her, as she was—a dishevelled, neglected slave bound to Balor's.

"What's your opinion on the rituals?" Avelon asked abruptly, eager to understand the nature of the Fae she was dealing with.

She could feel the strain of her words as her shoulders tensed. Avelon was not entirely sure she wanted to know given their current circumstance. She found that she enjoyed Lugh's company and would find the absence of it quite upsetting.

Avelon regarded Lugh silently. Lugh's expression hardened, his body stiffening as the warmth around them seemed to vanish. His gaze dropped, the firelight fading from his eyes.

"It appals me, though I know I cannot change the ways of the continents."

Avelon's heart swelled with unexpected delight. Finding another Fae, especially one who was not a slave, who shared her disdain for the rituals was a rarity. Her shoulders relaxed at his words.

"We should get back to the palace." Lugh's warm and comforting tone had vanished, calm coldness now replaced it.

"I didn't mean to upset you." Avelon whispered, suddenly self-aware of every small movement she made. She wondered if she had struck a nerve with her sudden mention of the ritual.

Lugh kept his distance, ensuring that he did not touch her again.

"You don't upset me, Avelon." His words were sincere, though his body remained tense and distant.

Avelon tried to ignore the shift in Lugh's demeanour as they retraced their steps back to the palace. The silence between them was thick with unspoken words, and she struggled to push aside the unease gnawing at her.

"Was it something I said?" she wondered aloud, furrowing her brows as Lugh continued walking.

"The mention of the rituals was a bit..." He paused, glancing at her, "unexpected." He whispered the last part, echoing her earlier words.

Avelon nodded, and Lugh offered her a tight smile.

"I'm sorry, Avelon." He breathed, running a hand through his chocolate hair. The sound of her name on his lips suddenly felt like cold water being splashed onto her, causing her to freeze. The sudden realization that she had never given Lugh her name dawned on her.

"What's wrong?" He stepped closer, raising a hand to touch her shoulder, but she recoiled at his touch.

"I never gave you, my name." Avelon said, narrowing her eyes in thought.

During their first encounter, he had referred to her as "nameless" because she had refused to reveal her name. Yet, on their second meeting, he had known it without her ever mentioning it. She had been so captivated by his presence that she hadn't questioned how he knew. Silently, she scolded herself for being so absentminded.

"How is it that you know what my name is Lugh?" She straightened, analysing him as though he was a threat.

"I overheard your friend, Brianne-" Lugh's words were cut off by a sudden, ominous presence.

"My son, what are you doing out here?" Balor's voice dripped with mockery, though it was his words, not his tone, that struck Avelon deeply. "My guards informed me that you had left the palace- as though I did not know already. Though, imagine my surprise when I noted that one of my slaves were accompanying you."

Balor's dark eyes beheld Avelon in question.

Son.

The word hit Avelon like a punch to the stomach. Lugh snapped his gaze toward Avelon as she took a step backward. She shook her head in disbelief.

Balor's second son was Lugh.

Fury and shame surged through Avelon. How had she not connected the dots? How had she missed the obvious link when Brianne had mentioned that Balor had two sons? Ernin and Lugh had been together on their first encounter—she should have recognized the connection despite their differences.

"I apologize, sir. May I be excused?" Avelon forced herself to meet his gaze, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

She had kissed Lugh. Balor's son. Her eyes widened at the thought.

The sudden urge to empty her stomach overwhelmed her completely, causing her to veer to the right just in time. The bile stinging her throat and the sting of disappointment in her chest brought tears to her eyes.

Balor's nose wrinkled in disgust. "Leave, filth, and ensure you never do that in my presence again."

His dark eyes narrowed at her, promising pain. The threat within his words loomed over her head like a death sentence.

"Yes sir." She mumbled, thankful that Balor did not reprimand her or decide to have her stay.

Without looking back, Avelon clasped her mouth and stomach and hurried back to the palace, not offering Lugh any chance to explain.