Just before midnight, as I lay resting on the soft bed the elves had prepared for me, a sudden knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.
I froze, startled. It was late—too late for visitors.
Was it Oregon? Holumis said he'd take me to meet their mother, but it was impossibly late for a meeting. I assumed he would come tomorrow.
Sitting up quickly, I didn't bother reaching for my robe.
Taking a steady breath, I crossed the room and opened the door.
I was right.
Oregon stood there, his expression calm, but his silver eyes sharp with intent.
His gaze flickered briefly over my sheer dress before he looked away, his posture stiffening.
"Mother wants to see you right now," he said.
"She was curious the moment I mentioned the Prime Apex."
I hesitated.
Although my mind was exhausted, my body pulsed with restless energy, as if something within me refused to be still.
"But if you need rest, it's fine," Oregon added, watching me closely.
"I'll tell Mother. She'll understand. She doesn't like forcing anyone into something they're not ready for."
I took a breath.
"No, it's okay. I can do this."
As I smoothed the fabric of my long dress, I caught the way Oregon's gaze flickered downward once more.
"Not like this," he said, pointing at my sheer dress. "Please put on your robe."
Heat crept up my neck, but I quickly turned and grabbed it.
Oregon remained at the door, waiting while I slipped the robe over my shoulders and fastened it at the front.
Even before I turned to face him, I could feel his eyes on me.
As soon as our gazes met, he quickly averted his eyes, a faint blush creeping across his face.
"Forgive me," he muttered stiffly.
"It was inappropriate of me to—" He cut himself off abruptly.
I tilted my head.
"It's fine, really. It's not like I wasn't wearing anything."
"But—"
"Oregon," I interrupted with a small smile. "It's fine. Don't worry about it."
He exhaled through his nose, nodding.
I finished adjusting my hair, then turned to him.
"I'm ready. Let's go."
We walked through the elven halls in silence. The air smelled of wildflowers and something ancient—like the very essence of the forest itself.
The walls shimmered faintly under the glow of bioluminescent vines, casting soft shadows that danced as we passed.
After a while, we reached a grand door carved with intricate patterns of trees and constellations.
Just as Oregon raised his hand to knock, I placed my fingers on his wrist, stopping him.
"If you don't mind, may I know your mother's name?" I asked.
He turned to me, his expression unreadable.
"Vesperia."
I nodded, inhaling deeply before whispering, "Vesperia."
Oregon knocked, and a smooth, commanding voice came from within.
"Enter."
He pushed the door open.
"Mother, Leighton is here to meet you."
I stepped inside with careful grace, my gaze landing on the woman seated in the center of the room.
Vesperia.
She was breathtaking in the way ancient things were—timeless and commanding. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, shimmering under the glow of enchanted lanterns.
Her features were refined, regal, and unmistakably similar to Oregon's. While he carried a quiet, storm-like intensity, she radiated something different—an undeniable presence, as if the forest itself bowed to her will.
"So," she said, her voice smooth as silk yet edged with steel, "you are Leighton, the one claiming to be the next Prime Apex."
I lifted my chin.
"That's what I've been told. I didn't believe it at first, but now… I do."
Vesperia studied me, her eyes sharp as a predator's.
"I see," she murmured.
I took a step forward, choosing my words carefully.
"I came here because I require the mark of the elves. The third mark. I was told it must come from one of your kind."
Vesperia leaned back, steepling her fingers. "The mark of the elves is not something given freely."
I remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
"Among my kind, the bond between souls is sacred," she said at last.
"A mark from an elf can only be granted through matrimony. You must understand that."
My breath hitched slightly, but I kept my expression neutral.
Matrimony.
I glanced at Oregon, who had been standing silently beside me. Upon hearing his mother's words, he stiffened, his eyes widening slightly before he looked away.
"I understand," I said.
"And I am ready for it."
Oregon inhaled sharply, his fingers curling slightly at his sides.
Vesperia arched a brow at her son.
"And what about you, Oregon?"
He parted his lips as if to respond, but no words came out.
"If you are not ready," she continued, her tone deceptively light, "we can find someone else. Your cousin, Eldrin, would be a perfect choice."
Something inside me twisted.
I didn't want to waste time being introduced to another elf, explaining everything all over again.
I turned to Oregon, hoping—perhaps foolishly—that he would accept.
As if he could hear my thoughts, he met my gaze. A long, silent moment passed between us. Then, slowly, he nodded.
"Anytime," he said, his voice firm.
"I'm ready, Mother."
Vesperia's lips curved into something akin to satisfaction.
"Very well," she said.
"The matrimony will require more than just spoken vows."
She gestured with her hand, and a silver chest materialized before her, hovering slightly above the ground.
The lid opened, revealing a piece of intricately crafted jewelry—a delicate, rune-etched chain with a sapphire gemstone at its center, swirling with magic.
"This," Vesperia said, lifting the piece, "is the bond-forging pendant. It is imbued with elven magic and will link your life forces."
Oregon and I both stepped forward.
"The matrimony consists of three parts, and it's more of a ritual," she explained.
"First, the exchange of the pendant, signifying your willingness to bind your fates together. Second, the vow—sworn under the watchful gaze of the forest spirits. And third…" She glanced between us.
"The mark itself. Once the vows are spoken, magical tattoos will appear on your skin, symbolizing your eternal bond. You will share dreams and a mental connection—a link that cannot be severed."
My heartbeat quickened.
Oregon's gaze flickered to mine.
"There is no set time for this ritual," Vesperia said, tilting her head.
"When do you plan to proceed?"
I looked at Oregon. He looked at me.
"As soon as possible," I said.
A shadow of something unreadable crossed his face, but he nodded.
Vesperia smiled slightly, the gleam in her eyes unreadable.
"Then it shall be done."