In the evening, Elizabeth and Dan were settled into separate fairy houses, each with a beautiful garden. Elizabeth's dwelling was close to Edward and Niamh's, and was similar in style, though it lacked the second storey.

She jumped onto the softest bed and enjoyed a bath filled with flowers. Niamh provided her with dresses and everything she might need. Elizabeth spent time walking in the fairy gardens, carefully avoiding areas where she might run into Dan. She wasn't sure why, but she now felt a strong need to keep her distance from him.

One thing she found especially delightful was a swing near her house, its ropes entwined with ivy and flowers. Hidden in the farthest corner of the garden, the swing became her favourite spot, and she spent quite a lot of time there, taking a respite from Dan's company.

Meanwhile, William seemed to have disappeared. Elizabeth often wondered where he was, but she didn't dare ask Niamh or Edward about him. She usually saw the couple when she played with their children, who had become quite fond of her. Despite their differences in appearance, the children behaved much like any human children would.

On their fourth morning in Iorlainn, Elizabeth gathered her courage to ask Niamh about William. "Has Sir William... left us?" She tried to sound casual.

Niamh gave her a friendly, comforting smile. "No, he's here. His house is near yours. It is strange you haven't seen him." Then Niamh's expression brightened with an idea. "Wait! Edward is heading over there now. Would you like to accompany him?"

Elizabeth paused, feeling torn inside. "No, thank you. Maybe another time." Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she thought Niamh noticed.

William seemed to know a lot about Iorlainn and the fairies, but he chose to stay alone, wandering in places Elizabeth didn't know. In the evenings, when her heart was heavy with an inexplicable longing, she roamed among the fairy dwellings. Though she wasn't certain, deep down she harboured a secret hope of crossing paths with William. A part of her ached to be in his presence, even though she would never dare to confess it aloud.

Despite these brief moments of wistfulness, Elizabeth's days were filled with bliss. She enjoyed exploring the fairy kingdom, admiring its beautiful nature, which was more vivid and fresh than in the human world. One day, she saw a meadow, its crisp grass shimmering in all hues of green. Beyond it lay a forest. The shadows among the trees looked mysterious, as if promising new adventures. Without a second thought, Elizabeth dashed across the meadow. The grass tickled her feet in light sandals as she moved faster and faster, enjoying the run.

Stepping under the spreading canopies, Elizabeth halted in wonder, completely captivated by the forest's untouched beauty. The setting sun painted the towering trees in golden hues, creating elongated shadows on the forest floor. A light breeze brushed against Elizabeth's face, lifting her spirits. With a newfound sense of freedom, she moved with ease, her dress flowing gracefully around her.

This forest, while similar to others she had seen, held an indefinable something—a magic of its own. The surrounding colours seemed to pulse with life, either heightened by her own senses or the forest's vibrant energy. A luminous glow embraced the green leaves, as if they emanated their own light. Under oaks, firs, and pines, a carpet of blue periwinkle flowers and moss stretched on the ground.

A narrow path, cushioned with short, soft grass, disappeared somewhere further into the forest. Elizabeth followed it, eager to explore new sights. Though she had decided not to go too far for fear of getting lost, her desire to learn what lay ahead was stronger. So, her feet carried her away from the forest's edge and closer to its heart.

But even in solitude, she didn't feel alone. The space seemed to radiate a comforting energy, giving her a sense of belonging. The melodic birdsong seemed to sync with her heartbeat, and the shadows in the depths among the trees felt more like serene, mysterious friends than something sinister.

Eventually, the path led her to a lake of ethereal beauty, with water so clear it mirrored the sky above. A breeze stirred the surface, creating gentle ripples. Enchanted by the sight, Elizabeth's eyes lingered on the peaceful scenery, her heart swelling with wonder.

But when she stepped closer to touch the lake's cool waters, something caught her attention. A pile of clothing lay on a nearby stone. Her steps faltered, and she froze. Her breath hitched. The previous sense of tranquillity was shattered by a mysterious intrusion.

She stood like that for a while, and as she was about to leave, the waters parted, revealing a man's form. For a moment, Elizabeth thought she was beholding a deity, an ethereal being born from the lake's depths. Water cascaded down his body, tracing its powerful contours. With graceful movements, he swept his hands over his face, pushing back the dark hair that clung to his damp skin, highlighting the strong line of his jaw. Spellbound, Elizabeth couldn't help but observe how his muscles flexed and flowed with each motion.

Then, in an instant, recognition hit her: William. His physique became more detailed as he moved toward the shore, sending Elizabeth's heart racing. She had glimpsed his naked body at Ciaran's house, but the dim candlelight of that evening paled in comparison to this moment. Now, bathed in the soft light of the setting sun, she could appreciate his ruggedness in all its glory.

Raw masculinity emanated from him. His broad chest, dusted with dark hair, gave him a primal, almost untamed quality. His body bore numerous scars, but they only spoke of his resilience.

Rooted to the spot, Elizabeth couldn't tear her eyes from William. The water receded to reveal his robust, contoured abdomen, leading down further to a distinct navel. Below it, a trail of dark hair began, partially obscured by the water that still hid his lower half. An intense blush ignited her face as she realised: What was she doing, spying on him like this?!

Inhaling sharply, Elizabeth retreated into the dense foliage, her heart racing, the pounding reverberating in her ears. Her head spun with a sudden dizziness. The image of William, strong and commanding, was stamped permanently in her mind.

Elizabeth released a breath she didn't realise she was holding, grateful he hadn't seen her. As she hurried away from the lakeside, her steps faltered. She switched to a run, stumbling over roots protruding from the forest floor.

Now, William was not just a companion but also an attractive man. Witnessing him in such a state awakened something deep within her. Along with shock and embarrassment, a confusing desire arose—a sensation as captivating as it was unsettling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: 

This is a real picture taken in the forest that inspired the descriptions and setting for this chapter! 🌲

In fact, many ideas for the book came to me while I was walking in the woods. 🙂

Nature inspires me and gives me strength. As a city girl, I've always dreamt of living closer to nature! And then, unexpectedly, I had to leave my home and move here. I never imagined my dream would come true like this! 🍀

And where do you draw your inspiration from?

----------------------------------------------