Chapter 15:
Elira stood outside Zareth's private chambers, her heart a whirlwind of thoughts. The grand assembly was drawing near, and she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in her chest. It wasn't just the looming judgment she feared, but what awaited her family. Her past, and everything she had been through at their hands, was about to collide with her present—here, in the Dragon Kingdom. She tried to push away the swirling thoughts but found herself standing still, lost in the uncertainty.
The door creaked open, and Zareth's tall, commanding figure appeared in the doorway. His sharp eyes immediately locked on her, noticing the concern that clouded her face. He didn't hesitate. He walked towards her, his steps deliberate, his presence a comforting weight.
"What's wrong, darling?" His voice was deep, smooth with concern. He studied her carefully, noticing the way her shoulders tensed. "Why do you look so troubled?"
Elira didn't know how to explain the storm inside her. She opened her mouth, but words failed her. She wanted to say everything—about the fear of facing her family again, the guilt of their mistreatment, and the overwhelming uncertainty about the future. But instead, she just bit her lip and shook her head.
"It's just… the assembly," she finally said, her voice small. "Everything that's about to happen. I don't know what to expect. I don't know what they'll do, or what I'll have to do."
Zareth's gaze softened, and he placed a hand gently on her shoulder, his fingers warm and reassuring. "You don't need to worry about them. I've got everything under control. Your family may have failed you, Elira, but I won't. I won't let anyone hurt you again."
Her gaze dropped to the floor for a moment, the emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "But they're still my family. I can't just turn away from them. I don't know how to make peace with that."
Zareth's hand slid to her chin, lifting her face so she was forced to meet his eyes. His expression was gentle, but the resolve in his gaze was unmistakable. "They don't have power over you anymore, Elira. Not while I'm here. You are mine now. And I will protect you from everything, even them."
She swallowed hard, the emotions surging inside her. He had given her a strength she never thought she could have. His words were like a promise—one that she desperately needed to believe in.
"I'm afraid," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Afraid of what I've been through, afraid of facing them again."
Zareth's gaze softened even further. "You're stronger than you think. And I'm not going to let you face any of this alone."
With a slow, deliberate motion, he brushed his lips across her forehead, his touch a soft comfort. Elira closed her eyes, her breath coming a little easier as the tension that had been knotting her up for days slowly began to dissipate. When she opened her eyes again, he was looking down at her with a small smile, but there was something more—an intensity, a quiet promise.
"I'm not afraid of your past, Elira," he murmured, his voice low and steady. "I'm not afraid of anything that might come. We will face this together."
Her heart fluttered, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she found herself believing it. They would face it together.
Just then, Zareth's gaze shifted to the grand hall in the distance. "It's time," he said. "Let's put an end to this, once and for all."
Taking her hand in his, he led her toward the assembly hall, the weight of what was to come pressing down on her shoulders, but this time, she wasn't alone.
The assembly hall was filled with tension. Elira's family stood in front of Zareth, her uncle, aunt, and cousin all facing the Dragon King with varying degrees of discomfort. The room buzzed with quiet murmurs, the air thick with anticipation. As the grand doors swung open, Elira stepped inside, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel every eye on her, but her focus was solely on Zareth, who stood beside her, unwavering.
Without a word, Zareth took his place at the center of the room. His powerful presence commanded immediate silence. He motioned for Elira's family to step forward. The room stilled, and all eyes turned to them. Zareth's voice broke through the quiet, deep and authoritative.
"You stand before me, not as guests, but as criminals," he said, his tone cold. "You may have mistreated Elira, but there is one thing I know: death is no punishment. You will not face death here." He paused, allowing the words to sink in. Elira's family exchanged uneasy glances.
"No," Zareth continued, his voice gaining strength. "Your punishment will be to serve. To work, every day, under my roof. You will work in the palace, for the rest of your days."
Elira's uncle, aunt, and cousin stiffened in shock. The king's eyes narrowed. "You, Aunt, will work in the kitchens. You, Uncle, will tend to the gardens. And you, cousin, will work the fields. And no matter what, you will all answer to her. You will clean her room every day, as a reminder of the kindness you failed to show her."
The room was silent as Elira's family absorbed the weight of his words. Her uncle clenched his fists, but Zareth's gaze remained unyielding. "You will serve her. And if any of you fail in your duties, there will be consequences far worse than any death."
Elira's heart twisted at the sight of her family, but she couldn't bring herself to feel pity. They had caused her too much pain to be forgiven so easily. They needed to face the consequences of their actions, and Zareth was the one to make that decision. His punishment was harsh, but it was fair. And in this moment, she realized just how far he would go to protect her.
As the assembly came to an end, Zareth turned to Elira, his voice low and firm. "You are my love, Elira. Not just my guest. And I will make sure that no harm comes to you again."
Elira's heart fluttered at his words, the weight of everything she had been through finally lifting. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she could breathe again. The storm inside her had calmed, and she knew, no matter what came next, Zareth would be by her side.