Page 115 of My Summer Girl

He hops off the horse with the grace of a charro, all swift with elegant movements, as if this is his natural state.

Raev’s steps are certain as he walks the pathway to the entrance in a specific pattern that seems intentional. Out of respect and uncertainty, I follow the path, memorizing each crack he avoids and tracing the almost star-like pattern he goes in.

Much like the castle in Solera, this is something tree-like too. Huge vines protect the walls, as if it’s encasing it in safety. It’s beautiful. I wonder how I’ve been able to stay away from Solera for so long.

This place has always held a significance I’ve never been able to quite explain. Yet, being here now, I can see that it’s the sunshine, the energy, and the way it feels like home.

“Abue!” Raev hollers, his voice louder and softer at the same time. His accent is thicker, almost like the emotional connection to his family makes it so.

“Amorcito?” The sound of an older person’s voice sounds out somewhere in the cottage. It’s loud, but also aged and tired.

“Sí, soy yo, Abue,”

My heart softens as I listen to their exchange, loving how he falls into his language so easily without switching for me.

“Pásele, pásele,” she ushers out, telling him to come in from the other room, not realizing I’m with him.

She rounds the corner, shorter than I expected, wearing an apron around her waist. Her hair is braided and longer than I’ve ever seen someone of this height. Her smile to Raev is bright and heartwarming. When her gaze meets mine, shock paints her features before her grin widens and is kind and welcoming.

“This is Vex,” Raevar hurries the words out.

“I’m Rosa,” she introduces, her voice so warm like a hug.

Her eyebrow raises at Raev. I’m sure to explain why we’re both here. However, she doesn’t get a chance to speak before he’s rushing out more words. “They’re one of my mates.”

“¿Enserio?” Both her eyes and mouth widen, and I’d chuckle, but she looks near passing out from his admission. From what it seems, mates aren’t common in Oruknas. Doesn’t help that the sickness of this realm took out many magical beings.

“I have a mate. Three actually.”

Rosa’s hand clasps her chest. “No mames? ¿Qué quieres decir?”

“Abue!” Raevar exclaims, his shock and humor mixing. She shrugs and laughs at him. “Es tu pareja? No me digas,” she whispers, pressing a palm to her lips. “¿De verdad?”

“Sí, es verdad,” Raev says with a smile and he’s grinning from ear to ear. He’s so at ease here and charming.

“No manches,” she murmurs, her eyes scanning over me. Her accent is thick, and her eyes are full of glee, yet concern.

“I don’t know how to solidify the bond,” Raev shamefully admits. She turns to him, her eyes twinkling. “I-I don’t know what to do.” He runs a hand through his loose strands, almost nervously as he adds the last bit. It’s not easy to admit when you’re unaware of something that makes you who you are.

She switches to English so I can understand fully. “You’ll bite them.”

“That’s something I understand well,” I joke, and Raev’s cheeks redden.

“I’ve already shared blood with Vex,” Raev sheepishly offers, hiding his face and fidgeting. It’s actually charming how shy he is about this.

She clucks her tongue and places a hand on her hip while leaning against the wall. “You must bite them. That’s the important part. Your tusks are what bond you to them. They hold the magic.”

Smiling at the exchange, her gaze goes back to me. “And are you taking care of m’hijo?”

“Todos los días de mi vida,” I respond to her in kind, wanting to show my respect while also proving that for my dove and poppet, I’ll learn as much of their language as I can.

“Good, he’s my sweet boy. He deserves all the love Solera will offer him.”

I nod, thinking of how he’ll be loved forever, by us all, and he’ll never know what it’s like to be lonely again. Not if I have any say in it.

She turns and goes into the kitchen, the smell making my mouth water. She’s roasting tomatoes and boiling something in the pot over the stove. I’m unsure of what it is, but there’s no doubt that even without needing food consumption, I’ll be trying it if she allows it.

“I’m sorry. She comes on strong,” Raev whispers against the shell of my ear.

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