A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

Chapter 123: Chapter 123 - Elora's test [1/2]

Seeing Elora's amused grin, Emma's palpable anxiety, and Emily's flickers of corruption, Erik exhaled slowly, a commanding presence in the unfolding drama. "Let's all take a moment," he said, his voice calm yet firm. "Elora, enough with the teasing."

While Elora pouted a little, she did seem to listen to him. Meanwhile, Emma voiced her doubts. "Miss Elora… Didn't you just say you wanted this, too?"

Elora nodded, now having lost her grin as she looked serious instead. "That's true, but if you're going to join our little family, then I want to be sure you actually love him. In your case specifically, I want to make sure your feelings are based on more than just the fact that he saved you."

While Elora explained, Erik stepped closer to Emma and reassuringly put his hand on her shoulder, causing much of Emma's anxiety to disappear. "I know it may seem a little unfair, but this is the foundation Elora and I have agreed on.

Yes, I can marry whoever I want, but Elora has veto rights, and she's chosen to use those rights on anyone who doesn't pass her test."

Emily's anger was palpable, and her finger pointed at Erik as her voice rose in Emma's defense. "Unfair doesn't begin to cover it! Not only does she have to share you with multiple wives, you also get the fuck sluts on the side, and yet she still has to pass some kind of test?!"

Elora's response was sharp and clear, her logic unyielding. "First of all," she began with a dismissive scoff, "Complaining about having to share him with multiple wives is pretty daring for a second wife.

Secondly, you are projecting your own sense of morality on us. Both Erik and I enjoy the way our relationship works, and expecting someone who wants to join our family to accept and respect the current dynamic is perfectly reasonable.

Lastly, it's not some kind of test to see if she is worthy. I merely want to find out if her feelings are genuine and can stand the test of time. What if, a few years from now, she realizes she never truly loved him after all? This is as much for our benefit as it is hers."

"That…!" Emily stammered but couldn't really find a good rebuttal, so she turned her eyes upward with a sad expression and sighed. 'I thought I wasn't bothered by their polyamory, but I guess it's not the same when it comes to little Em.'

Suddenly, she felt herself encased in a warm embrace. She looked down and saw her little sister brightly smiling at her with resolve clear in her eyes. "Thanks for caring and trying to protect me, big Em. But remember what I said on the boat? I need a sister, not a protector. I'm old enough to make my own decisions, and this is what I want."

Then she shrugged. "Besides, what Miss Elora said is reasonable." She winked before continuing, "And if it's just a test of love, then I have no doubt I'll pass."

Emily sighed again and patted her little sister on the head. "You're right, little Em. I'm sorry. If this is what you want, then I'll support you. Just… be careful, all right?"

Emma giggled and nodded. "Of course! Besides, it's not like you're going anywhere." She stuck out her tongue teasingly. "In fact, I believe you'll join me soon enough." Emily immediately scoffed and tried to deny it, but Emma continued to push and tease.

While the sisters talked, Erik walked towards Elora with narrowed eyes, grabbed her chin, and looked into her emerald eyes. "You still need to be punished. You may not have lied to me, but you did mislead."

Erik's words caused Elora to pout with indignation, "Only because telling you would remove any point in doing so in the first place. It was for everyone's benefit!"

Erik nodded but also raised an eyebrow. "I'm not denying that, but the fact is, you still broke the spirit of our agreement, and I believe it was you who proposed we should be punished when that happens. And I think you said that exactly to prevent yourself from slipping back into your old ways."

Back on Söl, before the two of them fell in love, Elora was not only far more callous with Erik than now but also frequently made plans without consulting him, which was one of the many things she later regretted.

However, Elora didn't seem to accept his explanation yet and continued to pout. "It's not the same thing! There was no danger here!"

Erik smiled softly and bent over to kiss the fairy on her lips. When he pulled back, he said, "I know. But you also know that it's a slippery slope, and we need to nip these things in the bud before it becomes a regular thing."

Struggle appeared on Elora's face, as she couldn't deny there was some truth to his words. Eventually, she sighed. "Fine… you're right. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have misled you."

Grinning, Erik then whispered in her ear. "Good girl. Now, as your punishment, clean me up."

Elora immediately knew what he meant and grimaced. Usually, she had no problem cleaning up her own mess, but cleaning up what Nora left behind was almost an insult. Yet, the punishment wasn't supposed to be nice, and she'd already agreed she deserved it.

So, despite a bit of resentment in her eyes, she sighed and was about to kneel down when Erik stopped her with a chuckle. "You can just use your magic. I would never ask you to use your mouth to clean up after someone like Nora. Though I appreciate the thought."

Elora quickly realized she'd been had and sighed in relief before poking Erik's chest with narrowed eyes. "Bastard! You almost had me, too."

Erik chuckled happily. "I'm sorry." Then, he turned serious. "But I meant what I said. Don't fall back into your old way, Elora. Don't keep things from me. Not even if you think it's for my own good."

Elora nodded with an equally happy smile. "You're right. I won't do it again."

Of course, whether or not time would make a liar out of her was anyone's guess.

"Good," Erik answered warmly, "Next time we meet someone you want to add to our family, just let me know straight away."

Elora nodded, and they kissed again before turning towards the sisters.