12. Chapter 12
12
O ver the next two days, we traveled through a blur of cities, lush foliage, towering mountains, and quaint inns that took my breath away.
Levon and I scarcely exchanged words since our first night at the inn. The silence between us felt palpable, especially considering we shared a room, and all I had was a tattered nightgown that left little to the imagination. Levon left the room to give me privacy, but the awkwardness grew when he returned and found me hiding under the thin covers that smelt of mildew. As he clicked off the light and settled into his bed, I could sense his eyes against my back from across the room.
I found myself unable to sleep and was up before dawn, longing to discard the constraints of my nightgown. Quietly, I tip-toed through the darkness, clutching my clothes from the previous day, and hurried to the bathing chambers to change. After my return, I was greeted by Levon's warm smile, accompanied by a bowl of steaming broth. He had already finished his meal, slipping past me with his footmen in tow.
We left before dawn broke and continued in silence, giving me time to collect my thoughts over the next two days. Levon's mention of darkness sent my mind spiraling with questions about the Spellcasters and the haunting shadows in my dreams. I hoped Levon's library was extensive, given how he always kept his nose in a book, and my first question would be the whereabouts of his library.
Upon arriving at Levon's estate, which was surprisingly larger than Jesri's, I was immediately struck by its vastness. Nestled against a mountainside, it was enveloped by a dense forest of towering pines.
The estate exuded a charm that made it feel like a noble home. Its architecture was a unique blend of elegance and strength, with golden accents that caught the sunlight and sparkled like precious gems. The sprawling structure boasted high-arched windows, intricate carvings, and a roof that shimmered with gold. Balconies protruded at intervals, offering stunning vistas of the expansive landscape below.
From the estate, gazing southward, one could take in a panoramic view of the town, a bustling hub of life. This view, far from the isolating estate, added a sense of connectedness, making one feel a part of something bigger, a vibrant community that thrived beyond the estate's serene borders.
The meticulously maintained estate grounds were stunning. Pathways wound through lush gardens filled with vibrant flowers and well-manicured shrubs. Fountains adorned with statues of fictitious creatures gushed crystal-clear water, adding a soothing melody to the quaint environment. The air was filled with the intoxicating pine aroma and the blooming flowers' fragrance.
Before Levon could help me, I hopped out of the carriage and walked inside, completely awestruck at the beauty. My boots clicked against the opulent, polished floors as I saw the massive library on the far left of the door.
His library was extensive, with towering shelves extending far and laden with countless books of all shapes and sizes. Its grandeur was evident in the polished floors and the orderly arranged dark wood shelves, untouched by even a hint of dust. It starkly contrasted Jesri's cramped, suffocating library; this space felt expansive and inviting as if urging visitors to immerse themselves in every page.
I approached an older woman with silver streaks twisted throughout her dull brown hair. She was sorting through some papers with a stack of books at her side. She glanced up at the sound of my footsteps with confusion. I offered her a small smile, noting her gaze quickly shifting towards Levon's ebony carriage outside the window. Recognition dawned on her face with a smile as I neared her table.
"You must be Lady Eliah!" Her voice, though crackling, carried warmth.
I nodded and offered a small curtsy. She emerged from behind the desk in a pale blue gown, appearing almost gray in the lighting.
Extending her hand, she said, "I am Madame Katherine Hannel. Apologies, I was so consumed with my studies that I hadn't heard you arrived."
"No apologies are necessary. We did just arrive," I explained, my voice faltering. Her expression changed to confusion. I quickly added, "It was a long journey, and I had much on my mind. I am hoping you might help me with my search?"
"Oh, of course. What are you searching for?" she inquired, her curiosity evident.
I opened my mouth, then quickly shut it, remembering the consequences of containing information about the Spellcasters. Her large brown eyes waited. "Could you direct me to the wars over the last few hundred years?" I quickly asked.
Her brows shot up, and she caught herself with a laugh, clearly surprised by the question. "Any specific war you're interested in?"
My mind drifted back to the book about King Leonard I had burned, and I wished I had read it instead, yet I was unsure if I would have been able to imagine those innocent Magics burning like the book.
"I am to learn new battle techniques and hope to utilize some of them once Sir Alder attempts to challenge me. I heard that the Leonardian Era was to have contained several great warriors?" I improvised the made-up fact, hoping I wouldn't catch her too off guard. Her brows knitted together in deeper confusion but managed a tight smile. With a slight nod, she gestured for me to follow and led me to a column of books in the far back corner of the library.
"This wall here is where you might find most of the histories of war during that era and this column here," she said, pointing to the far right end. "Is where you might find specific war techniques and battle strategies."
She smiled and waited for me to say something, but I only nodded in gratitude before walking away, feeling her gaze pierce through my lies. I made sure I was out of her sight before I went searching. The books were old and tarnished from use. I ran my fingers over the backs, scanning for anything related to King Leonard, the Magics, or any indication of the Spellcasters.
I heard footsteps echoing into the library when I found a book that looked more tarnished than the rest. It was a dulled-out brown book with black strappings not clipped into place properly. I picked it up, feeling the weight of its contents, and noticed it had no title. I began to open the pages when I heard Levon's voice echoing to Madame Hannel. Feeling like a child caught stealing pastries, I hastily returned the book to its shelf and hurried toward the section on battle techniques. Just as I was about to reach it, Levon rounded the corner of the bookshelf, catching me off guard; my shoes squeaked against the floors and caused me to stifle a startling screech with my hand.
"What in Tyran's name are you doing?" His brow was lined with sweat, and guilt washed over me. I realized he was probably unloading my things and more, but I pushed back the growing embarrassment.
"I—" I stopped short, not knowing what to say.
"I've been looking for you and was told you wanted directions to the library. Is this the first place you'd want to visit after never stepping out of Fernwen?" he breathed, folding his arms.
"I…had too many thoughts and wanted direction," I admitted.
"Direction?" Levon's brow arched, his gaze falling on the rows of books. "To war?"
I managed a petty smile.
He chuckled. "Well, I'm not sending you to battle if that's what you think." Suppressing another laugh, he took my arm and began guiding me out.
"What is it that you plan to do with me then?"
He flashed a subtle smirk, his emerald-blue eyes locking onto mine. "Things that are better left unsaid for now," he murmured quickly. "If I tell you, it will spoil the fun."
"The fun?" I mocked, growing irritated by his musings and hoping his fun wasn't anything like Calum's.
He replied with a raise of his brows, escorting me into the main hall.
It was opulent, with polished cream-marbled floors that stretched before us, reflecting the soft glow of the chandeliers above. A luxurious chestnut rug lay in the center, adding warmth to the expansive foyer. To our left, the grand staircase curved gracefully, its ornate railing beckoning me to feel its soft lacquer.
The walls were adorned with vibrant landscape paintings, each meticulously placed to enhance the cozy ambiance of the space. Rich hues of green and gold popped against the cream-colored walls, adding a touch of elegance to the grandeur.
In my rush to locate the library, I overlooked the welcoming atmosphere of the home—a sharp contrast to the somber ambiance of Jesri's estate.
"Your home is beautiful," I remarked, admiring the wall of paintings.
"I hope it will be satisfactory so that, one day, you might also call it home," he replied with a smile. "Come, let me show you to your room."
We climbed the stairs, granting us a view of the floors below, revealing the house's spacious design. From there, we could observe the main floor and dining area, to another small passageway that hugged the openness of the main hall. We went down the first hallway, closest to the stairs. The walls were creamy white and decorated with dark, warming wood doors and banisters. We passed a few rooms filled with plants while another seeped musty air, furnished with leather chairs and a dark mahogany table buried beneath stacks of papers.
We reached the far end of the hallway, where an expansive window covered the entire end wall, exposing an immaculate landscape of greenery that begged me to explore.
"This is your room," Levon said, opening the door and allowing me to walk inside. I couldn't stop my jaw from dropping as I absorbed the room I imagined fit for a queen.
The bed was large enough to fit several people, with fluffy white covers and gossamer drapes that flowed to the ground with grace. The light, gold-speckled walls made the room sparkle, complimenting the two large crystal windows that let in a dazzling, warm light. A gold-painted vanity and armoire sat on one side of the bed, with a smaller dresser on the opposite. An oversized loveseat sat near one of the large windows next to a small white table stacked with books.
"Calum said you enjoyed reading, so I made sure there would be enough books for you to read. Though it seems you may be more interested in war techniques rather than the lyrics I brought you."
A laugh bubbled out, "I do indulge in both."
He smiled. "Your things should already be set in place with your dresses there," he said, pointing to the armoire. "And your new training attire, along with other things in the dresser."
He then walked over to a side wall with a door that slid open. "And this here is your private bath. So that you may relieve yourself during the night." He winked, and I felt a blush of embarrassment rise.
I walked into the bathing chambers to see a large clawfoot bath with a luscious ivory rug. I swallowed my excitement, but Levon captured it and smiled at me, flashing his pearly teeth.
"You're free to enjoy yourself as you like, my lady. I have a meeting here shortly that I must attend, but after, I can show you around if you'd prefer. Training starts first thing tomorrow, and dinner will be served at six."
With that, he left the room, leaving me in awe, struggling to process his words as I marveled at the opulence around me. I had never experienced such luxury before; this room was truly fit for a queen. Whatever deal Jesri had made and whatever scheme he was up to, it might be worth it, if only for this.
I awoke the following day well before dawn. The sky was still a dark grey, layered with mist, giving the landscape a wintry appearance despite the advancing spring. The towering pines pierced the sky like spears, and the grass still wet from the morning dew.
I stretched, marveling at the absence of any aches and pains from a proper bed and the calmness of a full stomach. My toes curled in the silky sheets that hugged me gently and provided warmth. Excitedly, I bounded out of bed and went to the bathing chamber to change the bandage on my leg. Surprisingly, my leg was practically healed, leaving only faint marks behind, so I decided not to replace the bandage. Only a few bruises remained on my arms, blending into my tanned skin like sunspots. The one on my collarbone had nearly vanished, too, leaving only a faint yellowish tint behind.
I washed up and wove my hair into a simple coronet. Though not as elegant as Aoife's craftsmanship, it sufficed. During dinner, Levon remarked that there were no lady's maids or valets to assist in getting ready. He explained how he never believed in such notions and grew accustomed to handling things himself due to some undisclosed history he failed to mention. I assured him it wasn't inconvenient and admitted I looked forward to handling things independently. Besides, I couldn't imagine allowing anyone else besides Aoife to assist me.
Clad in my new black and green training attire that hugged me in all the right places, I crept out the door and down into the main hall, waiting for Levon and his instructions to wait. The paintings along the walls still shimmered in the dim light of dawn. One painting, in particular, held me spellbound. Its brushstrokes danced with a multitude of colors, seemingly pushing back against the scorched edge of darkness surrounding the painting. It depicted a vibrant riot of colors bursting forth from the canvas, as if engaged in a fierce battle.
"Ready?" Levon's voice startled me, echoing loudly in the expansive hall. I turned to find him dressed similarly to me, wearing a long, tight black shirt accentuating his hazelnut-toned form, dark green pants, and tall black boots laced up to his calves. "We will take it easy today," he continued. "Two laps around the estate, and then back for breathing techniques."
He strode out the door before I had a chance to think. The brisk air stung my exposed hands as I hurried to catch up with him. "Keep pace with me," he said as I reached his side.
He began with a jog and I matched his pace. The cool air ripped through my throat and lungs like a knife. I wasn't used to running in higher climates, and Levon noticed my breathing stammering.
"It will take time to acclimate. In through your nose," he said, pausing to catch his breath. "And out through your mouth."
We ran along the grassy terrain as the sun began peeking overhead, turning the sky a brilliant blue. There was more of a variety of trees than the pines I saw out the windows, and though they weren't vibrant with color, they were still beautiful. We ran onto a gravel path that led into the trees, enveloping us in the mist.
"Keep an eye out," Levon breathed. "There are prowlers that lurk in these woods."
I only nodded, making a mental note to ask what type of animals he meant, and went back to focusing on my breathing. We emerged on the other side and descended the hill toward his towering estate, seeing the bustling town shimmering in the distance. His house looked majestic amidst the trees and the rising sun, casting a golden light on each tinted shingle. It seemed fit for a king to reside in such splendor.
We looped the far end of the estate covered in grassy hills and began again. By the end, we both were panting, gradually slowing our pace to a walk. The sun was now fully radiant, warming my body and forming beads of sweat on my brow.
"You're good at keeping steady, even with your injured leg. How are you fairing?" Levon asked, taking deep breaths in and out as he rested his hands on his hips.
"Fairing well enough to keep pace with you," I quipped.
He flashed his teeth with a shake of his head and stalked in front of me, slowing his breathing even more. "In through your nose." He breathed in. "And out through your mouth."
I followed suit, inhaling and exhaling for several minutes before fully calming my breathing, feeling refreshed as if I had just woken up for the day.
"Good. Now, remember that in any situation—especially with that temper of yours—" he stopped short as I shoved his arm. He promptly snatched my hand and pulled me closer to him, his grip firm. " Especially with that temper," he added with a tease before letting me go.
I pushed away, my anger crackling like static within me. I forced it to stop, focusing on my breathing; I recalled what Darius taught me long before Levon could claim he knew me.
"Is that all you've planned to teach me? How to breathe? " I scoffed, folding my arms.
"I plan to teach you how to focus, to gain control over your thoughts and maintain your mental clarity when other… forces might want to disrupt and invade your clarity," he said, striding past me toward a sunny spot shimmering through the trees.
I narrowed my brows, "Invade my clarity?" I huffed. "Like you haven't already done that?" I mocked.
Tyran, please tell me this isn't what I was trained to do all my life. If that's all he plans to teach me, then Jesri is in for a loss, yet perhaps that wasn't a bad thing.
He only shook his head and laid down on the plush grass, making a pillow of his arms. I stomped over towards him, lying down beside him. The grass was cool against my back, barely damp from the warming sun. I squinted to see the blue sky overhead and waited, breathing in and out.
His voice cracked against the silence, "Focus on how your body feels. How the grass slides underneath your neck, how the sun kisses your face. Feel those emotions of yours, the ones buried deep within your soul and allow them to live freely without a cage. Tell yourself that you are safe, that fear is not a part of you. That you are at peace."
I adjusted my body, honing in on the rise and fall of my chest and the annoying itch that suddenly appeared at the center of my back. I shrugged it off, concentrating on the breeze that rustled through the tall trees, bending and swaying to a rhythm of serenity.
Inhale, exhale.
My breathing slowed as I focused on the tingle of my fingertips against the smooth grass. The pulse and flow of my heartbeat thrummed within my skull, the emotions that pulsated with color deep within me. I closed my eyes and focused on the red-darkness of my eyelids and the flutters of light that danced from the ripples of the trees.
I took a deep breath in, smelling pine mingled with decomposing wood, the earthy scent of the rocky trail, and Levon's clean scent. I focused on his rhythmic breathing, in and out, as my mind began to wander, tracing the dance of shadows across my closed eyelids.
Streaks of golden light twisted and tugged against my emotions, filling me with a warmth that pricked the tips of my ears and down to my toes.
My surroundings blurred, melting with my breath and wandering thoughts that drifted like the sea's tides. The earth beneath me pulsed with vibrancy as if I'd drawn my first breath after a lifetime of drowning. My fingers stung with lively energy, urging me to dig deeper into the soft soil. Clumps of earth clung to my nails, infusing me with newfound vigor. Feeling drowsy from the run, I was tempted to surrender to the gentle embrace of sleep.
The dappled light filtering through my closed eyelids played in shades of gold, swirling and pulsating with my heartbeat.
I fixated on the crimson hues that began dancing over the luminance of the sun above when suddenly, a burst of brilliant light flooded my closed eyes, momentarily blinding me.
Recoiling, I clenched my eyes tighter as the pulsating abruptly stopped, leaving a chilling stillness in its wake. A peculiar chill swept through the air, raising the hairs on my neck and arms. My senses heightened, transporting me back to that sinister dream where the shadowy claws ensnared me, dragging my soul into the abyss.
The rhythm of my heartbeat intensified, pounding against my chest like a stone. I struggled to summon the peaceful image of golden light, begging it to lift me from the engulfing darkness. Yet, the shadows tightened their grip, dragging me further into their abyss.
My breaths grew erratic, stuttering in a desperate attempt to find solace.
Inhale, inhale.
Exhale, inhale.
A surge of redness flooded my vision, scraping my core with a blazing fire that choked me. Frantically, I clawed into the earth, desperate to grasp the sensation beneath my fingers.
"Eliah!"
The claws dabbled up my spine. Up my arms—
" Eliah, wake up! "
Wake up.
El-i-ahhh .
The velvety voice slithered over me, like spoiled blood melting on my tongue, coursing through me like thick tar, and binding my pulse to its command.
Pain erupted in my chest, thundering through my ears in a deafening clamor of frenzied fear. A jolting surge of electricity pulsed through me, coursing through every fiber of my being, convulsing me in a static of fear, darkness, and crimson hues.
Unable to breathe, a brilliant flash of light seared through me, dissolving the tar-like grip and flooding me with warmth and relief as golden hues washed over the blood.
My eyes snapped open, blinded by the sudden brightness. I shielded my face, hesitant to close my eyes again, while the full sensation of my body and senses flooded back to me. Sweat lined my back as panic set in, and I bolted upright, colliding with something solid.
"Eliah, stop!" Levon's deep voice flooded my ears, steadying my racing heart. He pulled me into an embrace, allowing me to hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "Eliah, you're safe. You're okay."
I gasped for air against his chest, forcing my eyes to stay open…to see, but struggled to focus on anything but the overwhelming brightness. I felt his arms shift, lifting me into the air.
It all felt too real, too overwhelming.
Eliah.
The claws, the darkness of my dream. Whatever it was—it knew me.