Pure Bliss

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the quiet courtyard. Eva and Elias sat together on the stone bench beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak tree. Her laughter, soft and melodic, broke the stillness of the night as Elias brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. His golden eyes shone with a warmth he hadn't felt in centuries, his hand lingering on her cheek as she leaned into his touch.

"I really can't believe it" Eva whispered, her voice tinged with wonder. "All these lifetimes… it feels like a dream."

Elias's lips curved into a gentle smile, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of her hand. "It's real, Eva. I'll never let you go again."

Unseen and unheard, Lucian stood in the shadows of a nearby archway, his crimson eyes fixed on the pair. His jaw tightened as he watched their intimate exchange, jealousy and longing warring within him. The sight of Eva's happiness stirred something bitter in his chest, a reminder of the love he had lost to his brother long ago. He clenched his fists, the sharp edges of his nails biting into his palms, but he made no move to interrupt. Instead, he melted further into the darkness, retreating to his solitude where his emotions churned, unseen by the world.

Meanwhile, Magnus sat in the dimly lit study of the mansion, surrounded by a collection of ancient books and scattered parchments. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and candle wax. His brow creased in concentration as he poured over a particularly weathered book, its pages filled with cryptic symbols and incantations.

"This is dangerous, even for you," a beautiful voice echoed from the corner of the room. Magnus glanced up to see a spectral figure, the manifestation of a spirit bound to the house's magic.

Magnus sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "I know but if I don't find a way to protect them, Lucian won't stop. He's consumed by his jealousy. And there are others—older, darker forces—that might sense the imbalance in their bond."

The spirit tilted its head, its form flickering faintly. "Dark magic always comes with a cost. Are you prepared to pay it?"

Magnus's gaze hardened. "If it means keeping them safe, then yes. I'll pay whatever it takes."

The spirit observed him silently for a moment before fading into the shadows, leaving Magnus alone with his thoughts and the weight of his decision. He turned back to the tome, his fingers tracing the outline of sigils that seemed to pulse faintly under his touch. The words of the incantation burned into his mind, a reminder that the path he had chosen was one of no return.

Back in the courtyard, Eva rested her head on Elias's shoulder, her eyes half-closed as she savoured the peace of the moment. "Do you think we'll ever be truly free?" she murmured.

Elias pressed a kiss to her hair, his arms wrapping protectively around her. "We will be. I'll make sure of it."

But even as he spoke the words, a shadow of doubt lingered in his heart—a silent acknowledgment of the challenges yet to come and the enemies that might still stand in their way.

The following evening, Eva stood before a nervous Elias in the middle of a bustling town square. Humans milled about, their laughter and chatter weaving into a tapestry of life that Elias hadn't been a part of in centuries. Eva's hands rested on her hips, her expression both amused and determined. "If you want to blend in, you've got to stop looking like a lost puppy. Smile, Elias be approachable."

Elias frowned, his golden eyes darting around the crowd. "I'm not sure I remember how to... 'Be approachable.' It's been a while since I tried to live amongst humans"

Eva sighed but smiled at him. "We'll start simple. Just follow my lead."

She pulled him toward a bustling street vendor selling roasted chestnuts. The vendor, a cheerful man with rosy cheeks, greeted them warmly. Eva chatted with him easily, her laughter infectious. Elias watched her, marvelling at how effortlessly she navigated the human world.

When it was his turn, Elias stiffened. "Uh, one bag of... those, please," he said, pointing awkwardly at the chestnuts. The vendor handed him the bag, and Elias fumbled with the coins, dropping several onto the cobblestone. Eva stifled a laugh as she helped him pick them up.

"You're doing fine," she whispered encouragingly.

They continued through the square, Eva guiding him from stall to stall. At one point, a group of young men invited them to join a small celebration at a nearby tavern. Eva accepted with a grin, tugging a hesitant Elias along.

Inside the tavern, the air was warm and filled with the sound of music and laughter. Eva encouraged Elias to relax, handing him a mug of beer. "Just try it," she urged. "It's part of the experience."

Elias took a cautious sip, then another. The sweet bitterness of the drink surprised him, and he found himself finishing the mug more quickly than he intended. Another followed, then another.

By the time the evening wore on, Elias was leaning heavily against Eva, his usually stoic demeanour replaced by a rare looseness. "Eva," he slurred, a lopsided grin on his face, "you're... amazing, you know that?"

Eva laughed, steadying him as they made their way out of the tavern. "Alright, Mr. Smooth Talker. Let's get you home before you embarrass yourself any further."

From a distance, Magnus watched the pair with a faint smirk, his arms crossed. "Well, that's a side of Elias I never thought I'd see," he muttered to himself but his smile faded as his eyes scanned the shadows. Somewhere, lurking just out of sight, he felt the familiar presence of Lucian. His grip tightened on the leather-bound tome he carried. Whatever Lucian was planning, Magnus knew they had to be ready.

The cool night air brushed against Eva's face as she struggled to balance Elias's weight while guiding him up the steps to her apartment. He stumbled slightly, muttering incoherent words about chestnuts and taverns, his golden eyes half-lidded. "Elias, you're not exactly helping here," she teased, her tone laced with affection. She fumbled with the key, finally pushing the door open and manoeuvring him inside.

Eva eased him onto the couch, where he collapsed with a dramatic sigh. "Your place is... cozy," he slurred, his gaze lazily drifting around the room. Eva shook her head, suppressing a laugh as she grabbed a blanket and draped it over him. "Sleep it off," she said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face. His hand reached up, catching hers for a brief moment, and a flicker of his usual intensity shone through his drunken haze. "Thank you, Eva," he murmured, his voice quieter now. She smiled, her heart swelling as she watched him succumb to sleep.

But as she turned to step away, his hand tightened gently around hers. Elias opened his eyes, the drunken haze momentarily giving way to a clear and piercing gaze. "Eva," he murmured, his voice low and laced with emotion. With a surprising surge of strength, he pulled her closer, his other hand resting lightly on her waist. Before she could react, his lips found hers in a soft, lingering kiss that spoke of centuries of longing and love. Eva froze for a moment, her heart racing, before melting into the kiss, the world around them fading into nothingness. When they finally pulled apart, Elias's lips curved into a tired smile. "I've wanted to do that for a while now," he whispered, before his head sank back onto the couch cushion, the weight of exhaustion and drink pulling him into sleep.