Page 38 of Cursed Dreams
His entire face transformed.
The usual tension in his sharp, regal features melted away. His lips, fuller than she’d ever allowed herself to notice, curved in genuine amusement, and his eyes, which she had always found cold, now gleamed with mirth. The sound of his laughter was rich, deep, and utterly carefree.
He looked… younger.
More beautiful.
She swallowed hard.
Finally, his laughter faded, though a smirk still tugged at the corner of his mouth. He shook his head, amused. “Your magic is fine, Thalia.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Then why did you look at me like, like it was wrong?”
His smirk softened. “Because it reminded me of my own. That’s all.”
That gave her pause. “Your magic?”
He didn’t elaborate, simply lifted a hand to signal the barkeep. A moment later, a drink was placed in front of her, something dark and strong, carrying the scent of honey and spice.
“Here,” he said, nudging it toward her. “For your troubles.”
Thalia huffed, still feeling somewhat indignant, but she took the drink anyway. The first sip burned pleasantly down her throat, warming her from the inside.
Vaelith watched her, arms folded, his gaze assessing, but not in the usual, unreadable way. It was different now.
Relaxed.
Almost… playful.
And gods help her, now that she wasn’t spitting angry at him, now that she was sitting across from him with a drink in hand and the alcohol muddling her thoughts, she was finally noticing things.
Like the way the candlelight flickered over his sharp cheekbones, casting golden shadows on flawless skin.
Or the way his tunic clung to his broad chest, the fabric stretching just enough to hint at the muscle beneath.
Or the shape of his mouth, which was far too perfect, far too—
Gods.
She took another sip, quickly.
Vaelith arched a brow, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. “Something wrong?”
She tilted her head, smirking slightly. “No, I was just thinking… I never realized how attractive you are.” the words were out before she could stop them.
His lips parted slightly, surprise flickering across his features before a low chuckle rumbled from his chest.
He leaned forward, eyes dark and wholly amused. “Drunk Thalia is very bold.”
“Maybe.” She traced the rim of her glass with one finger, feeling bolder than ever. “But I speak the truth.”
Vaelith hummed, watching her closely, his smirk deepening.
“Well then,” he said smoothly, “by all means, continue.”
Vaelith watched her.
Not just watched, devoured.
