79. Levi
LEVI
Istand uselessly in the doorframe of Azrael’s ensuite bathroom as Violette attempts to wash the grit from Azrael’s neck. Azrael pouts from the cradle of her arms, and I try to internally analyze the surprising height of helplessness and longing to fix this for him.
“It was just starting to heal.”
I want to fucking murder those men.
Not merely for how they treated Violette, but also Azrael. When they’d laid their hands on him, however useless the endeavor was, the only thing tempering my rage was my concern for Violette.
The words come out hoarse with restrained emotion. “It’ll heal again.”
My attempt at encouragement only deepens Azrael’s frown. Violette finishes her work and then attempts to return his head to his body. Azrael’s hands lift to steady it there as she wills a small vial containing a glowing gold liquid into her hands.
“Try drinking this. I’m not sure how effective it’ll be, but at the very least it might have a temporary effect.”
Azrael arches a brow. “What is it?”
“Ever since you mentioned being disconnected from your magic after…” Violette seems to struggle to find gentle enough words. Words that don’t even have to be spoken to flood me with guilt.
“It’s what I give minori to enhance their magic,” she finishes.
Azrael’s thoughtful expression provides me with no context clues.
“What are minori?”
Violette gives me a soft grin. “You, essentially. Those who possess little to no magic.”
My brows peak with curiosity. “What would happen if I were to drink it? Would I be able to... do magic?”
Azrael holds his head in place as he uncorks the bottle with his thumb and downs it.
Violette’s grin widens. “Indeed, you would. Though it only lasts for a couple weeks, at most.”
Something inside me flutters with excitement and childlike wonder. “Would it be possible to try one?”
“You won’t need to once we exchange blood.”
She clears her throat, catching herself. “I mean, if we exchange blood. Which could potentially be in a matter of days.”
Her cheeks flush prettily as she musters nonchalance. As if she didn’t all but confirm her decision to be with me—with or without Azrael.
“In the meantime, I think we should save them for Azrael, if they work even a little. I don’t have very many of these left, and they are terribly time-consuming to create.
It takes several days for me to craft it, and several more for it to ferment.
” She flashes Azrael a reassuring look. “Regardless of what happens, I can make a bunch more as soon as we get back from our little adventure.”
Though Violette seemed certain it wasn’t a permanent solution, her elixir proved successful in keeping Azrael’s head attached to his body. At which point, we left him to bathe in peace.
The cabin I rented is large enough that we each have our own bedrooms and bathrooms to retreat to, but I’m hoping Violette will want to share a bed with me. Whether it’s mine or hers, I couldn’t care less, so long as she’s in it.
When we reach her door, we both hover in front of it. “I’m gonna take a bath too…”
My heart skips on a prayer that she’ll invite me to join her.
A few fleeting moments pass. She doesn’t ask. Just lifts onto her toes and presses a soft, lingering kiss to my lips. My hands are instantly drawn to her hips to drag her more firmly against me.
When I attempt to deepen it, she pulls back slightly, mouth grazing mine.
“Goodnight, Levi.”
My grip on her tightens as I fail to restrain the need in my voice. “Stay with me, Vi.”
Violette’s gaze searches mine, hesitating. “I just... would feel bad. With Azrael feeling so down and all.”
Jesus.
I mean... she has a point. But I fucking hate it.
“Plus, I’m a little drained from everything at the bar. The crowd and... the altercation.”
I force myself to nod.
“Yeah... I can imagine. You’re right. Well, I’ll be in my room if you need me.”
I am literally a hairsbreadth away from begging you to reconsider.
By some miracle, I manage to press a kiss to her forehead and turn away to head towards my own bedroom. “Sweet dreams, princess.”
“Sweet dreams.”
Her bedroom door snicks shut. My hand rubs at the center of my sternum.
Fuck, I’m needy for this woman.
Absolutely pathetic.
A corner of my mouth lifts at the realization as I shut my own bedroom door.
And I wouldn’t do a damn thing to change it.