Page 95 of Kissing Potions and Elves
“After we retrieve Errol,” Lyrion adds.
I love that he thought of my cat without even knowing what I was going to say. He truly does care about Errol.
Together, we walk through the village hand in hand. The night air is cool and crisp, scented with lingering flowers and distant wood smoke. When we reach my tiny apartment, I unlock the door, and we step inside.
Errol is perched regally on the bed, his green eyes immediately narrowing at the sight of Lyrion. He hisses, ears flattening as he bares his tiny teeth in a display of outrage.
“Oh no,” I whisper, my stomach dropping. “Errol, please. Just listen.”
“I deserve that,” Lyrion says to Errol. He turns to me. “Would you mind giving us a moment?”
I nod and step into the hallway, pulling the door nearly closed behind me, leaving it cracked just enough to see inside.
“Errol,” Lyrion says in a calm voice as he cautiously approaches my growling cat. “I know I deserve your anger. I was a fool. But please, know that it was never my intention to hurt her.”
Errol growls again, his tail flicking irritably as he glares at Lyrion accusingly.
Lyrion kneels beside the bed, bringing himself level with the feline’s fierce gaze. “I love her, Errol. Truly. Irrevocably. And if you grant me your forgiveness, I swear upon my honor that I will spend every moment of my life proving to you—and to her—that she is cherished, respected, and loved.”
Errol’s ears slowly perk up, and his fierce glare softens into wary curiosity.
Lyrion extends his hand, his voice low and earnest. “I want both of you to come back to the manor with me, but I need your help, Errol. I cannot make her happy without your blessing. You are her protector and her greatest champion. Please allow me the honor of standing by your side, loving her as fiercely as you do, my friend.”
For a long, breathless moment, Errol merely stares, evaluating, weighing the sincerity of Lyrion’s words. My heart pounds fiercely, waiting.
Slowly, Errol rises to his feet, padding cautiously forward. After a moment, he gently head-butts Lyrion’s palm, purring.
Lyrion’s shoulders visibly relax. “Thank you, my friend,” he whispers as he strokes Errol’s fur. “Your forgiveness means more than you know.”
Lyrion picks up Errol, settles him into the satchel, then turns back toward me with his hand extended. I slip my palm into his, and his fingers close warmly around mine. “Let’s go home.”
CHAPTER 51
LYRION
When we return to the manor, Errol squirms impatiently, wriggling out of the satchel and hopping to the floor. He sits back on his haunches and looks around the space as his voice slips into my mind.“Tell Hilda not to forget to buy fish for me at the market. And not the cheap kind, either.”
My lips quirk. “Of course, Errol,” I murmur dryly. “I’ll be sure to remind her.”
Errol tilts his chin imperiously.“And fresh cream. I need fresh cream for my breakfast.”
“Yes, yes.” I arch an amused brow. “Anything else?”
He studies me a moment, clearly debating the merits of additional demands, but before he can speak, Rhystan approaches, crouching down beside him. “Ah, Errol, my fierce little friend. I’ve missed you.”
The cat’s demeanor shifts immediately, softening as he headbutts Rhystan’s hand.“Of course you did,”the cat replies haughtily.“Without me, you had no one to tease Lyrion with.”
Rhystan chuckles. “That’s for sure.”
“Ah, lovely.” I purse my lips. “I see how it is. Teaming up against me already?”
Errol purrs smugly, and Rhystan flashes a grin, both of them completely unapologetic. Isobel’s quiet laughter fills the room, a sound so sweet it instantly soothes my feigned indignation.
It’s late by the time we say goodnight. As Rhystan and Hilda retire to their rooms, I walk with Isobel to hers. My heart hammers, the air humming between us with unspoken promises and anticipation.
When we reach her door, I cup her cheek, savoring the soft warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips. I long to pull her into my room, to hold her close all night, but I refuse to presume too much too soon. Not after what I’ve put her through.
“Goodnight, Isobel,” I whisper, pressing a tender kiss to her lips.
