24 Chapter 24: Enchanted

Upon returning the receptionist gave me a guild card; and my heart lept with joy. there were many guilds aside from the adventurers guild like the mages guild and the merchants guild which was a combination of craftsman and merchants who sell those crafts. But no guild has as much influence as the adventurers guild; which does everything short of going to war and assassinations. that sort of action was left to mercenary bands. The adventurers guild made it a priorty to keep their members out of matters of war. violation of this policy meant removal and permanent baning from the adventurers guild. I held onto the card with a satisfied expression. Today I have made great progress in achieving my dreams with just this one application; this was almost unreal. a little over a month ago I would have never even dreamed of this; I was definitly going to rub this in those bastards faces back at home when I got the chance. I know it's petty but just wait, I would spread my name far and wide! It was then that I noticed Don was waving his hand in front of my face.

"Eva you okay?" he said it with a slight smirk causng me to blush and back away. I could not get accustomed to that smile at all! it would have been better if he was just spiteful all the time! I heard one of the young ladies that was now accompanying Don cough quietly into her hand; With a solem expression I looked over.

"Don sweetie what exactly are your plans for the evening? as you know; we miss you terribly and though we understand you are under oath and orders we wish to spend time with you, our future husband." Casey shot me a warning look briefly as she said the last part. point made Casey, point made. I sighed and walked passed Don as he tried to rang in his wives who were now biding for his attention one after the other. I sat and waited in the carriage for Don as I pondered how all this was affecting me. I thought Don was a pretty handsome guy; and yeah he would make for an amazing husband...maybe; but I knew what I desired from him was definitly not love! So why were they being so vicious? How could he make me a target like this?

The days went by in a slight blur with little word from Count Rory. it seemed that the Count was busy with the increased number of monster attacks in his region; there was even rumors that another demon lord would be born soon. there were currently 2 demon lords in exsistance and they lived oceans away from each other; for there to be another on this continent may well be a curse.

The ladies did everything possible to keep me and Don apart be it sitting next to each other or walking side by side. It was more inconvient than it was annoying; but because of this I managed to slip out without much detection from my gate keeper of a partner Don. I headed straight for the adventurers guild. without Don most people payed little attention to me; which was a great change. Feeling emboldened I decided to change course and instead look around for a bit. However I then found myself on the shadier part of town with the sun setting on the horizon.

"Damn..." I said feeling foolish; how could I have let time slip by me like that? worse yet I have no idea where the heck I am. trying to not be completely obvious about my current situation with so many possible enemies around I tried to back track.

the sun had set soon after and I found myself alone in a narrow cobblestone path which had stone walls that reached high over head. a few windows could be seen with lights shining just enough to give the passageway enough light to see ahead but not much else.

"I seem to find you in the most interesting of places little elf." I knew that seductive voice; It sent tingles up my spine from my inner most core and I shivered. feeling suddenly winded I breathed out shallowly.

"Amos..." I could hear his delighted and twisted chuckle suddenly at my ear and I shook violently before moving away. His expression looked hurt but it was such a brief sight I questioned if I actually saw it. I blinked and he was unexpectedly in front of me again; I jumped surprised. He grabbed my arm tightly and lifted my head.

I met his eyes and everything seemed to melt away; There was only Amos and me at that moment. How strange it was feeling both full and empty all at once.

"Do you feel calmer now?" He said in a gentle voice; I wanted to say no just to have some sort of control of my body but it was like the moment he came into view all my actions were his to decide. I just nodded quietly as he released me; my mind was screaming for me to run but my body didn't want to move.

"I've missed you little elf." he said as he stroked my cheek with a clawed finger, I was much too calm for this kind of situation; was this his doing? a deep fear rooted it's self into the pit of my stomach. I looked up at Amos with helpless wide eyes and he gave me a defeated look.

"Don't do that; I wont hurt you as long as you don't give me a reason too." He hugged me suddenly; and I stumbled. The sudden cold of his skin was shocking; it was a hot summer night and though he was unnaturally cold it felt good against my heated skin.

"So warm..." he said cuddling into my neck and causing me to swallow the yelp I wanted to blurt out. his voice was so soothing and gentle; It was enough to calm me and yet put me on edge. he changed between docile and bloodthirsty at the drop of a hat; confusing my senses and causing my mind to be in utter chaos. How was I supposed to treat him?!

"Would you perhaps like to go for a stroll? it is such a wonderful night." he said gesturing to the star kissed sky. I looked up and saw the waning cresent moon and looked back at him the eerie calm was still in effect.

"Do I really have a choice?" he gave me a sinistar smile and played with a lock of my hair before he replied.

"You could always play along you know. you may even have some fun." he leaned down in front of me twisting his head to the side ever so slightly. his red eyes gleamed; it made him look unnatural and a little more than spooky.

"humor me wont you." his voice was low and intimidating; a chill went down my back and I broke out into a cold sweat; my instincts told me if I didn't go along with this I wouldn't like the reprocussions. I shook my head in compliance; it couldn't hurt right?

He straightened up immediately and in a graceful motion beckoned me with an out stretched hand. for a moment everything felt surreal; he was almost otherworldly in his beauty. the dim light only enhanced his pale perfect features causing him to stand out against the dim and dismal scenery. Did he some how become even more alluring? My breathe caught and without much thought I took his hand entranced.

" That expression suits you." I blinked summoned back by his words; We jolted upward suddenly and I was raised into the air at a great speed.