Single for Eternity
Chapter 77: Love (2)

Chapter 77: Love (2)

Tauriel tilted her head slightly, her brows furrowed. "What do you mean by that? Love?"

Her gaze narrowed, suspicion laced in her voice. "What kind of affinity is that supposed to be?"

The woman rolled her eyes dramatically and waved Tauriel’s hands away in mock offense. "Oh please," she said with a huff. "Do you really think the only affinities in the world are the conventional ones? Fire, water, lightning, ice, earth, darkness, light—blah, blah, blah?"

Tauriel shrugged nonchalantly. "Well... yeah, kind of. Isn’t that like common knowledge and sense?"

With a groan, the woman smacked her own forehead. "No. No, no, no. The world is not that limited. There are affinities beyond what you can even name—things older than fire, deeper than shadow. Entire categories that transcend elemental definitions. There are affinities so abstract, people can’t even begin to understand or name them."

Her tone dropped, quiet and almost haunted, as if she’d brushed against something best left forgotten. Tauriel didn’t miss the subtle shift, the flicker of fear that ghosted over Leiruat’s face—but she didn’t press further. Not yet.

Crossing her arms, Tauriel changed the subject. "Then... what’s my rank in the tapestry?"

The woman tapped a finger on her lips, her expression thoughtful. "Hard to say. But if you can understand and name your affinity, it’s likely a medium-tier rank. The higher-tier ones are usually so alien they can’t even be consciously grasped."

Tauriel gave a single nod. That was more than enough for now. The idea that she was awakened, had an affinity, and it wasn’t a conventional one—it filled her with resolve. All she wanted was to grow stronger. And of course take her sweet revenge.

Still, one question lingered. "Why do I have to choose one method of emission? You mentioned earlier that I had two options, but can’t I train both?"

Tauriel clicked her tongue, expression darkening. "Because of efficiency. Your aether will naturally lean toward one method—emission or internal circulation. If you try to force both, it creates conflict."

Her eyes hardened. "That internal conflict will corrode your body from within. Slowly. Painfully. Until your own aether becomes a poison that eats you alive."

Tauriel flinched, a chill crawling up her spine. Thank the heavens she had asked before making a reckless decision. That kind of mistake could’ve been fatal. She knew deep inside she was going to try both methods.

Swallowing that anxiety, she nodded. "What should I do now?"

Tauriel shrugged casually, the darkness from earlier gone like mist in the morning light. "That’s up to you. Pick a path. Pursue it. Grow stronger in your own way."

Tauriel took in the advice with a determined gleam in her eyes. "Just one more question."

The woman smiled, floating in the air with an amused hum. "Go ahead, dear."

Tauriel exhaled. "Is there a condition to control a creature? Or can I just do it instantly with my affinity?"

The woman grinned mischievously. "Oh, you wish it were that easy. No, you need to either defeat the creature or make it acknowledge your dominance—your strength and superiority. Only then can your affinity take root."

Tauriel nodded once more, absorbing the knowledge like a sponge.

The woman watched her with a twinkle in her eye. "Is that all?"

"Yeah," Tauriel replied.

There was a pause, then the woman tilted her head. Her smile turned almost impish. "You know, I’m surprised you didn’t ask why an affinity like love grants control. Wouldn’t something like acceptance or emotional control make more sense?"

Tauriel raised a brow, then smirked. "Control is a kind of acceptance, isn’t it? Love is never free of possessiveness and obsession. That thin string—attachment—it can bind tighter than chains. Maybe that’s what gives it its enthralling power."

The woman’s smile softened, turning wistful. Her eyes shimmered as if recalling distant memories. "Love can be the most dangerous weapon... but also the most beautiful thing to ever exist."

Tauriel rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I’ve heard enough stories. I know how love ends."

The woman made a theatrical ’tsk’, clicking her tongue. "That’s just one interpretation. Besides, shouldn’t the men be the ones fed up with those stories? Always throwing themselves into danger to rescue some helpless princess. Only to fight even more to finally reunite with that princess."

Tauriel chuckled. "True enough. I suppose beauty really can topple kingdoms."

The woman twirled midair, showing off her glowing figure. "Exactly! See? Finally, someone gets it."

With a faint smirk, Tauriel tilted her head. "By the way, I still don’t know your name. How should I address you?"

The woman stopped mid-spin and gave a cheeky grin. "You can call me... Leiruat."

Tauriel blinked. "Leiruat... Huh. That sounds oddly familiar."

Leiruat flailed her arms. "No! No! You’re imagining things. Total coincidence. Absolutely no resemblance."

Tauriel raised a brow but let it slide. "If you say so."

Leiruat’s gaze turned toward the looming castle in the distance, its spires piercing the horizon. "Anyway, I’ve got some business to take care of. You—do whatever you want. Train, explore, maybe visit the town."

Tauriel followed her line of sight. Through the dense forest, the faint glow of the castle shimmered beneath the early dawn light. So much had changed in just a single night.

A smile curled on her lips. "Thank you... really. Thank you for everything."

Leiruat looked back, eyes misty with emotion. "Oh gods, don’t get me all sentimental now."

Tauriel extended her hand, hesitant. "So... I guess this is goodbye?"

Leiruat blinked and spun around midair. "Why would you think that?"

Tauriel pulled her hand back. "Well... you said you had important work. I figured it might take a while."

Leiruat burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. "Oh, no, sweetie. I’ll be back before you can miss me. I’m not leaving you alone in this world."

Tauriel’s face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly looked away, muttering something under her breath.

With a knowing smirk, Leiruat turned and hovered higher, her focus shifting to the castle. ’Time to meet this so-called imposter.’

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