Page 39 of Sanctuary and Spices
“Yes. The resonance frequencies are shifting.” I guided her through the crowd with a light touch at her lower back. The contact sent warmth racing through my markings.
We reached the Wanderer’s Rest just as Soryn was unlocking the front door. He took one look at my still-glowing markings and raised an eye ridge, but said nothing.
Jani and I worked together testing recipes, adjusting crystal resonances, finding the perfect balance of flavors and energies. Every accidental brush of hands sent electricity through my skin. The garden responded dramatically to our combined presence, plants reaching toward us, blooms opening out of season.
“The valthorn preserves are ready for testing,” Jani called from the kitchen. “Can you bring me some fresh mora leaves?”
I gathered the delicate purple leaves, trying to ignore how my markings brightened at her proximity as I handed them over. She added them to the mix with precise movements that made my breath catch.
“Perfect.” She held out a spoon. “Taste?”
I stared at the spoon Jani held out, but my focus drifted to her lips as she licked a stray drop of preserve from the corner of her mouth. The movement made my markings flare hot beneath my skin.
“Well?” She stepped closer, spoon still extended. “Too sweet?”
“I...” My throat went dry. The preserves sat untasted on the spoon between us.
“You haven’t even tried it yet.” She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a knowing smile.
A clatter from the front made us both jump. Jani pulled back, clearing her throat.
“Let me get that,” she said, setting down the spoon and hurrying toward the noise.
I pressed my palms against the cool metal counter, willing my markings to dim. They pulsed stubbornly bright, matching the rhythm of my heartbeat.
“Order mix-up at table three!” Pix called from the dining room.
“Coming!” Jani grabbed a fresh apron, tying it as she moved. She paused at the door. “We’ll finish the tasting later?”
The way she said it - half question, half promise - made heat spread across my shoulders. I nodded, not trusting my voice.
She disappeared into the dining room. I picked up the abandoned spoon, finally tasting the preserves. Sweet, yes, but with a complexity that spoke of careful attention to detail. Like everything else about her.
The garden crystals hummed in response to my elevated energy. I needed to get myself under control before the entire café started reacting. But with Jani so close, moving through her kitchen with such grace...
“These preserves are perfect,” I called out when she returned. My voice stayed steady. A small victory.
The last ofthe lunch crowd filtered out, leaving only the lingering scent of herbs and spices in the air. I wiped my hands on a cloth, watching Jani stack empty plates with practiced efficiency. My markings pulsed with warmth at the sight of her moving through the kitchen we’d come to share.
“Jani.” My voice came out rougher than intended. I cleared my throat. “Would you... join me for dinner tonight? In my quarters?”
She froze mid-stack, a slight flush creeping up her neck. Her teeth caught her bottom lip before she answered.
“I’d like that.”
From the doorway, Soryn huffed what might have been a laugh.
“I’ll need to change first,” Jani said, tucking a loose curl behind her ear.
“Of course. Come back around the evening cycle?”
She nodded, gathering her things. “Evening cycle.”
I watched her leave, markings still glowing faintly.
“Well.” Soryn’s amusement was unmistakable now. “I’ll close up early tonight.”
I ignored him, heading upstairs to my quarters above the café. The space was spare but comfortable—living area flowing into kitchen, bedroom tucked behind sliding panels. Plants lined the windows, their leaves casting shifting shadows across the floor.
