Elara’s Story

Chapter - 34

Jacob looked at Elara with warmth in his gaze, trying to soften the gravity of the moment. He spoke slowly, his tone gentle. "Elara, I know this must be overwhelming for you. I want you to understand that, while you're bound to me now, I don't see you as a slave. What I need is a partner, someone I can trust and rely on. You're more than just an asset."

Elara looked up at him, and for the first time, there was a flicker of hope in her eyes, tempered by uncertainty. "Thank you, sir," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I'll do everything I can to serve you well."

Jacob nodded, offering a small smile. "Why don't we start by getting to know each other better? I'll go first—it might be a shorter story than yours." He paused, considering his words. "Nearly two months ago, I woke up on the outskirts of Ironhelm City, with no memory of how I got there or why. All I remembered was my name—Jacob Turner—and I had nothing on me but the clothes on my back and this." He drew out his revolver and held it up for Elara to see, her eyes widening with curiosity at the unfamiliar metal object.

"This is a revolver," Jacob explained. "It's likely the only one in all of Mirntha. When I first held it, I discovered I could harness faerium through it—and I realized I had the powers of a mage. My faerium channels through this revolver, allowing me to shoot powerful projectiles."

Seeing the question in her eyes, he smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll show you how it works when we go out on a hunt together."

"Hunt, sir?" Elara asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Yes," Jacob said. "I'm a monster hunter, and I'd like you to be my partner. Now, tell me about yourself," he urged gently. "Anything you think I should know—your past, your life, any abilities you have."

Elara took a shaky breath, clasping her hands tightly in front of her. "I was born in a small village named Ashenford," she began softly. "We were poor but managed as best we could. My father was a farmer, and my mother cared for me and my younger sister. My father wasn't the kindest of men, but my mother always tried to make our lives happy." Her gaze softened as she thought of her family, but there was pain in her expression, too.

"When I was eight, I discovered I could harness faerium. It started small—like making a candle flame dance or lighting a fire without flint. A local mage, an elderly woman named Thalia, noticed my abilities and offered to train me. My father agreed, hoping it would lead to something…useful for him, eventually." She looked away for a moment, her voice taking on a melancholy note. "Thalia taught me the basics, but she was very old and frail. I learned what I could, but she passed away when I was twelve. With her, I lost my only real chance at proper training."

Elara's voice grew quieter as she continued, a bitter edge slipping into her words. "After Thalia was gone, things grew worse. My family's crops failed one year, and we fell into heavy debt. My father tried every way he could to repay it, but it wasn't enough. When the debt collectors came, they took everything. Still, it barely made a dent. In desperation, my father…he sold me to the slavers to settle the rest. My mother fought him on it, but…he wouldn't listen." She swallowed hard, her voice almost a whisper. "I was nineteen."

Jacob listened intently, his expression softening. "I see. What happened after that?"

Elara continued, "The slavers sold me to a cruel noble as one of the numerous maids in his estate. His name was Lord Valtor. I served there for a few years. He was a harsh and demanding master, punishing his servants for the slightest mistakes. I was often tasked with the most grueling and demeaning chores. There were days when I wasn't given food or rest, and nights when I cried myself to sleep."

Jacob's jaw tightened as she continued. "Lord Valtor was known for his temper. Once, he lashed me for accidentally spilling a drink during one of his feasts. Another time, he had me locked in a cellar for days because he thought I had stolen from him. I hadn't, but there was no use arguing. After a few years, when he grew tired of me, he sold me again. That's how I ended up back at the slave trader's."

Jacob's eyes were filled with sympathy. "I'm sorry you had to go through all that, Elara. No one should be treated that way."

She looked down, her voice barely audible. "Thank you, sir. It was a hard life, but I hope it's over now. I don't ask for much, just to be treated with dignity."

Jacob rose from the bed and walked over to Elara, who still kept her eyes downcast. He gently lifted her chin, looking her in the eyes. He then said with utmost seriousness, "I promise you, Elara, I'll always treat you with respect. I'm not perfect, but I'll do my best to be good to you."

Jacob then stepped back. "We'll start your training tomorrow. I won't push you into anything you're not ready for, but I do need your help, and I believe we can help each other."

Elara nodded, her eyes meeting his with a blend of fear and hope. "Thank you," she whispered. "I don't know what the future holds, but I'm grateful for this chance."

Jacob nodded. "You're welcome, Elara. We'll take it one step at a time and figure it out together."