Planet Xyloria: The Witches' Island

The sun hung high in the sky, illuminating the kingdom of Xyloria with a warm, golden glow that danced upon the vibrant flora. The air was filled with the fragrance of blossoming flowers and the melodic chirping of distant creatures. Yet, beneath this idyllic facade, a subtle tension lingered, like a storm cloud poised to break.

Emrys strolled through the vibrant streets of Xyloria, his thoughts still haunted by the morning's encounter with Aélius. His heart fluttered whenever he recalled the electrifying moment they had nearly shared—how close they had come to crossing an invisible line drawn between friendship and something deeper. Shaking his head, he pushed the thoughts from his mind. He hadn't time to dwell on such matters; his duties awaited him. 

The streets bustled with activity, people trading goods in a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Stalls lined the path, overflowing with fruits of every hue and baked goods that beckoned with the warm scent of sugar and spice. Laughter mingled with conversations, creating a symphony of life echoing through the air. Children raced past, their laughter ringing like chimes, while their parents bargained jovially over fresh produce.

He needed this. He needed a break and he is glad he is giving himself a few hours of peace before returning to his work. 

Walking three paces behind him, Sylv'Xya and Alyx wore a black long-sleeved top and matching pants, both adorned with gold embroidery of celestial-like designs. A wide black leather corset belt that had blades and guns around with a big silver ring and hanging chains cinches the waist. Or as Emrys likes to call it, their signature guard look. Basi, strutted next to Emrys with his hooves clicking away like he owned the place. 

Their pace matched Emrys' stride, ever vigilant and attentive to their surroundings, ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble. Their footsteps were silent, a testament to their training.

Next to Emrys was Basi, who strutted next to Emrys with his hooves clicking away like he owned the place. As Emrys leaned back slightly to look behind him, he chuckled softly before shaking his head, straightening his back afterward.

Having a two hour conversation before they left, he knows that he is slowly breaking their walls and they showed that but he need to give them a talk about being serious. 

As a matter of fact-

Emrys stopped for a moment before looking behind him. Seeing the two straighten their backs when they saw him look back, he smiled at them before murmuing 'relax' to them which they did drastically.

As Emrys continued his relaxing walk through the bustling streets of Xyloria, thoughts danced through his mind, yet the ambiance momentarily distracted him. The crystal of colors brought an undeniable cheer to his heart, infusing him with a sense of calm that gently washed away the anxieties lingering from the morning's events. He took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and felt his shoulders relax slightly.

"Boss," called Sylv'Xya suddenly, his voice cutting through his reverie. He turned to find him approaching from behind, a teasing smile lighting his face, his golden eyes sparkling with mischief beneath his dark brows. "You seem lost in thought. Anything interesting going on inside your head?"

With a light chuckle, Emrys shook his head. "Nothing interesting, Sylv'Xya. Just trying to take in the kingdom's beauty before diving back into my responsibilities."

"Beauty?" Alyx interjected, stepping forward, his emerald green eyes narrowing playfully. "Or are you simply avoiding the gazes of certain individuals?"

Emrys blushed slightly, realizing they were referring to Aélius. 

Damn, I shouldn't have ranted to them.

"Neither, I assure you!" he replied, his voice coming out a bit more defensively than he'd intended. "I'm merely appreciating the day."

The guards exchanged knowing glances, their amusement evident. Basi snorted once he heard the lies coming out of his papa's mouth, causing Emrys to chuckle again.

"Very well," Sylv'Xya said, his tone shifting to one of mock seriousness. "Let us keep moving before you're tempted to dawdle and miss something vital."

With a faint roll of his eyes, Emrys nodded and continued on his way, his guards falling into step behind him once more. 

As they ambled through the lively marketplace, Emrys glanced around, captivated by the vibrant bustle. Merchants called out their wares, enticing passersby with promises of magical charms and potions capable of astounding feats. Children wove between adults, their laughter mingling with the soft notes of music played by minstrels in the square. A quick mental tabulation led Emrys to decide that they might be able to linger for just a touch longer before heading back.

There was a small clearing nearby where a group of children had gathered around an elderly woman who seemed to be weaving something magical into the air—a colorful display of shimmering light that danced around her, drawing the rapt attention of the young ones. Emrys couldn't resist the urge to join the gathering for a moment. Despite his position as ruler of Xyloria, experiences like these, filled with childlike wonder, were reminders of what he fought to protect.

"Look, look!" one small boy shouted, capturing the essence of delight as he pointed at the floating sparkles.

Without thinking, Emrys joined the circle, kneeling beside the children. "What's happening here?" he asked with genuine curiosity, eliciting excited murmurs of recognition from the children.

"I can show you!" whispered a little girl with wild curls, her eyes bright with mischief.

The elderly woman smiled knowingly, permitting the girl to take up her task of weaving light. Emrys watched in awe as the scraggly beams of color twisted and turned, guided by the child's laughter and imagination, forming images of fantastical creatures that seemed to spring to life.

As he knelt in the dirt, he felt a warmth swell in his chest, momentarily distracting him from the earlier unease. Joy wasn't confined to one's realm; it existed within every laugh, every lingering moment shared with those he cherished. Yet soon enough, a glance from Sylv'Xya brought him back to their purpose.

"Shall we head back, my lord?" he asked, his voice guiding yet respectful as he reminded him of his responsibilities.

Emrys nodded, flashing the children a bright smile before rising to his feet. 

With a reluctant sigh, he rose to his feet, waving farewell to the enrapt children who continued to marvel at the light. "Until next time!" he called back, his heart lightening despite knowing he'd need to return to the fabric of duty soon.

Back in the castle halls, the friendly banter continued as they walked through the grand doors, where the sprawling marble floors gleamed beneath the watchful gaze of centuries-old portraits lining the walls. Emrys led his guards down to the library, an enchanting chamber filled with countless tomes and ancient scrolls.

"Now that we have a moment," Emrys announced, "I believe today is the perfect occasion for a bit of magic—on my part, that is."

Sylv'Xya raised an eyebrow, eagerness evident in his expression. "What will you be teaching us?"

"Hmm," he replied, warmth washing over him as he browsed through his collection of spells, looking for the best among them to teach. "Let's see what we can conjure up together."

A few minutes later, Emrys had his guards in a circle around him, each eagerly leaning forward to absorb his teachings. A soft camaraderie hung in the air as he demonstrated a few minor spells—turning a mundane sheet of parchment into a fluttering dove, eliciting gasps of delight.

"Now, you try!" he encouraged, showing them the simple incantation to transform their own parchments.

As Sylv'Xya focused deeply, his brow furrowed in concentration, the parchment briefly shimmered before sparking a bright flame. Startled, he jumped back as the magic fizzled out. "Whoops."

Alyx burst into laughter, his voice ringing like a chime. "Careful, Sylv."

"Be quiet." He shot back, causing Emrys to chuckle, his heart feeling fuller with each moment shared, each laugh cast back and forth.

It was during this lighthearted learning, amidst playful laughter, that he felt grateful for moments like this—the laughter, the banter, the chance to be heartfelt friends. Trade negotiations and kingdom politics faded into the background when they were fostering bonds of loyalty.

Once his guards had somewhat mastered the act, Emrys bid them farewell and retreated to his chambers. There, his son waited, swirling his fingers around as obsidian smoke flickered in and out. "Nirthil," Emrys called, evoking a whirlwind of energy in the teen as he looked up with bored eyes, his tousled hair catching the light. "Did you miss your papa today?"

"Of course" Damian, beamed sarcastically.

Emrys approached him, draping an arm across his shoulders affectionately. It was in these small moments, hidden away from prying eyes, that he cherished his son the most.

"What you been up to?" he asked, amusement lighting his eyes as Damian animatedly began to complain about how much Fenrir and Umbra sleep.

The hours melted into a shared warmth of Papa and son, laughter echoing throughout the room. Emrys teaching Damian more control over his siren powers and overall talking about nothing and everything at the same time.

As evening fell, Emrys found himself wandering through quieter halls, searching for a moment of solitude as dusk painted the stone walls of the castle in deep purples and soft blues. It was in the tapestry-lined hallway that he stumbled upon Aélius, a figure surprisingly illuminated by the flickering sconces.

"Emrys," Aélius greeted, a soft smile breaking across his face, warmth washing through Emrys as he met the deep, soulful gaze of the man who had been a constant presence in his heart.

"Just the man I was hoping to find," Emrys replied, a heart-racing anticipation gripping him, as he stepped closer. They stood at the threshold of a moment laden with unexpressed feelings, two souls woven together by the threads of friendship, yet craving something deeper.

They talked lightly at first, flames of laughter and shared memories igniting between them, but as the light faded and shadows crept in, the air thickened with an unspoken connection—electric and heavy.

"I've been thinking," Emrys started, a whisper throughout the dimly lit balcony. "If we're just… wasting time I suppose."

Hearing this, Aélius held a look of confusion, turning his head to look where Emrys was leaning. "What do you mean?"

Turning around, he looks in Aélius eyes, taking a deep breath, he continues, his voice low and steady. 

"What if we stop dancing around this… this thing between us." 

I shouldn't. I can't. Reject him. Rect him right now Aélius.

But all he could do was widen his eyes, searching Emrys' face for any hint of uncertanity, but finding none. He really shouldn't. If his Kings find out about this.

This was only supposed to be a spy mission. Get intel and leave in five months.

Shit. 

Aélius moved closer to Emrys, his heart pounding. 

"Aélius," he spoke softly, his voice strained with pent-up emotions. "I—"

But Aélius stepped closer still, the playful banter of earlier deepening into an intensity that made Emrys' pulse quicken. "I know… I know, Emrys."

Their gazes locked, vulnerability and hope shining in the dim light, the world fading away until only they existed in that charged space. Slowly, Aélius reached out, fingers tracing the air between them, drawing closer as time stood still.

In that breathless moment, with their souls intertwined by unspoken truths, Emrys found himself reaching out. The connection was magnetic, their fingers brushing against one another, igniting a spark that sizzled in the air. Aélius leaned in, breaths mingling, and then… their lips met.

The kiss was tentative at first—a gentle exploration of new territory, a soft whisper of longing muted for far too long. But as the kiss deepened, the barriers cracked, revealing a torrent of emotions long kept at bay. It blossomed into a beautiful melding of warmth and desire, as their mouths moved together in fluid harmony, weaving a tapestry of everything they had hesitated to voice.

Aélius tangled his fingers into Emrys' hair, drawing him in closer, savoring the sweetness of the moment. Emrys, lost in the feeling, let his hands roam to Aélius' chest, caressing the defined muscles beneath, feeling a rush of energy course through him. But suddenly, he pulled back slightly, their spell breaking just enough for reality to pierce through the bliss.

Breathless, they stood there, eyes locked, hearts racing. Emrys murmured, "Fuck." Aénius nodded wordlessly in agreement, the weight of the confession hanging heavily between them.

But in that quiet aftermath, reality crashed in on Emrys, his moment of elation immediately eclipsed by panic. "Fuck!" He exclaimed, raking a hand through his hair as the gravity of their actions sank in. "I… I can't do this."

Aélius' heart plummeted, the warmth evaporating as Emrys stepped back, confusion morphing into desperation. "What?… Emrys…" He reached for him, a silent plea for understanding with his eyes.

"Don't… just… don't," Emrys growled, the harshness in his voice reverberating through the air. And just like that, he turned and stormed away, leaving Aélius standing there, stunned, the connection ringing hollow where warmth had just thrived.

Slumping into a nearby chair, Aélius buried his face in his hands, despair washing over him as he murmured to himself, "We were just having a good time. What the fuck…" Each murmur cracked beneath the weight of frustration and disbelief, his feelings twisting into something far more complicated.

But he couldn't shake the memory of that kiss. The way it had felt so right, igniting a fire within him he had struggled to suppress. Every moment hung in the air like a bittersweet melody—the highs and lows crashing against one another, leaving an emptiness where joy and longing had once thrived.

He sank deeper into the fabric of despair, torn between the exhilarating rush of connection and the overwhelming fear of what lay ahead. Each beating of his heart echoed with the unanswered questions that lingered in the void, creating a haunting resonance in the silence that followed Emrys' departure.

"Fuck," he whispered into the emptiness, his heart aching each awakening moment as tears trail down his face.