“Hmm, wine, please,” I answer, drifting toward the pantry to find something for Chepi, only to see Colton already placing a bowl in front of him, which Chepi attacks with gusto. “I see you’re winning him over more and more by the day.”
Colton hands me a glass of red wine, his emerald eyes glowing slightly. “I know the way to your heart,” he retorts, clinking his glass against mine. The wine is sweet and warms me from the inside out.
“If you want to go sit at the table in the next room, I’ll bring our food in. It’s about ready,” Colton says, and I nod, my heart swelling with affection for him.
I take my wine to the table, settling into a chair with a content sigh. As I sip my wine, the reality of my decisions, the contentment of being with Colton, washes over me. I’m finally making the right choices. Gods, do I love him.
“I hope you’re hungry,” Colton says as he places a plate of pasta in front of me, along with some sliced baguette between us.
“I’m starving, and thank you,” I respond, taking my first bite. The pasta is tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. It’s light and delicious, and notably meat-free. I usually prefer vegetarian options, and I appreciate that Colton has noticed.
“Do you like it?” he asks from across the table, his own fork paused in mid-air.
“I’m very impressed,” I say, giving him a quick smile before picking up a piece of bread to soak up some of the sauce.
“I don’t have much experience cooking, but I’d love to try and make something for you sometime. Maybe Rix or Rune could help me,” I suggest, taking a bite of the bread.
“I’m sure they’d be thrilled if you really wanted to learn a few tricks in the kitchen,” Colton replies, pausing to take a sip of his wine. “Tell me about yesterday. What didyou do after you left the Lamia Realm? Clearly, you went to get Chepi. Did you see Lili?”
His question brings back a flood of the previous day’s events, and I nearly wish I could forget all the drama, content to play house with Colton forever.
“Yeah, we do have some stuff to talk about... Kaine is trying to stir up an uprising against me. It’s working too. A man grabbed me at that tavern we all went to together. He had seen these flyers Kaine sent out to the entire Sorcerer Realm, talking about my dark magic and how I need to be stopped,” I explain, watching Colton’s jaw clench.
“A man grabbed you? What happened after that?” he asks, his tone sharpening.
“Chepi used one of his new tricks. We made it out of there without anyone getting hurt, but I don’t like what Kaine is doing. Lili told me he’s looking for Samael and actively trying to get him to take the throne back,” I continue, and Colton’s expression darkens further.
“I knew we should have killed that fucker when we had the chance. Drew warned things would get bad after the Luminary Council incident, so I was ready for some backlash, but Kaine acted fast,” he says, frustration evident in his voice.
“I also visited Rhett. It’s complicated. We’re not exactly allies anymore, especially after Larc’s death. He was close to him, and...” I pause, struggling to articulate the mix of personal and political fallout.
Colton reaches across the table to touch my hand, his voice soothing. “You don’t have to explain if you don’t want to. I understand,” he says gently.
I nod, feeling a bit relieved but still compelled to share more. “It’s okay. I hope I can mend things with him eventually. He’s taken over Larc’s position as leader of the packs now.”
“So Rhett is the new Aidan,” Colton remarks.
“Yes, but Rhett is a much better man than Aidan ever was. I believe he’ll be good for the packs, even if he does hate me now,” I admit, feeling a pang of sadness at the lost friendship.
“I’m sure he doesn’t hate you. He knows things are complicated,” Colton reassures me despite no knowing how I was forced out. “You had quite the day. How did you end up at the bunker?”
“I needed somewhere to be alone after it became clear staying with Rhett wasn’t an option. I was attacked again on my way there too. I managed to use my dark magic and stayed in control the entire time,” I say with pride.
But Colton grows concerned. “You were attacked, and I didn’t feel anything through the tether? Who attacked you?”
“I guess I’m getting better at blocking you out. I didn’t want to worry you—I had it under control. But I am concerned about the increasing attacks. It seems like these evil creatures are still multiplying across the realms,” I explain, taking another bite of my pasta.
“Tomorrow, I’ll speak with Bim and Dorian to see what they know about what’s been happening while we were away,” Colton says thoughtfully.
“And you’ll talk to Nyx too?” I probe, knowing that despite everything Nyx would have valuable insights.
Colton sighs. “I suppose I might visit him too, if we can manage to be civil long enough to exchange information. I’m sure he’s not thrilled with me right now,” he admits, his tone dry.
I wish there was something I could do to ease the tension between them. “He’s your half-brother. You should try to maintain some relationship with him, even if he despises me.”
Colton gives me a stern look, his jaw setting. “We both know he doesn’t despise you. I’ve known about our relation for a while, and I never wanted a relationshipwith him before. Nothing’s changed. I’ll visit him because we need to understand what’s happening, but we won’t be leaving as friends.”
“Will Rix and Rune be returning anytime soon?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation toward something lighter.
