Page 37 of Embers to Flames

Wait, am I hearing him in my head?

“Yes, you are hearing me in your head. It’s called soulspeaking. Don’t try to figure it out just yet.”His reply comes through my mind like a hushed echo. Soft, but still clear enough to comprehend.“I’ve left you some new clothes in the bathroom. Your others probably won’t fit now.”

I reach up and place a palm to my forehead, my temples are starting to throb.

Won’t fit?

I throw off the silken sheets and go to stand up.

Am I—taller?

Theo chuckles softly in my mind,“Yes, you are taller. But not by much. Just enough to notice.”

With a deep breath, I walk over to the bathing room, my ears perking up at the sound of running water. I thought the sound of the waterfall was intense before. Now, it’s giving me a migraine. I step over to the mirror and rub my temples again. I can’t help but stare at my reflection in the mirror. The person looking back at me is not the same as it was yesterday. I am taller. I’m also leaner and an ethereal grace seems to radiate from my very body. My fingers trace the outline of myears, now longer and more pointed than before. The change is astounding.

The clothing that Theo left for me is a simple, flowing dress in deep emerald-green, with an elegant yet refined design. A pair of soft, suede boots sits next to it, their insides lined with fur. I slip into the outfit, enjoying the way it feels against my skin.

Stepping out of the bathroom, the cool morning air hits my neck. The scent of breakfast wafts up the stairs, filling my nose with the aroma of freshly baked bread and rich tea.

“Are you ready, my sweet? Don’t be shy. You are magnificent.”

I feel a sort of—warm—shiver run down my spine. Almost as if Theo’s fingers are slowly traipsing from my neck to my tailbone. The sensation sends a tingle down through my loins, causing me to arch my back and let out a soft moan.

“Ohhh…w-was that you as w-well?” I stutter.

“This is going to be so much fun. Now get your ass down here!”

I didn’t have to see Theo’s face to know he was smirking. “Alright, here I come.”

The sound of my footsteps echoes softly against the cement walls as I make my way down the stairs. Each step is taken with grace and precision, my new-found agility allowing me to move with a fluidity that was once unattainable. As I enter the dining hall, Theo stands to greet me.

“Good morning, my sweet.” He takes my hand, softly kissing the back of it. The quartet of lords gaze upon me, a blend of astonishment and intrigue evident in their eyes. I feel theirstares like a weight on my shoulders, but I maintain my composure.

Theo pulls out a chair for me at the head of the table, and I take my seat. With a flourish of his hand, a cup of tea and a plate brimming with pastries materialize before me.

“Cream and sugar, yes?” he confirms. I can only stare, wide-eyed with wonder and manage a slow nod.

As if by magic, my black tea lightens to a creamy hue. I take a sip, finding it perfectly sweetened.

Erhorn rises, his presence commanding silence. “We should discuss the obvious,” he begins, his tone even but firm. “The events of last night’s Fire Rites demand discussion.” I look up at him, then turn my head to survey the other lords who are all looking at me with intense curiosity.

“Did I do something… wrong?” I ask, my voice tinged with concern.

“No… not an error per se,” Lord Ailwin interjects, his voice a soothing balm. “But the ceremony’s outcome was… unexpected.”

Lord Phirel stands abruptly, his voice booming like thunder. “Unexpected, but not unwarranted, Ailwin! She was made Elf for a reason!”

Across the table, Lord Klaern mutters darkly, his words a barely audible rumble. Yet, even with my new-found senses, the only discernible word is one I’ve never heard before now, “Destinara.”

The room falls into a charged silence after Lord Klaern’s cryptic utterance. Theo’s hand finds mine under the table, a silent reassurance amidst the brewing storm of voices.

Lord Ailwin clears his throat, drawing the room’s attention once more. “We must not forget that the Gods have chosen Rosanhi. It is not our place to question the ancient magics at work, but instead to understand and support the path she’s been set upon.”

Erhorn nods, his gaze softening as he looks at me. “Ailwin speaks wisely. The Fire Rites have always been a beacon of our kind’s future, and Rosanhi’s transformation is no exception. We should be celebrating, not casting doubt.”

Theo tightens his grip on my hand, and his voice echoes in my mind once more.

“They are right, you know. You’ve been given a gift, a chance to bring change. And I will stand by you through it all.”

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