Page 33 of The Dark Elf's Secret Twins

Lykan doesn’t look happy but he just grunts and nods in acceptance.

“Should I bring anything?”

“Maybe something nice for the kids,” I say. “They like candy and pastries, but don’t go crazy.”

“Duly noted,” he mutters. “Well, I suppose I should be going then.”

“I’ll walk you to the door,” I say, rising to my feet. I walk to the door, peering out of it for prying eyes before opening it fully. “Come on then, just this way.”

The dining hall is much darker now thanks to the pitch black skies. The long white rays of the moon come gleaming in through the large windows, casting looming shadows of our bodies as we make way for the main hall. Each step we take echoes loudly through the mansion’s long halls.

It’s the stark opposite of the atmosphere of the party, where one could barely hear their own thoughts. Now, in the quiet of the night, it feels as though mine are screaming to make up for the missed time together.

Was having sex with Lykan again a good idea? What will Nasthyn think of him seeing the children? What of the children themselves, will they take a liking to their real father?

I open the main door to the mansion and turn to Lykan.

“Thank you for the party, and for everything else tonight,” he says, bowing to me.

“Yeah, you too.”

His eyes linger on mine for a brief moment. It’s written across his face, words unsaid that he and I both want to hear spoken aloud. He opens his mouth to speak as I tighten with anticipation.

“Goodnight,” he says.

He quickly walks out the door and into the night. I close the door and lean back against it. I let out a long sigh of exhaustion before making my way to bed. If tonight is an indicator of anything, Lykan and I were only getting restarted.

17

LYKAN

The sun hangs high over the city of Vhoig today, its long, yellow rays peering between the cracks and fissures of the clouds. I’m on my way to Nasthyn’s estate to meet my children properly for the first time, as agreed with Cyra.

In my hands, I carry a basket of goodies to give to the children. I really want to connect with them today and I figured that candy would likely help me achieve that goal. I’m also dressed handsomely for Cyra.

So much has happened over the course of the last two years but at least one good thing stayed the same; her beautiful looks. I stroll up to the entrance of the mansion, greeted there by an approaching zagfer.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes,” I reply. “I am here to meet my children.”

“Ah, Cyra informed us of your pending arrival. Come this way.”

I follow behind as the zagfer servant leads me into the home. We venture through the dining hall, coming to a door at the back corner. The zagfer opens it and steps aside, excusing himself as he returns to his duties.

I step outside into a lush garden. Immediately, what jumps out at me is just how well maintained the gardens are. Hedges run along in what seem to a maze-like formation. Rows upon rows of flowers seat neatly along several paths, lined and protected by formations of rocks. Near the center, there is a magnificent statue of a worg sitting atop a fountain, looking as though it leaps through the air. Water pours from its mouth.

I spot Cyra playing with the kids. Taking a deep breath, I make my approach.

“Hello there! I call out to them.

“Look who’s here,” she says to the kids, turning them toward me. “Come on, let’s introduce ourselves.”

I expect the kids to be shy and cower behind Cyra, but surprisingly, they step forward with their chests and chins raised high, displaying a confidence I’ve never seen from a child before.

“Colson, Kenji, this is your father,” says Cyra. “Daddy, these are your sons. This here is Colson,” she continues, pointing to the boy with brown hair. He has human skin but otherwise all his features are sharp and elf-like.

“Nice to meet you, Colson,” I say, shaking his hand. Colson smiles and shakes my hand with unexpected strength.

---