I heard Remiah laughing in the kitchen and stood up and dressed. When I came out, Della was smiling at me.?
“Morning, sleepy,” she said. “I came earlier, but you looked so tired. So, Remiah is teaching me how to make your favorite dessert.”?
I looked at her, feeling confused about why she wasn’t angry with me but not remembering why I felt that way. Slowly, I approached her, and she leaned in and gave me a soft kiss.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, looking me over.?
“I don’t feel very good,” I said truthfully. Della immediately became serious, her magic going frantic around me. After a moment, she frowned.?
“You aren’t sick, but there is some serious tension in your mind. I can make you some tea.”?
Before I could say anything, she had a tray of tea in front of her. She picked up the cup and handed it to me.?
“Thanks, Storm.” I smiled and drank it. Instantly, my shoulders relaxed. I glanced around at the mess she and Remiah were making as I stood at the counter and watched them. My gaze kept going to see how carefree and happy Della looked.?
I couldn’t stop smiling at her as she set a plate of small pastries down in front of me.?She was so pretty.
“Be honest if they taste horrible.”?
I picked one up and took a big bite from it. Fuck, that was good. I took another bite, and she smiled brightly.?
“Good?” she asked.?
“So fucking good, Storm.”?
She grabbed one and took a bite. Her eyes widened.?
“Holy shit, this is good.”?
Remiah picked one up and stuffed it into her mouth. She hummed in approval and shook her head.?
“We did good,” she said with a mouth full of pastry.?
Della and Remiah began laughing. I couldn’t help but think how perfect this day was starting. Della glanced at me, her eyes drifting over my face. I smiled at her before grabbing her and pulling her in for a hug.?
Remiah smiled brightly at the two of us.
Suddenly, the wood popped in the fireplace, making me jump and turn quickly. My heart pounded with fear, and I wasn’t sure why I was having such a reaction to the noise.
“Are you alright?” Della asked as she looked at the fire.?
“Yeah, I just feel jumpy for some reason.” I frowned. Della looked up at me, and her expression changed.?
“Maybe it’s because you know what is happening today.”?
I stilled and stared at Della, confused.
“What?”?
“You know what today is, and you don’t want it to happen.” She tilted her head, her smile now filled with something… evil. I looked at Remiah, but she seemed to be frozen and unaware of whatever the fuck was happening. “You can feel it, can’t you?”?
“Feel what?” I asked, backing away from Della as she stalked toward me.?
“That this is the beginning of the end of us.” Her smile widened. “You did this to us. You did not love me enough to save me.”?
“I will always save you.”?
“Fucking liar,” she sneered, her face contorting into anger. “You will be the reason for my own downfall, and for what? Because I loved you too much?”?
