Eternal Eclipse

Chapter 8

When I got out of the bathroom, Eli was gone, and the room was empty again. I searched the room and finally found clothes in the closet, but it was filled with pajamas and casual clothes like t-shirts. I grabbed a set of pajamas, which turned out to be too big for me, and put them on. I knew these were Eli's clothes just by the size and style. After getting dressed, I sat silently on the edge of the bed when I heard a knock on the door. The Steward's voice came from behind the door, "Mr. Orion, it's me, Steward. I brought you a change of clothes."

"Come in," I answered Steward.

Steward was a little surprised to see me, perhaps because I was wearing his master's clothes. But what else could I do? I could only find Eli's clothes here. The steward gave me a formal outfit like the one I'd worn yesterday, only in a different color. This time, I wore a salmon pink suit with a white undershirt with a wide V-neck and a long tie-like strap connecting it. Since I work as a model, I know and often wear this type of clothing that reveals my chest, but for everyday wear or for actual use outside of photo shoots, it didn't feel comfortable for me.

"Steward, can't you get me another set of clothes?" I asked the steward, staring at the clothes in my hands.

"Hmm, sir, I'm sorry. But this was chosen by Master Eli for you, so I didn't dare bring anything else," the steward replied, leaving me stunned.

"Why would Eli choose clothes for me? He's really controlling," I thought, puzzled.

"Okay, I'll change first," I said.

After I changed, Steward helped me style my hair and put on some makeup to make me look better, considering I looked very pale. I just followed Steward's instructions, even though it was strange for me to wear makeup outside of a photo shoot or meeting with clients. But since today was a meeting with Eli's family, I probably had to look my best.

After everything was done, Steward escorted me to the dining room. Before me was a long dining table that could seat more than 10 people. At the head of the table, Eli sat leisurely, drinking wine. I noticed Eli's outfit, which matched mine, but with a different style. I hadn't realized that Eli, who I'd always seen worn dark clothes, would also look good in light clothing like this. Eli's suit was almost identical to mine, except his shirt was a regular shirt, unbuttoned to reveal his broad chest.

"Sit down and eat," Eli said quietly.

I sat on Eli's right side as directed by the Steward, and without further ado, considering my already rumbling stomach, I quickly devoured the food before me comfortably, feeling no discomfort for Eli whatsoever.

"Eat a lot, the fuller you are, the tastier you'll be," Eli's sudden remark made me nearly choke on my meat, and I immediately glared at him.

I don't know what he meant, but perhaps there were two implications. Either I'll be more enjoyable to hug, or I'll be more enjoyable to eat? Ugh, I don't know. The meanings are equally strange to me, no matter how I think about them.

After dinner, Eli invited me to follow him, and he examined my body with his eyes, which made me feel strange. I said to Eli, pushing his body close to mine with my hand, "What are you looking at? Get away!"

"Hah, if this continues, everyone will know we're a couple, heh. You behave yourself, stay close to me when we meet my family, and don't drink anything red carelessly. You might end up being given blood to drink. And take care of yourself, don't let anyone bite you," Eli said in a tone that seemed to scare me.

"Hmm, yes. I understand, don't make me imagine scary things about your family," I replied, straightening my clothes to distract myself from my worries.

"Let's go, hold my hand and close your eyes," Eli said, taking my hand and holding it.

The steward behind us said, "Goodbye, Master. Be careful on the road."

Eli glanced at me and said again, "Close your eyes."

The moment I closed my eyes, I felt myself being pulled closer to Eli, my hand still in his. I felt like I'd only just closed my eyes when Eli let go, making me panic and start searching for him.

I felt someone wrap my arms around my waist, and Eli's whisper reached my ear, "We're here, open your eyes."

I slowly opened my eyes, and the first thing I saw were vines with flowers of various colors filling my vision. I glanced at Eli, confused, but he didn't seem to plan on telling me anything and immediately led me on.

"Were you scared? Don't worry, I'm by your side, and you won't get lost," Eli said, still walking with his left arm around my waist.

"Hmm, I'm not scared," I replied evasively.

"Really? That's good if you're not scared," Eli said, seemingly disbelieving my answer.

"Ha, whatever. Where is this?" I asked, seeing a garden filled with vines that filled every corner of my vision, even above my head, some vines had grown into a tunnel.

"After exiting this vine maze, we'll arrive at my second brother's house. His name is Azazel, and the vines here are part of his power. He's best at creating mazes that will confuse those who enter. So, don't get lost in this vine maze, or you'll never be able to get out again," Eli said, leading me through the vines.

The place was well-lit, with torches illuminating the path every three meters. I observed everything here. Every turn and intersection, I saw the same thing, which would undoubtedly confuse and dizzy anyone who passed through. While this place was beautiful, with flowers ranging from wisteria to morning glories beautifully adorning the streets, passing through the same place repeatedly without finding a way out could indeed become frightening.