Author's POV
The chamber was dimly lit, torches flickering against cold stone walls. Kael stood with his back to the cloaked figure kneeling before him, the silence between them taut.
"My lord," the figure said cautiously, "I searched as you commanded, but Ellis's identity remains… unknown. She leaves no trace, no records, not even whispers in the lower courts. Whoever she is, she's well hidden. But I will uncover the truth. Soon."
Kael's jaw tightened. His hand flexed against the armrest of his chair, the only outward sign of his irritation. Inside, however, anger flared hot. Unknown? It was unacceptable. Someone was weaving themselves too close to Harper, and he didn't like it.
But Kael didn't let the fury show. He exhaled slowly, forcing his tone into calm steel. "Very well. Continue your search. I expect results."
The figure bowed deeply. "As you command."
As the spy vanished into the shadows, Kael turned to a waiting guard. "Where is Harper?"
The guard straightened. "In the eastern wing, my lord. With Lady Ellis."
Kael's eyes darkened, unreadable, but his voice was quiet. "Take me there."
---
*******Harper
Sweat clung to my forehead, the music echoing faintly as I stumbled through yet another step. My legs ached, my chest heaved, and the intricate footwork twisted around me like a puzzle I couldn't solve.
"Again," Ellis said sharply, her tone like a whip.
I groaned, collapsing onto the polished floor. "I can't… I can't do it. It's impossible!"
Ellis's heels clicked as she approached, her shadow stretching over me. She crouched low, her voice dripping with warning. "Don't take this dance lightly, Harper. The Dance of Shadows is no mere tradition. It determines your future."
Her words cut through my exhaustion like ice. "What do you mean?" I asked breathlessly, confused. "How is this connected to me?"
Ellis's lips curved, but there was no warmth in her smile. "If you want answers, then get back up and keep dancing. Only then will I finish the story."
Her tone was final. A challenge.
I clenched my fists, frustration burning in my chest. But the curiosity—the desperate need to know—was stronger. With a groan, I forced myself to stand, ignoring the ache in my limbs. "Fine. I'll keep going."
Ellis's eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "Good girl."
The music rose again, and I moved. My steps were clumsy, my breathing uneven, but I danced. And Ellis watched, her gaze sharp, as though every misstep revealed more than I realized.
Then the doors opened.
I froze mid-step as Kael entered the room, his tall frame commanding, his eyes sweeping the chamber. When they landed on Ellis, there was something strange there—something sharp, calculating.
Ellis straightened, her smile never faltering. "Lord Kael," she greeted smoothly. "I was merely teaching Harper for the banquet."
Kael's expression was unreadable, but his voice was low. "Leave us."
For a moment, Ellis lingered, her gaze flicking toward me with a secret I couldn't decipher. Then she gave a graceful bow and slipped out of the room.
The silence that followed was heavy. Kael stepped closer, his presence suffocating. His eyes locked onto me. "Harper. What were you doing?"
I swallowed, forcing steadiness into my voice. "Ellis… she was teaching me the dance. For the banquet. She called it the Dance of Shadows."
For the first time, Kael's mask slipped. His brows furrowed, confusion flickering across his features. "The Dance of Shadows? Why?"
My chest tightened. "Why? Is something wrong?"
Kael's voice was slow, measured. "Because the demons don't call it that. We call it the Dance of Blood."
The words struck like a knife. My stomach dropped. In my mind, one thought screamed— Ellis just made a mistake. A dangerous one.
I tried to keep my face neutral, but my heart was pounding. "What's the difference?" I asked quietly.
Kael's gaze was sharp, suspicious. "The witches call it Shadows. The demons call it Blood. For centuries, the name has divided us. For Ellis to teach you using the witches' name…" His voice trailed off, his eyes narrowing as realization dawned.
Without another word, he spun on his heel and stormed out, his cloak flaring behind him.
"Kael—!" I called, but he was already gone.
Panic clawed at my chest. Why didn't Ellis warn me? Why would she risk such a mistake?
I rushed to the corridor, asking servants, searching rooms. But Ellis was nowhere to be found. It was as though she had melted into the shadows she loved so much.
Finally, I spotted Ivy carrying a tray. "Ivy!" I grabbed her arm. "What happens if a witch is caught… here, in the demon realm?"
Her eyes widened, and she glanced around before whispering. "If any witch is discovered, my lady… they are burnt alive."
The blood drained from my face, but I forced a shaky smile, pretending not to care. "I see. Thank you, Ivy."
I turned and hurried back to my chambers. My hands trembled as I shut the door behind me. Back and forth I paced, the same thought tormenting me.
Ellis. What have you done?
---
Author's POV
Far away, in the lush expanse of the witch realm, laughter rang out. Natalie sat cross-legged on a carpet of enchanted moss, her eyes warm as she watched her son. The boy giggled as Vaelthor lifted him high into the air, spinning him until his laughter echoed through the trees.
For a moment, there was peace. For a moment, the centuries of bitterness between them felt like dust in the wind.
Then the air rippled. A presence appeared behind them, silent and composed.
Natalie turned, her lips parting in surprise. "…Mother."
Ellis stood there, her figure calm, her expression unreadable.
Natalie frowned, clutching her son closer. "You left him alone. Where have you been all this time?"
Ellis's gaze softened briefly. "Taking care of something." Then her eyes flicked to Vaelthor, sharp and assessing. "And why is he here?"
Natalie straightened, her chin lifting. "Because we've settled everything. He has a right to see his son."
For a long second, silence hung between them. Then Ellis gave a small nod. "Very well."
But her next words cut like a blade. "Then you both need to know something. Harper is in the demon realm. With Kael."
The world seemed to still.
Natalie and Vaelthor turned toward each other, shock etched across their faces. And at the exact same time, their voices rang out in disbelief.
"…What?"