When Sophie woke up in the morning, she felt as if she were lying on a warm bed. Opening her eyes, she was startled by the sight of a handsome face way too close to hers. Clamping a hand over her mouth to stifle a scream, she quickly got up and slipped into her dress.
Her heart pounding, Sophie knelt beside Sam. Thankfully, he was still asleep. His cheeks were flushed, and when she touched his body, it was no longer icy cold. *Thank goodness—he's out of danger!*
Once Sam regained consciousness, the two set off back home. Neither of them mentioned what had happened after Sam passed out. Sophie stayed silent because she already knew; Sam didn't ask, which was… odd. *Maybe…*
Back in the elven village, Charles greeted Sophie with a slobbery kiss. That only strengthened her resolve to speed up his growth!
After Jessica's careful preparation, the Jade Mushroom finally made its way into Charles' stomach. Unfortunately, due to Sophie's human bloodline, it only aged him to his teens. Deciding there was no rush to mature him further, Sophie thought, *Maybe we'll gather more Jade Mushrooms later.*
"Sophie, though Charles now looks like a teenager, his mind is still that of a newborn," Jessica said earnestly. "I'd suggest you stay a while longer. I can teach him basic skills—how to think, how to defend himself. That way, he can protect both you and himself."
Touched by the offer, Sophie agreed. She didn't want to drag around a son who looked like a teenager but acted like a child. Plus… maybe she didn't have to leave at all?
"Sophie, the day after tomorrow is our Sylph Festival. Will you come with me?" Sam asked while she was picking fruit.
Little Bai shot Sam a side-eye and muttered, "Sneaky guy." He desperately hoped Sophie would refuse.
But Sophie, ever the lover of festivities, happily accepted.
Dressed in the elegant attire Sam had prepared, Sophie blended right in with the elven maidens—except for her ears. Each attendee carried a handful of glowflowers, their soft blue light casting a dreamy glow.
Two orderly lines formed, passing through an arch of blossoms, bowing to one another, then circling back to reunite.
Sam stood beside Sophie, whispering the meaning behind each ritual—the wreaths for harvest, the bows for harmony, the parting and reunion symbolizing joy. Then came the dancing, feasting, games, the Glow Night, and finally, the Gratitude Ceremony.
When the music started, Sam immediately sought Sophie out. After a formal invitation, she accepted, and they stepped onto the dance floor. Watching the other elves move in strange yet mesmerizing steps, Sophie froze—she had no idea how to dance like this!
"Relax," Sam murmured. "Our dances mimic animals. Just follow my lead."
Sophie, who had learned Latin dance in middle school, soon found her rhythm. Her bright expressions, fluid arms, and quick steps made her and Sam the stars of the night.
Lost in the music, Sophie felt like she was back in school, practicing routines with friends. Slowly, her movements shifted into something freer, more passionate, yet graceful—infectious enough that others began mirroring her style.
She didn't notice the change until Sam gently pulled her close. The dance was ending.
With a hint of nostalgia, Sophie followed Sam to the banquet. The table overflowed with fruits and dishes contributed by every elf. Sophie added the last of Carina's pastries—now she'd have to make her own.
Sam piled a plate high with food and handed it to Sophie. "Enjoy."
Realizing he wasn't teasing but genuinely wanted her to eat, Sophie laughed and split the portion with him. Between delicious bites and Sam's company, happiness seeped into every pore.
After the feast came games. For one night, the elves shed their maturity and played like carefree children. Sophie introduced games from her college parties, and soon laughter and shrieks filled the forest.
As dusk fell, someone tossed a glowflower into the air, signaling the Glow Night.
Elves squeezed luminescent juice from the flowers and smeared it on each other—like the Water Festival, the most popular targets got the messiest.
Sophie painted Sam's face blue, only to get drenched herself by another elf. Sam laughed—until someone splattered juice straight into his mouth. Sophie doubled over, wisely covering her own lips.
A sneak attack from behind left Sophie's face glowing. She rallied Sam for revenge, and the two dashed through the crowd, leaving streaks of blue in their wake.
Exhausted but exhilarated, the elves smoothed their robes and headed toward the World Tree, forming a shimmering blue procession.
Sam magically produced a milkfruit for the thirsty Sophie, his smile tender. She returned it, sweetness spreading through her.
The joyful march felt short. At the World Tree, the elves bowed in gratitude for life and blessings.
Pairs who had been married for centuries stepped forward, chanting prayers in unison.
The sight struck Sophie like ice water. The color drained from her face, hidden only by the night.
*It's time to leave. If I stay any longer, my heart won't survive.*
She didn't sleep a wink that night.
**Will she really walk away?**