Parting at Sunrise

Chapter Eight: Parting at Sunrise

The early morning air was crisp and cool as the first rays of sunlight kissed the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and soft pink. Elara was startled awake by a gentle touch on her shoulder. Opening her eyes, she found Draven standing by the bed, his expression calm yet unreadable.

"Get dressed," he said, his voice low but firm. "I want to show you something."

Elara blinked in confusion, but his tone held no room for argument. She slipped into a light gown, and moments later, she followed him through the castle corridors, their footsteps echoing in the stillness.

Outside, the gardens were bathed in the glow of dawn. Draven led her to a hill overlooking the castle grounds. The view was breathtaking; the sun rose slowly, spilling warmth and light over the land, dispelling the shadows of the night.

Elara stood in silence, her breath caught in her throat. "It's beautiful," she murmured.

Draven glanced at her. "I thought you'd like it. You spend so much time in the garden, I assumed you appreciate moments like this."

She smiled softly, surprised by his thoughtfulness. For a moment, they stood side by side, the silence between them comfortable, the sunrise a shared peace in their otherwise turbulent lives.

When they returned to the castle, breakfast was served in the grand dining hall. To her astonishment, Draven joined her. It was a rare occurrence, and Elara found herself stealing glances at him as they ate.

"You're leaving today," she said, her voice hesitant.

"Yes." His reply was curt, but not unkind.

After breakfast, Elara busied herself preparing the things he might need for his journey. She chose a sturdy satchel and carefully packed it with essentials—a small flask of water, a map, a set of clean clothes, and a few items she thought he might find useful.

As she worked, she couldn't shake the growing unease in her chest. The thought of him leaving stirred something she couldn't quite name. She reminded herself that he was strong, capable, and far from vulnerable. Yet, the idea of him being in danger gnawed at her.

When Draven returned to the room to collect his things, he watched her fuss over the satchel. A faint smirk tugged at his lips.

"You're unusually attentive today," he teased.

Elara looked up, startled. "I… I just thought you might need these," she said, her cheeks flushing.

Draven took the satchel from her hands, his fingers brushing against hers. For a brief moment, he lingered, his gaze holding hers.

"Thank you," he said simply, his voice softer than she'd ever heard it.

Before he left, Draven turned back to her. "Stay out of trouble while I'm gone."

Elara managed a small smile. "You too."

As she watched him leave, the weight of his absence settled heavily in her chest. For reasons she couldn't yet understand, the castle felt colder without him.

---

After Draven's departure, the castle felt unusually quiet, the emptiness echoing through its vast halls. Elara lingered by the window, her gaze fixed on the horizon where he had disappeared. She couldn't help but wonder about the journey ahead of him, the dangers he might face, and the uncertainty of his return.

Feeling restless, she made her way to the garden, seeking solace in the swing where she had spent countless hours reflecting on her life. The morning sun shone brightly, but it did little to lift her spirits. She swayed gently, the creak of the swing blending with the soft rustle of the trees.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice. "Lady Elara!"

Elara turned to see Isabella running toward her, her golden curls bouncing with every step. The little girl carried a doll in one hand, her face lighting up with excitement.

"Come play with me!" Isabella said, tugging at Elara's hand.

Elara managed a small smile, her heart warming at the child's enthusiasm. "Of course, Isabella."

They spent the morning playing hide-and-seek and making daisy chains. For a while, Elara felt the heaviness in her heart ease. But their joy was short-lived.

As Isabella reached for a flower near a bush, a sharp cry escaped her lips. Elara rushed to her side and found a bee sting swelling on her hand. Isabella's face paled, and she clung to Elara, trembling.

"It hurts!" Isabella whimpered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Elara scooped her up, her heart racing. "It's going to be okay. I'll take you inside."

By the time they reached the castle, Isabella's condition had worsened. Her breathing became labored, and her skin turned an alarming shade. Elara called for the healer, her voice trembling with urgency.

The healer arrived promptly, administering an antidote and tending to the child. But Clara, who had just returned from the sewing room, was furious.

"What happened to my daughter?" Clara demanded, her voice sharp as a blade.

Elara stepped forward, her hands clasped tightly. "She was stung by a bee. I… I didn't see it in time."

Clara's eyes blazed with anger. "You were supposed to look after her! And now, she's ill because of your carelessness."

"It was an accident," Elara tried to explain, but Clara wasn't interested in excuses.

"You're nothing but a burden in this household," Clara snapped. "Since you're incapable of behaving like a proper lady, you'll live like a maid until I decide otherwise."

Elara's eyes widened in shock. "What? You can't—"

"I can, and I will," Clara interrupted coldly. "From now on, you'll report to the head maid. Consider it a lesson in humility."

Elara wanted to protest, but the icy determination in Clara's gaze left no room for argument. Humiliated and defeated, she lowered her head and nodded.

As the maids escorted her to her new quarters, Elara felt the weight of her new reality pressing down on her. Draven's absence left her vulnerable, and Clara's punishment only deepened her sense of isolation.

That night, as she lay on the narrow cot in the servants' quarters, tears silently traced her cheeks. Yet, beneath her sorrow, a small ember of determination burned. She wouldn't let Clara break her spirit. If she had to endure this for now, she would—but she vowed to rise above it.