Emma’s findings

Luna and Elysia walked hand in hand towards Silvi's Coffee Shop. Their steps light with the success of their mission. Elysia carried a backpack with the shoes they had found in Evan's house. The mayor had been right all along—his nephew did stab the man for his shoes.

"Were you a rookie when this happened?" Luna asked.

"No, I was still on the border, fighting in the war," Elysia replied.

"The war must have been terrible," Luna said as she opened the door to Silvi's Coffee Shop. She stopped talking, staring ahead in surprise. Her parents sat at a table, her father looking determined.

"I will see you in a bit," Elysia said, rushing upstairs.

"Come, have a seat," her father said in a commanding voice.

"Good morning, Mother, and Father," Luna said. Pouring herself a cup of coffee and then seated herself before her parents. This looks bad, she thought.

Her father looked around the shop. "This dream of yours stops today," he said.

"What do you mean, Father?" Luna asked.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Ignatius standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"Sell this horrid place and come home where you belong," her father continued. He went into a rant, telling her how useless Ignatius was as a man. Her mother slandered him for having such a beautiful face and a shapely body.

"We have a wonderful man chosen for you," her father said. "He lives in the capital, and his company and family are well-known."

Luna shuddered at the thought of the capital. She noticed that Ignatius stood with his arms folded, listening.

"I... I..." Luna struggled to say.

"What, you silly girl, we own you," her mother said. "Gregor will be your husband. He will grow my wealth and status," her father added.

"I am married to Ignatius," Luna said in a small voice.

"What? To that pathetic loser? You're kidding me," her father said.

"He has no status or title a mere commoner." Her mother said in disgust.

The door to the coffee shop opened. A team of well-dressed vampires walked through the door.

Ignatius grabbed Luna's hand. "Come, we have a function to attend." Luna was still in a daze as four vampires opened their briefcases. Handing her father a stack of documents. "What's this rubbish?" he snapped, glaring at Ignatius.

"You're a little shit!" he yelled, causing Luna's mother's eyes to widen in shock. "You're taking us to court?" her father shouted with anger simmering in his voice.

"Mr. Nightingale calm yourself. Mr. Thorn, you may leave. The tall vampire said. We will handle this riffraff ourselves," said a vampire with a red tie.

Luna looked back as Ignatius pulled her upstairs. "Lady Luna, are you alright?" asked Zarkon, gently taking her hand and leading her to her shower. Inside, Christie stood with the water running, steam billowing around her. "They are from my clan. Don't worry, they are the best," Zarkon assured her, undressing her.

Luna was silent as the vehicle left Misty Cove towards Hillside. "It had to be done," Ignatius said, turning onto an estate road. "The ring is a legal magical contract," Elysia explained. "We belong to Ignatius."

"He will not yield, you know," Luna said, her voice tinged with concern.

"I know, my love. There's a lot of money at stake this time," Ignatius replied, stopping the vehicle.

Christie got out and opened the door for Ignatius, who then helped Luna and Elysia out of the car. Their evening dresses, made of the finest silk, narrowed at their ankles. Luna wore a cream and red nightdress, while Elysia donned a black and red one. Ayla giggled as Ignatius lifted her out of the vehicle. She had a green and white nightdress. Christie, in her maid outfit, followed Ignatius, who wore a tuxedo.

The mansion was decorated with banners and lanterns. The new candidate for mayor had bought this estate. As they entered, Ignatius froze. Luna scanned the room, her heart sinking. Clair walked in with a handsome man, her arm linked through his. She laughed as he kissed her, then steered towards them.

"Ignatius, my old friend!" Clair called out, turning every head in the room.

"This is bad," Elysia whispered.

"I know, the cow," Luna muttered. "Hold his arms, girl." Luna and Elysia linked arms with Ignatius, supporting him.

Ayla and Christie moved closer to their master. As everyone stared their way.

"This is Victor Harrington," Clair introduced the man. "I've heard about you, Ignatius. You're even more beautiful in person," Victor said, grinning. "Wow, I want to kiss you." he laughed his face red.

Clair playfully slapped his arm. "Stop teasing the man. Look, his women are blushing."

"Ladies," Victor nodded his head at them. "Enjoy the party," he said, walking away with Clair.

"He's ploughing her, I bet my life on it," Luna whispered.

Ignatius fell silent, withdrawing into himself. The evening meal was awkward as Luna watched him retreat inwardly. At the end of the evening, Victor stood at the door. "I'll come and see Ignatius in a few days," he said to Luna.

Ignatius walked upstairs, kissed them goodnight, and disappeared into his room with Christie.

"This is bad," Elysia said, closing the door to their room.

***************

Elysia stepped out of the shower, steam swirling around her. "What do you think? It's been two days," she said, her voice tinged with concern.

Luna pulled on her boots, her expression troubled. "He doesn't respond when we call him. Cherry is worried about him as well," she said.

"Everyone is," Elysia replied. "Morgan has been cleaning near his door every day. He liked Clair."

Christie walked into the room, her face serious. "As a new wife?" Luna asked, her voice trembling with fear, that her position at Ignatius's side would be taken by Clair.

"No, a friend," Christie said. "He enjoyed her company."

"Being abandoned like that is cruel," Elysia said, her voice soft with empathy. "What type of person would do something like that. She had no intention of staying with him in the long run."

Luna looked down at her feet, feeling a pang of guilt. She said nothing.

"Well, cheer up, girls," Christie said, trying to lift the mood. "A letter has arrived for him from Emma, the researcher. I want the two of you to deliver it to him. Luna, you tell him about the letter. Elysia, support Luna. She needs us."

Elysia nodded, determination in her eyes. "We'll get through this together," she said, her voice steady and reassuring.

**************

Christie knocked on Ignatius's door. He was typing away, trying to block out the world. Ayla lay naked on his bed reading a book. "Why does he always get abandoned by his friends?" he thought, frustration bubbling inside him. Zarkon sipped from his goblet, silent in the corner.

"Ignatius, why have you abandoned me and Elysia?" Luna's voice came through the door, filled with hurt.

"I did not abandon..." Ignatius started, but his thoughts raced, and he fell silent. "I did, didn't I?" he muttered, wiping his eyes. He ripped open the door, and three startled women stared at him. He hugged them, kissing them. "I am selfish in this way, you know," he said, laughing as tears fell to the floor.

Luna shoved an envelope into his hands. "This is for you," she said, watching his tears fall like pearls. Ignatius saw her clutch her heart. "I am so stupid," he said. Lifting Luna in a princess carry, he threw her onto the bed, motioning for Elysia and Christie to join him. Luna lay on top of him, with Christie and Elysia on either side, holding him. Ayla lay at the foot of the bed engrossed in her book.

"Cynthia would have kicked my ass," he said, laughing. "Zarkon, if you please," he said, handing the letter to him.

"Dear Sir Thorn, I have discovered a clue to your dilemma. Please visit me as soon as possible. Emma. P.S. Thank you for taking care of me."

"Time to get going," Ignatius said, kissing them. He took his pipe from his pocket and lit it. "Line up the maids, please."

"Yes, Master," Zarkon said with a grin, taking off his white gloves.

***************

The vehicle hummed as Ignatius navigated the winding road. Leading to Emma's secluded home outside Misty Cove. Luna sat beside him, her eyes scanning the dense forest that encroached upon the narrow path. The sky was overcast, casting a grey hue over the landscape. They were on the cusp of winter. The night had turned cold and during the day woollen clothes to stay of the chill in the air.

"Are you sure she'll help us?" Luna asked, breaking the silence.

"Emma has always been dedicated to uncovering the truth. No matter how deep it's buried," Ignatius replied, his voice steady and reassuring.

As they approached the modest cottage, a figure emerged from the shadows of the porch. Emma, the renowned researcher, waved them over with a warm smile. Ignatius parked the car, and they stepped out into the crisp morning air.

"Welcome, Ignatius, Luna. I've been expecting you," Emma said, her voice tinged with excitement. "Come inside, I've prepared some tea and biscuits."

They followed Emma into her cozy home, the smell of baked biscuits filling the air. The walls lined with shelves, each crammed with books, scrolls, and ancient artifacts. A small fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room.

"Thank you for the coin." Emma said. Waving at the shelves bursting with ancient books. Her long blond hair swayed as she turned her blue eyes alive with excitement.

Ignatius felt a tap on the leg. "She is pretty and single." Luna whispered.

"I wish there were some way I could repay you." Emma said.

"When we meet again, we will talk." Luna said. Holding Ignatius arm pressing her well-endowed breasts against his arm. It disappeared between the two magnificent mounds. Emma's eyes widened as she blushed looking adorable.

She gestured for them to sit at the wooden table and began pouring tea into delicate porcelain cups. "I know you're eager to get started, so I won't waste any time," she said, taking a seat across from them. "I've made some remarkable discoveries that will be invaluable to your quest."

Reaching for a large, leather-bound journal. Emma opened it to a page filled with intricate drawings and symbols. "There is a hidden secret library beneath Mithrilen City," she explained.

Her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I've detailed the path you must take to reach it, and I've written down the sequence of symbols that will open the doors."

She handed them a piece of parchment covered in cryptic markings. "These symbols must be activated in the correct order. Memorize them well."

Luna studied the parchment. "This is incredible. How did you come across this information?"

Emma leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "It wasn't easy. I had to sift through countless ancient texts. And decipher many codes, but I knew it was important. The hidden library contains a book that holds the identities of the Dark Fae Council of Nine."

At the mention of the Dark Fae Council, Luna's eyes widened in shock. "The Council of Nine? I thought they were a myth!"

Emma nodded. "Many believed that, but I've found irrefutable evidence of their existence. The book you seek will confirm their identities and reveal their plans."

Ignatius reached for Emma's hand, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Your work is remarkable, Emma. We owe you a great debt."

Emma smiled warmly. "Knowing that my research will help you is reward enough."

Reaching into his pouch, Ignatius pulled out a gleaming golden coin and placed it in Emma's hand. "Consider this a token of our appreciation."

Emma's eyes widened in surprise. "Thank you, Ignatius. This means a great deal to me."

With their minds buzzing with newfound knowledge. Ignatius and Luna bid Emma farewell and made their way back to the car. The drive back to Misty Cove filled with quiet contemplation.

As they approached Silvi's coffee shop. The familiar sight of the quaint establishment brought a sense of comfort. Finding Christie and Elysia seated at a corner table, deep in conversation.

"Hey, you two!" Elysia called out, waving them over. "What did you find out?"

Ignatius and Luna exchanged a glance before sitting down.

"We've got a lot to discuss," Ignatius said, his voice steady. "We need to prepare to leave early tomorrow."