Evelyne stood by the riverbank, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared out at the dark, rushing waters. Her eyes were still moist, with a hint of tears in them. Her mind has not recovered from her loss.
The night was quiet, the only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—grief for her brother, anger at Hamen, and a desperate need for vengeance.
When Inadrys appeared beside her, she didn't even flinch. She had called for him, and he had come, just as he always did.
"Evelyne," Inadrys said, his voice soft but commanding. "You've been through much tonight. But you don't have to face it alone."
Evelyne turned to him, her eyes filled with tears. "What am I supposed to do, Inadrys?" she asked, her voice trembling. "My brother is dead, and Hamen… he doesn't care. He just let Jolthar walk away. I feel so… powerless."
"I have dealt with the issue of Jolthar; he will be dead."
Inadrys stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek. "And you're not powerless," he said. "Not as long as you're with me. I can offer you a place where you'll be safe, where you'll be cherished. A place far from the troubles of this world."
Evelyne looked up at him, her eyes wide with curiosity. "What kind of place?"
Inadrys smiled, his golden eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "A place of my own," he said.
"The lotus garden, a sanctuary for my harem members."
Evelyne looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "Are you asking me to be part of your harem?"
He nodded. The Lotus Garden was placed behind a veil from the outside world.
A place built by the dwarf sages at his request. He kept his pride aside and asked himself. It's hidden from the eyes of the world, a paradise where his lovers can live in peace, away from the prying eyes of Ivyona. And only he can enter or leave, and only those he chooses can reside there.
"It's a place of beauty and tranquillity, where you'll want for nothing."
Evelyne's breath caught in her throat. The idea was tempting—a place where she could escape the pain and betrayal of her life in Godeylet. A place where she would be valued, cherished, and protected. She looked into Inadrys's eyes, searching for any hint of deception, but all she saw was sincerity.
"I… I would like that," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Inadrys's smile widened, and he pulled her into his arms. "Then it's settled," he said. "Come with me, Evelyne. Leave this world behind and start anew."
"Are you ready, then?"
With a wave of his hand, the air around them shimmered, and in an instant, they were gone. The riverbank was empty, the only sign of their presence a faint golden light that lingered for a moment before fading away. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel fire.net
Unbeknownst to Inadrys, a pair of eyes had been watching from the shadows.
A figure cloaked in darkness observed the scene with keen interest, their expression unreadable. As Inadrys and Evelyne disappeared, the figure turned and began to make their way toward the castle, their movements swift and silent.
Meanwhile, high above in the realm of Illumarhen, another pair of eyes watched the two of them and observed every little detail.
Ivyona stood on the balcony of her palace, her golden eyes blazing with fury as she witnessed Inadrys's latest transgression. Her hands clenched the railing, her nails digging into the stone as she seethed. She wasn't able to hear what he said to her; it was one of his ways to mask what he was doing. She could only watch them, so she didn't know about the harem palace. But she had her suspicions that he was taking them to some place to hide them from her.
"Despicable Inadrys!" she spat, her voice trembling with anger. "How dare he flaunt his infidelity so brazenly!"
Behind her, Akurnni emerged, his expression calm but his eyes filled with concern. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch gentle but firm.
"Calm down, Ivyona," he said. "Getting angry won't help. You know how Inadrys is. He's always been this way."
Ivyona turned to him, her eyes narrowing. "Don't patronize me, Akurnni," she snapped.
"I don't need your pity."
Akurnni raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "I'm not offering pity," he said. "I'm offering… comfort. If you'll let me."
Ivyona stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable.
Then, without a word, she turned back to the balcony, her hands resting on the railing. "Kneel," she said, her voice cold and commanding.
Akurnni didn't hesitate. He dropped to his knees before her, his hands resting on her thighs as he looked up at her with a mixture of reverence and desire. Ivyona's dress had ridden up to her thighs, revealing the smooth, golden skin beneath. Akurnni's hands moved higher, his touch gentle but insistent as he began to do as she commanded.
Ivyona stood tall, her eyes fixed on the horizon as Akurnni attended to her. Her mind was still filled with thoughts of Inadrys and his latest betrayal, but for now, she allowed herself a moment of distraction.
Akurnni had always been eager to please her, and tonight, she was in no mood to deny him. But even as she stood there, her thoughts drifted back to Inadrys and the mountain sanctuary he had created. She never let him inside her, only making good use of his tongue; she didn't let anyone have her. She even stopped sleeping with Inadrys; she thought that every man was hers to use and no man or deity could measure up to her or they were not worthy of her.
There were several deities in the Illumarhen who were eager to get in between her legs, but she didn't give in. She had only given the chance of serving her, to pleasure her, only to Akurnni because he was so good with his tongue. She liked having one of the strongest deities at her feet. Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire
She revelled in the power and control she had over him, knowing that he would do anything to please her. Akurnni's devotion to her only fuelled her sense of superiority and dominance among the other deities in Illumarhen.
She would deal with him—and his harem—soon enough. But for now, she would let Akurnni serve her, as he always had.