My muscles tensed. I had to leave. From the corner of my eye, I took one last glance at Eros before urging myself to walk away. I was not yet prepared to admit it, but he was quite attractive; unlike his constant prying questions.
Slipping out of his bedroom, I clicked the door shut behind me. The tour from yesterday proved helpful as I navigated the hallway, easily finding the stairs to the first floor. I crept downward, welcoming the sight of the front door.
When I first woke this morning, I had contemplated remaining until he stirred, rather than departing like a regretful lover—although I couldn’t claim to be familiar with that experience, having only read about it in books—but I knew there was no reason to stay.
What could we possibly say to each other? He’d wake up to the sound of my fuss, his eyes still adjusting to the sunlight streaming through the window. He’d offer a sleepy smile before his scratchy voice croaked out a “Good morning” and I’d greet him the same. For a moment, we’d stare at each other and then, too crushed by the silence, I’d get up, mutter my goodbye and leave.
I was simply avoiding an unnecessary and awkward interaction, I told myself. If anything, I did a favor to both of us.
I reached the end of the stairs, and the smell of pancakes wafted through the air, my stomach responding with a loud growl. Approaching the kitchen, my eyes widened at the sightof a plate brimming with pancakes and several topping jars alongside it. My head turned, seeking any sign of a servant and half expecting to find Eros standing right behind me.
There was no one there.
A detour to enjoy breakfast would do no harmandit would be profane to let such a dish turn cold. With my mind made up, I took a seat on the chair but paused when I saw a note beside the food. I clutched it between my fingers and began to read.
I grabbed a pancake and stuffed it into my mouth, a few crumbs landing on the note. A moan forced itself out at the heavenly taste.
What the hell do they put into his food to make it taste so good?
My eyes skittered over the message again as I had been too lost in the pancakes to truly pay attention to it the first time. His invitation was a relief. I wouldn’t have to show up at his door like a stalker again.
As I scanned the note once more, my tongue darted out, retrieving a tiny crumb from my lip. I relaxed, the solitude allowing me to be carefree.
Looking around the living room, I saw the familiar arrangement of chairs and tables before my gaze landed on the now vacant walls. I couldn’t help but chuckle, covering my mouth with a hand. The walls were as naked as he was in those paintings.
When did he have time for all of this? For the breakfast and removing the paintings? I would’ve heard if he slipped out of bed.
Chewing my lip, my expression faded and my gaze drifted away. Yesterday, when Eros suggested it, I had silently scoffed, not believing for a second that he’d actually go through with it, and I hadn’t wanted him to either. Not for me, at least. It was his house, and he could decide how to decorate it. Sure, it wasn’t a pleasant view for a guest or family member, but since he admitted only lovers came to his house, I imagined it wasn’t an issue.
When I returned tonight, I would make sure to tell him he shouldn’t change his house for me. This was just a temporary thing, and we both knew it. So there was no point in tweaking things to my liking.
I let out a sigh, cramming another pancake in my mouth as I headed to the exit. To my surprise, 226688 was already there as promised.
He spiraled upward, the sound of his wings a soft whir. I shut the door behind me with a shake of my head. When he was done, the fairy smiled widely at me.
I glanced back at the door, my nostrils twitching and shoulders dropping. “Don’t even get me started. How am I even supposed to pretend to be inlovewith him? I just met him.”
226688 ushered closer. “Charisma, this is serious. No matter how you feel about him, you have to make sure he believes you.”
I sighed. “Come on, take me back.”
Chapter 16
Charisma
When I materialized in the room, hot tears flowed down my cheeks, the side of my head throbbing. The aftereffects of the veyrithing hit me full force, my teeth gritting and fists clenching as I sat down on the bed. I was certain I would die before the pain diminished.
Now, in the stillness of my chamber, a realization dawned on me—with all his bluntness and unfiltered questions, Eros had taken my mind off Arianna and the horrors of the first trial. I wasn’t sure whether I should feel guilty or relieved.
Parts of memories flashed before my eyes. Arianna sprawled on the ground in her own blood. Georgie’s blue lips. The knife my father had struck in my chest. My mother’s lifeless body.
I swallowed, pushing the memories away as if I was shoving a door closed. In the forest, I promised myself I’d eventually mourn the recent events, but I decided again that now was not the time. I knew I often bottled up my emotions, assuring myself that I could deal with them later. But I knew deep down thatif that ever happened the torrent of my emotions, like a raging river, would sweep me away to my doom.
My lungs took in a deep breath. The first trial was over. The next trial was rapidly approaching, and my escape attempt had started to morph into random ideas rather than a solid plan. How could I leave when I wasn’t even in the same world as my home? Or when I had to split myself between Eros’s house and the Gods’ Gambit? Was there a portal somewhere that could make it easier? Perhaps if I convinced the fairy, he’d veyrith me there.
I shook my head.
What a stupid, foolish thought.
