“Do you want me to do it?” Quill offered softly.
“No,” I sighed. “They are nice.”
I knocked on the door, and Guinevere answered, her usually beaming face nowhere to be found.
“Oh, Lena,” she cried. “I’m sorry. My father passed away a few days ago…”
I froze, my eyes finding their way down to the elixir in my hand. Mother’s words came back to me.“I don’t do the full potency of my power. Just enough to slowly heal over time.”
The amount she was using must not have been enough…
“I will still pay for this, of course,” she reassured me as she touched my shoulder. “This has been a great help to us. Seeing him go to his favorite coffee shop, walk around while enjoying the weather…it has been a blessing.”
My shoulders sagged. “I’m so sorry for your loss,” I said solemnly. “Don’t worry about purchasing this. It’s—”
“No, I want to.” She carefully retrieved the elixir from my grasp. “You never know when something like this will come in handy again,” she said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
I nodded, attempting to keep my lip from quivering. She handed me the copper.
“Tell Minerva I said thank you.”
I nodded, and she shut the door.
Quill and I stood in silence, and I wiped away the one tear that rolled down my face. I stiffened as he ran his hand up and down my back in a comforting motion, goosebumps spreading across my body in response to his touch.
“You've offered them a wonderful gift,” he whispered. “You can’t always save everyone…”
“We can’t save anyone,” I corrected softly. “Can only help ease their suffering. At least we were able to do that.”
I turned to him, unable to look him in the eyes. Seeing another look of pity would send me over the edge. I extended my hand, holding the little bag of bronze I had just received. “I already spoke with my mother. She agreed we would give you this for your help.”
“I appreciate that, but—”
“Just take it!” I shouted as my eyes shot up to his. His golden eyes widened, and he stepped back. “Please, don’t look at me like you’re too good for our money. Take. It.”
His lips went into a tight line as he eyed the coin pouch. He reluctantly took it, and I sighed in relief, my shoulders drooping as I looked at the ground.
I stiffened as he gently grasped my chin and tilted my face upward. My stomach flipped as my eyes met his, the morning sun illuminating the striking honey hue of them.
“I do not think any less of you for living in the Outer Ring, I hope you know,” he said confidently. “Not even a little bit. In fact, you are the most fascinating person I have ever met.” He gave me a lazy smile.
I felt my face flush. “You don’t need to lie to me,” I breathed, trying not to focus on the butterflies in my stomach. The corner of my lip turned upwards. “You damn brown-noser. Most fascinating person? Please.”
He snorted. “I’m not lying.” His eyes danced as he brushed my hair behind my ear, utterly unaware of the pointed cartilage that was hidden with magic. “Your attitude excites me, actually.”
Chills once again went down my body at the smokiness of his voice.
No, no. I will not fall for an Inner Ring boy.
“You’ve only seen a fraction of my attitude.” I crossed my arms. “I don’t think it would be as exciting at its full capacity.”
He chuckled. “Is that a challenge, Lena?” he purred. The sun beamed down on us, his golden skin looking even more beautiful against the light. It was certainly a contrast to my pale skin, which could blind someone if they looked at me too long.
He must be playing with me. I swallowed, and after a moment, I broke our gaze when I glanced at the clock.
9:58 a.m.
“Oh my Gods!” He recoiled at my reaction. “I have to get back to the Outer Ring!”
