The Sinister Scheme Revealed
Before Theo could respond, Aerin intervened, "You'd be safer in teacher's presence. I'll meet you both in six months at the academy when the new session starts."
Witnessing their frightened faces, Theo spoke up. "Given Neria's uniqueness, there may be further kidnapping attempts. You're better off with him. Don't worry, I'll visit you in the future. If princess Aerin doesn't take good care of you, the royal family can forget about receiving any more enchanted veggies from me." His words bore a concealed threat, eliciting a cold glance from Aerin, who understood that his mean words were simply to reassure the siblings.
Rowan grasped the back of Neria and Lorian's clothing, lifting them effortlessly as he glided toward his silver Gryphon. With a slight adjustment of his hands, he gently lowered them and set them both onto the creature's back. The siblings took their positions, gripping the Gryphon's soft feathers tightly, they look like lambs led to slaughter who had resigned themselves to their fate.
Rowan's voice reverberated through the air. "I wanted to go to the academy my own way, a faster one. But I doubt these children can handle the speed, or the experience of flying that way. So I opted to summon my darling Luna instead." His eyes softened as he patted the head of beautiful creature beneath them.
Aerin and Theo watched, both were amazed to witness this majestic Gryphon; Theo had never seen such a creature in his life, while Aerin, despite having seen Luna before, found herself surprised again.
The silver Gryphon then spread its wings wide. With a single, powerful flap, charred leaves were sent swirling, dust rose into the air, and both Theo and Aerin's clothing fluttered violently as the creature took off. It soared higher and higher, shrinking into a speck before vanishing entirely.
Aerin turned to Theo. "Now, we're on our own. We need to head back to the city. There are casualties to report, and bodies of soldiers to return to the capital for proper ceremonies, so their families can know they died bravely."
Theo nodded, but then his brows furrowed, reaching into his side pocket. He pulled out the golden envelope: the very same special invitation to Phoenixwing Academy that he had earlier returned to Rowan.
Noticing his puzzled expression, Aerin explained, "Teacher has his ways and these are just easy tricks for him. And honestly, I still can't understand how you could decline such an opportunity as if it were nothing."
Theo had no response. His mind was burdened with numerous concerns: his responsibilities as a Baron which was not serious but the ever-present threats to his life was crucial to address. It really needed his attention first before he could think of the Academy.
Without waiting for his answer, Aerin started walking westward, toward the city, and Theo followed her, storing the golden envelop in his storage.
As they strode side by side, Aerin broke the silence. "I'm truly sorry for how I treated you when we first met. Spending time with you has taught me important lessons, one of which is that not all humans are bad and not all elves are good."
Theo had already forgiven her for her past misdeeds, as the bad times together had made them close and maybe friends? He could also understand why she was against humans in the first place, as it was related to the death of her mother. But still, he couldn't help but tease her. "Yeah, not all elves are good," Theo agreed, shooting her a sidelong glance.
The comment halted Aerin in her tracks; she fixed him with a grumpy look. "Are you insulting me indirectly?" she asked, watching his retreating figure as he walked ahead.
"That wasn't indirect. I was pretty straightforward," Theo teased, not turning around to look at her.
"You—" Aerin's voice filled with feigned rage, causing Theo to pick up his pace, well aware that she might be serious about revenge this time.
Their laughter filled the night forest as she chased after him through the darkened landscape.
After covering about a kilometer, they saw a royal carriage approaching. The coachman, spotting them, pulled the reins and brought the carriage to a halt. From inside, a familiar figure emerged.
"It's good to see you, sister, and to know that you're safe," Elara greeted in a voice filled with sweetness.
“You're already back, Elara? I didn't expect to meet you so soon.” Aerin spoke, with a hint of surprise and joy flavoring her tone, puzzled at her sister's sudden arrival.
"Yes, I hurried back to Blackwater City right after the birthday party. When I saw the distant fire, I grew concerned, especially with no news of your whereabouts," she explained with a worried tone.
Aerin's eyes met Theo's for a brief moment, both seemed to be a little relieved. "Your timing is perfect. Now we won't have to march all the way back to Blackwater City."
Elara's gaze shifted between Aerin and Theo, a slight surprise flickering on her face. "You two seem to have become good friends during this rescue mission." She found this particularly odd given her sister's well-known disdain for humans.
Theo adjusted his posture, clearing his throat before speaking. "We're operating under a mutual truce until we reach the city. She's also promised me another 10 million gold coins if I cooperate," His serious expression hinted that he was not joking.
Aerin snapped back, "Hey, I haven't promised anything like that. You have already robbed me of all my gold."
Theo could tell Aerin was hot-tempered and easy to manipulate, so he didn’t miss the chance to take advantage. “See? She's already breaking our truce now that her sister's here. Can’t trust anybody these days,” he feigned a sound of hurt, as if he had been genuinely betrayed.
Elara simply giggled. "You two can continue this banter later. For now, let's head back." She gestured for them to board the carriage.
As the carriage started rolling, the rhythmic patter of paws filling the air, Aerin recounted the kidnapping ordeal from beginning to end, including Rowan's departure.
Meanwhile, Theo sat on his own and communicated telepathically with Lilith. "How is it going, Demoness?"
Lilith's voice, mischievous yet tinged with irritation, reverberated in his mind. "You finally remember this poor soul? I feel like I’m being confined once again."
"But you have ample space, Dreamweaver’s garden, enormous fields, even a pond and trees. Isn’t this enough to keep you busy?" Theo argued, although he understood her plight. A prison is a prison, even if you make it of gold and provide all the luxuries of life.
“It only has a bigger space and an open sky. I don’t like this. You need to be here with me so I can at least not feel lonely,” she spoke with a hint of longing, emotions flowing in her tone.
"I will probably release you soon, granting your freedom. You won't have to remain confined there," he said, contemplating the situation. While he could manage on his own, he acknowledged Lilith's deserving of her freedom.
However, he held reservations about the potential chaos she might unleash. Thus, he intended to wait a bit longer before setting her free. The current situation wasn't entirely unfavorable for his safety, but he understood the necessity of eventually letting her go.
After hearing Theo’s words, Lilith offered no response, her silence speaking louder than any retort. Theo wasn’t sure what happened to her, but she chose not to reply to him.
As the sisters were engrossed in their own conversation, Elara began taking out some bowls filled with food. The rich aroma of the foods filled the carriage as there were sweets resembling cakes, dumplings made from strawberries, and other items that Theo recognized.
Shifting her gaze to Theo, Elara announced, "I've brought some remaining dishes from the birthday party. They were made with those enchanted vegetables we purchased."
Theo's eyes met Aerin's just as she reached for a plate filled with cake. Clearly, her fondness for sweets was obvious. Meanwhile, Elara extended a plate of dumplings toward Theo.
After a moment's hesitation, he accepted and began to eat. Elara then started to store the remaining food.
"Why are you storing it away? I'd like to taste…," Aerin complained, her voice trailing off lazily as her eyelids grew heavy and she collapsed beside Elara.
Theo's senses sharpened; his guard raised. He noticed Elara's smile, no longer simply sweet, but now laced with the malice of a venomous witch, as his own vision began to spin and he too collapsed.
***
When he fluttered open his eyes, the surroundings were submerged in dusty moonlight coming in through a barred window set high on the wall. Clutching his head, he tried to sit up. As he looked around, he discovered Aerin. Her wrists and ankles bound in dark, glowing, smoky chains, fastened in opposite directions. A cloth gagged her mouth. Their eyes met, and her silent gaze displayed a desperate plea for help.
Bewildered, Theo stammered, "What happened? How did you—?" He rose only to find himself jerked back by chains binding his own wrists.
His eyes shifted, settling on a figure seated in front of a barred enclosure resembling a prison. It was Elara, her smile now fully revealed as venomous.
Her voice broke the frightening silence. "Good morning, Mister Theo. I've been waiting for you to wake up, so I can leave this place."
"Why have you tied up your sister?" Theo demanded. His mind raced through possible reasons behind his capture, greed, him being human, or perhaps, an obsession with enchanted crops that they wanted to ask the secrets behind them; but why would Elara chain her own sister?
==[SnowNote]==
Please bless this novel with high ratings so that it can gain more exposure and attract more readership.
Read 16 chapters ahead of 'My Demonic Farm' on Patreon now!: https://www.patreon.com/whisperingsnow
Additionally, you're invited to join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/88SmwnRQdN
The Sinister Scheme Revealed
Before Theo could respond, Aerin intervened, "You'd be safer in teacher's presence. I'll meet you both in six months at the academy when the new session starts."
Witnessing their frightened faces, Theo spoke up. "Given Neria's uniqueness, there may be further kidnapping attempts. You're better off with him. Don't worry, I'll visit you in the future. If princess Aerin doesn't take good care of you, the royal family can forget about receiving any more enchanted veggies from me." His words bore a concealed threat, eliciting a cold glance from Aerin, who understood that his mean words were simply to reassure the siblings.
Rowan grasped the back of Neria and Lorian's clothing, lifting them effortlessly as he glided toward his silver Gryphon. With a slight adjustment of his hands, he gently lowered them and set them both onto the creature's back. The siblings took their positions, gripping the Gryphon's soft feathers tightly, they look like lambs led to slaughter who had resigned themselves to their fate.
Rowan's voice reverberated through the air. "I wanted to go to the academy my own way, a faster one. But I doubt these children can handle the speed, or the experience of flying that way. So I opted to summon my darling Luna instead." His eyes softened as he patted the head of beautiful creature beneath them.
Aerin and Theo watched, both were amazed to witness this majestic Gryphon; Theo had never seen such a creature in his life, while Aerin, despite having seen Luna before, found herself surprised again.
The silver Gryphon then spread its wings wide. With a single, powerful flap, charred leaves were sent swirling, dust rose into the air, and both Theo and Aerin's clothing fluttered violently as the creature took off. It soared higher and higher, shrinking into a speck before vanishing entirely.
Aerin turned to Theo. "Now, we're on our own. We need to head back to the city. There are casualties to report, and bodies of soldiers to return to the capital for proper ceremonies, so their families can know they died bravely."
Theo nodded, but then his brows furrowed, reaching into his side pocket. He pulled out the golden envelope: the very same special invitation to Phoenixwing Academy that he had earlier returned to Rowan.
Noticing his puzzled expression, Aerin explained, "Teacher has his ways and these are just easy tricks for him. And honestly, I still can't understand how you could decline such an opportunity as if it were nothing."
Theo had no response. His mind was burdened with numerous concerns: his responsibilities as a Baron which was not serious but the ever-present threats to his life was crucial to address. It really needed his attention first before he could think of the Academy.
Without waiting for his answer, Aerin started walking westward, toward the city, and Theo followed her, storing the golden envelop in his storage.
As they strode side by side, Aerin broke the silence. "I'm truly sorry for how I treated you when we first met. Spending time with you has taught me important lessons, one of which is that not all humans are bad and not all elves are good."
Theo had already forgiven her for her past misdeeds, as the bad times together had made them close and maybe friends? He could also understand why she was against humans in the first place, as it was related to the death of her mother. But still, he couldn't help but tease her. "Yeah, not all elves are good," Theo agreed, shooting her a sidelong glance.
The comment halted Aerin in her tracks; she fixed him with a grumpy look. "Are you insulting me indirectly?" she asked, watching his retreating figure as he walked ahead.
"That wasn't indirect. I was pretty straightforward," Theo teased, not turning around to look at her.
"You—" Aerin's voice filled with feigned rage, causing Theo to pick up his pace, well aware that she might be serious about revenge this time.
Their laughter filled the night forest as she chased after him through the darkened landscape.
After covering about a kilometer, they saw a royal carriage approaching. The coachman, spotting them, pulled the reins and brought the carriage to a halt. From inside, a familiar figure emerged.
"It's good to see you, sister, and to know that you're safe," Elara greeted in a voice filled with sweetness.
“You're already back, Elara? I didn't expect to meet you so soon.” Aerin spoke, with a hint of surprise and joy flavoring her tone, puzzled at her sister's sudden arrival.
"Yes, I hurried back to Blackwater City right after the birthday party. When I saw the distant fire, I grew concerned, especially with no news of your whereabouts," she explained with a worried tone.
Aerin's eyes met Theo's for a brief moment, both seemed to be a little relieved. "Your timing is perfect. Now we won't have to march all the way back to Blackwater City."
Elara's gaze shifted between Aerin and Theo, a slight surprise flickering on her face. "You two seem to have become good friends during this rescue mission." She found this particularly odd given her sister's well-known disdain for humans.
Theo adjusted his posture, clearing his throat before speaking. "We're operating under a mutual truce until we reach the city. She's also promised me another 10 million gold coins if I cooperate," His serious expression hinted that he was not joking.
Aerin snapped back, "Hey, I haven't promised anything like that. You have already robbed me of all my gold."
Theo could tell Aerin was hot-tempered and easy to manipulate, so he didn’t miss the chance to take advantage. “See? She's already breaking our truce now that her sister's here. Can’t trust anybody these days,” he feigned a sound of hurt, as if he had been genuinely betrayed.
Elara simply giggled. "You two can continue this banter later. For now, let's head back." She gestured for them to board the carriage.
As the carriage started rolling, the rhythmic patter of paws filling the air, Aerin recounted the kidnapping ordeal from beginning to end, including Rowan's departure.
Meanwhile, Theo sat on his own and communicated telepathically with Lilith. "How is it going, Demoness?"
Lilith's voice, mischievous yet tinged with irritation, reverberated in his mind. "You finally remember this poor soul? I feel like I’m being confined once again."
"But you have ample space, Dreamweaver’s garden, enormous fields, even a pond and trees. Isn’t this enough to keep you busy?" Theo argued, although he understood her plight. A prison is a prison, even if you make it of gold and provide all the luxuries of life.
“It only has a bigger space and an open sky. I don’t like this. You need to be here with me so I can at least not feel lonely,” she spoke with a hint of longing, emotions flowing in her tone.
"I will probably release you soon, granting your freedom. You won't have to remain confined there," he said, contemplating the situation. While he could manage on his own, he acknowledged Lilith's deserving of her freedom.
However, he held reservations about the potential chaos she might unleash. Thus, he intended to wait a bit longer before setting her free. The current situation wasn't entirely unfavorable for his safety, but he understood the necessity of eventually letting her go.
After hearing Theo’s words, Lilith offered no response, her silence speaking louder than any retort. Theo wasn’t sure what happened to her, but she chose not to reply to him.
As the sisters were engrossed in their own conversation, Elara began taking out some bowls filled with food. The rich aroma of the foods filled the carriage as there were sweets resembling cakes, dumplings made from strawberries, and other items that Theo recognized.
Shifting her gaze to Theo, Elara announced, "I've brought some remaining dishes from the birthday party. They were made with those enchanted vegetables we purchased."
Theo's eyes met Aerin's just as she reached for a plate filled with cake. Clearly, her fondness for sweets was obvious. Meanwhile, Elara extended a plate of dumplings toward Theo.
After a moment's hesitation, he accepted and began to eat. Elara then started to store the remaining food.
"Why are you storing it away? I'd like to taste…," Aerin complained, her voice trailing off lazily as her eyelids grew heavy and she collapsed beside Elara.
Theo's senses sharpened; his guard raised. He noticed Elara's smile, no longer simply sweet, but now laced with the malice of a venomous witch, as his own vision began to spin and he too collapsed.
***
When he fluttered open his eyes, the surroundings were submerged in dusty moonlight coming in through a barred window set high on the wall. Clutching his head, he tried to sit up. As he looked around, he discovered Aerin. Her wrists and ankles bound in dark, glowing, smoky chains, fastened in opposite directions. A cloth gagged her mouth. Their eyes met, and her silent gaze displayed a desperate plea for help.
Bewildered, Theo stammered, "What happened? How did you—?" He rose only to find himself jerked back by chains binding his own wrists.
His eyes shifted, settling on a figure seated in front of a barred enclosure resembling a prison. It was Elara, her smile now fully revealed as venomous.
Her voice broke the frightening silence. "Good morning, Mister Theo. I've been waiting for you to wake up, so I can leave this place."
"Why have you tied up your sister?" Theo demanded. His mind raced through possible reasons behind his capture, greed, him being human, or perhaps, an obsession with enchanted crops that they wanted to ask the secrets behind them; but why would Elara chain her own sister?
==[SnowNote]==
Please bless this novel with high ratings so that it can gain more exposure and attract more readership.
Read 16 chapters ahead of 'My Demonic Farm' on Patreon now!: https://www.patreon.com/whisperingsnow
Additionally, you're invited to join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/88SmwnRQdN
