The Enigmatic Chronicles of Ignatius Thorne Echoes of Destiny

"Zarkon, load her suitcases. We are leaving."

As dawn broke over the horizon. Ignatius drove away from Queenstown. The tyres of his vehicle crunching on the gravel road. The early morning light bathed the landscape in a soft, golden hue. Signalling the start of a new chapter in their lives.

His mind was a whirlpool of fear and uncertainty. Worried that he would not be able to investigate. His mother's murder in this unfamiliar place. What did Luna want. She had a strange scent on her. She had grown more beautiful he had to be careful. She was one of his top five elf fantasy women. Her betrayal and abandoning him in his time of need still fresh inn his mind.

They stopped for a break at a small roadside station to fill the vehicle with manna liquid. Ignatius took a moment to observe Luna. She had matured into a striking figure, her presence commanding attention.

Luna had long, platinum-blonde hair that reached her buttocks. It was always groomed and moved as she did.

Her mesmerising blue eyes capture the attention of anyone who falls under her gaze. They reflect both her discipline and hidden emotions. He remembered her rigorous skincare routine.

Judging by her flawless, radiant skin, he could see she still followed it. The results from her stringent skincare routine. Would make most women feel like they were neglecting themselves.

Luna's physique toned and athletic. Thanks to her dedication to sword practice and physical fitness. Ignatius admired her body when she was not looking. She had become a woman, and she was one of the hottest elves he had ever seen.

She must work out several times daily to have a toned body like that. He wished he had discipline like her. But his body somehow remained muscular, his eight-pack always visible. Christie had remarked. His body remained chiselled no matter how many meat pies he ate.

Luna followed them into the store, and Christie walked behind them. They each chose what they wanted to eat. Ignatius placed the food and drinks on the table. Searching his jacket pockets, to the annoyance of the clerk, he finally took out two silver coins.

"Um, Christie, could you spot me a few coins."

Christie took silver coins from her handbag, paying for their meal and the manna liquid. Luna stared in disbelief as they left the store. Christie was walking behind Ignatius as his handmaid. In secret, Ignatius had given Christie all the coins. He did not want to give Luna the impression that he was wealthy. He did not trust her.

Christie was immensely strong and would decimate any would-be thieves or bandits. He watched Luna's reflection in the window, trying to see what type of reaction she would have.

Luna turned with a salad in hand. "What are you staring at? Your meat pie is dripping juices."

Ignatius sucked up the lovely pepper-filled juices. "Still a health nut; nothing has changed, right."

Luna threw her hip to the side, throwing her hair back over her shoulder. It was a sexy pose.

"I have changed plenty." She realised what she was doing.

It was her signature move to get men into bed. It worked like a charm every time.

You do not know me." She fell silent, frowning as she stood and relaxed her pose.

Ignatius opened his packet of chips that came with the pie. "Whatever you say, Luna."

Ignatius calmed his raging heart, and he felt feral. The urge to lift her skirt and bend her over subsided.

Ignatius finished his pie and fed Christie his chips one by one. She sucked his finger in a lude way. Luna's eyes widened. Ignatius saw her look at Christie, sucking his finger. Luna's face became flushed. She looked excited, and her hard nipples tried to pierce holes in her blouse.

Zarkon, dressed in black with a hood to shield himself from the sun, listened to Luna's words. His clan members had kept him well-informed. About her life in the capital.

He kept this knowledge to himself, fearing it would break Ignatius's spirit. He had seen how Ignatius loved Luna, and her betrayal and abandonment had struck him like a blow from an ogre's mace. Only Christie had managed to pull Ignatius back from the brink.

As they resumed their journey. Luna asked Ignatius about their plans when they arrived. Ignatius admitted he had not thought about it. Prompting Luna to yell at him about his recklessness. She then mentioned her idea of opening a coffee shop named after his mother.

Luna pledged her thirty thousand gold coins savings towards the venture. Insisting on becoming an equal partner. Ignatius thought about it as he drove. He could afford to open the shop. It binds her to himself in a way.

What if she runs off with the first stud she sees? He was aware that his face looked like a woman's. What woman would make love to another woman?

Ignatius pulled the vehicle to the side of the road, stopping and looking at the farms. "This would be a commitment that binds us as adults into a contract." He spoke.

Luna pulled at her knee-length skirt. "I am in it for the long haul."

Ignatius turned in his seat. "What do you two think."

Christie sat forward, her blouse flaring open on purpose, a gesture that Luna did not miss. "I will follow anything that you believe is in your best interests, Master,"

Zarkon stirred, and then he spoke. "Master, if she were sincere, she would make a great ally. Remember the rings, Master."

Zarkon took hold of his shoulder. "Follow your gut feeling, Master."

Ignatius stared into Luna's blue eyes, drawing in their depth. They had a hardness, and it was evident to everyone that he was searching for something soft and yielding.

He could only see unyielding hardness and something else, something hidden. What had happened to her in the capital? Did he spot fear?

The Mystical Orb of Fate vibrated with a calming energy. The young teen he had known was gone. She was a woman he did not recognise. The orb indicated that she would be a good fit, he hoped.

His emotions were raging inside him. Could he trust her after she betrayed him with that bastard and abandoned him? What had happened to Bradley, and what had she been doing with her life?

Luna looked at her hands in her lap. "I will understand if you say no." She pressed her impressive breasts together, accentuating her cleavage.

Ignatius snapped back to reality. He swallowed, prying his eyes from her lovely charms. It was time to take a risk. "Let us sign a contract. Silvi's Coffee Shop has a certain ring to it."

Luna exhaled. She had been holding her breath and undone a button on her blouse when Ignatius looked out the window. She made sure to give him a good look at her charms. It was one of her best manipulation moves.

It always got her what she wanted. Even as teens she used her then smaller charms to great affect on Ignatius. He fell for her antics every time. She realised she missed those uncomplicated days. What would her life had been like if she had seduced Ignatius. Would he have protected her and loved her like no other. Would she only have known one man inside her. Filling the hole in her heart.

Ignatius saw the pained expression on her face. Recognising that this must be hard for her as well. He had Christie and the maids. They were his whole life. If she could not accept them their partnership would end.

The journey ending as the vehicle closed the distance with ease. Roads turned to dirt roads as they entered the Misty Cove area.

As they reached Misty Cove they parked the vehicle outside of town. The quaint town where they planned to start anew, Luna received a call from her parents as they walked to their destination. Her father's voice was loud over her phone, and everyone could hear him berate Luna.

They had heard from people who had seen her on the road with Ignatius and were furious. Calling it the worst decision she had ever made. Luna, devastated by her father's harsh words, broke down crying.

Feeling a surge of protectiveness, Ignatius slipped his arms around her waist pulling her closer. She cried as she held him back her body shaking. 

The estate agent waited for them at the entrance of the block of buildings he had bought.

The human woman greeted Ignatius as Luna while the others stood, stretching their legs. The vehicle had to be parked outside the village, as the ancient roads made from stone blocks. Built in an era without cars, they allowed for foot traffic. They were built millennia ago; only a few remember when they existed.

The signing took a while. The agent smiled, but her eyes said something else as she looked at Luna and Christie. Ignatius pretended not to see the hatred. He could remember the animosity from people when they lived here. He had tutors and never had to suffer the humiliating bullying at school.

The woman placed the signed papers in her leather bag. "Mr Thorn, you could win Miss Misty Cove with your beautiful face." She giggled like a schoolgirl. She had accepted him immediately as an old resident of the cove. People were the same no matter in what realm you lived, he thought.

Ignatius used to hear people praising his skin and fair face. "Thank you for the compliment, Misses Summers. My ladies are used to my looks by now. You're quite the catch yourself. Too bad you are married."

She laughed, holding her hand before her face, touching Ignatius's arm. "Mr Thorn, you jest."

"I am a mother of two. Foo, foo, foo,"

Two pairs of eyes with murderous intent followed the woman as she walked away. Her hips swaying for Ignatius to see.

Luna scoffed; arms folded over her well-endowed chest. "That human hussy has her eyes on your Master."

Christie rolled her eyes as she interlocked her arm with Ignatius. "Every woman should want my Master. It is only natural."

"What matters is who is loyal to him who does he care about. By his side in good times and bad times." She pointed to herself, a proud look on her face.

Luna looked at Ignatius and then at Christie. She linked her arm with his.

"Let us see our new home partner."

Ignatius unlocked the door and handed Zarkon a key. The rooms upstairs above the shop outfitted as he wanted them.

"Zarkon, please arrange for a contractor to come and set up the coffee shop."

Zarkon bowed his hand on his heart. "It will be done, Master."

The building's structure was a testament to ancient craftsmanship. With its foundation of stone and beams of sturdy wood. Enchanted wards etched into the very fabric of the walls ensured that the passing of time left no mark upon it. Preserving its grandeur through the ages.

As it stood on the edge of town, it had a big yard at the back, and stone walls kept animals and monsters out. The side of the building stood on the edge of the sea. Big stone blocks functioned as a barrier between the ocean and the building. Waves broke on the magically protected stone. reminding everyone that they lived beside the sea.

The Master bedroom was a sanctuary of luxury. Its vast space filled with luxurious furniture transported from Ignatius's mansion. A massive, intricately carved bed draped with sumptuous linens stood at its heart. To one side, a study table supported a sleek terminal, its screen poised for literary creation. Bookshelves lined the walls. Filled with volumes from Ignatius's collection. Tomes of knowledge and fantasy he had chosen to keep.

Dominating one wall, a portrait of Ignatius's mother, Silvi. She gazed down serenely, her beauty undiminished by time. The soft lighting cast gentle shadows. Enhancing the room's rich textures and warm hues.

The other rooms, no less grand. Brought smiles to Luna and Christie as they unpacked their belongings. Luna took the room on the right of Ignatius and Christie the one on the left. Each room reflected elegance, adorned with plush furniture and ornate decor.

The expansiveness of the rooms invited a sense of freedom. While the intricate detailing on the furniture. Whispered tales of old wealth and refined tastes.

Zarkon inspected his room, which was starkly different. No windows broke the dark sanctuary of his quarters, making it a perfect retreat from the sun. A large desk occupied one corner. Its surface meticulously organised with a phone and a terminal. Ready for the administrative duties Zarkon performed with unwavering diligence.

A single bed offered a simple yet comfortable resting place in another corner. The centrepiece of his room was a lavish wine rack. Each bottle filled with Ignatius's blood. A testament to Ignatius's consideration of his needs.

The kitchen was a marvel of modern convenience and classic style. Its spacious layout featured state-of-the-art appliances. With a large table at the centre that could seat eight.

The aroma of future meals seemed to linger in the air, promising warmth, and fellowship. This culinary haven designed for practicality and gatherings. Where meals would be prepared with love and shared with joy.

Stairs led down from the living quarters to the empty shop below. Though currently unfinished. The space held the promise of a bustling coffee shop, its completion expected in two weeks. The air buzzed with the anticipation. Of new beginnings and the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee that would soon fill the space.

Later, as Ignatius was settling in the new room. Christie lying next to him naked on her back Exhausted. He received a call from his friend, the mayor, who wanted to meet in a few days. He made clear the sense of urgency, saying he had a matter to deal with that needed his urgent attention. It was a hopeful sign, suggesting a lead about his mother's murder.

As evening descended, the new cook arrived at their door. Zarkon, ever vigilant, took charge of welcoming the young man, who had a family of three children. Ignatius asked if he knew of any cooks looking for a position.

The young man mentioned a school friend who was searching for work. Luna, always proactive. Arranged a meeting with the prospective cook early in the morning.

The young man, Anderson, could not take his eyes off the two women sitting at the table. Zarkon frowned as he saw this happen. Luna thought nothing of it. Christie watched Ignatius to see his reaction to the young man's interest in Luna.

Her efforts rewarded when Ignatius had a flash of darkness in his eyes. The young man complimented Luna and then focused on her.

Zarkon had arranged housing near the coffee shop. To make the maids, young elven ladies' lives easier. He had ordered new clothes for them that would please his Master, and they would show lots of skin.

Zarkon wanted them to work naked, but Ignatius stopped that idea. Ignatius almost choked to death. When Cherry agreed that she would work naked for her Master every day without fail.

**************

Luna stood frozen as the beauties came in to greet Ignatius. She felt old as the young elves kissed Ignatius. Hugging him as he touched them inappropriately.

Anderson's interest peaked as he stood by the kitchen door, gawking at the young girls. Zarkon whispered in his ear, and he paled, opting to leave for his home.

As the early morning sun cast its first light upon Misty Cove. Ignatius found himself in the company of Elder Rowan. An old family friend and revered scholar.

The elder's eyes gleamed with wisdom and urgency as he spoke. Christie lay in his arms under the covers, her head on his chest.

"Ignatius, you must find the Mystic Orb of Fate," Rowan urged, his voice steady.