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“Just picture it. Their squeaky little voices and ball-like bodies scattering in panic, comedy gold.” She grinned.
Bomani trailed off to the side, hiding behind the trees to transform. We both waited in a hushed stillness. The vegetation glistened up here, and the sun shone impossibly bright from this summit. It felt divine against my cool skin, warming every piece of exposed flesh in heated kisses. It stirred the lingering scent of cinnamon and sugar through me reminding me of Alex. My body couldn’t help but bask in the moment, enthralled as I watched how the snow glittered in the sunlight, and how it warmed my cheeks.
Bomani stepped out from the tree line in his human form—tall, sure-footed, and serene. The leather pack that once clung to his beast form was now slung across his torso. He wore a dark gray wool shirt and black cotton pants, but no shoes, his feet padded into the snow. “Every single time you do that; it’s always a work of wonder.”
He smirked casually at us and took back his place on Arianna’s side. This time he towered her. His height making her once tall broad body seem small and petite in comparison. Arianna grinned at him for a moment before her eyes fixed back on me.
“You’ve seen me do this roughly four times, so I understand. It’s always a pleasure to speak with you, Valentina.” He expressed warmly to me.
“Don’t flatter her too much, she will feel special.” Arianna teased.
I rolled my eyes, as a smile tugged at my lips. “I’m always special, if that’s the case.”
We slowed to a normal pace, following the orange trail through the rough trees. Moving too fast might’ve frightened them. It wasn’t long until we found ourselves in their clearing near a cave. The field wasn’t large; it was about fifteen meters across. Thick jagged rocks fenced in their small territory.
Arianna took the lead again, but this time she had a softer approach to her. Her arms stretched outward, palms open in invitation. Bomani and I stayed a footstep behind as light flickered between her fingers, blooming into bright orbs that sprayed color into the sky in bursts.
The blasts cracked through the mountain’s stillness, echoing into the frozen air.
The light show summoned them all from their hiding spots. The high energy creatures poked out from the trees, under the rocks, out of piles of snow all gathering inside of the clearing watching Arianna’s performance for them.
Small, beady black eyes sparkled with wonder at the light show, and excited squeals pierced the fading skylight. Their curiosity thickened the air, leaving it tangibly electrified.
Arianna’s show lasted nearly ten minutes, every second holding their awe.
Once she was finished, a few of the Lyoraxe had retreated back into hiding, while a handful of them stayed to interact with us. Tiny orange arms wrapped around Bomani’s thick leg, while a band of them bounced in tight little circles at our feet.
“Again, again,” they squealed in unison. They bounced and squealed, voices like windchimes, chanting for more.
“We are in need of a favor,” I said breaking the excitement between them.
One of the smallest, perched on a boulder, sprang across the field to approach us. “What favor can we offer you today, Valentina?” Its voice was high-pitched and syrupy sweet. I recognized it from our last visit.
“Chasme, I’m so happy to see you again.” I smiled, kneeling down in the snow, to him. “We’re looking for a potion. And I promise—we’ll return once a month for a light show, just the way you like them.”
Arianna’s arms crossed, her brows furrowed, clearly not expecting that bargaining chip. She would have to forgive me, but they wouldn’t have accepted anything less. They only cared to be entertained. I would just pay the debt to her later.
The crowd behind him bustled, “What potion are you trying to acquire?” He asked.
“Woukme,” I said, just above a whisper.
Its furry body bristled at the request. “Who are you trying to hide?”
“That’s on a need-to-know basis. And all you need to know is—you’ll get your light shows.” I locked eyes with the creature, holding its gaze, then softened. “Please… for your friend?”
Chasme’s black eyes narrowed, but only for a beat. “Every month!” he declared, then scurried into the cave in a flurry of orange fuzz. He returned just as quickly, clutching a small purple bottle, and tossed it into the air. “Don’t forget, okay?” he squeaked.
All the thoughts I’d been suppressing about masking Alexander’s scent surfaced at once as the glass passed me. It was a bittersweet moment; we accomplished what we needed to, but his scent... His beautiful aroma would be lost to me for who knows how long.
I had just learned to cherish it.
I’d have to be okay with it because above the comfort it gave me, I wanted him safe. And if it cost me a few weeks, or years without it, I’d cherish it now before it’s gone. I’d have to live on the memory until I could smell it again.
Arianna caught it without missing a beat. “We won’t,” she muttered, not without affection. And the moment it touched her palm, we were gone, snow crunching beneath our feet as night finally began to fall.
TAINTED| CHAPTER 12
Revelation
