#nik ryder

Nik Ryder leaned against the doorway, arms crossed with a knowing smirk.

"Ah, young love. One dreams of a golden-crowned fae prince and the other’s got their eye on a red-haired hunteress. Just promise me no enchanted duels or midnight stakeouts, yeah? I’ve got enough nightmares chasing real monsters.", the father teased his children who started to blush.

"Dad!!!"

"It's not like that. Mom, say something."

Alex rolled her eyes playfully.

"Oh, hush up, Nik. They are just teenagers having fun. And Jace, Ellie, finish your food. Hurry up."

At their mother's request, Jason stuffed the last of his chicken leg in his mouth, and Elissa just glanced up from her daydream.

"Alright, slow down there, champ. You're not eating a banquet. And Elissa quit mooning over your prince and focused on that plate.", Nik chuckled.

"Be nice, Nik. They're going through those... interesting teen years. And I'm sure Jason's just being his competitive self, just like someone we all know, hmm?"

"That's why you married me, am I right?"

"Nik, remember how we fell in love? Remember how we fell in love Nik? When I turned 25, you protected me from a deadly bloodwraith as a bodyguard."

The blonde-haired man turns to his wife with his silvery-blue eyes softening like moonlight on steel.

"How could I forget? But you were fearless, crazy and very stubborn. Such a wild beauty. I was supposed to be your bodyguard and ended up losing my heart instead. That one night, you looked at me like I was more than just a hunter in a long coat. And I realized..."

Alex smiled, her chocolate-brown eyes shimmering, remembering their past.

"Oh boy, here they go.", Jason cleared his throat, not wanting to hear any more details.

"Shush. It’s sweet.", Elissa requested her brother’s silence.

The mother ruffled her son's brown hair to tease him. He tried to duck away, grinning.

"Hey! Stop it, Mom. I'm not a kid anymore, you know?",

"Your mother still can’t keep her hands off her little boy then."

"Mom!! Dad!!"

"Then who's that Claire you dislike?", the father asked curiously.

The boy stiffened at his father's question, trying to play coy.

"Claire? Oh, uh, she's just this hunter rival. Real annoying. Always bragging about her skills."

Nik raised an eyebrow, sharing a knowing glance with Alex.

"Uh-huh. And I suppose the fact she beat you in sparring last week had nothing to do with it?"

"She got lucky, Dad! Plus, her dagger was enchanted! Totally unfair! I can't believe she's Aunt Katherine chose her as her nighthunter student."

"Ooohhhh, sounds like someone's got a crush and doesn’t want to admit it...", the young sister giggled into her drink.

"Shut up, El!" Jason snapped with a playful glare.

"Jason and Claire are sitting on a tree..."

"She's insufferable, okay? Dad, tell her!"

Nik crossed his arms, the corner of his mouth twitching.

"Sorry, son. When does your face get that red over someone? That’s not hatred."

Alex burst out laughing as Jason groaned and flopped back in his chair.

"Traitors! All of you!"

"You're right, Jace. We should stop. Sorry.", the mother apologized to lift her son's mood, but the father couldn't stop. He laughed heartily, slapping a hand on the table.

"Enemies to Lovers. Oh, that would be a tale for the ages. The ultimate hunter rivalry turning into a love story?"

The boy groaned again, burying his face in his hands.

"You guys are so embarrassing. No wonder I avoid bringing my friends over."

Nik ruffled Jason's hair affectionately, still chuckling.

"Aww, we're just teasing you, buddy."

"Yeah, we don't want you to explode with all your secret emotions!", the sister teased.

"Oh yeah? And what about your prince, sister?"

Elissa blushed faintly, twirling a strand of her silvery-blonde hair around her finger.

"He's not mine... yet. But he’s noble, kind with golden eyes like starlight, and he plays the lyre like a dream. A true prince charming.", the girl described.

"Ugh, here we go. Next thing you know she’ll be writing poems in moonblood ink.", her older brother snorted.

"Ellie, just promise me he doesn’t have a cursed kingdom or some ancient prophecy hanging over his head", the father spoke with worry.

"Nik, shhh. I know that prince in my royal circle. As I am the fae duchess of Lamrian, I know the royals and nobles well. And Crown Prince Sky of Crystaval is really kind, generous and good-hearted. No ugly fae tricks.", Alexis reassured Nik and Jason.

"Fine, fine. If you vouch for the guy, I'll hold my tongue."

"I still don't trust that fae and won't let him hurt my sister. He'd better be friendly like Uncle Garrus or just like Mom said. Or else..."

"Overprotective just like his father."

"Alex, I'm not overprotective. Besides, looks like our son's got enough on his plate with that annoying, dagger-wielding, totally-not-a-crush hunter girl.", Nik chuckled.

"Enough now, let's eat.", Jason commanded.

The family dug into the food, swapping different stories and laughing. Nik watched his family with a warmth in his silvery-blue eyes.

His wife caught his gaze and smiled warmly, reaching over to clasp his hand.

"I wouldn't trade this for anything."

The man gave her hand a soft squeeze, nodding in agreement.

"Me either. Even if the kids drive us insane sometimes."

The following day, Elissa spent time carefully preparing in her pink, cozy room for her secret rendezvous with the fae prince. She knew that if Jason discovered her now, he would undoubtedly ruin the special moment and spoil her mood. Her long, light-blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, the same as her father’s hair, accented by a few shimmering silver strands she had inherited from her mother, who was a half-fae. Elissa often wondered if there was some hidden magic or fae essence within her as well. Despite her curiosity, she couldn't perform magic, communicate with animals, or see through the glamour spell that her mother used. A spell supernatural beings used to hide their true identities from humans. She could only glimpse supernatural creatures if she wore a special charm, like her human father, Nik Ryder, had.

At last, the pink ribbon to tie her long hair, her personal trademark and with the right pink-white outfit, she was ready to meet her crush.

"Mom, Dad, I'm heading out! Be back soon!", she called and dashed out before her brother or father would stop her for questioning.

After about 10 minutes wandering around the bayou, she arrived in a secluded part of the woods. Surrounded by Mother Nature. Beautiful wildflowers were blooming. Little ladybugs, colorful butterflies and tiny birds filled the air with their singing as other animals were living peacefully. And it didn’t take long until she discovered him.

"Sky, there you are," she exclaimed joyfully, her face lighting up as she rushed forward. She threw her arms around the young fae teenager, pulling him into a warm, appreciative embrace. He responded by gently pulling her closer, his expression tender. The young prince was strikingly handsome, with smooth pearl-white skin that seemed to glow softly in the light. His icy-blue eyes shone with a gentleness, reflecting a kind spirit, and his light-blonde hair added to his delicate, regal appearance.

"Lady Elissa...".

Tall trees around them rose like ancient pillars. Somewhere nearby, a stream murmured over smooth stones, its gentle song blended with the chorus of birds. The air was cool and fragrant with pine, moss, and wildflowers. The world felt like an enchanted place.

"Lady Elissa, you're the light of my life. My happiness. With you, everything feels just right. Finally some time with you.", he confessed. His accent sounded almost British.

"Please don't call me Lady Elissa, Sky."

"But you are royalty. The daughter of the Duchess of Lamrian. It's not in my nature to..."

"So? You allowed me not to address you by your title and now I want the same too, my Prince."

The fae's hand found hers. He kissed them and together they moved through the clearing in smooth, sweeping steps. They danced a waltz which felt less practiced than instinctive, as though the rhythm had always existed, waiting to be discovered. They circled one another, laughing softly as the cool breeze swirled around them.

"You're right, my Elissa. My apologies. No more titles among us. You're my Elissa and I'm your Sky."

"Then tell me, Sky... Why me? What did you see in me? A human with no pointy ears and no magic. Aren't there any other fae girls seeking your attention?"

"Since I saw you at your mother's ball in Lamrian, I couldn't take my eyes of your beauty. Your silvery-blonde hair, rosy lips, your bright eyes. Those two diffrent eye colors of your's, one blue and the other brown. Not only your beauty, but your kindness and generosity captivated my heart. I never met a girl like you."

After sharing moments of lively dancing and heartfelt laughter, they eventually parted ways, each carrying a heavy heart filled with bittersweet memories.

"It’s time for me to return to my duties. I promise that we will reunite soon enough, Elissa."

"I'll miss you."

"I understand, my rose. I will make sure we meet soon again."

After a while, they parted ways, each heading toward their own destination. The young girl lingered for a moment, watching her beloved disappear from sight.

She walked at an unhurried pace, following a path she knew by heart. The bayou held countless memories for her family, but one story stood out above all the others. It was here, among the moss-draped trees and quiet waters, that her parents had shared their very first kiss. Her mother often spoke of that day with a fond smile, while her father would pretend to be embarrassed before eventually adding details of his own. Every bend in the trail seemed connected to one of their stories.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed how far she had wandered. Then a voice broke through the stillness.

"Elissa!!"

"Jace?"

"Ellie? What are you doing here, sis?", the brown-haired boy asked her with surprise who was standing next to a girl with scarlet-red hair and a dagger in her hand.

"Uh... Nothing. I was just walking by. Are you and Claire...?

"What??!! No, I wasn't expecting her. She just came out of nowhere. I was here first and now I'm leaving. Let's go, El.", the brother hissed and pulled his sister along towards their way home. Claire, the red-haired hunteress was just smirking at them as the siblings left. And then she left too.

"Elissa, what hell were you doing there alone? Something bad could have happened. It's too dangerous. If Dad finds out..."

"I'm fine and safe, don't worry. By the way, what were you doing here with her? A secret meeting?", she giggled.

"I'll hide all your pink ribbons if you tell anyone about it, El. And there's nothing between me and Claire going on. She's annoying.", he warned her.

The girl just rolled her eyes and smiled.

The Ryder siblings moved carefully along the narrow path through the bayou, their footsteps slow and deliberate. The ground beneath them was soft and waterlogged, causing their boots to sink slightly into the damp earth with each step. It didn't take long before they reached the city and finally made their way home. Climbing the stairs, they unlocked the door and stepped inside.

They were immediately greeted by their father, who was sitting at the kitchen table. He looked exhausted. It was clear that last night's hunt had been long and demanding. He glanced up as they entered, offering a weary smile that softened the fatigue etched across his face.

"Where did you go that early on a Saturday, kiddos?", he asked and ruffled his son's head which the child didn’t like.

"Dad, you're ruining my hairstyle. Don't do it like Mom. Where is Mom actually?"

"Alexis got a meeting in Lamrian. So now I'm the boss here. Hope you guys didn’t get in any trouble."

"Trouble? Of course not. Just went on a walk. Nothing else, Dad."

"That early on a weekend, kiddos?"

Before they could answer their father, there was a sudden knock on the sturdy wooden front door. As Nik approached and opened it, he was greeted by a group of teenagers who were acquaintances of his and his wife's close friends, as well as friends of Jason and Elissa. The first to step inside was a boy with chestnut-brown hair, a teenage werewolf in his human form, dressed casually in everyday clothes. His name was Caleb, a nephew of Cal Lowell. Following him were two twin sisters, Veronica and Lucy, both daughters of Vera Reimonenq and Luc. They embodied their mother's striking beauty, with dark, glossy curls framing their faces, sparkling eyes that seemed to hold secrets, and wearing fashionable dresses with vintage gloves that gave them an enchanting appearance.

"Good morning, Mr. Ryder. We're here to meet Jason and Elissa."

"Jace, Ellie, let's hang out together before my Wizard School starts tomorrow which will keep me busy with lessons. I want to become a good wizard just like my Dad.", Lucy suggested.

"You mean you're going to Pendergast, the School of Wizardy. So cool. And you, Veronica?", Elissa asked with curiosity.

"Mmmhh, I don't know... I would rather choose my mother's path and her beauty. Now let's go."

"Wait, did you guys invite Claire too?", Jason asked with curiosity which made Elissa raise her eyebrow.

"Why are you asking, dear brother?"

"It's not what you're thinking, El. Just wanting to make sure that annoying girl stays far away from me."

"But she's our friend too.", one of the twins informed.

"Well yours, but not mine. She's a rival. Now let's go before I decide to stay home with Dad."

The young nighthunter's attitude made Nik chuckle

"Really, hero? Go and have fun with your friends. And take care of my princess."

"Dad, I love it when you call me your princess.", Elissa confessed before planting a quick kiss on her father's cheek. She was his Princess and Jason was his Hero.