We paused just five steps from the bottom of the staircase, where Leonardo greeted the crowd with a warm smile that effortlessly commanded attention. A flush crept up my cheeks at the intensity of his presence, a stark contrast to the calm and collected demeanor he maintained-even as he flooded my mind with suggestive images that left me squirming.
“For those of you who do not hail from the Water Court, thank you for making the journey,” Leonardo began, his voice steady and resonant. “Let today mark the beginning of a new era-one where more of us discover who we are and where we come from. An era where our bonds strengthen, and the term true mate is no longer a whispered rumor.”
I couldn’t stop my eyes from wandering to him, from the confident way he stood to how his tunic hugged the breadth of his chest and shoulders. A flutter of heat stirred low in my stomach, and I bit back a smirk when his words faltered, the rush of my desire crashing into him like a tidal wave. His gaze cut to me, sharp and warning, as he cleared his throat.
“I hope every one of you enjoys the ball my true mate and her team have worked so tirelessly to prepare,” he finished, his final words laced with the promise of retribution for my teasing.
With a heated look exchanged between us, we stepped into the crowd, readying ourselves for the night ahead.
Among the Guests
Until the sun set, Leonardo and I roamed the courtyard, mingling with guests and greeting the other High Lords. As the evening stretched on and the moon climbed into the sky, we would share our first dance as High Lord and Lady.
The moment we dissolved into the crowd, I rose onto my toes, scanning the sea of faces for Carlo and Sofia. It had been months since I’d seen them, and while letters bridged the distance, nothing compared to being face to face.
Laughter bubbled from my lips when Leonardo’s hands gripped my waist and effortlessly lifted me into the air, giving me a better vantage point.
Just as Sofia’s letters promised, she was impossible to miss. Her crimson dress clung to her form like molten fire, dipping low in the front and cascading to the floor in a blaze of elegance. Coiled golden cuffs, shaped like serpents, coiled around her upper arms, emphasizing her fierce beauty. Immortality had turned Sofia’s spark into a roaring inferno, one that burned brighter with every passing day.
Carlo stood near her, his golden locks catching the sunlight like spun gold. Over the months, he and Leonardo had grown into their roles, their differences more pronounced than ever. Carlo’s energy was warm and golden, radiating life, while Leonardo’s was silver, cool and steady like moonlight reflecting on water.
“High Lord Leonardo,” Carlo greeted with a teasing grin, clasping Leonardo’s arm in the traditional fae manner. The gesture, familiar and natural, made a handshake seem dull in comparison.
Sofia, never one for formalities, barreled into me with a force that had me stumbling back a step. I was immediately enveloped in her cinnamon-vanilla scent, giggling as though no time had passed between us. Her golden eyeliner sparkled as she took me in, and her playful expression grew as she examined me.
“Oh, the stories I have for you, Ella,” she snorted, slinging an arm around my shoulders. She shot a grin at Leonardo before continuing, “Carlo’s been busy, kicking ass and dealing with a little murder attempt here, a sprinkling of mortal enemies there. It’s been a hell of a ride so far.”
My jaw dropped at the casual mention of a murder attempt, but neither Carlo nor Sofia seemed fazed. Instead, they exchanged amused glances, like siblings recalling a misadventure.
“Your feud with Commander Celso hardly qualifies as mortal enemies,” Carlo teased, his golden tunic glinting as he crossed his arms.
“Little feud?” Sofia scoffed, narrowing her eyes. “He told the water nymphs I thought they were shallow and overrated. They harassed me for weeks, Carlo-spraying me with that foul-smelling water!”
Carlo smirked, unbothered. “You did sic the fire sprites on him first. And I’d say punching him in the face was revenge enough.”
“You punched the commander of Carlo’s army?” I snorted, not entirely surprised. “You really do have a lot to tell me.”
Unashamed, Sofia shrugged.
Confessions Beneath the Moon
As the party continued, Enrico whisked Carlo and Leonardo away for a private conversation, leaving Chiara to join Sofia and me.
“You look stunning!” Sofia gushed, pulling Chiara into a fierce hug. “So, are you High Lady of the Earth Court yet? Ella didn’t last long trying to resist her true mate. I bet she’s got tabs on Leonardo even now.”
I smirked, knowing Sofia was absolutely right-I always knew where Leonardo was, even if I couldn’t see him.
“Speak for yourself,” Chiara shot back with an exaggerated eye roll. “I’ve heard about you and a certain fae commander. Seems like Delfino might have some competition.”
Sofia wrinkled her nose in mock disdain. “As if. He’s fire; I’m ice. We don’t mix.”
“Mhm.” Chiara’s tone was dubious, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. “Ella’s most powerful element is fire, and Leonardo’s the High Lord of the Water Court. Opposites attract, Sofia.”
Before Sofia could retort, Andrea appeared, guiding her away with a hand hovering protectively over her lower back. Something wistful flickered in Sofia’s eyes as she glanced over her shoulder at us, her usual fiery demeanor briefly subdued.
“I know you’ve been wondering about Fabio,” she said softly, the surrounding sounds of the celebration cushioning the weight of her words.
My stomach tightened. “He hasn’t come through the wall, has he?”
She shook her head, her jaw set with stubborn determination. “No, and he won’t. The day we crossed, I used my hour to find him. I gave him a chance to come with me, but he refused to leave Francesca. She has no intention of crossing over, and I get that he wants to take care of his kid. But… part of me wanted him to choose me, just once.”
Her voice didn’t waver, though anger burned behind her eyes. “I rejected him, Ella,” she admitted, the words quiet but resolute. A dry laugh escaped her lips, revealing her strength. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I want more. I want someone who chooses me. I want the kind of bond you and Chiara have. And one day, I’ll have it.”
I reached for her hand, offering silent support. Sofia’s fire wasn’t diminished-it had only grown stronger.