Silvion led Aeliana toward the quieter end of the grand hall, where a lavish bar was nestled against intricately carved walls lined with ivy and enchanted lanterns. The soft glow of the lights gave the place an inviting warmth, and behind the polished marble counter stood a tall bartender with sleek, onyx-black hair tied back into a sharp tail. His deep red vest and sharp attire suggested a refinement that matched the ambiance of the soiree.
"Ah, Aeliana," Silvion said smoothly, motioning to the bartender. "Allow me to introduce Master Altheris. He's the finest mixologist in all the Elven Kingdom and beyond. You're about to taste something divine."
Altheris inclined his head gracefully. "It is always a pleasure to create for the guests of House Faelith," he said in a rich, calm voice.
Silvion leaned casually against the counter and gestured to Altheris. "Whip up two of your famous Vivaldi Elixirs, my friend."
Aeliana's curiosity piqued as Altheris began his work. Liquids of emerald green, gold, and ruby red swirled together with flicks of his wrist, pouring from crystal decanters. A light mist rose as the final touch—a pinch of glimmering silver powder—made the elixir fizz and sparkle like stars.
"Here you are, my lady," Altheris said, presenting the glass. The drink shimmered in her hands, its color constantly shifting under the light.
Just as Aeliana brought the glass close to her lips, a loud and very familiar voice interrupted.
"Aeliana!"
Kael appeared out of nowhere, striding toward her with his usual disapproving frown. "You're not seriously going to drink that, are you?" he asked, glaring at the glass as if it were some cursed artifact.
Aeliana tilted her head, eyes narrowing. "And why not? I'm old enough to decide what I drink, Kael. I'm not a child."
"It's not about your age," Kael grumbled. "That elixir is known to—"
Silvion interrupted with a sly grin. "—Provide a most delightful experience for those brave enough to try it."
Kael shot him a dark look. "It's highly intoxicating. And I've seen its effects on even the most seasoned warriors. You'll regret it."
Aeliana rolled her eyes and set the glass down on the counter for a moment. "Kael, I appreciate your concern, but I know my limits."
"You don't always need to swoop in and scold me."
Kael's jaw tightened. "Fine then," he said, his tone exasperated.
"If I can't stop you into drinking that tonic, then I might as well join you." He turned sharply to Altheris. "Bartender, I'll have the same thing she's having."
Silvion placed a hand to Kael's shoulder, his grin widening. "That's the spirit! You might even have some fun tonight, Kael. Though I warn you—this elixir tends to loosen the lips. I hope you don't have any deep, dark secrets to hide."
Kael scowled but said nothing as Altheris whipped up another glass of the shimmering concoction.
Aeliana smirked, clearly amused. "Try not to pass out on me, Kael. I'd hate to have to drag you back to the guest chambers."
Kael shot her a glare, grabbing the glass as Altheris slid it toward him. "Don't worry about me," he muttered. "I can handle my drink better than you think."
Aeliana finally lifted her own glass again, smiling as she admired the way the liquid sparkled. "To new experiences," she said teasingly, holding it up.
Silvion joined her toast with his glass, a satisfied look on his face. "To the bold and the brave," he said, glancing knowingly between Kael and Aeliana.
Kael reluctantly lifted his drink as well. "To a painful hung-over," he muttered under his breath.
Aeliana took the first sip. Her eyes widened as the taste exploded across her tongue—a mesmerizing combination of cool and sweet, citrusy and warm, unlike anything she'd ever tasted. "By the gods, this is… incredible."
Silvion grinned as he took a sip of his own. "Told you, cousin. Nothing compares to a Vivaldi Elixir."
Kael took a cautious sip, his brow furrowing as the drink hit him. He stared at the glass for a long moment before grumbling, "I'll admit… it's not terrible."
Aeliana burst out laughing, the tension from earlier melting away. "Not terrible? That's the closest I'll get to a compliment from you."
Silvion chuckled, leaning back as the three of them continued to enjoy the elixirs. But as the evening stretched on, Aeliana couldn't help but cast glances toward the entrance of the hall, her thoughts drifting back to Lucian. Even the sweetness of the elixir couldn't fully drown out the nagging ache she felt from his sudden departure.
The evening had stretched on, and the once lively soiree now simmered into a quieter hum. The trio remained at the bar, where the infamous Vivaldi Elixir had worked its dangerous magic. Aeliana's cheeks were flushed a soft pink, and her normally regal posture had given way to a light slump against the counter. She swirled the shimmering liquid in her glass with a dazed smile.
Kael, on the other hand, wasn't fairing nearly as well. His once rigid shoulders had sagged, and his head now lolled against his arm on the table, a faint snoring sound escaping him. His dark hair fell into his face, and one hand still loosely clutched the empty glass as though he had given up on holding his dignity entirely.
Silvion, sitting beside them, looked as composed and regal as ever, twirling his own glass idly between his fingers. He took another sip of the elixir—like it was nothing more than water—and sighed contentedly. "Ah, truly, this drink is a work of art. Altheris, you're a genius," he remarked toward the bartender, who smirked with a subtle nod. Then Silvion turned his sharp gaze to the collapsed form of Kael. "Tsk, tsk. Such a lightweight. One glass and he's already out for the count. So weak."
He chuckled to himself, tipping his glass toward Aeliana, who had now begun to mumble incoherently, her face turned toward the bar as though it might console her.
"You know what's weak?" she blurted suddenly, her voice slurred and wobbly. "Loo-shun. Leaving."
Silvion raised a brow, intrigued. "Oh?"
"I mean… who does that?" Aeliana hiccupped, jabbing her finger into the air dramatically as though scolding Lucian across the room—though he was nowhere to be found. "He just up… and leaves! Poof! Gone. Into that stupid dark carriage… and… and…" Her voice wavered as she trailed off, her shoulders slumping further. "He didn't even explain why… He just… left me."
Silvion tilted his head, watching her with interest as he took another sip. "Men are complicated creatures," he said with mock wisdom. "But you, dear cousin, have fallen harder than you realize."
Aeliana turned toward him, her glass wobbling dangerously in her hand. "I didn't fall. I… I tripped. There's a difference!" she insisted, blinking at him with wide, teary eyes. "And now… and now I'm just here… alone."
Her voice cracked on the last word, and she pouted, her lower lip trembling. Silvion smirked, though there was a touch of sympathy behind his amusement. "Oh, you poor thing. Heartache truly doesn't suit you."
Aeliana sighed heavily and rested her head dramatically on her arms. "He's… he's probably off in his gloomy castle right now, brooding. That's all he does, you know? He broods. I bet he's just sitting there, all handsome and broody, while I'm—" She hiccupped again. "—while I'm here. Drunk."
Silvion snorted a laugh. "Aeliana, I do believe you're quite adorable when you're sad and inebriated." He gestured toward the snoozing Kael with his thumb. "At least you're holding up better than this one."
Aeliana turned her head slightly to peer at Kael, who let out a particularly loud snore. She giggled despite herself. "Kael's… so serious all the time. I didn't know he was this bad at drinking."
Silvion grinned wickedly. "Ah, well, not everyone can match my refined constitution. Years of practice, you see." He lifted his glass dramatically and downed the remainder of his drink without so much as flinching. "You, however, are doing far better than expected."
Aeliana sighed again, her giggles fading as her thoughts returned to Lucian.
She clutched her glass tightly, staring blankly with a bit of loneliness in her tone, into the shimmering remnants of the Vivaldi Elixir. "Do you think he's coming back?" she asked softly, her voice barely audible over the low hum of the room.
Silvion's expression softened just a little, and he rested an elbow on the counter, his gaze steady peering into her. "He left you, didn't he? But if he's as devoted as he seemed… I imagine he won't stay away for long."
Aeliana stared at him for a moment, her eyes glassy and unsure. Then, in an act of drunken whimsy, she shoved her empty glass toward Altheris and mumbled, "More, please."
Silvion chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Ah-ah, I think that's enough for tonight, cousin. Any more, and you'll be sleeping on the table like our dear Kael here."
Aeliana groaned, pushing herself upright. "Fine… but if I wake up tomorrow with a headache, it's your fault, Silvion."
He smirked. "Of course. I'll take full responsibility."
As Aeliana slouched against the bar, Silvion leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed by the night's chaos. Kael continued to snore softly beside them, and Aeliana, tired and tipsy, let out a resigned sigh, her thoughts still circling back to Lucian.
"Stupid broody demon lord," she murmured under her breath, before resting her head on her arms and allowing herself to drift into a half-sleeping stupor.
Silvion shook his head, chuckling quietly as he raised his empty glass in a mock toast. "To love, heartbreak, and terrible drinking habits."