Ronhar stood in the garden, early sun catching his markings as he tended the plants. My heart skipped when he turned, meeting my gaze. For a moment neither of us spoke, yesterday’s kiss hanging in the air between us.
“Good morning,” I managed finally.
“Good morning.” He moved closer, markings pulsing softly. “How was your morning?”
“Chaotic. Pix tried upgrading the boarding house stove.” I set my bag down, pulling out the spices. “But look what the Khiul sisters gave me for the festival menu.”
His hands brushed mine as he examined the jars, sending sparks along my skin. “These are rare.”
“I was thinking...” I stepped closer, drawn by his warmth. “Maybe we could experiment with combining them with some of your herbs? See how they interact with different crystal resonances?”
“I’d like that.” His voice dropped lower. Had he moved closer, or had I? “The Jhyra have been particularly responsive lately.”
“Have they?” I couldn’t seem to catch my breath properly.
“Mmmm.” His fingers traced mine, barely touching. “Ever since you arrived, actually.”
Before I could process that, Pix burst into the garden. “Good news! I think I’ve perfected the kitchen upgrades at the boarding house!”
I groaned, tossing a sprig of teyrith at them. “I’ll deal with you later.”
“But—”
“Later,” Ronhar and I said together.
Pix bounced away, trailing enthusiasm and probably several loose wires.
I turned back to Ronhar, caught him watching me with an intensity that made my stomach flip. “So. Shall we experiment?”
His markings flared brighter. “Let’s start with the Jhyra.”
The garden hummed around us as we worked, testing different combinations. Each brush of hands sent electricity through me. Each shared discovery drew us closer together.
I’d come to the Ardent Veil seeking escape. Instead, I’d found... home. Connection. Possibility.
And watching Ronhar’s markings paint light across the herbs we’d gathered, I wondered if maybe I’d found something else too - something I hadn’t even known I was looking for.
“Jani?” His voice pulled me from my thoughts. He stood close enough that I could feel his warmth.
“Yes?”
His fingers brushed my cheek, and the rest of the world fell away.
RONHAR
My fingers lingered on Jani’s cheek. The touch sent pulses of light racing through my markings, painting patterns across her skin. Time slowed to nothing as she leaned into my palm.
“I should be focusing on the spices,” she whispered, but her hands slid up my chest.
“The spices can wait.” I drew her closer, markings flaring bright at her warmth against me. “This can’t.”
Her lips met mine with none of yesterday’s hesitation. I backed her against the garden wall, deepening the kiss as her fingers found my markings again. The sensation shot through me like lightning.
“These glow brighter when I touch them,” she murmured against my mouth.
“Only for you.” I traced kisses down her neck, drinking in her soft sounds. “They’ve never...”
“Never what?” Her hands slid under my shirt, following the paths of light across my skin.
