Chapter 13: No more secrets

Eleanor stood amidst the ancient forest, her slender form illuminated by the soft silver glow of the moon filtering through the canopy above. Her eyes were closed, a serene expression gracing her delicate features as she connected with the life force pulsating through the towering trees around her. Each tree seemed to whisper secrets of the ages, their wisdom imparted to her through the gentle touch of her fingertips against their weathered bark.

Lost in this communion with nature, Eleanor was unaware of Drakon's approach until his voice, warm and familiar, cut through the tranquil night air. "My love, you shouldn't be out here alone."

Startled, Eleanor's emerald eyes flew open, locking onto Drakon's intense gaze as he stepped into the moonlight beside her. His presence was a comforting anchor amidst the wilderness that had embraced her solitude moments before. "Drakon! I didn't think anyone would find me here."

A soft smile curved his lips as he closed the distance between them, his hand extending in a silent invitation. "You forget I know you better than anyone, Eleanor. I could feel your energy calling to me from the castle."

Blushing faintly, Eleanor hesitated only briefly before accepting Drakon's hand. She fell into step beside him as they wandered along a well-worn path through the forest, their footsteps a quiet cadence blending with the rustling leaves and distant murmur of night creatures.

They walked in companionable silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them like the delicate strands of moonlight filtering through the trees. Finally, it was Drakon who broke the silence, his voice carrying a tender admiration that melted Eleanor's defenses. "You've changed since the war, Eleanor. Grown stronger. I can see it in the way you carry yourself."

Eleanor's steps faltered slightly, her heart skipping a beat as she glanced sidelong at him. "I don't know what you mean."

"There's no need to hide from me, my love. I know about your true nature," Drakon said softly, his eyes searching hers with unwavering sincerity.

Shock rippled through Eleanor, her breath catching in her throat. "How could you know?" she whispered, her voice betraying a mix of vulnerability and curiosity.

Gently cupping her cheek, Drakon traced his thumb along her jawline. "Your father told me. He's known about your fairy lineage since our marriage was arranged."

Eleanor recoiled slightly, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. "Theodosius knew? All this time, when I struggled alone, afraid of what I was becoming, he knew and said nothing?"

"He had his reasons, Eleanor," Drakon replied, his voice tinged with empathy. "This alliance, our marriage... it was meant to unite our kingdoms in lasting peace. He suspected you were more than you seemed and believed your power could solidify our bond when the time came."

Turning away, Eleanor fought to compose herself, tears of hurt and betrayal prickling at the corners of her eyes. "I trusted him, Drakon. To know he kept this from me..." Her voice cracked with emotion, her fists clenching in frustration.

Drakon moved closer, enfolding her trembling form in a reassuring embrace. "I know you feel betrayed, Eleanor. But he did not mean you harm. He wanted only to protect you until you came fully into your own. And I... I still love you, powers or not. You must believe that."

Eleanor met his gaze, the storm in her eyes gradually subsiding as she searched the depths of his soul. In his unwavering gaze, she found solace and an unspoken promise of unconditional love. Slowly, she relaxed into his embrace, her head finding refuge against his chest. "I do believe you, Drakon. And I am sorry I kept my growth from you as well. No more secrets between us from here on."

A tender smile curved Drakon's lips as he brushed a kiss against her forehead, his arms tightening protectively around her. "No more secrets," he murmured softly, his voice a soothing melody that resonated deep within her heart.

As they stood beneath the moonlit canopy, Eleanor felt a sense of peace settle over her, the tumultuous emotions of moments before dissipating like mist in the morning sun. Together, they had weathered another storm, their love emerging stronger and more resilient than ever.

The forest seemed to hum with approval, its ancient trees bearing silent witness to the profound bond between Eleanor and Drakon. In the quiet embrace of nature's sanctuary, they spoke of dreams yet to be realized and futures intertwined. Each whispered word and shared touch echoed the promise of a love that transcended time and trials.

As they continued their journey through the forest, hand in hand, Eleanor shared the story of her powers—their origin, her fears, and the journey of self-discovery that had brought her to this moment. Drakon listened with unwavering attention, his love a steady anchor amidst the tempest of her memories.

"It was during the last battle," she began, her voice soft yet resolute. "I felt something awaken inside me, something ancient and powerful. At first, I feared it, unsure of what it meant. But as the battle raged on, I learned to harness it, to use it to protect those I love."

Drakon nodded, his admiration for her courage and strength evident in his gaze. "I remember that day. You were breathtaking, Eleanor. I knew then that you were destined for greatness, in more ways than one."

A shy smile graced Eleanor's lips, a mix of humility and pride coloring her features. "It was a journey of self-acceptance and trust. Trust in myself, in my abilities, and in our love."

"And now?" Drakon asked softly, his voice a gentle caress against the canvas of the night.

Eleanor turned to him, her eyes alight with determination and love. "Now, I trust myself. And I trust you, Drakon. With everything that I am."

Moved beyond words, Drakon cupped her face in his hands, his touch tender and reverent. "I love you, Eleanor. For who you are, for what you are. Nothing will ever change that."

Tears of joy shimmered in Eleanor's eyes as she gazed up at him, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude. "I love you too, Drakon. More than words can express."

In that moment, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the forest and cradled in the warmth of each other's embrace, Eleanor and Drakon sealed their love with a kiss—a kiss that spoke of promises kept and futures yet to unfold. The world around them faded into insignificance, leaving only the two of them, bound by an unbreakable bond forged in the crucible of adversity.

As they parted, their fingers intertwined, Eleanor felt a fleeting sense of unease prickling at the edges of her consciousness. A shadow seemed to flicker in the periphery of her vision, fleeting yet unsettling. Drakon, noticing her hesitation, followed her gaze but saw nothing amiss in the tranquil forest around them.

"What troubles you, Eleanor?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Eleanor shook her head, attempting to dispel the inexplicable sense of foreboding that gripped her. "I don't know... I just have this feeling that something isn't right."

Before Drakon could respond, a figure emerged from the shadows—Lady Isabella, her once-beautiful features twisted with malice and resentment. "How touching," she sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "But did you really think you could live happily ever after?"

Eleanor's heart lurched as she instinctively stepped in front of Drakon, her gaze locked onto Isabella's malevolent eyes. "What do you want, Isabella?"

Isabella's laughter rang out, sharp and bitter, cutting through the night like a knife. "Revenge, of course. You took everything from me, Eleanor. My father was supposed to marry your mother, and I was to be queen. Instead, your father stole him away, and now you have taken the man I love."

Drakon's grip tightened protectively around Eleanor's hand, his eyes narrowing as he stepped forward to confront Isabella. "Isabella, this is madness. You cannot let the past consume you."

But Isabella's eyes burned with a fierce, unrelenting hatred. "I will not rest until you have paid for your family's sins. You will suffer, Eleanor. Mark my words."

With a final scornful glance, Isabella vanished into the enveloping darkness, leaving Eleanor and Drakon standing in stunned silence. The air around them seemed charged with tension, the serenity of moments before shattered by Isabella's vengeful proclamation.

Eleanor's pulse raced, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions—fear, anger, and a gnawing uncertainty for what lay ahead. Beside her, Drakon remained steadfast, his presence a steadfast anchor amidst the storm. "What are we going to do?" she whispered, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability.

Drakon pulled her close, enveloping her in a protective embrace. "We will face this together, Eleanor. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we will face them together."

In his arms, Eleanor found solace and strength, her fears tempered by the unwavering love and determination radiating from Drakon's heart. "Together," she echoed softly, finding courage in the promise of their shared future.

Hand in hand, they turned towards the distant lights of the castle, their path illuminated by the silvery moonlight above though shadows of uncertainty lingered in their hearts