Page 95 of The Demon's Discovery
“I have a feeling the one you’re about to tell me is different than the one I know.”
Magnus chuckled. “Rylan is the expert, what with his detailed records of the night sky. You’ll have to make do with me and my storytelling, however. My children would all be rolling their eyes right about now.”
I had a feeling his storytelling ability was just fine. “Please,” I asked, finding my eyelids growing heavier. “I’d love to hear it.”
“Well, legend has it she was jilted by her lover. You know how it goes, she’s hopelessly devoted to him, but his eye wanders. Shameful, if you ask me. One day, she follows him into the city while he’s running his errands and finds him chatting up a girl at the candler. The next day, same thing, only it’s one of the smithy’s daughters. She’s unsure whether to think he’s being unfaithful or perhaps is just chatty. She tells herself he’s only being friendly at first, but then the third day, she actually catches him exchanging a kiss for his midday loaf at the bakery. Infuriated, but not about to be shamed for his actions, she invited them all to tea.”
Every blink stretched longer as his smooth, deep voice elaborated on a slightly different version of the story I had told Bea dozens of times. Knowing I wasn’t long for consciousness, I tried to follow his instructions—to let go of my body, allow the heavy sensation of stone wrap itself around me as I drifted off.
I raisedmy arms above my head, every muscle in my body bunching and releasing in a huge cat-stretch as I slowly climbed back into consciousness. My body was heavy still, warm from the sunshine pouring in over me and the blanket someone had covered me with.
“There you are, Little Dragonfly.”
I turned to the side and found Vassago lounging against the wall near where Magnus had lain as I fell asleep, a book open against his bent knee. His serene smile was impossible not to return. “Hello.”
He closed the book, setting it aside. “Good morning.”
I pushed myself up to a seated position, brain a little swimmy. “It’s morning?”
“Quite. How do you feel?” His head cocked to the side, his brilliant gold eyes fixed to my face as I assessed myself.
My shoulder was absent of any aching, and I felt rejuvenated enough to have slept a whole week. “I feel really rested, actually.”
His smile widened, and he climbed to his feet. “I’m so pleased to hear that. Magnus had nothing but glowing praise when I relieved him earlier. I’ve missed having you in my bed though,” he lamented, my blood warming instantly. “I don’t sleep well when you’re not there.”
I looked down at my hands for any evidence of the green-gray coloring that had been there the night before during my first attempt. All I found was my normal lightly tanned skin tone and some chipped fingernails that could use a trim.
“You did well,” he said, a proud smile on his lips.
“I did?” My voice rose into a surprised screech, prompting Vassago to laugh as he approached me with his hand out. I accepted it, and he pulled me to standing.
“Gloriously. This morning when I arrived, you were a vision. Lying on your side, totally at peace… your stone skin is no less attractive than this version of you, wife.” His eyes flashed red for the briefest moment as they dipped down my body. He cleared his throat and turned away, offering me his elbow. “How is your wing?”
I looked over my own shoulder, feeling silly as I did so because I hadn’t stopped to call my wings out yet. I closed my eyes and tried to feel for the tingle that Lovette described, thrilled when I found it. My wings came forth, any discomfort that I was used to feeling completely gone.
“Is it straight?”
Vassago smiled widely. “She did good work, Dragonfly. It looks perfect. Does it feel okay?”
“Yes, it feels fine.” I practiced moving them, the strain on my underdeveloped muscles significant but bearable.
“Wonderful. Are you hungry?”
My stomach rumbled in agreement. “Absolutely.”
He flashed his teeth again. “Let’s go show you off then.” We ventured down the long lane toward the meetinghouse, his fingers laced with mine.
“You should be prepared,” he said, slowing his speed as we approached the building.
“Prepared?”
“Magnus is very proud you managed a full stone sleep your first night. There may be hugging or patting or some form of aggressive pride and affection.” He frowned, eyebrows pulling together. “If it’s too much, I’m happy to step in.”
I laughed, unsure how serious he was being. “I’m sure it’ll be okay.”
“I’ve warned you,” he said again, at my side as we went through the door.
Magnus looked up from his plates, a beaming grin transforming his focused face.
