The Hidden Realm

Chapter 35 – AUTUMN AND THE SEA

ELEAND’S eyes were used to the enthralling surroundings in Erganiv, but he still gasped in surprise when he saw the temple in Aderawiel. It was a castle designed with bricks made of ruby. Ancient symbols glowed and floated near the main entrance—protection runes.

Another highly elevated stairs welcomed him. There were six guards near the door, wearing silver armor and a crimson cloak.

The gigantic trees enclosing the massive area had a combination of red and yellow leaves. Sunflower-like plants scattered around in glittering vermilion, and a blue river stretched on the other side of the castle. But a certain tree caught his attention. Its leaves glowed bright yellow-green. Even at a far distance, it looked enticing.

“That is the Nizu River. It stretches from Gwiazda passing here, then to the Great Sea in Alsache,” Navi explained before he could ask. The duke pointed to the glowing tree, “That is the Tree of Unaeth. She would stay there most of the time.”

Eleand nodded. “I see. I might roam around here if I have time. This Autumn Region is fascinating as well.”

He remembered during the hunt with Zanti. He had reached the other area of Aderawiel but not this temple.

“Let’s meet the High Priestess,” Navi wasted no time. They disappeared and emerged near the front door.

The guards bowed down to the duke.

They strolled inside the entrance hall. It was similar to Fariyah’s temple, except the gold chandeliers in the ceiling were filled with rubies. The walls were painted in gold, and the floor rested a thick red carpet. The pillars inside were towering. Even inside the temple, there were lots of ancient runes floated, glowing white and red.

“I’m expecting you today,” a soft voice said.

Eleand and Navi turned their head. A beautiful faerie greeted them. She wore a tight cherry-colored gown flaunting her curves. She was tall, fair-skinned, with ash-blond hair and light brown eyes. She had a red marking on her forehead, a diamond shape with a crescent moon at the center.

“Alva, this is Eleand.” Navi introduced him.

Alva walked closer and gently held his chest, “The special mortal with faerie blood.”

So, they knew it.

Alva’s hand traveled down, going to his stomach. Eleand didn’t mind. Maybe this faerie was just touchy.

“Nice meeting you, High Priestess,” he genuinely smiled.

“Duke Navi, darling, you can leave him here. I can take good care of him.” Alva seductively grinned and winked at Navi.

Navi shook his head and looked at him. “Best of luck. I’ll see you soon.”

Eleand nodded, and Navi disappeared.

He noticed that Alva seemed to have fun touching his body. Although he did not want to think differently, the way she looked at him, was she trying to seduce him?

“You look…” she intentionally cut her words and examined him from head to toe, “strong and powerful.”

He grinned. Alva was a seductress! Now he just realized Althy’s advice.

Give her what she wants, and everything will come in handy.

God, Althy was trying to tell him to warm Alva’s bed! He hoped that wouldn’t be the payment for teaching him the Edeterra. Although it would be easy, he could not just take advantage of the situation. But again, if the situation called for it, why not?

Eleand suddenly felt a strong force trying to go inside his head. He strengthened his protection magic. He knew Alva attempted to test his prowess in shielding his thought, which he would not allow her to enter his mind. That would be an invasion of his privacy. With all the magic he had learned, the Protexerium was his best companion even in his sleep.

“Hmm… I must admit, you’re quite good.” Alva walked around him and touched his back, going down, “Are you better in other things?”

“I think so,” he smiled in mischief.

“I wasn’t expecting that you’re one gorgeous mortal.” Alva sweetly laughed.

“Well, thanks then,” he said in a formal tone. As much as possible, he didn’t want Alva to think that he liked her advances. Although he had been staying in this world for quite a while now, he could not imagine himself warming a faerie’s bed aside from his wife.

Even those times where he was busy studying magic, there was no day and night that he didn’t think of Brandy. Maybe it was for the best that they finally had a divorce. At least now, she would not worry that he had gone missing.

ALVA must have had felt he was uncomfortable. She backed off and seriously commanded him, “Suit yourself. I have prepared your room already. We’ll go to Alsache to attend the fifth millennial natal day of Lord Arion.”

He was surprised to hear the name. “Lord Arion? You mean, Winzi’s father?”

Alva nodded. “Yes.”

“You think Winzi will be there?”

The priestess shrugged. “Maybe, but it’s none of my concern. Better be hurry. I will be waiting.”

“All right,” he was suddenly excited to visit the water domain where Winzi came from.

Another faerie maid assisted him to his room. It was spacious as usual, with the touch of autumn on its interiors.

He showered quickly and found the clothes he had to wear for the party—a white shirt, a high collar blue jacket embroidered with silver, paired with light brown pants, and chestnut-colored shoes.

Eleand was satisfied to see his reflection on the full-length mirror. He looked like a dignified faerie. It complimented his tanned skin. He shaved his stubbles because he wanted to appear presentable. This was the first time he would attend a birthday party of a royal faerie.

IN THE grand hall, Eleand found Alva waiting for him. The high priestess was dashing in her swirling maroon gown. Her red lips curved a seductive smile.

He held out his hand when he reached her.

“Your attire suits you,” Alva moved his face closer to him.

He lightly nodded. Alva held his arm, and they both disappeared.

They reached the Crystal Palace immediately. Another unique structure from Eleand’s sight, the designs seemed classic similar to the combination of Greek, Gothic, and Baroque architectures.

 The enormous pillars and towering walls were shining crystals. It was located in the middle of the Great Sea. Huge ships were patrolling around, some were like fishermen’s boats, and others appeared to be warships, each carrying the flag of Alsache, white and gold.

“Let’s get in.” Alva guided him going to the gate. She snapped her fingers, and an invitation appeared in her hand. She presented it to the guards. They greeted them and let them go inside.

Different kinds of faeries were scattered around the palace. It was a grand party. Eleand could not miss the extravagant clothing of the visitors, perfect for their ethereal beauties.

Eleand had been looking around to see someone he knew, but everyone seemed a stranger to him. Nobody came from the Golden Palace. Even Nahil, who loved partying, was not there. They might be busy since the war had been brewing.

He expected to see Winzi, but knowing her history, maybe she wouldn’t be around here.

The security in Alsache was tight. Blue-winged faeries were scattered in the air for surveillance to make sure the palace was safe above and below.

Inside the grand hall, some faeries were playing lively music, and others were busy preparing food. The party had not yet started, but there were so many visitors.

They were seated on the circular crystal table allotted for them. The high priestess was also busy socializing while he remained quiet and examining the place. Just to be sure, in case there would be an emergency, he would know the exits.