Page 16 of Shattered Magic

“Not a loop but really old straight lines.” Benny sipped at her drink.

Hari looked at her meal and picked up her fork and knife. She took some of the super soft beef in gravy, some mashed potato, and vegetables. It was pretty good, but it could be better.

She stood up. “Which way is the kitchen?”

Zerul put a hand on her shoulder and pressed her to sit down. “You can terrify my chef later. Right now, you are going to replace some of what you burned healing yourself.”

She shrugged and said, “A sprig of rosemary in the sauce would have added an acidic twist. The gravy is particularly rich.”

Zerul rubbed her back. “Eat. That’s an order.”

“Under any other circumstances, something would get bitten off.” She speared a carrot and snapped at it with her teeth.

“Noted, now eat.”

He turned and spoke to the others while Hari ate. There was a silver cloche that hid a giant creampuff. She picked it up and took a huge bite. She paused as the distinct flavours of chocolate, raspberry, and strawberry exploded. She wanted to moan but kept it to herself. The mains were good but could be better, but the dessert was amazing.

She savoured the creampuff and made her way through it.

She felt sad but satisfied when it was gone.

The coffee and water went down next. She was panting and exhausted when Zerul stopped his conversation and smiled at her. “Ready for a nap, treasure?”

She nodded. “Yeah. That would be good. Where am I going?”

He got to his feet and picked her up. She was nodding off. He carried her through the halls, and she muttered, “What was dosed?”

“The water. The doctor ordered sleep, and I knew you wouldn’t go through it lightly. It is just some melatonin. You will be back to yourself in an hour and can easily wake up if you need to.”

He walked up a set of stairs, and she dozed in and out. When he paused and doors opened for them, she mumbled, “You said I would have my own room.”

“You will. It isn’t ready yet. It was being readied for the party.”

“Oh. You have an extra bed in here?”

He smiled. “I am not going to tangle my body with yours until after the opener arrives. I want to make sure you don’t need to experience repeat discomfort.”

She blinked. “Shit. You figured that out.”

“Your body returns to its original state. The right opener can keep your body in a formation that won’t cause you injury if things get a little enthusiastic.”

“That is very thoughtful.”

“I am very thoughtful, and this benefits both of us.” He settled her on a bed that gave her the feeling of being on a sports field.

He settled her on a pillow, and a throw was pulled over her. No tucking in, no sudden nudity.

He stroked her hair. “I am going to make a few calls. You rest. Come find me when you are awake and alert.”

She nodded and grabbed the pillow, pulling it against her and burying her head in the fabric that smelled like him. He smelled good.

* * * *

Zerul looked at his found treasure and smiled. She was out. Her body had grabbed the excuse to relax, and she would be sleeping for a few hours.

He headed to his office and found the hair restoration specialist. He called and spoke to the man who would help the blue mane return to its former glory.

When he hung up from that call, he checked his messages, and the opener was running ahead of schedule. He would arrive that evening and be at their disposal until the contract was complete.

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