Eternal Starlight: Celestial City

Chapter 15

As Liora entered her living room, a buzz of conversation filled the air, but it quickly hushed as everyone turned their attention to her and Xander, who stood solemnly behind her. The group rose to their feet, a collective expression of concern etched on their faces. "Has she woken up?" Tauriel inquired, her voice trembling as she wiped away tears. Xander, unable to bear the weight of the moment, shook his head and retreated to the patio, seeking solitude. Tauriel, sensing her brother's distress, made her way outside to offer him comfort. Liora, with a gentle tone, advised, "Let him have his space, Tauriel," and the younger sister nodded, understanding the need for distance.

"Will Elowen be okay?" Riven asked, his voice laced with worry. Liora's gaze softened as she reassured him, "She will be, in time." A shared sorrow enveloped the group as they processed Liora's words, their hearts heavy for Elowen, who appeared so altered and fragile. Turning to Raven, Liora acknowledged her bravery, saying, "You're the one who provided Elowen with those potions, risking your own life to save her from Wraithkin's torment." Raven lowered her gaze, responding quietly, "Yes, ma'am." Liora smiled warmly, recognizing the nobility in her actions.

"I believe congratulations are in order," Liora said, directing her attention to Tauriel and Thorin, her smile radiating warmth. Their expressions shifted to surprise as they exchanged glances. "You've completed the mating bond last night," Liora continued, pausing for effect. "Well, you'll find out in a few weeks." Tauriel's eyes widened in shock, and she stammered, "What will we know in a few weeks? How did you find out? Please, don’t tell Xander!" Panic crept into her voice. Liora raised her hand to calm her. "I understand the implications of the mate bond, Tauriel, and I promise I won’t share this with your brother."

"Is everyone hungry?" Liora asked, breaking the tension. A chorus of nods confirmed their agreement. "I'll instruct the maids to prepare ribs, salad, pie, coleslaw, fruit salad, and some wine," she said softly, her voice a soothing balm amidst the uncertainty.

Liora instructed the maids on the meal preparations for those gathered in her dining room, maintaining a quiet demeanor as they all sat in anticipation. The atmosphere was thick with expectation, each person silently hoping for the moment when one of the maids would announce that Elowen had finally awakened.

A maid descended the stairs and approached the dining room, leaning in to whisper something in Liora's ear. With a nod, Liora gracefully pushed her chair back, stood up, and made her way to the patio where Xander sat, gazing up at the stars.

She joined him, her voice soft as she informed him, "Elowen is awake, and she's asking for you." Xander immediately sprang to his feet, his chair toppling over as he rushed through the sliding patio doors, across the living room, and up the stairs toward her bedroom. He knocked gently, and upon hearing her faint voice invite him in, he opened the door and entered, closing it quietly behind him. He crossed the room and took a seat beside her bed, his heart sinking at the sight of her battered face, swollen eyes, and split lip. Despite her injuries, she managed a weak smile and attempted to lighten the mood with a joke, "Hey Douchebag." He returned her smile softly, whispering, "Hey kitten." Her breathing was labored as she struggled to sit up, prompting Xander to gently advise, "Don't try to move, just rest for now." Elowen complied, settling back into her previous position, but confusion clouded her expression as she asked, "Did I fly back here?" Xander took a moment to gather his thoughts, careful not to provoke her further, and replied, "No, kitten. What was the last thing you remember?" Her face flushed with distress as she recounted, "Wraithkin, beating me, until his rage was sated. Then a girl trying to help me. Then Wraithkin started to beat me again, more fierce and more brutal. He told me I will bear his heirs, then he tossed me on the bed. I kicked him in the face, sending him flying off the bed, and I thought I could escape, but shadows surrounded me, paralyzing me. My vest and shirt were torn apart,leaving me bare and I was beaten again with a whip, then I was back in his tent, and shadows were around us again." She paused, the realization of her trauma hitting her hard, and panic set in as she whispered, "He r***d me, Xander."

Tears streamed down Elowen's face as she repeatedly whispered, "He r***d me," her voice trembling with anguish. Xander took her hand gently, tracing comforting patterns on her knuckles. "Shh, Elowen, it's alright. I'm right here with you. He won't harm you again, I promise. You are safe now," he reassured her, his voice steady and warm.

Panic surged through Elowen as she cried, "But he could come back for me, Xander." With unwavering certainty, Xander replied, "No, he won't, because I killed him." He hesitated, the weight of his words heavy in the air. "I heard your cries and followed the scent of your blood; I rushed in as quickly as I could, but I'm so sorry I couldn't get there sooner," he admitted, his voice cracking under the strain of his emotions. Elowen felt shattered and tainted, grappling with the thought that her innocence was lost forever. The possibility of being pregnant loomed over her, yet she resolved that if she was to have a child, she would nurture it with love and teach it to be good and pure, regardless of her own pain. As she wept into Xander's embrace, he held her tightly, offering solace in her darkest moment. After ensuring she was asleep, he quietly left her room, only to be met by his sister Tauriel, who approached with concern etched on her face. "She remembers everything," Xander said, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on him.