AriezelSlowly but surely, I loosened up and celebrated the festivities.Alys had disappeared from the hall again, but I didn't mind. I ended up staying by Harriet's side throughout, remaining a silent hovering presence while she spoke to people. I was once again reminded of the reason I got on easy with her as she spoke to others. She was the essence of a social butterfly, flitting from conversation to conversation with a smile. The fact that she held me throughout was a reminder that despite her outgoing nature, I was one of her few closest person's, and I never felt more privileged till that moment.Despite my rational thoughts, I still glanced around, hoping to spy the familiar figure, but it seemed like Asher had also disappeared from the venue. I swallowed the disappointment that came forth. I shouldn't be disappointed . So in the end, I continued moving around with Harriet.Soon enough, the drinks I had taken finally got to me.Excusing myself from Harriet, I went to the bathro

Ariezel The meeting for the mating ceremony went well. At least, that was what I thought considering that I couldn't fully focus on it in the first place. Most of the formalities were done and Harriet and I- in all honesty- were not truly needed for anything other than as moral support for Alys and probably to make a suggestion or two. It wasn't anything more and I was glad for that because I couldn't think most of the time. The majority of my focus was on Asher always finding his eyes on me. Felt the prickling sensation course through me. I knew through my instincts that it was him and everytime I felt it, it was difficult to breathe. Yet as I looked around, it seemed like nobody else recognized it or even noticed it. Was I perhaps going crazy? I would have thought I was, but my instincts didn't lie. By the time we were done I had to compose myself well enough to stand up naturally when everything was over. Alys had bid us a temporary goodbye before going off with Ambrose to spe

AriezelSlowly I pushed myself off from him, embracing the cold feeling in contrast to his warmth and comfort. I needed none of that today.My knees hurt from the collision I had earlier, so it hurt even more to stand. It didn't matter to me though. I slowly made myself stand up.Looking down, he remained in the same position as before, not bothering to look up at me.I swallowed at the sight. Although from my position I couldn't fully see his expression, I could tell from his downturned shoulders and his posture alone, that he wasn't taking it okay.What was I supposed to do now? I couldn't have left him while he was in this state. I knew that was the last thing I would ever do.I took a step closer, reaching out to touch him. But I halted on the way, merely an inch away from his skin.Was it alright for me to do this? I didn't know whether I could comfort him, especially after he had done the same to me only moments ago. It should have been a simple thing to do, but it felt like th

AsherWhen I left Ariezel in that hall, I didn't leave with hope or sorrow. No.I left there broken, filled with rage and bearing a thirst for vengeance for the things Serena had done. For the things I ignorantly let happen.Damn it. Damn it all. How stupid was I to have let it fly for so long?The moment she had collapsed, I knew what was coming next. The panic, the harsh breathing, all things I had to recover from on my own after a harsh nightmare years ago. The only person who knew of them was Ambrose, who had accidentally encountered me in my room in the midst of them.He had told nobody of it, never mentioning it right after. It was one of the things that brought us to a trust after the initial master-servant dynamic we had from the moment I made him my personal assistant. The trust.Ariezel never knew about them. It was practically impossible. Her presence alone soothed me so I never had nightmares. It was the other way around with me having to comfort her, bit I couldn't say tha

AsherMy heart might as well have been bursting with happiness at that moment.I hadn't expected this. Not after the last encounter we had had. After seeing her so heartbroken in tears I was resolute on one thing. If I was the reason why she hurt, then I would give her the space she needed.She couldn't trust me as it was, so I was prepared to take my time and take better care. I was going to take it slowly and not be as pushy as before.But then she came to me and said those words, and I thanked the moon goddess right then and there.Now I stood with her, I still couldn't believe it.“What happened? Between the last few days I mean? What changed your mind?" It was impossible for me to not ask those questions. And now most of all. I couldn't help but wonder what had caused her to quickly shift, to decide to trust me.Yet at the same time I wondered if asking her was the right thing for me to do. a part of me was antsy, afraid of scaring her off with a single question. I didn't want