Page 176 of The Wishing Game

"It is how they are now," Ze slowly replies.

"You mean it's permanent? But how? That's impossible. I've never heard of something like that," Thea continues.

Cer is still staring at Ze, reaching out to touch him on the shoulder. It doesn't surprise me that he'd be so worried about him considering the man basically raised him. At the same time, it's jarring to realize there's someone out there who genuinely cares about the guy—regardless of his rude personality. After experiencing his exquisite diatribes myself, as his teammate, I can't imagine how bad he'd be as a superior, or on the battlefield. His poor soldiers... They must be more scared of him than of the demons they're supposed to slay.

Since they're so busy fussing over Ze, I head to the kitchen, remove our plant, and place it on a table. As I look around, I spot the other two plants Thea and Cer got, and I grab them too, then rinse all three. Removing a pot from a cupboard, I fill it with water and place it over the stove. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find how to turn the stove on.

As I'm struggling to figure it out, a hand reaches out from behind me, pressing a few buttons until a small flame flares to life. I sneak a glance behind, not surprised to see Ze, who's looking at me with a puppy-like expression as if he's waiting for me to pet him and tell him what a good boy he is. Alas, that's exactly what he isnot.

It's on the tip of my lips to thank him, but since I'm not speaking to him, I simply roll my eyes and redirect my attention to the pot.

When the water boils, I place the whole plants inside. Since there are no instructions on how to make the brew, I will not take any chances with it. Better to be safe than sorry, so I'll cook both the root and the stem with the flower. After everything is brewed, I drain the water into a cup and bring it with me to the table.

Ze silently trails behind, taking a seat next to me and giving me an odd look. He purposefully moves his chair closer to mine, his body brushing against mine.

I bring the cup to my lips for a sip, but before I can drink, Ze's hand shoots out and he wedges it between my mouth and the cup, stopping me.

"It is hot," he mumbles, wrenching the cup from my hands. I stare at him dumbfounded as he blows some cool air at the steamy liquid before drinking from it. He screws his face in disapproval, blowing some more cold air and tasting it again.

"What the hell are you doing?" I grit my teeth, incensed at his behavior.

He repeats the action a few more times, eluding all of my attempts to get the brew back.

"You can drink now." He nods, finally handing it back to me. He has a very pleased look on his face as he waits for me to praise him.

I blink, looking at the half-empty cup and getting the sudden urge to spill the rest of it over his head. But I can't waste more of the brew. My lips twitch in annoyance as I drink the remaining liquid. While it's only slightly warm now, the taste is bitter and unpleasant.

He clears his throat. "That is an extra point," he has the gall to say.

I gawk at him. He's impossible. I've never been prone to violence, but Ze has an unusual effect on me.

"I'm revoking your extra point privileges," I snap at him, unable to keep my tone civil. His face immediately falls. He blinks a few times, taking a few breaths and pushing his chin down.

"I'm sensing some bad energy here," Thea notes as she stares between the two of us. "What happened?"

"Nothing," Ze says.

"He's an asshole," I add at the same time, turning to give him a murderous look.

I slam the cup onto the table and get up. Ze gets up too, his eyes on me.

"I'm going out. I need some time alone," I declare. "You can ask him what he did wrong." I point at Ze.

"I knew it," Thea grumbles under her breath. Cer just stares at the two of us, shaking his head. "I told you." She turns to her brother. "He's awful and cannot be trusted to be alone with anyone."

My lids flutter in surprise at the vehemence of her tone. I didn't expect her to defend me. Alas, I don't want to stick around to listen to them argue.

"Why did you even come here? You said you'd stay away, Ze," Thea tells him as I stealthily head out. But just as I open the door, I feel a looming presence behind. Stopping, I suddenly turn to find Ze right behind me, following me like a shadow.

"Donotfollow me," I tell him pointedly.

He doesn't acknowledge my words, so I simply shut the door in his face, walking away from the apartment. But it's not before I hear Thea yell, "He'syourfriend, Cer. I've been patient enough with him for your sake, but I can't do it anymore."

Well, it seems I'm not the only one who has a bone to pick with Ze. Poor Cer, he might be the only one whodoesn'tdislike him.

Shaking my head, I walk to the canteen to get some fresh food and chocolate, after which I find a remote spot to rest and eat. I'm so tired, I would have liked nothing more than to go to my room and sleep. But after being forced to share a space with Ze for the last week, I find that I need some time alone. And for all I like her, not even Thea's company is welcome at this point. She'd undoubtedly ask me what happened, and I don't know if I can relate everything without breaking down into tears—and that's the last thing I need.

I take a deep breath.

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