Page 63 of Eluvonia
AERIS
Declan leads us around the side of the castle, his steps light with purpose. The dull stone walls give way to a breathtaking view of the gardens, and my breath catches in my throat. It’s a sight that demands awe—a vast expanse of vibrant flowers in every color imaginable, their petals shimmering like jewels in the sunlight. A large Dragon-shaped fountain stands at the center, water cascading from its mouth into a clear pool below. The mist catches the sunlight, creating a delicate rainbow that hovers like magic in the air.
“Holy shit, this is gorgeous!” I blurt, my mouth falling open. My legs move faster on their own as I stride into the garden, leaving Declan and Kaida behind. The sun kisses my skin, the wind carries the soft perfume of flowers, and for the first time in what feels like an eternity, I don’t feel like I’m suffocating.
I lean down to smell a cluster of pale blue flowers, their scent sweet and light, then glance over my shoulder to seethe two men watching me. Declan is grinning, arms crossed, while Kaida stands stiffly, his expression unreadable.
As I walk further in, something catches my eye—a large blanket spread neatly over the grass, with a woven basket placed in the middle. Small throw pillows are scattered around it, their rich fabrics catching the sunlight. I frown in confusion and turn to Declan.
“What’s this?” I ask, gesturing to the setup.
Declan rubs the back of his neck, a small, shy smile tugging at his lips. “You’ve been through a lot, and you’re constantly on edge. I thought it’d be nice for you to relax for an hour or two. Don’t you think you deserve that?”
My chest tightens, and for a moment, I can’t find the words. The thoughtfulness of it catches me off guard, but I manage a soft smile. “That’s… really thoughtful, Dec. Thank you.”
He nods, motioning toward the blanket. “Well, don’t just stand there gawking. Sit.”
I plop down on one of the pillows, my muscles already relaxing. I glance at Kaida, who’s still hovering like a storm cloud. “Are you going to sit down, or are you just going to block my sunlight all day?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
Kaida’s eyes flick to Declan, then back to me, before he finally drops onto a pillow with a grunt.
Declan starts unpacking the basket, pulling out small plates, cheeses, fruits, and meats, along with a bottle of something golden and fizzy. He pours the drink into a glass and hands it to me.
I sniff it suspiciously, wrinkling my nose. “What is this?”
“Champagne,” Declan says, sitting back on his heels. “It’s a kind of liquor.”
I tilt my head, puzzled. “Lick-er?” The word feels foreignon my tongue.
Kaida smirks, popping a grape into his mouth. “Fermented juice with bubbles.”
“Like mead?” I ask, glancing between them.
Declan chuckles. “Yeah, mead is a type of liquor. Try it. It’s better than that swill from the inn.”
I take a tentative sip, and the bubbles immediately tickle my nose, making me pull back with wide eyes. The taste is light and sweet, much better than the bitter mead I remember choking down before. Without thinking, I down the whole glass in one go.
Kaida snorts. “I think she likes it.”
Declan refills my glass, but this time he holds it just out of reach. “Take it easy. Liquor has an effect on the body if you drink too much.”
I roll my eyes but nod, setting my glass down with a soft clink. As Declan hands me a small plate of food, I can’t help but be impressed by the spread before me. I pop a piece of fruit into my mouth, savoring the tang that bursts across my tongue.
Declan leans back, picking at a piece of cheese. “Did I ever tell you about the time Kaida fell out of a tree when we were kids?” I reach for a piece of cheese, a crumbly blue that promises a perfect balance of sharpness. The moment it touches my tongue, the flavor hits hard—tangy and bold—but then a smooth creaminess follows, softening the bite. I chew slowly, letting the taste linger as I listen, drawn into the story.
Kaida groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Declan, don’t.”
“Oh, I’m absolutely going to,” Declan says, his grin wicked. “So, there we were, barely ten years old, not able to fly properly yet. Kaida gets it in his head that he can climb the tallest tree in the yard. He’s halfway up when—”
“I slipped,” Kaida interjects, scowling.
Declan snickers. “Slipped? You screamed so loud I thought the gods themselves were coming to smite us. And then—”
Kaida throws a grape at him, hitting him square in the forehead. “Shut up, Dec.”
I laugh, covering my mouth with my hand. “Please, don’t stop. This is the most entertainment I’ve had in weeks.”
Kaida glares at me, though there’s a spark of amusement in his eyes. “Traitor.”
