Page 132 of Soul Forge

“He’ll be okay,” she nodded. “He just needs some time and someone to lean on.”

Yani sauntered over and appraised her curiously before Gira could reply. “Perhaps now we can finally be introduced. I’ve been dying to speak to you properly ever since I was told you put a wedding ring on Sypher.” He beamed, green eyes glinting with warmth.

“It’s nice to properly meet you, too,” she chuckled.

“You’re short for an elf,” he commented.

Her cheeks coloured, but she nodded. “I know.”

“I’m short for a vampire too.” He grinned. “I think we’re going to get on.” Her smile returned when he tucked his hand into her elbow. “Come on. Julian and Sypher will probably only think to drag ale out of Gira’s cellar.”

Reiner frowned. “What’s wrong with ale?”

“Nothing, if that’s what you like,” Gira answered, tapping his chin. “I’m sure I have an aged wine somewhere around here. Are you a wine man or an ale man, Clover?”

“I prefer port.” Clover shrugged.

Gira’s grin widened. “You’re in luck, my friend. Come with me. Let’s see what we can find.”

The small group followed him back into the villa and down some steps hidden by a door at the back of the kitchen. The wine cellar was cooled by the runes carved into the walls and lit by the gentle light of an enchanted stone set into the ceiling. Gira found Sypher and Julian browsing the kegs and directed Yani to a rack filled from floor to ceiling with dusty bottles. Elda chose the one the vampire recommended and followed the rest of them back out of the cellar when they’d settled on their drinks of choice.

Gira led them back out to the garden and turned left, following an ornamental path through the greenery that led to an area decorated with cushioned seating. An awning stood over it, hung with gossamer drapes that offered a little protection from the setting sun.

Sypher flopped onto the cushions and patted the space next to him for Elda, Yani settling himself on her other side. When they were all comfortably seated, Sypher leaned forwards and snapped his fingers, producing a spark that he dropped into a strange table in the middle of them. Another complex rune decorated its surface, and Elda’s brows crept up when it burst into neatly contained flames.

It took the Soul Forge a while to properly relax, but after a few drinks and the company of people he cared about, he settled back against the cushions with his arm draped around Elda, joining in on the conversation at last. Julian leaned forwards eagerly and grinned at him.

“Come on then, angel. Show us the sword!” Elda expected Sypher to retreat into himself, but the Soul Forge arched aneyebrow and clenched his free hand, the sword appearing in his grasp just like it had in his memories.

Her eyes widened at its unique design, taking in the intricate markings pressed into the length of darkened metal. The tip was so sharp it looked capable of cutting through stone like butter, and the grip was inlaid with woven golden runes. The pommel and cross were black, patterned to give the impression of sleek black feathers covering the metal. A knuckle guard in the form of an outstretched wing curved around the grip, and a brilliant ruby was set into the end of the pommel.

“In the memory, it was white and gold,” Elda remarked.

“I know. Angelic blades are forged for the wielder, and they change to fit their owner. Back then, I had no demon blood,” Sypher explained. There was a ridge between his brows, but his voice didn’t tremble. “I guess angelic forging is how Cerilla came up with my power to craft vestiges.”

“This isinsane,” Julian fawned, leaning closer to get a better look. The Soul Forge passed him the sword. “I’m holding the first angelic weapon to see the light of day in almost a thousand years,” he whispered, looking down at the blade across his palms in awe.

“It sure beats your crappy axe,” Clover remarked.

“This is like nothing I’ve ever seen,” Reiner murmured, sitting forwards to see it.

“Did all angels know how to forge weapons like this, or were people specifically trained?” Julian asked with an impish smile.

Sypher’s arched brow rose higher. “People were specifically trained.” The vampire kept staring imploringly at the Soul Forge until, eventually, he rolled his eyes, fighting a smile. “Yes, I was one of them.”

“Can you make me something?” Julian pleaded before Sypher had even finished speaking.

“It’s been a long time since I tried. I’m not sure this body is even capable.”

“But you can give it a go, right?”

“I suppose.” His eyes fell on Julian’s ring, dark silver with a large emerald set in its face. “Are you attached to that?”

“Not if you need it to make a weapon for me.” He took it off and handed it to Sypher.

“Don’t get excited,” he warned. “And give me some time.”

Julian’s grin was so wide, Elda was surprised his face didn’t split.

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