Page 126 of Dark & Dreadful Brutes

We spent hours helping others pack their things and load their bags onto the backs of the idorr who would carry them, and then spent a few more running back to the city. By the time we ate a massive meal that the castle’s cooks had prepared for everyone, and started helping with the unpacking, the suns had already set.

We worked until I could barely keep my eyes open, and then Ravv hauled me back onto Coarse’s back, and held me to his chest as the idorr carried us back to the castle.

Chapter 28

Laeli

The days began to fly by after that. Ravv and I hadn’t discussed what would happen after the eclipse, but I didn’t really think we needed to. As much as I would’ve loved to seal our mate bond, I wasn’t letting myself obsess over it. We knew we would stay together, and that was what mattered.

I started working in the castle’s kitchens to help feed the returning fae while they got settled, and Ravv left me with the chefs while he helped people move in. Our handprints ached more than usual with the distance, so he tried to stay as close as possible, and that made it manageable.

It didn’t take long to learn how to cook, and I found myself looking forward to it every morning. I enjoyed the simple chatter with the other fae men and women who cooked professionally, and the bustle of it all.

A shipment of ridiculously large and delicious produce came in from Jirev one day, with a note from Nissa that made me grin.

Laeli,

I hope you’re doing well! Kierden finally seduced me into his bed, and I think we might stick together for good. Only time will tell. I have to have a mate bond with someone to keep my magic in check, and I think he’s too possessive to let me bond with anyone else, so we’ll see what happens.

In other news, I’ve become a farmer! As ridiculous as it sounds, I think it’s my life’s passion.

How are you? Is Ravv still possessive? Have you guys gotten together, or are you going to part after the eclipse?

Come visit soon!

Nissa

P.S. if you need a place to live, I can always use another set of hands on my farm! I have so many extra plants, it’d probably be a relief if you burned some of them.

I paused what I was doing long enough to scribble out a reply so the fae from Jirev could take it back with them.

Nissa,

I knew you’d end up with Kier when you checked him out in that cage the first night we met. You would’ve let him ravage you there and then!

Ravv and I are still together! I don’t think we’re going to seal the mate bond, but he’s dropped the whole “life partner” thing the fae here seem to do, and neither of us plans to walk away. His possessiveness only seems to have grown, so I’ll be interested to see how different he is when the bond is gone.

I don’t really have a passion in life. Guess I’m still figuring that out! I’ve been having fun in the kitchen these last few days, so maybe I’ll spend my life cooking. At least my heat is useful here!

Have you heard from Kaelle? I hope she’s not still afraid of Vayme. We might need to rescue her after the eclipse if she is.

Come visit me too!

Miss you!

Laeli

The warriors who’d brought the letter were happy to take it back. They didn’t seem bothered about the journey they’d taken, and it made me think about what Ravv had said about immis. They needed a purpose to keep their sanity, and maybe some people would enjoy running back and forth between cities.

I supposed it was better than sitting on your ass day in and day out.

The night before the eclipse, I started cleaning up for the day, assuming we’d be going back to our homes just like always.

“No, no, no.” One of the other cooks plucked a sponge out of my hand. “Tonight, we cook, so tomorrow, we can revel.”

I lifted my eyebrows. “All night?”

She grinned. “All night.”

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