Cursed

Chapter Forty

As much Elora wanted nothing to do with Leif, wanted to deny what he was to her, she couldn't help but feel a small shred of sympathy after he'd laid all his cards on the table, shared his story. She felt some understanding, now. Understanding as to why he acted the way he did. He had been through a great deal in his immortal life, and surely he would endure more hardships in the many years he had to come. And she realised, she was just a blip in this existence. So, while she wasn't too keen on being best friends with him just yet, she felt compelled to refrain from completely shutting him out and rejecting him.

She also felt compelled to learn more about what it meant to be Leif's mate. Of course, she could go to Leif, try and get the information out of him. But, she knew Matilda was probably a better option. Matilda had been with her mate for a long time. Loved her mate. Surely she could help her understand the bond that tied two souls together in such a way.

"Good morning." Elora had found Matilda in the kitchen, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Morning," Matilda offered her a warm smile. "Want some?" She gestured toward the mug in her hand.

"I'd love some," Elora took a spot at the table, and moments later Matilda took a seat next to her, two mugs in hand.

"How are you doing?" Matilda took a tentative sip of her coffee, testing to see if it was cool enough to drink.

Elora let out a deep sigh, leaning back in the chair. She shook her head, trying to find the right word to summarise the plethora of feelings that were fogging her brain.

"I get it," Matilda took the pressure of providing an answer off of Elora's shoulders with a sympathetic expression and a nod. "It's a lot to take in. Especially considering your situation."

"With you and Anders... Did you know right away?"

"I did," she nodded. Matilda's tone conveyed that this fact was one that she was completely, undoubtedly positive about. "But for us, it's different. You see, Anders and I are both fae. The bond for fae is impossible to ignore. Even if you can't identify the type of bond right away."

"So for humans it's... weaker?"

"You could put it that way, yes. For a human, you can fall in love with and care for someone who isn't your mate. But that tug will always be there, impossible to ignore," she explained. "But for fae, we are wholly connected. We feel everything, especially once the mating bond has been... consummated."

Elora tried to ignore the strange feeling in her belly upon hearing the word 'consummated'. It would be a lie to say that being with Leif in that way wasn't something she'd thought about. The tension was apparent and entirely palpable. Even if he denied it constantly.

"So, for Leif..."

"Leif's an asshole. An idiot. And he won't admit it, but this bond makes you irresistible to him. He can't stay away. You're the other half of him."

"The universe played a cruel trick on him, then. Cursing him with a mortal mate. He has maybe a few more decades with me. But who knows, with everything going on..."

"Ah, that brings me to another great point," Matilda took a long sip from her mug before placing it down on the solid wood table, her fingers still wrapped around it, savouring the warmth it provided. "As a fae's mate, your life force is tied to his. If he lives, you live."

That information hit Elora like a ton of bricks. She stayed silent for a few moments, contemplating this new reality.

"I know, it's a lot to take in. especially this early in the morning. And I'm sorry this was all sprung on you in such a dire situation. I'm sorry you met under the circumstances in which you did. But, I am not sorry you met Leif. He needs you, I can see it. He needed a purpose, and I think he's found it in you." Matilda left it at that, even though Elora had a million other questions she was dying to ask.

But, the silence in the spacious kitchen didn't last long. Leif breezed into the kitchen, looking like he had just rolled out of bed. "Morning," he said through a yawn.

"Good morning," Elora's eyes were locked on Leif and Leif only. She was scanning him, as if she could read what he was thinking if she stared long enough.

"I'm going out," he announced to the room. "I need to do some digging, try and figure out where that bastard took your friends. Are you okay with Matilda for the day?"

Elora wanted to go, wanted to help track down her brother and her friends. But, it was like a broken record by this point. Staying home was the safest thing for her.

"Sure, yeah." Elora nodded, finally prying her eyes away from her mate.

"Is there anything you need here?"

Elora could tell Leif wasn't used to asking courteous questions such as this one, and it warmed her heart, even if just the tiniest bit.

"I think I'm okay for now. Thank you," she offered a half smile, the most she could muster at this point in time.

Leif nodded as a way of responding, but left it at that.

"I'll let you know what I find out. If it's something major, I'll call right away."

"Right. Be careful," Elora warned. She knew that Ivar was ruthless, and if Leif was spotted, he would surely meet some form of torture or even death.

"I'm going to try." Elora was taken by complete surprise when Leif offered her a reassuring smile before disappearing up the stairs. He was doing this for her. He was out risking himself, while she stayed here, safe and comfortable with Matilda. Elora felt stupid.

She took that as her cue to do the same, heading to the guest room to dress for the day. She stayed comfortable in an oversized jumper and black leggings, her hair tied back in a loose braid.

By the time she made her way back downstairs to find some breakfast, Leif was just about to leave. "I shouldn't be gone long," he explained, pulling on a jacket.

Elora didn't miss Leif's gaze raking over her before he left. Not in a creepy, checking-her-out type of way, but as if he was taking inventory of her, making sure she was all in one piece.

"See you later," Elora said with a wave before Leif stepped outside, locking the door behind him.