Page 28 of The Dark Elf's Secret Twins

I’m by no means a professional or trained dancer, but Nasthyn helps put me at ease, keeping his movements simple for me to match. The dance goes on for another two minutes, eventually coming to close by way of us spinning around on our feet to face one another. I bow to the audience, and cast a glance at Lykan. He scoffs and finishes his drink, immediately grabbing another one.

“Thank you for the dance,” says Nasthyn as the guests begin convening on the dance floor.

Just then, a dark elf approaches. He first bows to Nasthyn, and then nods at me.

“Good show, sir,” he says.

“Thank you Ulain,” replies Nasthyn. “Let me introduce you to Cyra. She used to work down at Le Lazurt before coming here to join me.”

A wave of annoyance comes over me at Nasthyn’s comment, for he makes it sound as though I had a choice in coming to his estate.

“Ah, is that so?” says Ulain, shaking my hand. “Did you really earn your living down in that place? I heard it has quite the reputation as being tough.”

“Oh, that’s only really for chivdouyu. They have to be the best of the best to play there.”

“Ah I see. Well, in either case I’d say it’s much better to work here with Nasthyn than to be in that dump.”

I feign laughter, nodding along. Internally, I’m not so sure I agree with Ulain’s statement. While working here has its perks of better food and sleeping quarters, there’s nothing that tastes quite the same as freedom, even if it means having to work in a nightclub.

Alas, even if I do prefer Le Lazurt overall, there’s not a shred of hope of me ever getting back there. I’ve no clue of just how long Nasthyn plans on keeping me for, and I had a set of kids to look after too. They’re my priority now, though I do not know what to do about Lykan.

I glance to where Lykan was, seeing he no longer lingers by the wall. With my children having left the room, I wonder now if he’s trying to get a hold of them.

Excusing myself, I slip off to think of something. As I walk, I run into an inebriated Braythe. Though he remains in control of his composure, his unfocused eyes tell me he’s likely had more than enough of wine.

“Braythe, I’ve lost sight of Lykan. Have you seen him around by any chance?” I ask.

“Hmm? Oh, my best friend? He’s right over there.”

With an unstable hand, Braythe points to the rear of the dining hall. I turn to see him staring right at me. I spin the opposite way and quickly delve into the nearest group of guests.

There’s just no avoiding this guy, is there? At least he’s not following the kids…

From then on, I decide to keep a lower profile. I wait out the rest of the party through mingling with the other guests. Soon, the time comes for the party to end. I make an effort to keep myself occupied, engaging in goodbyes and warm wishes with the other guests. All the while, I’m hoping Braythe has grabbed Lykan and gone home with him.

I keep remembering the way he was glancing between Nasthyn and the kids. There was something in his face that I kept thinking about… It was as if he had figured something out.

Oh no, surely he doesn’t realize the kids aren’t Nasthyn’s… Right? I’ve got to avoid him at all costs.

At that moment, Braythe waves at me. I’m alarmed when I see Lykan isn’t by his side.

“Braythe,” I say warmly. “Are you going?”

“Yes yes, my bed is calling my name from afar.”

“Well maybe you ought to get Lykan to walk you home?” I suggest.

“That guy? I would but I haven’t seen him in a while.”

Fuck…

“I think I saw him lingering around here somewhere. If you run into him, be careful, he’s in a bit of a foul mood.”

He must be staying around here to get in a private word with me.

“Yet not all hope is lost,” chuckles Braythe as he turns for the exit. “He did come here to see you after all.”

“He did?” I ask, but Braythe is already gone.

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