Page 81 of Written in Scent

rain on stone and bergamot answered by strawberry and peach

We are two species writing the same ancient language

one molecule, one breath, one perfect match in the quiet dark

Luna green and cedar smoke

I open my wings without knowing the distance

and still I fly straight toward you

I stare at the words for a long moment after I finish.

The poem feels a little more raw than usual, hinting at the kiss we shared among the luna moths, the way our scents called to each other the same way pheromones travel through miles of night.

It’s both terrifying and beautiful to see the parallel written out so clearly. My body recognized him long before my mind caught up. I think that was what Alex and the pack were trying to explain to me about it all. I am still myself and have my own choices.

The archives feel even cozier around me now. The scratch of the pen has stopped, but the click of drawers and the golden light on the pinned specimens remain. I run my fingertip lightly over the charm and let the memory of the date settle deeper into my chest.

The idea of letting someone into my world doesn’t feel like it will take anything away from this.

A familiar voice breaks the peace of the archives, bright and full of its usual dramatic flair.

“Miss Maddison! There you are, buried among the miracles as always.”

I look up from my notebook to see Professor Jules approaching my station with his usual energetic stride. His silver hair is slightly wild today, as if he’s run his hands through it multiple times while lecturing. He smells faintly of cedar and old books, the same comforting scent that always seems to follow him through these halls.

“Professor Montague,” I say, happily closing my notebook. “Or should I say Jules?”

He beams at me, eyes twinkling behind his round glasses. “Jules is always preferred among friends and serious entomologists. And you, my dear, are both.”

He leans over my desk to inspect the latest specimens I’ve pinned, nodding with genuine enthusiasm. “Excellent work. The wing alignment on this one is impeccable. You have a very steady hand. How is the project coming along? Are you still alright with taking on those extra drawers?”

I sit up a little straighter, pleased by his praise. “I am. I finished the second drawer this morning and started on the third. The labeling is taking longer than I expected, but I’m enjoying it.”

“Marvelous,” he says, clapping his hands together once. “Marvelous indeed.”

He’s about to move on when he pauses, a mischievous little smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Oh, and I heard a very interesting rumor in the faculty lounge the other day. Something about you applying for Dr. Okonkwo’s rainforest field expedition...”

My heart jumps. I light up instantly, surprise and excitement flooding through me all at once. “You heard about that?”

Jules nods, looking thoroughly pleased with himself. “Indeed I did. Dr. Okonkwo mentioned you by name. She called you ‘the promising young entomologist with the exceptional eye for detail.’ High praise coming from her.”

I feel my cheeks flush. “I can’t believe she talked about me. I thought maybe my application would just disappear into a pile.”

He smiles mysteriously and taps the side of his nose. “Faculty gossip travels faster than pheromones on a breeze, my dear. Especially when it involves one of our most dedicated freshmen.”

I lean forward, unable to hide how thrilled I am. “Do you think I actually have a chance? It’s usually for sophomores and up. So I know I’m early, but I really want this. The idea of doing real field work in the rainforest… cataloging new species, studying live pheromone signaling in the wild… it feels like everything I’ve been working toward.”

Jules rests one hand on the edge of my desk, his expression turning more serious but still kind.

“Between you and me, Miss Maddison, you have a very strong chance. Dr. Okonkwo does not throw compliments around lightly. She was quite impressed with the paper you submitted and with what she has heard from both me and Dr. Halvorsen about your work ethic. Keep doing exactly what you are doing. Precision. Passion. Attention to detail. Those are the things that stand out.”

He straightens up and gives me an encouraging wink. “Now, back to work. Those beautiful little miracles are not going to pin themselves.”

As he walks away with a cheerful wave, I sit back in my chair, heart racing with new hope. The possibility of the field trip suddenly feels much more real than it did this morning.

Maybe everything is starting to fall into place.