Elias could not sleep at all despite the pain in his body. His wounds seem to heal much faster than before. Yet, he did not feel gratitude toward the woman, all he felt was resentment. He stood up from the bed and grabbed the axe from the tool shed outside and headed into the woods behind the manor ruins.
The crisp morning air stung his skin, but it still made him feel better. The woods were silent, save for the steady thunk of the axe biting into bark. Over and over, wood split under his strength without tiring him at all. The sweat that rolled down his back wasn't from fear or fury anymore but from physical work that gave him some peace of mind. For once, the cooing of birds felt special and enchanting. Elias wiped the sweat from his brow, tied up the cut logs with a thick rope, and carried them back like it weighed nothing.
Back inside, the house was quiet. Seraphina's room remained shut. He stared at the door for a long time wondering if she even needed sleep but he didn't disturb her.
In the kitchen, if it could still be called that, he rummaged through and found nothing. But it did not surprise him anymore. He picked up the axe and left for the woods again.
By the time Seraphina stepped out of her room, dressed in small silk chemise that barely reached her thighs, the sunlight filled the small dining hall. Her eyes landed on Elias.
He sat calmly at the table with a plate of freshly cooked food before him. He ate without looking back at her. His burns were bandaged crudely, but he didn't show any sign of pain. There was a stillness about him that made him unapproachable. Her brow arched with interest. "That's quite the feast, considering I was certain the pantry was bare."
Elias didn't look up. He tore off another piece of grilled meat and popped it into his mouth before responding, voice low and even. "It was. I went out hunting and brought a few mushrooms from the woods."
She stepped closer, eyes now glinting with something unreadable. "You hunted and cooked all this for me, how generous!"
"I am sure you do not need eating. But suit yourself." Seraphina raised a brow, but did not mind his cold attitude. She knew from the start that he was a sensitive person who thought more from his heart than his brain. But then, she did not need an overly shrewd person. What she needed was a man with loyalty and desire to revenge so that he would give all of himself to her mission.
Seraphina circled the table slowly, examining the setup. The meal was simple yet he had paid a lot of thought in arranging everything meticulously.
"You didn't wait for me," she whispered, almost teasing.
"I wasn't sure if you would join me," Elias said, finally meeting her gaze. "You seemed to enjoy watching from the shadows more than standing in the light."
She tilted her head, considering his words. "Hmm, you are not fun at all." She clicked her tongue and sat down making him frown. As much as he knew it was her home. Should she not dress up a bit before sitting with him? Her actions had raised her chemise higher and there was nothing left for imagination.
Seraphina sat across from him, her silk chemise riding high up her thighs as she crossed her legs, revealing smooth, pale skin that looked untouched by sun or time. The thin fabric clung to her curves, outlining the soft swell of her breasts and the narrow taper of her waist. Her skin was flawless, porcelain-pale with a cool undertone, almost glowing under the morning light.
Her legs were long and toned, thighs tight and shapely. Her calves crossing elegantly as she shifted in her seat. The delicate dip of her collarbone drew attention to the graceful line of her neck, slender and inviting. When she tilted her head, the movement exposed a subtle hint of cleavage where the neckline of her chemise dipped low, teasing without shame.
She made no effort to adjust her clothes or hide the way they revealed her body. Her movements were slow and deliberate, fully aware of how easily she could command attention without saying a word. Even barefoot, with her hair slightly tousled from sleep, she exuded a natural, effortless allure that made it impossible to look away.
Elias turned his eyes back to his plate, trying to avoid looking at her but in the end he was a healthy woman and she was a seductive woman. He could not stop his Adam apple from bobbing.
She smirked looking at the reaction. "You know… your blood binds you to me in ways you have not thought before." She teased in a seductive voice as she leaned toward him. The corner of the tables touched her breasts and pushed them higher, like an invitation to touch. Elias could feel heat rising to his skin. He knew the woman was seducing him but he did not like it.
"Pardon me, but I am only interested in the revenge part for now. Tell me, you have promised to tell me everything today." His voice was firm, despite the desire dancing in his eyes, he controlled it by making her eyes glimmer.
She stood up from her seat and went to sit in his lap, as if she had decided to test his limits completely. She wrapped his arms around his neck as she straddled him, she grinned noticing the darkness in his eyes,
"Of course, shall I start from the start then?"
"No," Elias said, pushing the empty plate aside and helping her in standing up from his lap.
"I can hear you just fine from the other side too." he pointed at the seat where she was sitting before.
Seraphina chuckled, shaking her head.
"Your loss!" she murmured. "I was only giving you a free treat. Tell me, have you rejected it from me or would you reject if from every woman offering you there?" he frowned and looked at her. But her eyes told him that the answer was very important for him.
"I am a healthy man, i do not mind sex. But i am not blind for it. I would see what it would cost me before deciding." he claimed making her eyes narrowed.
He could tell that she did not like his reply. But at the same time, she did not challenge it anymore.
She turned toward the open window where the smoke of yesterday had vanished into the horizon. The world outside was waiting.
And Seraphina whispered, almost to herself, "Then today, Elias, I will tell you everything."