The Elf and The Demon (book 2)

With granted permission, Glolieh finally explained the circumstances of their territory and how there had been oddly condensed and unstable areas of elemental magic around the elven territory that they've been investigating. How Eial, who could detect multiple elements at once, had aided in the research, observing and charting the prevalence of each element at a certain location. How their goal was to detect a pattern and stop the source before these unstable areas of magic become a bigger threat to the elven folk.

The researchers were originally tasked with this explanation, but seeing how much they stuttered in fear, unable to make a cohesive word, let alone a sentence, Glolieh took over that task. Much to the researchers' relief.

"Isn't this like what we found in the demon territory?" Drokn asked, looking over to Eial.

"Similar." Eial smiled.

Seeing the elf's smile hypnotized Drokn, bringing him to a plane of just the two and no one else around. It took for Eial to turn his head away first for Drokn to remember the reality of where they were. Shaking his head to whisk away the momentary distraction, Drokn stood tall and addressed the queen once again. "Then, this works out perfectly. Back then, they needed my magic to detect the light magic. Our magic together can scope out larger areas at once. Having me around will make the observation go by faster."

"Eial is a user of light magic, as well, I hear. He will be able to detect light magic even without you," said the queen, not with an intent to hurt, but to state the matters with blunt honesty.

However, for the demon, the words were sharp. Suddenly, a cloud blanketed over the demon's mind, shadowing his vision with a darkness. With all the happening of late, he had forgotten how the elf had gained yet another form of power. The reminder poured tar into his chest, muddling his thoughts.

"I don't really know how to control the light magic, or even how to use it." Eial wanted to rub his fingers on fabric, but as his hands were restrained, he fulfilled his urge by shifting the weight on his feet back and forth. Sweetly gazing back up at the demon, he warmly smiled. "Having Drokn will be very helpful."

Cement hardened in the demon's throat, forcing his eyes away from the pure and honest being gazing at him. He wished he could stop the rummaging of old thoughts that strived to break into his mind at every chance. Now with the title of King, he no longer had any need to prove himself to anyone. And even in his brief time in the position, he learned that power on the throne had meant nothing. He had handled affairs without ever the need to force others to obey by displaying his powers as his father had.

Yet, years of exposure to a certain mentality still threatened to consume him. The worthlessness that stained his skin was difficult to clean. Inferiority mixed with the care he had for the elf only darkened the stain in other colors. He wished that he was able to view himself the way the elf had seen him. Maybe then he wouldn't have to harbor these unjust feelings towards the elf.

Recognizing the silence and the shifting tenseness beside her, Glolieh peeked at Drokn's expression before clearing her throat and pressing gently into his lower back with the shackles still in hand. "Contrary to our assumptions, it seems Eial has been facing the symptoms of being distant from a bonded mate. His degression seems to be slower paced than the majority of elves, but I have witnessed increased lethargy and night sweats, all of which seemed to have lessened greatly after being in close proximity to King Drokn. As such, even in the case where King Drokn may not be able to use his powers, his presence with Eial itself will keep Eial in top condition and move the process along faster."

"Glolieh, do you believe these researchers who are afraid of even looking at the demon would cooperate to work with him?"

"No, I do not believe they will cooperate"