Page 85 of Across the Sapphire Sea
He deserved it. Valeri could admit as much. He’d treated Elias like a possession, allowed his own jealous nature to rule over his better judgment. He’d been cruel. Elias deserved better. But none of that made the slow withdrawal any easier to bear.
Picking up the offensive envelope, Valeri braced himself for the vitriol he assumed it would contain. He tore open the edges, plucked out the letter, and unfolded the paper. Met with Fedor’s impeccably neat cursive, he blew out an irritated breath and began to read.
Valeri,
When news of your second failed attempt at guiding a fledgling to maturity came to my awareness, I had to admit my profound disappointment. Though I shouldn’t be surprised, considering you lack the much needed common sense that rearing a whelp demands. Not everyone should procreate.
Our mutual acquaintance Lajos has assured me that Elias shows promise in spite of your negligence. I hereby offer to take the lad under my wing. I regret the missed opportunity with Laurence, and seek to rectify the situation without delay. Should you decide to accept, send Elias along to your ancestral lands where I shall begin his proper tutelage upon arrival.
Regards,
Fedor
Valeri shuddered at the words ‘proper tutelage’ because he knew precisely what Fedor meant by them—punishment and deprivation—and he would never let such a curse befall his beloved Elias. Fedor would have to kill him first.
The nerve of his hateful sire to pen such a pompous message. Like he could honestly do any better. Fedor would ruin Elias, and he’d enjoy every minute of it. Fedor was the reason Valeri knew what the cracking of his own ribs sounded like. He’d never lay a finger on Elias, Valeri would make sure of it.
Valeri dipped his stylus in ink.
Fedor,
Though I’m much obliged by your generous offer, I fear I must decline. You see, I prefer my fledgling healthy, whole, and spirited, and you would pluck those virtues from him piece by painful piece. So thank you, but no. Do not anticipate his arrival and know that if you ever touch a hair on his head you earn my wrath (for which I know you care very little) and lose my estate (for which I know you care a great deal).
Humbly and Forever Yours,
Valeri
He enjoyed a wicked little laugh imagining the face Fedor would make upon reading the words. Then he folded the letter and tucked it safely in its envelope.
Heating the wax for the seal, Valeri wondered how his life might have been different if he’d had a kind sire. Though he wished to be such for Elias, Valeri knew he’d failed. He wasn’t a kind man himself. Elias had suffered under his cruel streak, and it was surely the reason Valeri would lose him in the end.
But he refused to hand Elias to Fedor. Such an outcome was unthinkable. No. As much as he loathed to admit it, Laurence was a wise man and a kind sire to his own witchborn fledgling. And Laurence would not refuse Elias if Valeri came begging. He was too caring, too loyal for his own good. If Valeri must part with his lover, he would do it on his own terms. He would send Elias with Laurence, where he knew he’d be provided for like he deserved. In a sense, the men were brothers. At least, Laurence could be made to see it that way.
Valeri dribbled the wax onto the envelope and pressed his stamp to seal it shut. That done, he leaned back in his chair and let his shoulders slump.
Footsteps pitter-pattered from the hall. The door to their apartment burst open. Valeri didn’t bother to turn. Merely looking at Elias’s beauty had become painful.
“Valeri,” said his lover, voice bright with newfound happiness. “Aella has invited us to her training session with Laurence, Remy, and Sachi. Mahu will be joining us as well. Will you come?”
Elias sounded so hopeful. Did he wish Valeri to say yes or to decline so he could enjoy their company without him? Deciding it had to be the latter, Valeri shook his head.
“Not tonight. I have letters to finish.”
“But—”
“Not tonight, I said. You go. Have fun.” It wasn’t easy to get the words out, but his desire to keep Elias all to himself had crushed his lover’s spirit. Valeri wouldn’t behave that way anymore. “You can tell me about it when you return.”
Elias came closer, his familiar scent a comfort. Valeri longed to bury his face against Elias’s throat and inhale, but he sat perfectly still. Hands came down upon his shoulders and squeezed.
“Perhaps I could stay here and watch you at your letters. Or I could practice while you finish. We could join them after. Or not at all,” Elias rambled, his voice soft as satin. “We could take a walk instead, or if there’s something you’d rather do, we’ll do that. Just tell me.”
Valeri picked up one of his hands, flipped it over, and kissed his palm. Perhaps Elias had wanted him to come along after all, though he couldn’t fathom why. The last thing he wished to do was steal an ounce of Elias’s joy.
“Go and watch the training session, Elias. I’m sure you’ll have a nice time without me.”
Elias gave a huff of annoyance and pulled his hand from Valeri’s grasp. “Fine. I shall go by myself. Enjoy your letters.”
Valeri watched him go. Then he stared at the door and told himself this was for the best. Better a clean cut than a jagged tear. He would make letting go as easy as he could for Elias. It was the least of the debts Valeri owed him.
