Loke fell silent, an ominous look in his eyes. Vespera shot him a cold stare in return. She hadn’t meant to bring up Tina. Whatever issues she had with Tina in the past, and whatever family drama Loke had, were none of her concern. She never intended to get involved or bring herself trouble. But he’d pushed a button, trying to transform into a monster, just like he was.
Dominic frowned as the conversation unfolded. He placed his cup of tea beside Luke’s hand. “Who once gave you her heart to speak with such cruelty is the biggest failure you can accomplish as a man,” he said. “You’ve partaken in hell, and that’s why she’s showing you this side of her. If you still care for her, then stop letting her live in the darkness.” He then placed the cup in front of Luke. “Drink this and let’s put an end to this.”
After a long silence, Luke’s grip finally loosened. However, he didn’t drink the tea or accept Dominic’s offer. Ludor finally loosened his grip, and Vespera sighed in relief. He watched her relax; the pressure she was under lifted. Yet, a sharp pang of sorrow and agony took over him; every move he made to win her back only served to deepen the rift in their already fractured relationship.
Without a word, Loke stood up and left. Vespera let out a long breath. Her back was drenched in a cold sweat, and the breeze that brushed past her felt frigid, as if she had risen from a frozen lake. Dorninde got up as well. Vespera stole a glance at him, wondering if he was leaving. He walked over to a counter, stood there hesitantly, then returned with a bowl of ravioli soup.
While waiting for the food, he chatted with two middle-aged women, radiating calm and politeness. From the way their eyes sparkled, it was clear they were probably trying to play matchmaker. Docteur placed the bowl of soup on the table. Vespera dug in, sipping her warm soup. The heat from it seemed to soothe her heart. “You’re really cute when you get angry,” he teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Harlære reddened slightly. Fr. sletted comfortably, Ferranteuri full, she figured it was as good a time as any. She took another bite of the ravioli, seizing the chance to awkwardly bring up what happened the night before. “I’m sorry about last night. I promise I won’t drink alcohol again,” he rushed, since alcohol was expensive. “You can’t afford to drink and not pay for it,” he joked.
Vespera elinked on a lart song and adatte dingling. He didn’t mean alcohol; it was clearly a euphemism for something else. He reached for a napkin and gently wiped her face, his fingers brushing her lips. “I’m not letting you go unpunished. Unless you decide to pay for it, don’t think you—” He stopped. Nor would she ever feel entitled to it, even if it had fallen like manna from heaven—something that revealed its gentle qualities.
“Why are you shrinking back at the narration but paying—” “Are you really not going to reconsider it?” The image mid-sentence made her cry out, “I-I’m inebriated!” The longer you stay, the more you'll regret it—to her, this was an unadulterated mind-game; she’d been testing his limits and playing along. She wouldn’t say more. She felt homesick. She heard a broad sigh—a glad acknowledgement in his expression. There was a tender memory with Devoudende last night. The mention spurred thoughts of what happened last night. He brushed her again and as she brushed against the places they kissed, her breathing faltered. Before their encounter, she liked him, commended his desire. But now, it was all she could think about. She had to think of a solution for this.
She was silently wondering if she should get herself a toy to relieve the tension. It would just be an activity to pass the time. She spun her ring around, starting in disbelief. “Have a sedative paragraph to ask you?” Disappointed. Sasa, she realized the only solution to get herself out of this predicament was to try it herself. More odd. Another trial? If it were easy, she’d have done it already. It wasn’t easy. Allergenica and Le wanted to meet them that day. Just let her open up. Even then, he wouldn't be able to resist her.