15. Hanna

I've been living with Kazrith as his fake wife for just over a week now. One might think staying with a demon is a nightmare, but truthfully, it's been quite the opposite. Most certainly a far cry from how the xaphans depicted this race as gargantuan brutes.

I sit by the window, reflecting on the peace I've been granted under Kazrith's protection while awaiting action on our plan to rid the world of Zathex. There's no need for a xaphan as useless as him, anyway.

I gaze out to the sea, spotting the brink of Glebe in the far distance. The xaphan haven of New Solas lies beyond that continent.

I wish I could forget about that wretched place, but how can I when my father is still there?

"I miss you, and I hope you're doing okay without me."

My solace is broken by a polite knock at the door. I turn and stand just as it opens, Kazrith stepping inside.

"Oh, wow," I say a little too loudly at the sight of him.

He dons a dress shirt, its top buttons undone to show off just a glimpse of his chiseled chest. The glimmer of the red sun reflects off of his shining cufflinks. The sound of his heavy footsteps bounces between the walls, courtesy of his black boots wrapped around a pair of well-fitted trousers.

I swallow hard, knowing good and well that I shouldn't be staring like this. But I can't help it. With each passing day, I find him more attractive, but it kills me inside to know that nothing will ever happen between us.

Nothing physical, anyway.

"You look good," I say, hoping he doesn't see my cheeks blushing the same shade as the red sky. "What's the occasion?"

"I'd like to dine with you tonight in the banquet hall. I've already requested the cooks prepare a meal if you'll be my guest."

"Oh, of course!" I answer, surprised at the gesture. "Let me change into something nicer. I'll join you in a few minutes."

"I'll see you out there," he says with a smile.

Fuck, he looks hot. I should match him. Maybe there's something I can wear in the closet.

When I find the perfect silk black gown, I wonder if Kazrith had it put there on purpose. My skin grows hot at the thought of him picking an outfit for me. I fan myself as much as I can during the changing process.

All the while, I keep pondering. Is this a date?

I draw a deep breath to calm the heat inside me, then I make my way to the dining hall. The table stretches almost lengthways across the entire hall, lined with aromatic dishes.

A candelabra sits close to where Kazrith is seated, its flame dancing erratically. Candles are also lit on various stands and nearby shelves, casting a warm, intimate glow over the room.

Upon my entry, Kazrith rises from his chair.

"You look marvelous," he says with sincerity, a handsome smile stretching across his lips. "I knew the gown would look excellent on you."

So he did pick it out!

"Thank you," I say.

He guides me to the seat next to his, pulling it out for me.

"I'd prefer it if we don't have to shout across the table," he jokes, a rumble of a laugh coming from his muscular chest.

Corin approaches as Kazrith takes his chair, filling our glasses with an orange wine from a silver decanter. Once our first course is plated, the servant makes himself scarce.

I look around to see if there's anyone else here but it's just Kazrith and I. I can't help but smile at that.

"This is a lovely set-up," I comment, pulling the glass of wine closer. "I suppose I owe you yet another thank you. My stay here has been nothing short of accommodating."

He mimics me in picking up his wine.

"There is no need to keep thanking me. By now, I'm starting to consider you a friend, Hanna. After all, we united over a common cause."

"Can't say I thought I'd ever be friends with a demon, or any demon for that matter."

"Likewise, you pathetic human," he quips, clinking his glass with mine.

I shake my head, laughing in unison with him. The fruity wine slides smoothly down my throat without burning.

"All jokes aside, I'm glad to have found a strong ally in you, Hanna."

He pours me another glass and gestures for me to begin eating.

"Me? No, I'm not as strong as you think."

"Why do you say that?" he asks.

I look at the piece of meat, impaled by the prongs of my fork. I feel like a xaphan staring down a disposable human.

"I could've been stronger had I gotten my wings in the end, but Zathex just had to ruin that for me."

"What he did wasn't your fault. You should know that well by now," he says, slicing easily into his meat and shoving a huge piece into his mouth.

"I know that, but I feel robbed of what I'd strived for and worked so hard towards."

Kazrith swirls the wine in his glass. In my peripheral vision, I feel him staring me down. I hope I'm not making myself look like a fool.

"Do you regret your decision to turn Zathex down?"

I chew as I think, distracted by the meat's succulent taste and tenderness. I've never had such a rich meal before.

"Of course not. At the same time, I can't help but think I've screwed my father and me over in doing so."

Kazrith nods, sipping on his wine.

"I mean no harm, but I think xaphans will find any reason to oppose humans, wings or not."

"I suppose you're right. A human is the worst thing you can be. There"s scrutiny everywhere you go."

"I can only imagine. Never mind the troubles for a moment, what is it you really want out of this life?"

"That's easy, a peaceful existence for my father and I. I just hope I have the strength to work all of this out."

"Hanna," Kazrith speaks, the sound of my name smooth on his tongue. "I've never met anyone with your tenacity. You have every reason to cower down and submit to the xaphans, but you keep fighting."

The broken parts of me listen intently to his words, the parts that need to hear them the most. For so long, I've been yearning to have this sort of validation from someone. From anyone, really. The words come out of a demon's mouth and nothing has ever felt more sweet.

"Bravery is a trait that most will never possess. I won't lie, Hanna, I once thought of humans as useless. I know now that I was wrong. There's some strong ones in your midst."

I smile both at the delicious food and his compliment.

"Well, I don't think you'd arrange such a gracious meal for someone so useless."

"No, I suppose not." He smirks. "By the way, is the food to your satisfaction?"

"Does my almost empty plate answer that?"

He portions out a small helping of another dish while I reach for the bottle, filling his wine before passing it back to him. As he takes it, our fingers brush.

His hands are invitingly warm and unexpectedly soft, as are his eyes, glowing as the candelabra's flames dance within them.

Wishing each other good health, we drink.

"This wine pairs well with the food," I remark.

"Yes, it's a rare bottle from Vesnios. Hanna, I have a personal question I'd like to ask."

I nod, leaning forward to give him my full attention.

"You've mentioned your father a few times now. What about your mother? Is she still present in your life?"

An unintentional silence ensues, his question casting me deep into my past, delving into part of the reason behind my bond with my father.

The recollection of her is soothing yet painful. The faint memories of her voice play in my head.

I swallow the lump in my throat and then look up at Kazrith. His gaze is studious and patient, perhaps knowing the emotional depth his question carries.

I don't suspect he'll push for an answer, but I feel no resistance to opening up to him. There's no reason to be afraid. We're supposed to be a couple.

"My mother passed away when I was a very young girl," I finally say. My voice is hoarse, and I clear my throat before continuing. "I don't have too many memories with her, but the ones I do remember are fond. I cherish them deeply."

"My condolences," Kazrith says softly. "She would be proud of you."

"I hope so," I say, turning away to dash a tear. "That's why it's so important I get back to my father. He lost his wife. He should not have to lose his daughter, too."

My mind goes blank for a moment as I recollect myself. That's when I feel Kazrith's hand lay gently on my wrist, his grip firm yet not overpowering.

"I promise we'll get you back to him."

"Thank you, Kazrith. I trust you."

The main course is followed by a sweet dessert, coupled with a strong serving of kaffo.

Even after the meal concludes, we continue chatting. Things feel more normal than they have in a long time, allowing me to forget my troubles for a few hours of hearty laughter, good food, and a real connection. He tells me stories of his past travels, his numerous fights, and the friends and enemies he's made along the way. And I listen and laugh over my glass of wine.

A clock chimes somewhere distant in the abode by the time the skies have turned completely dark. I only now notice how close we've inched towards one another.

"Well, I suppose it's time to rest," I say, wiping my mouth with a napkin.

"Let me walk you to your room."

He offers his arm which I accept, wrapping up our conversation as we draw nearer to my quarters. He opens the door and gestures for me to enter. I don't notice he's following me until I turn around.

"It's getting harder to explain to the servants why we're sleeping separately," he says, a suggestive smile invitingly pulling me closer.

"Yeah, I suppose a new mate can only settle in by herself for so long," I say, biting my bottom lip for a moment. "We'll need to think of something."

"I know just the thing."

His hand rests on the doorknob, and for a moment, I think he's about to bid me goodnight.

Instead, he closes the door behind him. The demon closes the distance between us, my heart beating so heavily inside my chest that I swear I'm about to pass out.

"I suspect I'll have to stay here until the servants retire to their chambers. They'll think we'll be in the master bedroom."

"A splendid idea," I say, surprised I can get a single word out of my mouth. "Perhaps we should pass the time. I don't suppose you have any ideas for that, either?"

"You're talking to a demon full of them."