The realization and implications must have shown on Saer’s face, because Alus glanced over, then filled in some of the blanks.“Not all these humans carry the talent.Sometimes the strength of their powers seems to correlate with closer proximity to the original source—but not always.”
“So, a direct descendant of theDraconicmight have more…magic?”The word tasted odd on Saer’s tongue.
Gluttony shrugged and brought over three smaller mugs holding a deep and rich brown concoction within.“They’re rare enough.We haven’t figured out all the ins and outs yet.”He set the mugs on the countertop, drawing Saer’s focus.
“What in the Hells is this?”
Alus’s smirk somehow carried more good humor than Arek’s, even if it should have looked the same.He plucked up Saer’s hand, then stuck one of the small mugs in his palm.“This comes from cacao beans.It’s delicious.Indulge me.”
Saer cocked an eyebrow and lifted the mug to his nose, taking an experimental sniff.
Arek lifted his own.“He’s right about this one, Eldest.Cheers.”
“Cheers,” Alus repeated.
Saer angled his head, then sipped.
He couldn’t remember tasting anything so decadent in his life.Saer’s eyes shut, reveling in the thick, all-encompassing taste.As the sumptuous liquid flowed over the back of his tongue, it reminded him of the sin Neyu had been made from.Bittersweet, and never enough.
He sighed at the end, licking the remnants from his lower lip.
How did Alus know precisely what to do, and offer, to make everything better with the world?
“Neyu would have loved this,” Saer whispered before he could think twice.
The Twins nodded, for once a sober expression on both their faces.
Saer took a heartbeat to consider.Gluttony kept bringing them to common ground, balancing his inherent frustration and antagonistic nature.
But he couldn’t remain in the comfort zone.
Saer pivoted to Greed.“Do you know where Errshek is?”
Arek met Saer’s gaze, neither denying nor conceding.“Tell me why you search for him.”
Something between ire and annoyance pinched Saer’s chest, but Arek went on, “It’s important to me—”
On the other side of the table, Alus made a noise.
“Tous...to know why,” Arek amended.
Gluttony gave Greed a subtle thumbs up and then gathered the mugs to resume his clean up.
“It’s his fault Neyu is dead.”
“How do you know that?”Arek asked.
Saer scowled.“He as good as admitted it after the fact.”
Arek drummed fingertips on his mug, frowning.“You don’t think there’s more to that story?”
“What are you suggesting you know, Areknar?”
Ever the phlegmatic one, Arek didn’t flinch under Saer’s burning stare.“I know there’s plenty of blame to go around for Neyu’s unmaking.”
Errshekhadgotten to them.He must have.
“Be careful with your insinuations.”
