To my surprise, she did, although in her typical vague and careful fashion.
“They grow in swampy areas.” She hesitated for a second before pursuing, confirming she was working around the Covenant. “Trollfrogs love chewing on their roots.”
My shoulders drooped as I stared at her with a crestfallen expression. “There are at least a dozen swampy areas in Willow Grove where trollfrogs dwell!”
She gave me a shit-eating grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Actually, it’s more like thirty-six of them.”
She burst out laughing at my disbelieving look.
“It’s not that bad, my son. Talk to your Inquisitor. Sanguine crocuses are often used in magic. She’s a powerful mage and very knowledgeable,” Mother replied in a noncommittal fashion.
I frowned. “Should I even get involved in that investigation?”
She stared at me quietly for a few seconds that felt like an eternity. In that instant, I would have given anything to read her mind. Was she disappointed that I was even considering not getting involved? On the contrary, was she shocked that I would meddle in mortal affairs?
“Follow your heart, Lyall,” she said at last. “You have been making many good choices over the past year. Stay the course. Listen to your inner light. With every passing day, it shines a little brighter.”
I pursed my lips, bowed my head, and reflected on her words. I couldn’t say why exactly I had asked the question. In my mind, it was already settled that I would see this through with the Inquisitor. And now that my mother had more or less confirmed that she was indeed my soulmate, there was no way in the Nine Hells that I would let my mate face all that danger on her own. And yet, at a subconscious level, I had hoped for a response that would have answered something else. Unfortunately, myconscious mind didn’t even know what the fuck it was that I wanted answers or reassurance about.
“Thank you,” I finally said as the silence stretched.
I rose to my feet, gave her a polite nod, then turned to leave.
“Lyall!” my mother called out, stopping me dead in my tracks.
I glanced back at her over my shoulder.
“You have a good heart, my son. Whatever negative thoughts you have about yourself, cast them aside. Others see you. You have friends who love you.”
I turned to fully look at her as I huffed. “I don’t have friends. People find me insufferable and detestable for good reason.”
“Yes, Lyall. You do. Remember my words well in your time of need,” Mother warned.
My back stiffened, and a sliver of worry took root in the pit of my stomach.
“Why does it sound like there’s a shit storm coming?” I asked.
“When is there not?” she asked with a shrug.
I snorted. “Fair enough. I will remember your words.”
“See that you do.”
With one last nod, I turned around and left. My conversation with my mother replayed in a loop in my mind as I raced back home. It was silly to hurry as I had already been gone for long enough that Eleni would be asleep by now. My suspicions were confirmed as soon as I landed on the large balcony outside the guest room she occupied.
Although I shouldn’t have, I discreetly entered her room. By the Gods, she was beautiful! For the first time, I got to see the silky strands of her long hair splayed around her face on the pillow. She’d kept it tightly bound in a bun previously. It made sense to prevent potential enemies from grabbing it to controlher during combat. Her olive skin looked luminous under the soft glow of the moonlight pouring into the room.
It surprised me that she hadn’t drawn the occluding curtains. For a split second, I considered doing it for her before changing my mind. Eleni struck me as a very organized and calculated person. She wouldn’t have forgotten to do so. Therefore, I could only assume that it had been a deliberate choice to leave them open.
I walked up to the bed, the warm and fuzzy feeling in my chest growing exponentially.
Yes, Eleni is mine.
With a will of its own, my hand reached for a few locks of her hair. I stared in awe as they glided through my fingers, reveling in the softness of the strands. With much reluctance, I released her hair, not wanting to wake her. Morning couldn’t come quickly enough for me to see her beautiful eyes again. I turned and started quietly leaving the room.
“Sweet dreams, Lyall,” Eleni whispered behind me.
Startled, I jerked my head around to find her looking at me with a gentle smile. How the hell had I not realized that she was awake?
