Chapter 17 Leseldh
seventeen
Leseldh
The clientele within Sabor Sanguine tonight were mostly those that weren’t interested in indulging in blood, which afforded Leseldh a small measure of relief.
The few Vampires scattered around were of other Idthraki clans, and he paid them no attention.
Leseldh didn’t feel the need to worry about who was lurking in the shadows, and although Voresta’s watchful eyes were on alert, it was from a further distance than usual.
Three months had passed since their outing to Oaris.
Leseldh was flooded with satisfaction when he remembered the way Killian, bloodied and exhausted, fled from the fight with Voresta.
There had been no sightings of the Hunter since—it was almost as though he were too ashamed to face the streets of Noctis in the wake of his defeat.
Voresta’s efforts granted them some breathing room, and with Ivy’s Ascension mere months away, they would be free of the Hunter’s interference in no time.
Leseldh knew his response to the altercation in Oaris surprised his Broodlings—rather than his typical rage, he was decidedly indifferent.
But Killian’s defeat reinforced the worthlessness of the Maurell bloodline and gave Leseldh unwavering trust in Voresta’s ability to protect them.
He was so confident in their safety that he chose to indulge in a drink or two with his Resonant after her feed.
He sipped on an amber-coloured liquid as he fixed his eyes on her.
“Believe it or not, but I’ve missed this place.” He placed his glass down on the table and stifled a chuckle when Ivy stared at him incredulously.
“Who are you? The Leseldh I know merely suffers these kinds of places. Mostly for my sake.” Ivy sipped from her Fallen Killer—her favourite drinks were the ones with the most ridiculous names. He couldn’t help but smirk at her choice when she’d picked it off the menu.
“I do not. These establishments serve their purpose. You and I just have slightly different preferences.” Leseldh’s response was meant to be playful, but he realised it didn’t hit the mark when a shadow crossed over Ivy’s features.
The moment was thrown off-kilter, and that feeling was all too familiar for Leseldh.
It was a regular occurrence—things between them would be perfect, and then something or someone would intervene.
Suddenly, the geniality that ricocheted between them would bounce off course and leave something ugly and awkward in its wake.
He reflected on his relationship with Malia and compared it to his one with Ivy.
He’d known Malia’s every thought, even before she’d voice it.
Although Ivy had become as familiar to him as his own limbs, there were still moments where they felt discordant.
He’d anticipate her response to things, and while most of the time he got it right, there were occasions where she’d shrink away from him.
That disconnection terrified him, but he reminded himself that their relationship was in its infancy.
Things would change for the better after her Ascension.
He could sense another atmospheric shift making its approach and he attempted a diversion in a desperate attempt to ward it off.
“Why don’t you go to one of the clubs tomorrow night?”
Ivy looked at him quizzically. “I didn’t think I was allowed to seek pleasure outside of Veldmoor.” Leseldh grimaced at the bitter edge in her tone.
“I know I’ve been hard on you recently, but everything I do is for your protection, Ivy. You are of the utmost importance to me.” Leseldh placed his hand over Ivy’s. She flipped her hand under his grasp to interlace their fingers.
“Doesn’t going to the clubs complicate that protection?” Scepticism flooded her words, and he squeezed her hand to reassure her.
“If Voresta is with you, you will be safe. There’s no reason for you to be sequestered in Veldmoor if you do not wish to be.”
Leseldh was also aware that Ivy was happier after some enrichment outside of Veldmoor, which in turn made his time with her more enjoyable.
Ivy stared at Leseldh for a long moment, and it seemed like she was trying to catch him out in a lie. He maintained a level expression, and eventually hers softened into a smile, which coaxed a smile of his own.
“I would love that. Thank you.”
Satisfied he’d managed to vault over the rift before it opened wide enough to swallow them both, he picked up his glass and took another sip.