Chapter 78 - C:80

As the conversation in the village gradually faded, I led Valendra, Elowen, and Nerina on the much-anticipated tour through the village. We passed through the serene beauty of the Lumera settlement—familiar to me, yet to my guests, it was like stepping into another world. Their eyes lit up as we moved past lush gardens, gently glowing flora, and the towering trees that housed some of the Lumera's homes.

Nerina's expression remained calm, though she occasionally nodded in appreciation at the artistry embedded in every part of the village. Elowen, meanwhile, seemed to soak in every detail with a wide-eyed fascination. "Your people have a rare harmony with nature," she remarked as we passed a group of young Lumeras practicing their elemental manipulation.

"We take pride in that balance," I responded, enjoying their reactions. "It's more than a way of life—it's in our very essence. The forest sustains us, and we sustain it."

As we neared the central village, we passed by the training grounds. There, Liora, my wild-hearted sister, was firing off a rapid volley of arrows with her signature precision. She paused when she noticed us approaching, her keen eyes immediately locking onto our guests.

"Visitors?" Liora asked with a teasing smile, resting her bow against her shoulder. She was no stranger to new faces, though her curiosity was always piqued by anyone from beyond the Zestia Forest.

Valendra sized her up with an appreciative nod. "I'd heard your village was well-guarded, but to see it in action is something else."

Liora grinned, clearly pleased. "If you ever feel like testing your skills, I'd be happy to show you around the training grounds."

"I'll keep that in mind," Valendra replied, her tone carrying a subtle challenge.

With a smile, I continued to lead the group deeper into the village, showing them the artisans crafting tools and intricate artworks from natural materials. Valendra and Elowen took their time admiring the fine craftsmanship, while Nerina exchanged a few words with the artisans, her connection to nature giving her an easy rapport with the villagers.

The day had been long, but there was one final stop—our last and most impressive destination: the Nightfall compound.

As we approached, the sheer scale of the structure captured the awe of our guests. Built into the heart of the forest, the compound was not just a residence but an embodiment of the Nightfall legacy. Its massive stone and wood walls were adorned with glowing runes, enchanted by our ancestors to protect the family within. The trees around it seemed to bow toward the compound, almost as if offering their protection.

"Now this... this is something," Elowen murmured, her eyes wide as she took in the sight.

Valendra, for all her royal composure, seemed momentarily speechless, her violet eyes reflecting the shimmering glow of the runes. "It's magnificent," she finally said. "A fortress built into nature itself."

I couldn't help but smile. "It's been home for as long as I can remember. Generations of my family have lived here, each adding their own touch. But it's not just the structure that's impressive."

The towering doors opened as we approached, revealing the true heart of the Nightfall legacy—my family.

My mother, Rosalia, stood at the forefront, her presence as commanding as ever. She was a vision of strength and grace, her long shiny pink hair flowing over her shoulders like a river . Behind her were my sisters, each with their own unique beauty and power. Liora had joined us from the training grounds, and Elara, Selene, and Aurora stood by my mother, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Valendra and Elowen seemed momentarily taken aback by the sheer presence of my family, not in a hostile way, but in awe of the combined aura that filled the room.

Rosalia was the first to speak, her voice carrying the warmth and authority of a true matriarch. "Welcome to our home. I am Rosalia Nightfall, and these are my daughters. It's a pleasure to meet you both."

Valendra and Elowen bowed slightly, their manners impeccable. "The pleasure is ours," Valendra said, her voice smooth. "Your home is... beyond words."

"Indeed," Elowen added. "The magic here is unlike anything I've felt before."

Rosalia smiled, pleased by their words. "We've lived here for many generations. The magic of the forest is in our blood, and we've done everything we can to honor it."

The interactions between my family and the high elves were warm, and soon the conversation turned light, with everyone exchanging stories and laughter. But there was still one more surprise waiting.

As if on cue, Cassie bounded into the room, her usual exuberance on full display. "Oh! You've brought new friends!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "Welcome, welcome!"

Valendra smiled at her energy, though it was clear she was intrigued by Cassie's presence. "You have quite the lively family," she remarked, her tone warm.

"And you haven't even met everyone yet," I said, giving Cassie a grin. "There's someone else I think you'll find very interesting."

With a graceful movement, Seraphina emerged from the shadows. For the first time, she revealed her humanoid form—something none of my guests had ever seen before. Even for those familiar with the world's vast array of races, Seraphina was something else entirely. She was the very embodiment of celestial grace, her golden hair shimmering like the sun itself, and her amber eyes glowing with an inner light. She radiated a divine presence that made even the regal high elves pause in awe.

Valendra and Elowen froze for a moment, their eyes widening as they took in the sight of her. They were clearly trying to process what they were seeing. Celestial beings were not something they were used to encountering, let alone one who had chosen to bond with a Lumera.

"Seraphina," I said, stepping forward to introduce her, "meet Valendra and Elowen. I believe this is the first time they've encountered someone like you."

Seraphina offered a gentle smile, her radiant beauty only accentuated by her humility. "It is an honor to meet you both," she said, her voice soft and melodic. "I hope my presence does not overwhelm you."

Valendra, usually so composed, looked genuinely taken aback. "I've never... I've never seen anything like you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "What are you?"

Seraphina's smile widened slightly, though there was no arrogance in it. "I am a Celestial Bee Queen, though I suppose such a title has little meaning here in this world."

Elowen, ever the scholar, stepped closer, her eyes filled with wonder. "A celestial? I've read about beings of the stars, but I never imagined I'd meet one. Your presence... it's overwhelming, but in the most magnificent way."

Seraphina tilted her head, her amber eyes glowing with a gentle warmth. "Thank you. I have chosen to stay with Rosé and aid him in his journey. This form is new to me, but I am learning quickly."

The high elves exchanged glances, clearly still processing the encounter. Valendra, for all her strength and regal bearing, looked momentarily humbled by Seraphina's presence. "Your power... your grace," she said softly. "It's unlike anything I've ever known."

Seraphina dipped her head in acknowledgment. "You honor me with your words, but I am simply a companion to Rosé, just as you both are now."

Cassie, of course, couldn't resist adding her own energetic commentary. "Isn't she amazing? And she's only just learned how to transform! I'm so excited to see what else she can do!"