Draven and I were wrapped in the warmth of newlywed bliss, our days blending seamlessly into nights within the sanctuary of our shared bedchamber. We rarely left its confines. Draven would venture out only to retrieve meals kindly prepared by Imalda, returning with a teasing smile and the claim that I had left him utterly ravished. Most of the time, his touch lingered on my skin—a constant, electric presence that made reality feel like a dream.
The candlelight cast a warm glow over the room as I snuggled close to Draven, his steady breaths a soothing melody in the tranquility of the night. With gentle fingers, I traced the contours of his jawline, feeling the warmth of his smooth skin beneath my touch, which elicited a sigh from him. His arm tightened around me, drawing me near as we lay entwined in the tangle of sheets.
“I never want this to end,” I told Draven, kissing his chest. His hand played with my hair.
“Nor do I, my heart,” his voice was barely above a whisper. “I have been thinking,” he added. “I shall visit Dr. Montgomery today and inform him that I am through with his research.”
Startled, I sat up. “Why now? I thought he was helping you?”
Draven’s response was measured, his words carrying the weight of years of frustration. “I have tried for years to find a solution with him. It always ends with me in pain. Now that we are wed, I cannot afford such risks any longer. Besides, I wish to spend more time with you and truly get to know my darling wife.”
Reluctance tugged at my heart as I brushed aside a lock of his dark hair. “I do not want you to give up hope. I long to feel the warmth of the sun with you one day.”
His fingers trailed gently down my arm, his touch both comforting and reassuring. “Perhaps one day, my heart. For now, I am content with this.”
“Vail might be able to help,” I suggested tentatively, the idea forming in my mind.
“How could she do such a thing?” he mumbled against my skin.
“She has taken to practising witchcraft. I could ask her if she’s come across your ailment in her books at all.”
“Possibly one day.” Before I could utter more, Draven silenced me with a tender kiss. “You must rest, my dear heart. I shall return before you know it.”
Reluctantly, I released my grip as he slipped away, his movements graceful and effortless. As he dressed, he pressed a final kiss upon my lips before disappearing through the door.
The remnants of sleep clung to me like a veil as I ventured downstairs for food that afternoon. It was the first time I had stepped beyond my room in a week, and I couldn’t quite place it, but I felt different somehow—like I had emerged from that room as a woman. A wife.
“You are finally out of bed,” Imalda said when I entered the dining room. I gave her a cheeky grin, and I wondered ifI looked different to her. She stared at me for a while as if she was searching for something, but I did not know what.
“Would you like something to eat?” she asked after a long silence.
“Yes, please,” I said, sitting down.
She brought me a plate of eggs, bread, and tomatoes, and I quickly ate them, not realizing how hungry I felt. Imalda did not leave. Instead, she sat next to me at the table, which was odd, but I did not mind having company.
“Where is Draven today?” Imalda asked.
“He said he was going to meet Dr. Montgomery and ask him to pause his research with him.”
“I see.”
“Why do you sound skeptical?”
“Dr. Montgomery is a difficult man to deal with, and I will be surprised if he lets Draven depart from the research so easily,” she said.
“Why is that?”
Imalda stared at me for a while, and I could tell she was wondering if she should tell me or not.
“Draven is a very powerful man, and people often are drawn to him wanting … that power. Dr. Montgomery likely sees an opportunity to gain from his association with Draven. It might not be as simple as payment, but rather a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
I sat there for a moment, not sure how to process that information. I did not want Draven to risk angering Dr. Montgomery.
“I should leave you be. I have a lot of cleaning to do today since it’s almost October.”
I looked at her. “What day is it?”
“The 25th of September.”
