KDBookOnline
Share Us
“I didn’t. That library has been searched, along with all the others in Andera. It’s not easy finding something charmed to be unseen. Many who’ve searched for the book never make it home. You saw where we ended up.” He shook his head before adding, “Only the goddess could manage to gift it safely.”
Thessa’s legs were wobbly. It was a twist of fate or cursed luck.
When the trees grew sparse, thick fields remained. The roads may have been full of dirt, but this land was sprinkledwith wildflowers. It was no wonder Quinnley had skipped south; it was paradise for a Botanical witch. If Mabelton was charming, Wilcrest was beautiful.
Soren cleared his throat, “My property is around this bend.”
Thessa swallowed, remembering to breathe as shefollowed the demon into his den.
Oak trees lined his driveway, ending in a two-story, weathered wood home, fixed with white shutters. The front porch extended around the house, which was something she’d never seen before. A porch swing, stuffed with fluffy pillows, had a vibrant view of the southern sea. Waves tumbled into the jagged cliffs lining one side of his property, while a pasture filled with horses lined the other.
The barn was twice the size of his home. She could count at least two dozen horses in sight. “You have so many.”
“It’s the family business, to breed.”
As they neared the end of his driveway, the front door swung open. A robed female shuffled outside barefoot. She lunged toward Soren, wrapping her arms around him. Her body was shaking as she spoke. “My son. How’d you escape them?”
Soren pulled away, eyeing Thessa in answer.
His mother followed his stare. She reached her arms around Thessa next and said, “Thank you, thank you, you must come inside, let’s get you both something to eat.”
Thessa looked up to see a male that looked a lot like Soren standing in the doorframe. Regaining her focus, she said, “I’d love to.”
“I’m Soren’s mother, Maradine. That’s his father, Jussal. Welcome to our home. Come, come.” She wiped her eyes free of tears and led Thessa up the steps.
Thessa was inhaling the steam from hibiscus tea in amatter of minutes. Her first sip was as divine as her last. Maradine refilled her cup while encouraging everyone to eat the pumpernickel bread she’d baked. Thessa didn’t need encouragement, she took two pieces.
Sitting around the table, Soren explained every detail to his parents, from meeting Thessa, to setting her grimoire down on their dining table. Explaining the book was her goddess-given gift had done nothing to dull his parents’ curiosity. They’d kept eyeing her like she wore three faces. Although, she supposed it was not every day a demon returned from the capital, carrying a spellbook they’d hunted for centuries.
“I’ve no need for it.” She insisted.
Soren glanced at his parents, who were still examining Thessa. “We’re giving her a horse in return, we’ve already agreed to it.”
“Ridiculous,” his father retorted before looking at Maradine. “Honey, count fifty thousand Cheltz for Ms. Thessa.” His father’s black eyes bounced back to Soren’s. “Any horse she wants, fitted with leathers.”
Thessa’s breath hitched just before her vision faded to black.
When she came to, there was a cool cloth resting atop her forehead. Opening her eyes revealed Maradine perched over her like a bird, “You’re alright dear, you’re alright.”
Soren helped her sit up. “You fainted off the chair,” he noted, as if she wasn’t aware.
Her cheeks flushed, nonetheless.
“Stay as long as you need,” Maradine offered. “I tucked the envelope of Cheltz in your bag, keep it safe.” His mother smiled and spun around, clearing the mugs and plates off the table.
Jussal wasn’t in sight, nor was her gift.
She asked Soren, “Can we look at the horses now?”
Warm sun splashedon Thessa’s face.
Walking into the pasture Soren asked, “When’s the last time you rode?”
“I’ve never ridden.”
“You’re joking.”
“Should I lie next time? Go on, ask again.”