Here's chapter 5. It's a bit short, but I still think you'll like it! REVIEW and enjoy!
Niall awoke to scarce sunlight streaming from the shuttered windows, rays warming his nude skin. He was still lying on the quaint mattress, his face resting on a pillow that faintly smelled like him.
Irial.
And then Niall's eyes widened when he realized that Irial was no longer present. Nor was the mortal. The small room was empty, save for Niall.
Without wanting to, Niall felt an unknown sadness creeping into him. Irial's not here. Though why did I expect him to be? he chided. He has no obligations to me… no reason to stay. Despite those empty words spoken before they both slept, Niall had still known that Irial wasn't truly his. Certainly not however long Niall would have him. They were lies told by a manipulative man in order to gain a young boy's trust.
Niall shook his head. And I had trusted him. Far more than I should have.
But why did it matter? Nothing particularly special had occurred. What happened last night could have happened with anyone… Niall thought lamely.
But it didn't. And Niall knew that, even though he hated to admit it. Irial wasn't just anyone.
Niall felt somewhat vulnerable as that feeling of loneliness sank in, and then he felt like a fool for thinking that a man like Irial would fancy being in the company with someone like Niall. Someone who spent his mornings and evenings bedding mortals because he was soulless and hollow and empty.
A naïve boy who'd given a complete stranger a piece of himself just to feel loved.
Niall shook his head, ridding himself of the thought. What's done is done, he reasoned. I shouldn't weep over someone I barely knew to begin with.
With lethargic hands, Niall stood up and pulled on his breeches. He reached down for his shirt, which was torn and disheveled, and managed to hold it to his body with a single button. Then he turned to the small, dusted mirror just above the candelabrum. With a swipe of his hand, he removed the layer of grime. His reflection stared back at him.
His eyes were red, as if he were going to cry. Never, he swore. Never shall I cry for him. For anyone. Not again.
Instead, he abruptly turned from the mirror and ran a hand through his hair. It was tangled from his night with Irial. Niall could remember his intoxicating scent, filling his nose, heady on his tongue. The way he drew a sound from Niall's lips with every touch.
It was then, in the midst of his thoughts, when Niall spotted a piece of parchment discreetly placed beneath the base of the candelabrum. Cautiously, so as not to tear it, Niall slid it from underneath and read aloud:
Niall, My Sweet. If you are reading this, then I know you just as well as I thought (that quite amuses me, I must confess). I do, however, apologize for my leave of absence so very soon. Complications arose and I had to bid you adieu, despite how much it pained me to do so. Though worry not; I will see you again. I will come for you tonight, if you'd prefer. At the first light of the waking moon.
Yet, if you are impatient in your endeavors and would rather not wait, then I will tell you where you can find me. Simply go to largest willow tree within the province (I am sure you know of it, as most fey do). There, you will find several fey who are guardsmen of sorts. Tell them your name and that you wish to see Irial, and they will guide you to where I am.
I really do look forward to seeing you again, Gancanagh…
-Sincerely, Your Gracious Lover, Irial
Unable to contain his feelings, Niall reread the letter. This cannot be a ruse, can it? Surely Irial would not entice him with such a well-written letter only to mock him in return?
There is only one way to find out, a small voice crooned to him, doing away with what was left of his reason. Opening the door of the pantry, he stepped out into the warm spring sun. Mortals were out and about, enjoying the fresh air and crisp breeze.
Then Niall, diverging from the mortal paths of the village, headed towards the Great Willow.