Forbidden Seductions

Chapter-6

As the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and gold, casting a warm glow over the town of Avalon, I sensed the lingering touch of morning's warmth as I stood by the window, peering out at the awakening kingdom of Avalon. A soft breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, a fragrant reminder of life beyond the castle walls.

Six days have passed since that encounter with Matilda, yet the haze of uncertainty hasn't lifted. Alaric's presence looms over me, an unknown domain I'm hesitant to explore fully. After six days of internal conflict, wrestling with a choice that could alter the course of my destiny, the truth remained clear: he is my soulmate, the one fate has intertwined me with. But embracing that reality means embracing the unknown—a future I can't predict and a journey filled with uncertainties.

Today marked the day of my departure, the day I would set out for the kingdom of l'Essaim. A journey that held two distinct purposes: to execute the mission I had planned and to observe the one who was meant to be my other half. I believed that distance and observation would grant me clarity and that the reality of Alaric's character would become evident, revealing whether our souls truly align.

Elara, my maid, enters the room, her presence both comforting and grounding. "My lady, your stuff is ready. Please tell me if you need something else," she informs me, a hint of concern in her gaze.

I offered her a grateful smile and said, "No, thank you, Elara. This is enough."

Two guards entered the room, shouldering the weight of my belongings as we made our way toward the castle gates, where I would bid farewell to Avalon. I walked purposefully, accompanied by my guards, as we made our way to the heart of the castle. The corridors held a sense of nostalgia, each step echoing with memories and responsibilities; the castle seemed to hold its breath.

Upon reaching the grand balcony, the whispers and respectful glances followed me, and the buzz of tension hushed into a respectful silence. My footsteps echoed against the walls as I ascended to the center of the balcony. Heads bowed, and I nodded in recognition. Taking a deep breath, I cleared my throat as I addressed my people.

"As you all know, the losses I've survived—my parents, my brother, and my sister-in-law—have cast a shadow over my heart and soul. I have felt drifted, trapped in a cycle of duties that has left little room for the spirit of who I once was. But I've come to realize that this is neither the life I wish to lead nor the ruler I aspire to be. The heart that once burned with passion and purpose now yearns for renewal." A collective gasp echoed through the crowd.

The tension in the air was noticeable as I delivered my decision. "Therefore, I've chosen to take a step back, to reclaim the part of myself that was lost. I'll be on temporary leave, allowing myself to breathe, to heal, and to find the woman I once was." Whispers intertwined with surprised glances; the announcement was unexpected.

"But fear not," I continued, my voice lacing with more lies. "I am not abandoning my duties as your queen. In my absence, I entrust the kingdom to a leader of unparalleled wisdom and integrity. Altor, who has been like a teacher to me and a trusted advisor to the throne, will rule on my behalf. I have complete faith in his leadership and know that he will carry the mantle as capably as I did."

Altor stepped forward. He stood beside me, a steady presence amidst the whirlwind of emotions. I summoned a locket, a symbol of our connection and trust. "Altor, this locket shall bind us even when distance separates us. In times of need or when decisions of great importance arise, you need only reach for it, and I shall be there to guide you."

As I placed the locket around his neck, a mixture of expressions crossed the faces of the council members. Some nodded in understanding, while others displayed clear disapproval. My gaze held steady, rooted in the belief that this was the path necessary for my people's well-being.

Saying my final goodbyes to my people, I walked toward the majestic throne that had borne the weight of my responsibilities. My fingers grazed its ornate surface, a bittersweet connection to the legacy of my father. In his absence, his teachings echoed in my mind—the wisdom he had shared, the lessons he had imparted.

My father's voice resounded within me, reminding me of his belief in prioritizing oneself. I used to scoff at his words, believing that the throne was paramount and that its rule could bring happiness to my people and, in turn, to me. The idea of placing personal desires above the throne seems foreign. However, today, standing on the brink of my own journey, his advice found resonance.

His voice echoed, "Choose yourself before the throne, my child. A queen who knows her worth can truly make her people thrive." The realization struck me like a bolt of lightning.

Today, his words carried a new weight, and I understood their significance. With a deep breath, I stepped away, the glamour of the throne fading into the background of my purpose.

I had chosen this path not merely to fulfill a destined union with Alaric but also to ruin the ones who had taken the most precious people from my life, and I don't care if they did this knowingly or unknowingly. My hunt for revenge was not reckless; it was a reclamation of power, a journey to heal and restore what had been taken from me.

Valaris's voice broke through my reverie, pulling me back to the present moment. His words carried a determined tone that I couldn't ignore. "I've been giving this a lot of thought, and I don't care whether you agree or not. I won't let you go on this journey alone. I'm coming with you," he declared, his gaze unwavering.

"Val, I truly appreciate your care and your willingness to accompany me," I began, my tone measured. "But you also understand your responsibilities here. Altor needs your support in maintaining the stability of the kingdom." I couldn't help but display a touch of humor, flexing my muscles playfully. "Look at those biceps, and don't forget my sharp mind. I assure you, I'll manage just fine on my own."

Valaris wasn't one to back down easily, and his resolve was evident in the set of his jaw. He retorted, his voice firm, "My priority is your safety, Altheanea. I can't simply stand by and let you face potential dangers alone."

I sighed, understanding the depth of his concern for me. Valaris had always been fiercely protective, a trait that had only strengthened as we grew older. His loyalty was unwavering, and I knew that arguing with him could lead to a prolonged debate. "Fine, Val. You win. Pack your belongings, and we'll leave before sunset."

As Valaris's face lit up with a triumphant smile. With him by my side, I felt a sense of reassurance and companionship that would undoubtedly make the journey ahead a little less daunting. Sometimes, allowing someone to share the burdens of the path could be a reminder that, even in the face of uncertainty, we are never truly alone.

Valaris and I made our way to the secluded area behind the kingdom, heading toward the abandoned-looking structure that was hidden from the castle view. While creating a portal within our dimension was a simple task for me, crafting one to access an external dimension was a more significant challenge.

Centuries ago, this place was constructed to facilitate the creation of portals to other dimensions. Standing by the circular structure adorned with intricate patterns, its surface covered with shimmering water, I took a steadying breath, tuning myself to my water element. As I focused on the water before me, the patterns carved within the structure began to emit a soft, ethereal glow. Drawing forth more of my magic, I directed my energy towards the water droplets suspended in the air, coaxing them to dance in a mesmerizing display.

With a surge of magical power, the water droplets swirled and twirled, forming a whirl. The patterns on the structure pulsed in response, their glow intensifying. And then, in an otherworldly twist of energy and matter, a portal emerged, its luminescent gateway connecting our current domain to the distant outskirts of l'Essaim. The sight of the portal shimmering with rainbowy hues was both breathtaking and humbling, a testament to the ancient fae magic that still flowed through my veins.

I turned to Valaris, saying, "It's time. The portal is ready."

Valaris nodded, his gaze fixed on the portal's entrance. He grabbed my hand, and we stepped into the portal, leaving behind the familiar world of Avalon and venturing into the unknown. The portal's pull was both thrilling and disorienting—a sensation of being simultaneously stretched and compressed, as if traversing dimensions themselves.

As we emerged on the other side, the landscape shifted dramatically. We found ourselves on the outskirts of l'Essaim, a place marked by eerie beauty. The moonlight bathed everything in an otherworldly glow, casting long shadows that seemed to dance in the night breeze. A canopy of ancient trees loomed, their twisted branches reaching toward the heavens.

From his pocket, Valaris took out a pair of striking accessories: a pair of identical necklaces and rings, each featuring a circular centerpiece adorned with a subtle white gem that emitted a soft, mystical glow. Valaris held them out before us, his gaze focused and determined.

"These," he began, his voice steady, "were given to me by Altar during our last meeting. They hold special properties that will prove invaluable on our journey." With a careful gesture, he placed one of the necklaces around my neck, the cool metal settling against my skin. "This neckpiece," he explained, "will mask our fragrance, disguising us as vampires. It's a crucial advantage, especially in a realm where our scents could easily give us away."

Feeling the weight of the necklace against my chest, I nodded in understanding. It was a clever and necessary precaution, a defense against potential threats that could lurk in the shadows. Valaris then turned his attention to the rings, slipping one onto my forefinger. As the ring settled into place, I could feel its subtle energy resonating with my being.

Valaris continued his explanation, his words resonating with a sense of purpose. "These rings," he revealed, "serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they will temper our fae powers, acting as a restraint until we remove them. This is essential to navigate the vampire realm without drawing unwanted attention."

A surge of mixed emotions washed over me as I considered the implications of our powers being temporarily held in check. It was both a safeguard and a limitation, a reminder of the delicate balance we needed to maintain.

Valaris held up his ring, mirroring the one on my finger, and his gaze met mine. "Secondly," he added, "these rings will serve as a guide for our instincts. Since we cannot meditate in our fae forms here, these rings will help us stay attuned to our surroundings and make informed decisions."

I met Valaris's eyes, a mixture of gratitude passing between us. "Thank you, Val. Your foresight will undoubtedly save our asses."

Valaris nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I was born to save your ass. We are partners in crime, Ali Lily, remember?"

"Oh, yeah, yeah, mister Hulky Bulky, I always pulled you into my mess, and you always saved our asses." I laughed, playfully hitting his shoulder.

We laughed and talked throughout our journey in the forest, the canopy of ancient trees casting moonlight upon our path. The magic coursing through our veins kept exhaustion at bay, allowing us to venture deeper into the heart of the woods without getting tired easily. Eventually, our steps led us to a breathtaking clearing, adorned with vibrant neon flowers and an array of exotic fruits that seemed to emit a faint, alluring glow. The air was fragrant with the delicate scent of blossoms, and the gentle rustle of leaves created a soothing melody.

Choosing a pair of smooth rocks near the edge of the clearing, Valaris and I settled down. The worn leather boots were discarded beside us, and we both extended our feet toward the clear, glistening water that flowed through the heart of the clearing. A sense of calmness settled over us as the cool water lapped against our skin, refreshing and soothing.

An unexpected sensation tickled my feet, and I glanced downward. To my amazement, a gathering of small, bony fish swarmed around our feet, nibbling away at the dead skin in a natural and almost therapeutic pedicure. Laughter bubbled up within me at the novelty of the experience, and I exchanged a delighted glance with Valaris. "Seems like we're getting some unexpected pampering," I remarked, a smile playing on my lips.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity as my eyes landed on an assortment of fruits unlike any I had encountered before. I rose from my seat and approached the array of fruits. Each one seemed more tempting than the last, a feast for both the eyes and the senses. Carefully, I plucked a particularly intriguing fruit, its surface smooth and its fragrance mouth-watering. I turned to Valaris, a mixture of curiosity and excitement dancing in my eyes.

"Have you ever seen such fruits, Val?" I asked, holding the fruit aloft for his inspection. "They seem almost as if they came from another world."

Valaris's gaze followed mine; his intrigue was evident. "Nope, never. New land, new mysteries."

We exchanged a knowing glance, and we settled back onto our rocks, eager to savor the flavors of the unknown. As I bit into the fruit, its sweet and tangy taste exploded on my tongue.

Then, without warning, my thoughts began to blur, and I felt myself slipping into a dreamlike state. My body seemed to move on its own, and a profound sense of calmness washed over me, enveloping me in a peaceful embrace. It was as if my nervous system had shifted to autopilot.

Fuck, f**k, f**k, am I f*****g drugged?

Where is Val?

These thoughts raced through my mind in a flurry, but they quickly faded into a hazy blur. The next thing I knew, I found myself leaping into the open clearing, an uncontrollable giggle escaping from my lips.