Page 14 of Rings and Wings and Stardust Things

I launched into a whirlwind tour of Earth as Ranna listened with rapt attention, firing off rapid questions about everything from seasons to plant life. Her genuine curiosity was infectious, momentarily pushing aside my tangled emotions.

Ranna's gaze fell on the strange, viscous drink. “Oh! I almost forgot the drinking delicacy.” She grabbed the tall glass and handed it to me with both hands. “They said this was a very important part of the human morning ritual.”

I accepted the heavy cup and peered at the thick, syrupy liquid inside. A pungent, almost spoiled-fruit smell wafted up, making me fight back a grimace. I didn’t want to hurt Ranna’s feelings.

“This is...very thoughtful,” I said, forcing a smile. “Though I must admit, I'm not sure what it is.”

“It's a traditional Vorinax breakfast beverage,” Ranna said cheerfully. “The vendor said it was the human equivalent of 'coffee.'“

I barely stifled a laugh. No matter what this was, she’d tried so hard.

“Well, in that case...” Steeling myself, I raised the glass in a mock toast before taking a cautious sip. Instantly, my mouth was assaulted by a mix of sour and savory flavors—sweet, overripe berries mingled with a yeasty undertone. It was like drinking fermented jam with a hint of blue cheese and cinnamon.

I struggled to keep my expression neutral as the thick liquid coated my tongue. Definitely an...acquired taste.

“Mmm, delicious!” The lie tumbled out before I could catch it. Ranna’s whole posture was so eager, so proud of her breakfast, I just couldn’t crush her spirit. “You’ve totally nailed those, uh, bold flavors humans love at breakfast.”

“What did you and Ryon get up to last night? I saw the way he was looking at you.”

Heat flooded my cheeks, and I nearly choked on the ‘coffee.’ Ryon's intense stare, the scorching heat of his touch—it all came rushing back, leaving me flustered and breathless.

“We... we were just enjoying the night market,” I stammered, hoping Ranna couldn't detect the rapid pounding of my heart. “Ryon was being a good host, showing me around.”

Ranna's feathers fluttered, and she leaned forward conspiratorially. “And what did you think of my brother?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. What did I think of Ryon? The truth was, I didn't know what to think. His touch had awakened desires I thought long buried, igniting a fire that threatened to consume me if I let it burn unchecked.

But there was more to it than just physical attraction. Ryon's wit, his charm, his unwavering loyalty to his family—they all drew me in, making me crave a deeper connection with this enigmatic, captivating being.

“He’s...” I faltered, grasping for a way to encapsulate Ryon Zorax’s enigma. “Fascinating. Surprising. Unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”

The understatement left me dissatisfied even as the words tumbled out. But how could I give voice to the thoughts and emotions that still left me reeling?

Ranna giggled, misinterpreting my hesitation. “That’s just Ryon being Ryon. Mother says he’s always been the rebellious one.” Her feathered crest bobbed conspiratorially. “I think he likes keeping people guessing.”

I managed a faint smile, a mix of amusement and relief at her assumption. Let her think I found her brother merely... unpredictable. It was safer than acknowledging the deepening pull I felt toward him.

As Ranna chattered on, my thoughts drifted, replaying the events of the previous evening. The unexpected sparks between Sharlar and Helko, the way their initial stiffness had gradually melted into a tentative comfort. The first fragile blossoms of understanding, if not affection.

Well then. Finally, something seemed to be taking root between the reluctant couple. Perhaps this ill-conceived marriage might hold reserves of passion yet.

But what did that mean for me and my role here? I was a professional, hired to orchestrate the grand affair that would bind their families. Could I truly remain objective, a mere observer crafting their dream when my own desires had become so muddled?

The memory of Ryon’s intense gaze, the way his body burned against mine, made my heart do somersaults. How was I supposed to stay neutral when every part of me was screaming to see where this could go?

A soft knock at the door yanked me out of my daydream. My heart skipped a beat as Ranna jumped to her feet like a spring-loaded toy.

“Come in!” she chirped, her feathers fluffing up in excitement.

The door slid open with a quiet swoosh, and there he was—Ryon, looking like he just stepped out of a dream, bathed in the morning glow. My chest tightened as our eyes locked, a spark igniting between us. For a brief, magic moment, it felt like we were the only two beings in the universe.

His gaze traveled over me slowly, and I could practically feel my skin heating up under his intense scrutiny.

Ranna’s cheerful chatter cut through the charged silence. “Good morning, Ryon! Look, I tried making Savannah a traditional human breakfast. At least, I think I did.”

She launched into an enthusiastic recap of her kitchen adventures, but her words barely registered. My senses were totally hijacked by Ryon’s presence, the magnetic pull of his stare stirring something deep inside me that I didn’t even know was there.

Ranna suddenly went quiet. The silence stretched awkwardly until she cleared her throat with an odd, strangled trill.

---