Page 30 of The Dark Elf's Surprise Baby

And with that, I join back into the festivities.

14

DEMETHYS

“Demethys,” Kerym’s hand gripped my shoulder. “What’s going on with you?”

I shake my head, not able to find the words.

“You have me worried, friend.” He tells me. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

That’s because I believe I have. But admitting that to someone, let alone a close friend, is too embarrassing to bear. He would not only think I’m crazy and lost it, but that I need to be checked out by a medic in case some kind of psychosis has set in.

And what if it has?

“I, ah.” I stutter. “The lady in green. Did you see where she went?”

I have to check for myself—make sure that the ghost of my haunted past is actually just that and not actually Harper in the flesh. I wouldn’t be able to bear it if it were really her and after all this time, she’s come back.

“Mmm. A lady in green…” Kerym looks around thoughtfully.

“Yes, a green dress. Dirty blonde hair, perhaps?”

My heart pounds at the small description of Harper. It’s a bit dark in here with the romantic lighting, so I could’ve beenmistaken, but it’s the only other description I can come up with that he may recognize.

“I’m sorry, Demethys. I didn’t see anyone recently with that description.”

I sigh to myself and nod. Just as well. I wouldn’t want to harass some poor woman simply trying to enjoy the party who just so happens to resemble the only woman I’ve ever loved.

I turn and nudge Kerym away from me, giving me room to head over to the large table of drinks and refresh my empty glass for a new one. The alcohol is bitter as it hits my tongue and burns as it travels down my throat.

It wasn’t my intention to come here tonight and get completely trashed, but forcing myself to stay here while my heart is on the floor and sober sounds like absolute torture. I down another glass and turn to grab a fourth.

“Woah.” Kerym blinks at me. “You sure are lively tonight.”

It’s his subtle way of telling me to slow down. But I ignore the words in favor of drinking from my new glass. He can stand there and judge me all he wants, he has no idea what it feels like to lose someone precious and to be constantly reminded of them each and every day.

He has a perfect life and a perfect mate and son to be proud of. My jealousy and envy for it is a hard thing to stamp down, even when I’m not in my more foul moods.

I should’ve never come here tonight. It’s only made my loneliness feel that much more isolating.

Surrounded by happy couples and singles looking for a bed to warm tonight when all I want to do is go home and curl up in my own bed and dream of my sweet surri.

My throat tightens, making it hard for me to breathe.

“Oh,” Kerym’s shoulder bumps against mine. “Is that who you were talking about? That woman in the green dress?”

My eyes lift to where he’s nodded his head and for the second time in my life, my world stops spinning.

The woman in green, hand in hand with a small child, steps back into the hall. Her long dirty blonde hair cascades around her face and down her shoulders in elegant waves. The dress she wears, a dark emerald green, compliments her ivory skin. She looks soft and beautiful under the shimmering magic overhead.

She turns her head, her eyes scanning around the room.

Harper.

It…

It’s really her.

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