29
Finn
By the time the evening begins to wind down, I finally feel myself relax.
Perhaps it’s the two glasses of wine I’ve had, or perhaps it’s watching Soleil get on so well with my mother and Ellery.
“Tell us more about it,” my mother says, leaning in with her chin resting on her hand. “This work you’ve been doing with Vayla.”
Soleil launches into an explanation of their efforts to gather the blossoms in the mountains, and a layman’s walk-through of the complex process to brew them into usable medicine.
I love listening to her speak.
So much authority in my witch’s voice, so much confidence and expertise.
It’s not a big stretch to imagine her as she would be back in her coven. Teaching students, commanding respect, embodying the leadership she seems born to claim.
I’m filled with equal parts admiration and dread, though I push the latter aside and make myself focus back in on the conversation.
We talk more over dinner, and both ma and Ellery are fascinated by news of the human realm. The cities, the technology, all the wonders that sound so different from this realm.
All the things I’m sure Soleil with be loath to ever leave behind.
But I’m not thinking about that.
I’m not letting myself.
All I can do is be here, now, with my family and my mate, soaking in the magick of the evening.
As the visit comes to a close and we prepare to leave, my mother escorts us to the entry hall.
“Your work will keep you here for a few days?” she asks.
Soleil nods. “Three, at least.”
“Good.” Ma gives her a farewell hug. “Then you must come for one more visit before you leave. To say goodbye.”
“We will,” I tell her softly.
Soleil steps over the threshold, wandering a few steps away from the house—ostensibly to look at the city view, but if I know my witch and the way her mind works, also to give me and my mother the chance for a few words.
Ma wraps her arms around me and leans in to speak low enough so only I can hear. “She’s marvelous, Finn. Take care of her and keep her close.”
“I will,” I say, with no idea how or if I’ll be able to hold myself to that promise.
Ellery bounds down the stairs to give her own parting words, embraces both me and Soleil, and then we’re off into the Gales Harbor night.
It’s still early, by my standards for staying out carousing.
But after her long day, I’m sure Soleil could use some rest.
I’m just about to suggest it, to take her hand and open us a portal back to the inn, when she gasps.
“Look at that!”
She points skyward, and I chuckle at the wonder in her eyes and in her voice as she watches a pair of demons mid-flight, gliding gracefully over the city.
“They’re up so high,” she says breathlessly.
“I’ve flown higher.”
She laughs and rolls her eyes. “Sure you have.”
We watch in silence for a few moments before they disappear behind a row of buildings.
Soleil glances over at me. “I haven’t seen many demons flying around since I got here. Is there a reason for that?”
“It’s the portals, mostly. Much more efficient than using our wings. Flying is more a recreational activity these days than anything.”
Soleil eyes my wings, and I can’t help letting them spread a little.
I can’t help the shot of pride that spears through me, either.
How could I, when she’s looking at me like that?
Eyes wide, gaze raking over me, mouth falling open on an awed inhale.
And her scent.
Goddess, her scent.
Even out here with the night breeze swirling around us, it’s thick enough to make my mouth water. Rich copper and earth, the light floral remnants of the soaps she used in the bath, the deep, dark note of something else.
Something delicious.
That note sings brighter when I step forward, flare my wings wider, open my arms to her and grin.
“I’d love to fly us back down to the city.”
“Really?” she asks with a nervous squeak in her voice. “Is that safe to do with a passenger?”
I lift her into my arms, and she squeaks again as she settles herself against me. “You’ll always be safe with me, sunshine. I promise.”
Soleil looks up at me, and it’s like a kick in the chest every time those emerald eyes meet mine. Still a little nervous, but with plenty of trust there too as she nods.
“Okay. We can fly.”
It’s all the permission I need.
With a hard kick-off and a mighty beat of my wings, I launch us toward the night sky.