Page 31 of Sanctuary and Spices
“Speaking of creation...” Mai hefted a bag of fresh bread. “Who’s hungry?”
As everyone settled into the breakfast routine, I claimed a quiet corner with a cup of tea. The familiar bustle wrapped around me like a blanket - Dex zipping between tables delivering messages, the Khiul sisters’ cheerful bickering, Ven’ra dispensing cryptic wisdom between bites of toast.
My fingers traced the rim of my mug as thoughts drifted to yesterday’s kiss. To Ronhar’s hands cupping my face, the heat of his skin, the way his markings had streaked light across both of us...
“More tea?” Jun appeared at my elbow, startling me from the memory.
“Oh! Um, yes, thank you.” I held out my mug, hoping my face wasn’t as red as it felt.
She filled it with a knowing smile. “You seem distracted this morning.”
“Just... thinking about the festival menu,” I lied.
“Mhmm.” She didn’t sound convinced. “Well, if you need any special ingredients, Mai and I would be happy to help source them. For the festival menu, of course.”
I was saved from responding by Dex bursting through the front door, clutching a package to his chest.
“Delivery for Jani!” He skidded to a stop by my table, almost upending it in his enthusiasm. “From the Khiul sisters!”
“We’re right here,” Mai pointed out drily.
“Oh. Right.” He thrust the package at me. “Anyway, special delivery!”
I unwrapped it carefully, gasping at the contents. Rare spices filled small glass jars, their labels marked in flowing script. Anote tucked between them read: “For the festival. Let’s make something unforgettable.”
“These must have cost...” I looked up at Mai and Jun.
Jun waved away my protest. “Consider it an investment in the future of crystal-enhanced cuisine.”
“And in our new friend,” Mai added softly.
My throat tightened. I’d spent so many years focused solely on my career, moving from kitchen to kitchen... When had I last felt this kind of connection?
My grandmother’s cookbook sat in my bag nearby. I pulled it out, already imagining possibilities. The blank pages in the back slowly filled with notes as breakfast chaos swirled around me - crystalline teyrith paired with Jun’s imported nyxbloom, Jhrya essence to enhance Mai’s Vereth moss...
My tablet chimed, breaking my focus. I hesitated before opening the notification. It was from my father.
Subject:Follow-Up Required
Jani,
I haven’t heard from you. I assume you’ve been busy, but silence won’t fix anything. You’ve always had a stubborn streak, but you need to understand that mistakes like this don’t go away on their own.
That said, I’ve been reviewing the details of the incident. It’s clear you were under significant pressure, but that doesn’t excuse your actions. I’ve always taught you to maintain control—of yourself, your team, and the situation.
I hope you’re finding a way to rebuild. Your grandmother always said you had a gift, though I wonder if you’ve forgotten what that means.
Update me when you’re ready.
—Dad
I stared at the message, my fingers hovering over the screen. He wasn’t wrong, but the words still landed like a weight,pressing on my chest. My grandmother’s name felt sharp, like a thread tugging me in two directions—toward the comfort of her memory, and the sting of everything I’d lost.
Eventually the residents dispersed to their daily routines. I gathered my things, tucking the spices carefully into my bag. The walk to the café felt shorter than usual, my steps quick with nervous energy.
Would Ronhar mention the kiss? Should I bring it up first? What if it had just been a moment of impulse for him? The questions chased each other through my mind as I approached the Wanderer’s Rest.
The scent of herbs wrapped around me as I entered through the back door. My fingers brushed the spice jars in my bag, seeking courage in their solid presence.
