The moon hung low as Raymond and Ellora stepped beyond the hushed borders of the Elf Forest. The road to Isle shimmered with lanterns and laughter, but Raymond's hand never left the hilt of his sword. He had the sense that shadows followed them, though Ellora's calm stride betrayed nothing.
As night dawned, sudden assassins attacked—steel flashing in the dim corridors of the inn. Raymond fought fiercely, his blade ringing against theirs, his instincts sharp enough to notice something strange: a few enemies seemed to falter, struck down by forces he could not quite see. He frowned, covertly aware that something beyond his sword had aided them, though he said nothing.
When the clash ended, silence returned. Raymond closed the door, his chest still heaving. Ellora turned away, her cloak hiding the faintest shimmer of blue light fading from her hands. Neither spoke of it.
Later, they lay in bed, backs turned to one another. Raymond stared at the ceiling, thoughts circling around the danger that seemed to follow them—and the secrets he suspected Ellora carried. Ellora, facing the opposite wall, wondered how long she could keep her magic hidden, and whether Raymond's protective gaze would change if he knew the truth.
Morning came gently, sunlight spilling through the shutters as bells tolled across Isle. The city was alive with color, its streets thrumming with merchants and pilgrims. Together they walked to the grand church, its stained glass catching the dawn in a blaze of crimson and gold.
Ellora's gown shimmered like sapphire water, cut daringly at the shoulders. Raymond's eyes lingered longer than he intended, his thoughts betraying him with slightly provocative observations, though he masked them with a cough. Ellora caught the flicker of warmth in his gaze, her lips curving faintly.
Incense curled upward as priests prepared the sacred circle. The ritual began with chants, voices echoing through the vaulted hall. Raymond and Ellora stood hand in hand, the ceremony binding them not only in vows but in destiny.
And just as the blue light of Ellora's hidden magic stirred faintly beneath the surface,