Shadow Elves

A Lover’s Trilogy

Onika Red Leaf has always walked in shadow, but destiny calls her into something far more dangerous.

When her sister is stolen by a dark power rising in the Burning Lands, Onika’s quiet life among the shadow elves is torn apart. Guided by forbidden dreams and the whispered voice of Vala, a fading goddess of love, Onika is chosen to become a Valanori—a mortal vessel of passion, magic, and divine will.

To save her sister, Onika must journey beyond the safety of her people, crossing seas, facing monsters, and awakening a power long hunted and feared. Alongside a deadly rogue and a fierce young elf warrior, she walks a razor’s edge between devotion and damnation.

But gods do not choose lightly.

As dark cultists, corrupted rulers, and ancient enemies stir, Onika must decide how much of herself she is willing to surrender—to love, to faith, and to the fire burning inside her.

Shadow Elves is a lush dark fantasy romance filled with danger, devotion, sensual magic, and a heroine whose heart may be powerful enough to change the fate of gods.

Word Count: 33,883

A Lover’s Rite

One

Patterns swirled as Onika floated. A deep abyss stretched out before her with purple clouds drifting slowly in the distance. A soothing calm washed over her heart. She had been here before. She was aware enough to know this was a dream, but not so aware that she would wake from it. The abyss was becoming her home. Its vastness pushed her mind toward introspection. A life played out of a young elf growing in a loving home. Shadows twisted to show her sister smiling at her and both dancing to their father playing his lute. Mother was calling her young elves to dinner where they dined on rabbit and drank cups of wonderful red wine.

Onika continued to float, her heart beat quickening in her chest. Larger images appeared in the deep darkness, her father going off to war and never returning. Years passed with Onika’s mother living out her nights, missing her husband, and fading away when her heart could take no more grief. Onika would have wept but the images before her held only a shred of emotion. Wounds heal and eventually scar over.

Onika drifted in-between worlds lost to the darkness. The memories faded and she was alone in a sea of black. Onika put her arms out and lazily swam, kicking her legs lightly. A small flash touched the edge of her vision. Turning her head, a small globe of light winked. With only purple clouds to judge the distance, it seemed far away. It moved slowly but deliberately toward her. Onika righted herself and watched fascinated as the orb grew bigger and closer. Its shape shifted and melted the closer it came. In a blink it turned into a shrouded figure. As Onika stared, the cloaked figure floated up to her. Its shape was that of a woman. The cloaked figure reached out with a hand. Onika reached out, smiling.

Darkness rained down and Onika opened her eyes. She stared at the wall of her small candle-lit room. The smell of cooking meat filled her nose. She laid there for long moments. With a yawn, Onika sat up swinging her legs over her cot. She walked naked to a dresser and dug up some clothes. With a white tunic on and tight black leggings, she looked into the mirror and turned slightly.

Onika’s smooth dark skin gave off a slight shine in the candle light. Her eyes were pale with warm red irises. White hair spilled over her shoulders and Onika gave a slight frown. Her hands swept up with a thin leather band and pulled her thick hair into a pony tail. Her dark elven ears exposed, she smiled and gave herself a small nod of approval. Her high cheekbones, ample breasts, thin waist, and curvy hips caused many males to turn their heads. To Onika, most males didn’t have what she was looking for. They can be a playful distraction but that was all they were, a simple distraction.

After one last look over, Onika was through the door and down the stairs. Several moments later she was in the kitchen. Senna was busy over the iron stove. The large wooden table in the middle had two plates with pheasant eggs, leftover rabbit, potato shavings, and some fruit. Onika’s eyes fell on the fruit and licked her dark lips. Her fingers gracefully picked up a strawberry and held it to her nose.

“When did you get fruit?” Onika asked as her nose absorbed the aroma.

Senna turned around from the stove and smiled. “A trader was passing through yesterday. He gave me a great deal.”

Onika took a nibble and savored the berry taste. She hadn’t had fruit in about a year. It was such a rare thing in the abyssal forests where her kind lived. Most travelers try to avoid them at all costs but there are a small number of brave spirits who make their way in. The extra rubies usually make the trip worth their wild.

“Remember, you are tutoring Nessa today. Her mother was sure to stop me while I was purchasing the fruit. She hopes there will be some better progress soon.”

Onika frowned. “If that young lady spent as much time on her magical studies as she does with a bow, she would be a master by now.”

“She seems pretty head strong like someone I know.” Senna smiled at Onika.

“If you weren’t my sister I would throw these eggs at you.” Onika smiled back.

“Then you would have nothing to break your fast with. And you would starve.”

“Then this battle is at a standstill. Watch your back, for next time I will not be so lenient.”

Senna took her apron off. Both sisters took a seat to break their fast. Soon the conversation fell to gossip and fits of laughter.

***

Onika sat in a wooden chair. The table before her was empty save for a wooden cup and another empty chair. Candle-light flickered, making the shadows wave and dance across the small library. Onika was about to leave when a door opened and a dark-skinned female elf stepped in. Her cloak was bundled over her shoulder and she gave a nervous smile.

“I apologize mistress Red Leaf. I was held up by another appointment.”

Onika eyed her for a long moment. “I’m not your family. You do not have to lie to me. And next time, hide your bow instead of trying to wrap it in your cloak. I can still see one of the ends sticking out.”

“I apologize…”

“Stop apologizing.” Onika cut her off. “Please sit so we may begin your lesson.”

Nessa bowed her head. She dropped her cloak and took a seat across from Onika. She kept her head bowed until Onika spoke.

“Let us review the basics again. Hold this cup.”

Nessa did as she was told. She reached over and picked up the cup.

“Mana is the life stream of all magic. In order to manipulate it, you must absorb it. Much like taking a drink, you must fill your cup first.”

Onika reached her hand up and ran slender fingers across a candle flame. With her hand in front of her chest, she snapped her fingers and a flame appeared. It hovered in midair over her open palm. Nessa had a bored expression but soon perked up when Onika gave her an emotionless stare.

The dancing flame twirled and turned star shaped. “The more mana you absorb, the more you can manipulate it.  But you must always be careful. If you absorb too much mana from an element, it will begin to manipulate you.”

“Do I have to touch it to absorb it?”

“It depends on your skill and what mana you are trying to control. Air has the easiest manner you can control. Create a gust of wind.”

Nessa held her hands up. Her eyes focused. Her eyes glowed slightly and a small breeze passed over them. Onika shook her head.

“You need to fill your cup more than a trickle. Try again.”

Nessa clenched her hands into fists and put them on the table. “I don’t like how it feels. The mana makes me feel weird.”

“You will get used to it.”

Nessa looked down and kept her fists on the table. “I don’t want to get used to it. I don’t know why my mother wants me to learn this? We are all wasting each other’s time.”

“Nessa, all shadow elves need to learn the warrior and mage disciplines. It will help you survive.” Onika spoke with a soft edge.

“The warrior path is the one I want to follow. There are plenty of others learning the mage path.”

“Your mother simply wants you to be well rounded. When you leave the nest, you will…”

Nessa cut her off. “I am already old enough to leave the nest! I am thirty-four!”

Onika lifted her palms toward Nessa. Most elves were not considered fully grown until thirty-five. The fire of youth seemed to burn bright with Nessa. Onika smirked to herself when she yelled at her warrior instructor about being old enough at twenty-seven.

“Why are you smiling?” Anger still painted all over Nessa’s face.

“I am not smiling at you. I remember when I felt the same way.”

“You didn’t want to learn magic?”

“No. I was very adept at magic. It was the warrior path I felt I didn’t need.”

“So, you know how I feel?” Nessa’s angry expression melted.

“Yes, I do,” Onika reached over and took Nessa’s hands into hers. “If you believe you do not need to learn the mage path then I will respect your decision. But your mother did pay for lessons and you know we are all going through hard times.”

“I do not want you to suffer because I don’t wish to learn the mage path.”

“Then let’s come to a compromise. You learn a few spells to appease your mother; I will praise your ability but recommend you spend more time learning the warrior path. If she hears it from me, she may be more inclined to shorten your mage studies, deal?”

“You would do that for me?” Nessa said, astonished.

“I sense no need in making others do anything they don’t want to do. Do we have a deal?”

Nessa nodded. Onika smiled and passed her fingers over a candle flame. “Let’s start again.”

***

Onika left the Opal estate. A guard closed the gate once she was through. The air was cool and still. The dark forest shut out the sky. The urge to see the night sky pressed on her thoughts. She had made plans for this very night, and seeing the sky was the cherry on top. Onika hefted her pack onto her shoulder and began walking into the dark forest.

The path twisted and turned through the darkness. Her night vision showed every branch and twig in her way. The deeper she went, the thicker the forest became. The silence was shattered when an animal would howl or growl into the night. Onika kept her calm as she pressed on. She knew this forest like the back of her hand. She avoided the creature dens and continued her march. A nagging thought of Senna disapproving of this late journey filled Onika with annoyance. She loved her sister and knew that would be a small price to pay for a chance to see the sky and the moon.

After a few more twists and turns, a small hop over a tiny stream and stepping around a few huge trees, Onika laid eyes on a small pool in the pitch darkness. She let out a breath of excitement. She quickened her pace and was soon standing about ten feet from the pool. She surveyed the area. Only the sound of crickets filled her pointed ears.

Onika let out a happy sigh as she began shedding her clothes. When every piece of fabric was a puddle at her feet, a thrill inducing shiver bolted through her body. Onika ran her hands over her smooth skin. Goosebumps raised but not from any chill. Her fingers passed over her nipples and they were as hard as stone. Onika’s eyes fell once again on the glass-like pool not far from her.

“I come for worship, Vala,” Onika whispered as she stepped toward the pool.

Two

The pool was smooth as a mirror. It reflected the night sky perfectly. The moon was at Onika’s feet with stars twinkling next to it. The shadow elf looked up at the opening in the forest and let out a long deep sigh. Her monthly trek brought a calm she never felt in town. This was her place to hide from her troubles and be one with an ancient goddess.

Onika dipped a toe in the water and the pool rippled from her touch. Her foot slipped in and then another. With each step, the water rose to her ankles and soon her shins. The elf knelt and cool water surrounded her thighs, womanhood, and ass. She dipped her hands, cupping water and splashing it on her face. The thrill made her heart quicken. She felt at home in the water.

With hushed whispers, Onika prayed. Her hands ran down her firm breasts to her stomach. She spoke words to her goddess and let their power wash over her. A heat began to build as the vibration of the words filled her with fire. With eyes closed, her hands dipped below the water line and traced a path to her shaved slit. Energy began to whip around her being. The moon pool glowed a pale white light. The prayer intensified as fingers reached her lips and spread them apart. Onika never stopped speaking as she ran fingers over sensitive pink flesh. When she touched her nub, a shiver filled her. The cool water on her hot flesh only made everything more sensitive. She pressed a finger on her nub as two fingers on her left hand filled her slit. She touched herself and plunged her fingers as deep as far as they could go. Bliss bloomed in between her legs. She upped the speed, her clit swollen and sensitive. Her prayer shifted from words to moans. Her face pointed skyward. The moon and stars filled her vision until eyes closed and her mouth made a perfect oval. She fanned the flames of passion as her body trembled. Her hips made ripples the more intense she moved. Her tits bobbed as louder moans escaped her lips.

The fire in Onika was becoming feverish. She bounced and rubbed to a deep rhythm. The buildup was becoming too much. She could no longer contain the fire. An orgasm filled her being. Eyes opened and pleasure flooded her senses. It was relentless as it pushed Onika to rub until she felt raw. When the tide of pleasure began to subside, Onika lowered her whole body into the moon pool save for her head. A long deep sigh escaped her lips as she lazily rubbed her womanhood, her hand and legs moving gently in the water keeping her afloat.

“Thank you Vala for showing me the path of love.”

“You know if the elders find out you worship Vala, you will be burned at the stake.”

Onika closed her eyes and half smiled. “Then you should turn me in. But before I am burned, I will be sure to inform the elders of your insistent need to steal everything not nailed down. I may burn but you will no longer have your hands,” Onika opened one eye and glanced up at a shadow elf sitting on a branch high over her.

“I was merely making an observation. Your secrets are safe with me,” The shadow elf smiled.

“As is yours with me, dear Tullo.”

The shadow elf easily slid off the branch and landed on his feet. Onika noticed he was clad in black leather, two large daggers hung from each hip. His white hair was short and spiky. His smile showed white teeth that practically glowed in the dark.

“How long have you watched me?” Onika said, running her arms through the moon pool water.

“Long enough to feel my own connection to Vala. Maybe I should turn myself in. I have pleasured myself to your image for a long time now. Vala would be proud.”

“Your silver tongue could get you in trouble.”

“Your fine body could get you in trouble.”

Onika slowly sat up, water dripping from her perfect breasts. She faced Tullo and crossed her arms to the side of the moon pool. Everything felt hazy as Vala’s blessing warmed her heart and thighs.

“You decided to show yourself for a reason. Otherwise, you would continue to pleasure yourself to my image. What brings you out of the dark?”

Tullo’s smile faded. “I’m leaving.”

Onika eyed Tullo for a moment. “When?”

“A night or two from now. I wanted to say my goodbyes and give you a present.”

“Where will you go?”

“The human cities on the crescent ocean hold a lot of treasure. I need to make my fortune and I cannot do it here in Star Fall. When I come back, I will be a rich elf and have anyone I desire.”

“I thought you desired only me,” Onika gave a playful wink.

“I will always desire you. But you belong to Vala. I have love and respect for one who would follow a banned goddess from a dead religion.”

“As long as there is love, Vala will always be there.”

“And that is why I must leave. You found your purpose. I need to find mine. But before I go, a present for the most beautiful shadow elf I have ever known,” Tullo reached into his leather jacket and pulled out a scroll. He knelt and held it in front of the naked elf.

Onika hesitated for a breath before reaching out and taking it. Tullo smiled as Onika held it to her chest but did not open it. Her eyes almost looked away in shyness but she sat in the pool and eyed the young handsome shadow elf.

“May I ask what it is?”

“A map to one of Vala’s temples, I decided to try my skills by sneaking into the library. I managed to get into the Vault of Knowledge. Most of the books were uninteresting but there is a whole section dedicated to Vala. I looked through several scrolls when I found this one. The temple is not far from Star Fall, a night’s journey. I knew I had to steal it for you.”

Onika’s face showed her shock. “If they find out?”

“I will keep your secrets if you keep mine,” Tullo leered.

Onika stood up in the pool and gracefully stepped onto firm earth. Her arms wrapped around the shadow elf. Tullo hugged her back and smiled as her breasts pressed against his chest.

“How can I ever repay you?”

“Be happy Onika. Simply be happy. When I return, we can talk about a few ways you can repay me.”

Onika leaned forward and pressed her lips to Tullo’s. Her warm moist lips felt like the heavens were touching his spirit. Tullo held her shoulders, tongues playfully touching each other. Onika was first to break the kiss. Tullo felt that yearning he always felt when he looked at her. He steadied himself as Onika walked over to her clothes and began dressing.

“See me one more time before you leave. Maybe I can repay you before you go.”

“It will be my pleasure,” Tullo bowed.

***

Onika woke the moment the sun disappeared behind the horizon. Excitement fueled her as she leaped out of bed and began getting dressed. She put on a new set of clothes but she added a leather jacket and a dagger to her belt. The scroll lay on a nearby shelf. Her fingers curled around it and slowly opened it. She studied the location and committed it to memory. The moon pool was her own personal shrine, but to see an actual shrine to Vala was a dream come true. If Vala was indeed visiting her in her dreams, then maybe the shrine will build a better connection. The excitement was so intense, Onika wanted to bounce in joy.

After a few calming breaths, the shadow elf was down the stairs and at the kitchen table. Senna turned around and nearly dropped a plate of food. Onika grinned with wide eyes.

“You are in good spirits. Slept well?”

“Best sleep of my life.”

Senna placed the plate of food in front of her sister. Onika devoured it in moments. Senna gave a hesitant smile as her sister gobbled down food like a wolf after a kill. By the time she sat down to eat her food, Onika was already licking the plate clean. With the plate down, Onika stared at her sister.

“I need to leave town for the night.”

Senna was silent for a moment. “I was hoping you would be around tonight. The Trader from yester night was coming back with more fruit and books for the town library. The trader talked about bringing other traders so there can be a regular route from the human city of Stone Bridge. The whole town is excited at the possibility of a steady trade route.”

Onika smirked at her sister. “I am sure it is very exciting, but I cannot put this off. I am sure you will tell me all about it when I return. It will only be for tonight. I should be back before sunrise.”

“Please be careful. You know I don’t like it when you leave for long periods.”

“I know my dear sister. I wouldn’t do this unless it was important.”

Senna looked away. Onika stood up and went to her sister. She touched her arms and beckoned her up. The two sisters hugged each other for a long time, bodies gently rocking to each other. When Onika pulled away, tears streamed down her sister’s cheeks.

“Please be careful. You are the only family I have left.”

A tear appeared on Onika’s cheek. “The gods themselves could not keep me from you my dear sister.”

***

Fireflies dotted the night air. Onika kept a steady pace as the torches of Star Fall faded into the darkness. Onika gently reached out her hand as fireflies danced around her. Some landed on her palm for moments before flying again. Their green little lights were a comfort in the gloom of night. The farther she walked, the more the air glowed with their light.

The road turned and twisted. When the shadow elf reached a gnarled tree bent in a weird angle, she knew she was going in the right way. She turned left at the tree and headed deep into the forest, leaving the fireflies on the road.

The brush was thick for several leagues before an overgrown path appeared under her feet. Onika smiled and pressed on. Wild thoughts whipped around her mind as she walked. What will it look like? Will it still hold Vala’s power? Maybe she will find artifacts for building a small shrine at home? Even though it was dangerous to worship Vala, Onika knew, despite the risks, this was the most important experience of her life.

A fire fly glowed on the path ahead. Onika looked at it and wondered why it glowed blue instead of green? She stepped closer but the insect stayed just out of reach. It hovered for a space of a breath before floating down the path. Onika wondered if this new friend was here to help her.

The night wore on. The shadow elf passed small streams and over small hills. The forest was thick and she couldn’t see the sky except for a rare break here and there. When she did, the stars greeted her with their dim light. If she stood still for too long, the blue fire fly would hover around her. With a smile she continued with her firefly companion.

The forest grew thick again and Onika pushed through. Branches reached out and cut her smooth skin. This did not deter the shadow elf. She pushed aside branches, and when they would not move, she cut them with her dagger. It seemed like the forest was trying to push her back. Onika was not having any of it as she made short work of anything in her path. With one final branch in her way, she pushed it aside and came into a clearing. Her blue firefly friend danced in the breeze as Onika’s eyes took in the view before her.

Standing a small distance away was a large stone structure covered in overgrown roots. The forest overhead was open to the sky. Moonlight bathed the area in a gentle glow. Shadows played in the light to give the appearance of tentacles moving back and forth over the stone work. A large forbidding entrance lay right in front of the shadow elf. The doors lay on the ground covered in moss and mushrooms.

Onika gave thanks to Vala. The blue firefly floated into the darkness of the entrance and bounced downward until it was out of sight. Onika took a deep breath and drew her dagger. The temple had been abandoned for a long time. One always had to be careful of creatures taking residence in ruins. She silently moved forward and began her descent into darkness.