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Two more quiet days drifted by in gentle peace. Grace spent most of them just like before, wandering the gardens with Haze curled around her wrist, reading light stories, or lying under the trees humming little songs. But all through these days, there was a soft excitement building inside her. Her birthday was coming. Only two days left now.
She tried not to show how much she longed for something special. But whenever a servant passed by with fresh flowers or the maids changed the silken banners along the halls, her eyes would light up and she'd twirl around like a girl half her age.
Then, on the afternoon of the second day, the house suddenly stirred. Grace was sitting by a pool feeding tiny bits of berry to Haze when she heard it, the distant call of horns at the gates. Footsteps and voices rose up. Servants began to hurry, some carrying bright cloths, others trays of fresh drinks. Grace stood up so quickly that Haze nearly slipped off her wrist.
"Wait, is that…?"
A tall steward appeared at the garden's edge, bowing deeply. "My lady, your father has returned."
Grace gave a small, breathless gasp. Then her whole face bloomed with happiness. "Truly? Father is here?"
"Yes, my lady. He just crossed the threshold."
She didn't wait for more. Laughing, she raced up the stone steps, nearly bumping into two maids carrying flower baskets. Haze clung tightly, head weaving with every bounce.
She found her father Aegnor El'Silvaris in the front hall, handing his dark riding cloak to a servant. He stood tall and broad-shouldered, with silver hair touched by a few graceful lines of age. His eyes were the same bright, clever gray as Grace's. When he turned and saw her, they lit up instantly.
"Ah, my little swan!"
"Father!" Grace flew at him. He opened his arms wide and caught her up in a strong hug, lifting her right off the ground.
She laughed and then drew back just enough to give a playful little pout, tilting her head with her lower lip sticking out. "I thought you might not come this time… Always so busy with your duties. I was almost certain you'd forget me completely."
Her father gave a low, mock-wounded gasp. "Forget my own daughter's birthday? How could you say such a thing! That would wound this old elf deeper than any blade."
Grace puffed her cheeks, rolling her eyes in that dramatic way only daughters could manage. "Didn't you miss my last birthday though? Ran off chasing some members of evil organisation with the Evergreens?"
He made exactly the kind of cool, exaggerated face she knew so well, one eyebrow lifted, mouth twisted like he was trying very hard to look innocent. Then he let out a deep, warm laugh. "Ah, well… even old elves must atone for their crimes, it seems. That's why this year, my grace, I plan to give you the finest birthday we've ever held!"
Her eyes went wide, delight shining through her teasing. "Truly?"
"Truly. We start preparing today. In two days, this estate will be brimming with guests, nobles who'll come to honor this old man's face," he added with a wink, "your friends and some from different races. You'll need to brush up on your graceful bows and polite greetings. I can't have you tripping over your feet or making funny faces when some baroness gives you a necklace."
Grace giggled and spun away, skirts fanning. "I'll be so elegant you'll think I've been replaced by a swan."
Then her father's eyes dropped to her wrist. Haze was peeking out from under a fold of Grace's sleeve, tongue flicking curiously.
"So this is the little guy I've heard about from your mother," he said, stepping closer. His hand hovered just above the little white snake's head, careful not to startle him. "Truly unusual. Look at those pale scales. Almost like moonlight caught in a creature's skin."
Grace beamed. "Isn't he lovely? I've named him Haze. He follows me everywhere. Gentle as silk, smarter than some people I know."
Her father let out a quiet hum, eyes narrowing just a touch, a calculating look that made Grace's heart stutter for a breath until he smiled again, all warmth. "Well, treat him kindly. Rare companions often bring rare fortune. And you, little Haze…" he said, lowering his voice with a soft amusement, "keep my girl smiling, and we'll have no quarrel."
Haze simply curled a little tighter, head resting against Grace's thumb.
Grace laughed again, the sound ringing out through the old stone hall like tiny silver bells. She reached up, hugged her father. "It will be the best birthday, Father. I know it."
Aurelian lay coiled around her wrist, his small white head resting lazily against her thumb. But inside, his mind was far from sleepy.
As he watched the tall Elf Duke smile down at Grace, something inside stirred deep in his old instincts.
This elf… he is the strong. Even stronger than I was, once, at the height of my last reign.
It wasn't just the easy way he carried power in his frame, It was the way the air itself seemed to hush around him, the faint shimmering tension that told Aurelian every creature nearby felt it too.
If I ever allowed even the faintest thought of harming Grace… he would sense it instantly. And then he would kill me before I ever struck. Without hesitation. Without mercy.
But that was not a danger Aurelian needed to worry over.
I have no reason to harm her. Killing Grace wouldn't bring me even a fraction of the benefits that keeping her alive does. And beyond that… my conscience, as blackened as it may be from past lives, simply won't allow it. Not after how she's treated me.
She had given him warmth. Gentle words, gentle hands, little luxuries like honeyed fruits and soft harp songs under the trees. Even more than that, she had given him a glimpse into this world, its wonders and its lurking horrors. Through her, he had begun to piece together how things worked here, who held power, and who sought it in blood and secrets.
And now, he understood the Elven tongue well. Understood enough about this World of Veridion. It's organizations, dangers, and strange gods to begin making plans.
A slow flicker of excitement kindled in his chest, curling tighter than any of his coils.
It's almost time to start.
Her birthday is only two days away. It will be the perfect moment, the first, careful step of my long design.
For now, he kept his small white head resting harmlessly against Grace's skin, eyes half-lidded in a show of perfect docility. But inside, he was making plans.
Yes. On her birthday… I'll begin.
Grace was still talking with her father about her upcoming academy life, her joy so bright and unguarded it was almost painful to look at. When she glanced down at him, her smile softened even more. She lifted him gently and pressed a small kiss to the top of his head.
"You'll come with me, of course, little Haze. You're my good luck charm."
Aurelian gave a tiny, slow flick of his tongue, the gesture almost tender.
And for now, dear Grace, that's exactly what I'll be.
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