"Hey, relax. They don't bite."
Elisia felt nervous and worried. Everyone knew she was a Terran, and now that Asra was awake, she wasn't sure if she could still pretend to be mortal.
"My eyes. It changes sometimes because of Asra. I don't have any control over it." She said.
"That's because you never had proper training. And don't worry, even if they found out about you, I don't think they will try to attack you. Besides, you are breathtaking." He winked.
She blushed. "So you do think I'm pretty."
"No. You're enchanting. I can't take my eyes off you."
She bit her lips and then smiled. Her heart fluttered in every compliment she received from him.
"Let's go." He said while reaching out his hand.
Elisia looked at him in the eyes and saw only the truth. His eyes that mirrored the sufferings of the creatures in Acheron, would never be able to lie.
When she first saw his eyes, she was shocked. She knew that someone inherited the eye of Acheron, but she didn't expect that it was a werewolf.
"Your eyes. It's a mirror to Acheron. Did you inherit them from someone?" She asked.
"I had them ever since I was born. I call it the eye of darkness. Let's talk about it after the party. I had little knowledge about my eyes, so I want to know. You do know about it, right?"
She nodded. "Yes."
She then took his hand as they walked toward the throne hall.
Thick braziers dangled from each of the fourteen basalt pillars brightened every part of the throne hall. The whole area was covered in warm yellow and dancing silhouettes. The masterpieces of huge landscapes on the ceiling danced in the shimmering lights while old statues and stone sculptures looked down upon the raven floor of the grand hall.
An off-white carpet divided the entire hall in half from the entrance doors to the elevated space where the throne was. The winged flags with polished edges hung from the sides. Attached between each flag were modern torches, which were lighted to brighten the hall and those mythical beings who were present at the party.
Elisia admired the delicate designs of the throne hall. The curtains had been decorated with elegant tassels and golden flowers.
On the elevated space in front was a dignified throne made with African blackwood and gold. It was seated in the middle of two gigantic statues that looked like the moon goddess, Selene. A smaller seat, embellished with crystals and gems, was on the right. Elisia knew that it was where the queen should be—a seat beside the king.
She didn't know how she was able to walk straight in front. She stood beside Thane like she was his queen, but she knew she was a fake.
She felt Thane squeeze her hand, comforting her. She turned to him and saw that he was smiling. And so she smiled back.
Then Thane looked at the crowd who was waiting for his announcement. Elisia took a deep breath and turned to their guests.
"Greetings, citizens of Versipellis and our honourable guests. Today marks the third year of my reign as your king. I thank all of you for celebrating it with me. Aside from this occasion, I have a very special announcement to make." He paused then glanced at Elisia.
She could see the faces of those present on that day. They were either curious or excited and some looked unhappy with the king's next words, but still, everyone anticipated it.
"I would like to introduce, my mate, the future queen of Versipellis and the soon-to-be Luna of the Moon Warriors Pack. I present you, Lady Elisia." Thane proudly announced.
Everyone applauded and hailed the new queen of Versipellis. Elisia's heart was overwhelmed by the smiles of the creatures who looked at her with happiness.
The members of the council approached them and congratulated her. She tried her best to look so mortal in their eyes. She didn't want to give anyone a hint that she was a demon.
"Lady Elisia, congratulations and welcome to Versipellis. Is this your first time in our country?" A woman named Rebecca asked.
"Yes. I lived in Aramoor City ever since I came to Terra." Elisia answered.
"Oh, you're not originally from Terra? Are you from Mirrikh? But you're a Terran, right?" Rebecca continued to ask.
"I-I" She stuttered.
She was caught off guard and didn't know how to respond. She frowned when she saw Thane smiling at her.
"She's a demon. She lived in Aramoor for thirty years and had never used her powers. So you could say she adapted. Who wouldn't, right? If you lived in one place for so long, you will learn to adapt to its environment." Thane said.
Elisia was not prepared for what he did. How could he be proud of her? His parents were never proud of what her powers could do, and Adrian loved her because he thought she was a Terran. But Thane introduced her to who she really was.
"Oh, I see. You're a demon like the former queen Amaris. Once again, our kingdom was blessed with a powerful queen." Rebecca commented.
Elisia saw the others nod in agreement with Rebecca's compliment. It was unexpected because she thought someone would disagree and would humiliate her.
"Come on. Let's dance!" Thane said and pulled her into the middle of the hall.
Thane wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her body closer. He started to follow the rhythm of the sweet music when it started to play.
"Why did you tell them I am a demon? You said no one should know."
"It's fine. I realised nothing can stop them from hurting you since I introduced you as my queen. Besides, I don't want you to pretend anymore. You lived as someone else for many years, now I want you to live as you."
Elisia bit her lips, but she couldn't stop herself from crying. It was the first time someone accepted her for who she was.
"Hey, why are you crying?" He frowned.
"Why do you make my heart flutter? What if I become used to it? What would I do when you're gone?" She cried.
Thane was unable to answer. He was also unsure why he was doing something for her. He didn't know how to comfort her, nor what to say to her. So he pulled her again and crushed his lips on hers.