She nodded without hesitation this time, leaning forward to accept the offering. Again, her eyes closed in appreciation, though the smile remained, softer now, but no less genuine. The lights overhead seemed to brighten in response
"I haven't had real dessert in..." She paused, considering. "I can't even remember. Not like this."
"Why?" I asked, genuinely curious.
She shrugged, the movement more fluid than her usual tense gestures. "It seemed... unnecessary. Indulgent."
"And now?"
Her eyes met mine, still holding that unguarded warmth. "Now it seems like something I've been missing."
I gathered another spoonful of cake and berries, extending it toward her with a different kind of hunger growing inside me, not just the desire to possess her body, which remained potent as ever, but a newer, stranger desire to witness more moments of her unguarded joy. To be the cause of them.
Chapter fifteen
Krampus
We left the bistro as twilight settled over the district, the snow falling in earnest now, transforming the cobblestone streets into pathways of untouched white. Simone walked beside me, closer than before, the dessert had changed something between us, loosened a knot of resistance I hadn't fully recognized until I felt it give way. Her eyes still held questions, but the wariness had softened into curiosity. Good. Questions I could answer. Curiosity I could satisfy. What came next required both.
"Just one more stop," I told her, guiding her around a corner where the architecture shifted from old-world charm to something more contemporary.
The building before us rose seven stories, its exterior a seamless blend of glass, stone, and living greenery that climbed between balconies. Unlike the quaint shops of the main district, this structure hummed with modern magic, protective wards visible as subtle shimmers around doorways and windows, climate regulation spells that melted snow before it could accumulate on walkways, privacy enchantments that made certain windows opaque while others remained transparent.
"What is this place?" Simone asked, tilting her head back to take in the full height of the building.
"Crystal Hollow," I replied. "One of the district's premier residential complexes. Catering to supernatural and human tenants with... particular needs."
Her brow furrowed slightly. "What kind of needs?"
"Safety. Discretion. Proximity to magical resources." I placed my hand at the small of her back, guiding her toward the entrance. "You'll see."
The lobby doors parted before us without being touched, recognizing my magical signature. At the concierge desk, a gorgon looked up from her computer. Her snakes were wrapped in tiny colorful scrunchies, their heads bobbing in cheerful greeting. Dark sunglasses concealed her petrifying gaze, though I was immune to such magic regardless.
"Lord Krampus," she acknowledged, her voice carrying the slight hiss that betrayed her nature. "Apartment 615 is ready for viewing, as requested." Her gaze shifted to Simone, curiosity evident in the way her snakes stretched forward slightly. "Welcome to Crystal Hollow, miss."
Simone murmured a polite greeting, her eyes darting between the gorgon's elaborate snake-do and the lobby around us. Iguided her past the desk toward a hallway lined with glass doors that opened onto an enclosed courtyard.
Through the glass, a heated pool steamed gently against the winter chill. A pair of selkies lounged on deck chairs, their human forms slender and graceful, their seal skins folded neatly beside them. They waved cheerfully as we passed, clearly recognizing me despite my infrequent visits to the property.
"You own this building too?" Simone asked quietly.
"Among others," I replied. "Investment diversification is prudent when one's lifespan is measured in millennia rather than decades."
The elevator carried us to the sixth floor in silence, the only sound the soft hum of magic that powered its ascent. Simone's expression had turned thoughtful, her earlier relaxation gradually giving way to wariness again as she pieced together why I might be bringing her here.
Apartment 615 opened at my touch, the door recognizing my magical signature. I gestured for Simone to enter first, watching as she stepped into the space with the careful movements of someone entering unfamiliar territory.
Sunlight, despite the late hour, streamed through windows that captured and amplified the day's light, storing it for evening illumination. The hardwood floors gleamed warm and golden beneath our feet, the wood responsively warming where Simone walked. Built-in bookshelves lined one wall, currently empty but waiting to be filled with stories and knowledge.
"Oh," she breathed, turning slowly to take in the open living area. "This is..."
"Continue," I prompted, leaning against the doorframe to give her space to explore.
She moved deeper into the apartment, fingers trailing along countertops, eyes widening at each new discovery. The kitchen opened off the main living space, modern appliances in brushedsteel alongside a traditional brewing station with space for cauldrons and magical implements.
"There's a second bedroom through there," I said, gesturing down a hallway. "Or an office, if you prefer. The master suite has a bath that adjusts temperature and depth according to preference."
She turned slowly, expression caught between wonder and suspicion. "Why are you showing me this?"
