Die Höhlen
'Surely,' Reth said, hoping the promise of their destination would distract her. However, Elia pierced him with her gaze, relentless. "Think about it—how would it feel to be torn away from everything you've ever known, dragged into a deadly struggle in a foreign world, and then made to marry a complete stranger? Could you easily accept being told, 'We can deal with everything else tomorrow'?"
Her argument was valid, yet the timing was inopportune. Walking through the woods, Reth had already adjusted his stride for her convenience. Time was of the essence; the ceremonial pyre would be waiting, and she still needed to dress for the occasion.
"Elia, I do grasp your situation, perhaps more than you think. My experience as a king has taught me that, at times, life compels us to act. The Creator orchestrates our steps, guiding us to pivotal moments and decisions. Perhaps this turmoil is what was necessary to place you on your true path."
"You know nothing of my life," she retorted sharply.
"I know you're an orphan who has never lain with a man."
She halted, staring at him, her mouth agape. The guards on duty tensed, searching for any threat that might have caused their abrupt stop, but Reth merely gestured for them to relax and refocused on Elia.
"How can you be so sure?" she asked in a hushed tone, looking around to check if they were overheard.
"Because purity is a prerequisite for the Rite. The chosen one from humanity must be unstained — unwed, unmatched, and unbound. Don't think we lack compassion, Elia. We wouldn't steal a woman from her kinfolk only to bring her here to perish."
"So, to you, a woman without family is but a sacrificial animal?"
He hesitated, then sighed, knowing he couldn't divulge the full truth yet—not until she comprehended the complexities of the Anima Kingdom. As the guards grew more agitated, he gave her hand a reassuring pat and moved on. In a voice barely above a whisper, intended only for her ears, he said:
"While you may not fathom the situation now, I promise to elucidate when we can afford tranquility. But let this be clear: your selection signifies esteem, not disdain, compared to your peers."
"Esteem in what respect? Offering myself up for death?"
He suppressed a chuckle; her intuition was unsettlingly accurate. Regarding the wolves, he thought, better to remain silent. "You are esteemed for what you can offer Anima, for what you represent to me, and for what might unfold for your sake. Please, believe me, the Pure One isn't chosen lightly."
Before she could argue further, he gently urged her forward. Absorbed in their conversation, she hadn't noticed they were nearing the sacred Caves. "This place, Elia, is now your home. The Creator has led you here, irrespective of how that may seem. Trust may be scant between us now, but my word is bond: you shall suffer no harm by my doing, nor by any other, if it lies within my power to prevent it. Come and behold your sanctuary, your world anew. Beyond the initial shock, you might find contentment."
Passing through the final thicket, they emerged into the clearing, and Elia was awestruck, speechless.