93. Violette
VIOLETTE
My sweet boys. I can’t help but heave a lovesick sigh as I watch them lie in the grass holding hands. Sitting in a cushy armchair with a blanket over my legs, I eat the breakfast Azrael so lovingly prepared for me; my glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice hovers in the air beside me.
He and Levi have proven to be a riveting source of entertainment.
Now all I need them to do is roll over and kiss.
I’m quite literally in the midst of sending them whatever telepathic signals I can muster—not a gift of mine—to do so. Instead, it seems to alert them to my presence because they both angle their heads up at me, twin smiles splitting their handsome faces.
Returning their grin, I shout around my mouthful of pancake.
“Just kiss already!”
Their distant laughter reaches my ears, and the warm sound makes my heart leap with joy.
The two of them roll to their sides before rising to their feet and striding towards me. Their wounds already half-healed—Azrael’s notably less so than Levi’s. Concern winds tight in my chest.
“Do you need another tonic, darling?”
Azrael nods, but I don’t miss the flash of worry in his eyes before his gaze falls to the ground. “Yes, please.”
I will a small vial of healing tonic into hand and pass it to him. I need to save the magic-enhancing ones for our journey through Selcarim.
“Your shadow will be joining us on our journey?”
Azrael downs the tonic. “I will certainly urge him to.”
Oh dear.
“Well, if not, then it would be better to stay here in Terrenea, as I’m sure you can agree.”
The insecurity in Azrael’s eyes is palpable, but he nods in understanding. “I’m sure I can... incentivize him.”
Willing my plate away, I still, dusting my hands. “Well then, we should get ready to leave, either way, no?”
Azrael nods, turning towards Levi. “I would still encourage you to drink my blood. Despite its lack of magical potency as of late.”
Levi gradually nods. “Tonight then. After we set up camp.”
Azrael’s gaze returns to mine, “You’re welcome to imbibe as well, obviously, my sweet seraphim, without any expectation of you reciprocating.”