THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

The air in the room hung thick with an odd tension. David stood frozen, his thoughts swirling like a storm. How could he possibly explain the kiss? It wasn't born of passion but necessity—a means to administer his blood and purge the curse from Elara's body. Yet, the nature of his powers was a secret he couldn't afford to reveal.

Elara's crimson gaze bore into him as if peeling back the layers of his thoughts. Her intensity sent a shiver through David's spine, and he struggled to maintain his composure. Suddenly, her lips curled into a soft chuckle—a sound so disarmingly cute it completely threw him off guard.

David blinked in surprise, utterly taken aback. Salomonis, seated comfortably off to the side, swirled his wine glass, a satisfied smirk on his lips as he savored the unfolding drama.

"Relax, David," Elara said, her voice carrying a surprising gentleness. "I'm aware of what you did during our... moment. You didn't just kiss me; you saved me. Whatever you did, it rid me of that vile curse."

David exhaled deeply, the weight of the moment easing just slightly. Relief washed over him like a wave—at least she wasn't furious or accusing him of some grave impropriety.

But then, Elara tilted her head, a playful gleam dancing in her eyes. "That said... if you hadn't saved me, I might have been inclined to demand that you take responsibility."

The words hit David like a bolt of lightning. His body stiffened again, and his mind raced. Did she just—?

Elara raised a brow, her expression almost teasing. "Or..." She let the word hang in the air, her voice dripping with mischief, "did you intend to take responsibility, anyway?"

David felt his face heat up, and before he could even consider a response, Salomonis interjected with a hearty laugh. "Oh, come now, Elara. Give the boy a break! You're having far too much fun at his expense."

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David didn't dare move his head, but internally, he sighed in relief and silently thanked Salomonis for derailing the conversation. He couldn't deny that, deep down, the thought of courting Elara had crossed his mind for the briefest of moments. Still, he knew how dangerous such a notion could be—for both of them.

Elara pouted slightly, puffing her cheeks in mock annoyance. "Salomonis, you're no fun at all." But her playful demeanor shifted swiftly, and her expression grew serious. She rose from her chair, the movement commanding immediate attention.

To David's utter astonishment, she bowed her head deeply. "Thank you, David," she said, her voice solemn and sincere. "For saving me... and for saving my people. Lysora County owes you a debt we can never fully repay."

David's breath caught. Seeing someone of Elara's stature—a figure revered as the Archon—bowing before him was something he had never imagined. He opened his mouth to respond, but the words failed him, trapped behind the lump in his throat.

Salomonis watched the exchange with a curious glint in his eye, sipping his wine in silence.

David finally managed to find his voice. "I... I only did what I could. It wasn't just for you or your people—I just couldn't stand by and do nothing."

Elara straightened, her gaze softening as she studied him. "Even so, what you've done is no small feat. You've earned not just my gratitude but my trust."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. David swallowed hard, unsure of how to process it all. For now, he could only nod, his thoughts a swirling mix of relief, gratitude, and unease about what the future might hold.

Elara walked back to her desk, a confident air in her stride, and casually perched herself atop it. She crossed her legs elegantly, leaning forward ever so slightly, her crimson gaze locked onto David. A mischievous smile played on her lips as she spoke.

"Since gratitude is in order," she began, her voice low and smooth, "I'm willing to grant you any wish, David." She punctuated the statement with a playful wink.

David felt his throat tighten, and he gulped hard. The tension in the room became palpable, and he couldn't ignore the weight of her words or the intensity of her gaze. He was acutely aware of the air thickening around them, each second stretching endlessly.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Even Salomonis, who had been enjoying his wine like a casual observer, set his glass down with a soft clink. The shift in the atmosphere was not lost on him.

Elara's playful expression melted away, replaced by a fiery seriousness. Her eyes seemed to burn with barely restrained fury as she continued. "Salomonis and I had plans to talk to you after the ceremony. There were... certain matters we intended to discuss. But, of course, the attack had to happen on that very day." Her voice dripped with frustration, though she kept it measured. "Well, here we are now. Talking."

David nodded, uncertain of where this was headed. He glanced at Salomonis, who met his gaze briefly before shifting his attention back to Elara, as if silently deferring to her lead.

"So," David ventured cautiously, breaking the silence, "what is it that you want to discuss?"

The room fell eerily quiet, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. Elara's eyes locked onto his, her gaze like a blazing inferno seeking to burn through any barriers he might have.

"The Demon," she said, her voice a sharp blade cutting through the tension. "Who is the Demon hiding in my ranks?"

David froze, her demand hitting him like a thunderclap. He hadn't expected this, and his mind raced as he tried to compose himself.

The truth was clear to him: the Demon in question was none other than Elara's own brother. But revealing this information felt like standing on the edge of a precipice. If he told them, the consequences could ripple in ways he couldn't predict, altering the future and potentially spiraling into chaos. Yet hiding the truth might also sow seeds of distrust.

Elara's gaze remained unrelenting, and David felt the walls closing in. She wanted answers, and she wanted them now.

Before she could press him further, David took a deep breath, straightening his posture. "Before I tell you who the Demon is..." he began, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside, "I'd like to use my reward to request something from you first."

Elara's brows arched, and Salomonis leaned forward slightly, intrigued. The room pulsed with anticipation as David's words lingered, setting the stage for a decision that could change everything.