Page 35 of Embers to Flames

I glance at the silver-haired lords, noticing the weathered lines on their faces. “So, they’re basically walking history books?”

“More like ancient relics with a pinch of attitude,” quipped Theo with a wink. “Their hair might be silver, but their wit is still razor-sharp.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “And here I thought elves were all about grace and wisdom.”

“Oh, we are,” Theo says, leaning in conspiratorially. “But we also have a flair for the dramatic. Keeps things interesting.”

“Interesting is one word for it,” I tease. “I’d say you’re all just a bunch of show-offs.”

Theo feigns a hurt expression. “Show-offs? Us? Never. We simply appreciate the finer things in life.”

“Like making humans feel inferior?” I quip, raising an eyebrow.

“Only the ones we like,” he replies with a mischievous grin. “Consider it a compliment.”

Curiosity gets the better of me. “And what about you? You’ve been suspiciously quiet about your own age.”

“Me? I’m practically a spring chicken compared to them. Let’s just say I’m old enough to know better, but young enough to do it anyway.”

I smirk, leaning in closer. “So old enough to know better than to fall for a Human girl, but young enough to do it spectacularly anyway, huh?”

Theo’s eyes twinkle with amusement. “Exactly. And I have no regrets. Falling for you is the most fun I’ve had in a decade.”

“So, you are falling for me?”

Theo chuckles, “Aren’t we clever?”

I gleam up at him, unable to remove the smile from my face.

We enter a grand hall, following the High Lords. The table is overflowing with opulent dishes, the scent of roasted meats, savory stews, and ripe fruits filling the air. Overwhelmed by the extravagant display, I furrow my brow in wonder. I don’t recall having seen any servants or cooks. “Is it just us here?”

“My sweet Rose, your perception never ceases to amaze me,” Theo says, gazing down at me with candlelight dancing in his eyes. “Do you remember the tray of berries from our first meeting?” He wiggles his fingers playfully as he speaks.

Oh yea, I remember.

“It must be nice to justconjureup whatever you want or need.” I say, rolling my eyes.

“It doesn’t quite work like that. The objects that materialize must originate from a place that’s already familiar or previously witnessed. This splendid banquet, for instance… is sourced directly from the Capital’s kitchens.”

I can tell I’m blankly staring at Theo, rendered speechless by this information. Theo lets out a quiet chuckle. “It can be a difficult notion to comprehend. Just know that it does—and will—come in handy.” He says with a gleam of pride as he guides me to a seat at the table.

The lords continue through the feast, muttering back and forth. Peevishly discussing matters of the kingdom and arguing over histories. Telling stories I’ve never before heard. As the conversation turns to lighter topics, and the hours pass quickly, the moon begins to rise. The High Lords excuse themselves, each leaving the hall in silence. Theo looks at me solemnly.

“It’s time,” he says. “The moon has now reached its highest point.”

We walk through the grand stone archway of the sanctum, and I can feel the anticipation building in my chest. Elvesfrom every corner of the land begin to stream into the hall, their colorful robes and jeweled headdresses glinting in the firelight.

The high lords have taken their places, each standing before their respective elemental totems. Each holding a small dagger in their right hand. The air is thick with the scent of sage and smoke. I look up through the opening in the ceiling at the vast night sky. Clouds that cover the moon suddenly disperse, bathing the temple in a silvery glow. In solidarity, the high lords each place their blades to their opposing palms, slicing through flesh. Crimson torrents of blood flow from their bodies, cascading into the roaring flames below. Each drop of blood seems to sizzle and hiss as it hits the inferno.

Erhorn raises his hands, calling forth the first incantation, his voice strong and commanding. As he speaks, a breeze ruffles my hair and the flames in the fire pit dance with new-found vigor. The other high lords follow, their voices blending together in a haunting harmony.

By the whispers of the ancient seers,

Through the veil where time disappears,

Reveal the threads of fate to me,

A glimpse of what is yet to be.

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