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Evander pinched his arm.“Behave.And continue with your story, please.”

Viggo’s chest rumbled with low laughter.“Jack counts many merchants among his friends, so getting me on their ships was never a problem.”

He explained how he’d sailed across the world in the years that followed.Evander listened, enthralled, to the stories about his travels.

The Brute’s captivating tales painted a colourful tapestry of rich and diverse cultures the mage had only ever read about in books.From Central and East Asia to Africa, the South Americas, and even the Pacific Ocean, Viggo had seen and done things Evander doubted he would ever get to do in his lifetime.

Viggo’s tone grew more serious after a while.

“It was during my travels that I came to realise thralls could co-exist equally and peacefully with those who had magic in their blood,” he said quietly.“That a lack of magical abilities was not and should never be a barrier to success and happiness.”He tipped Evander’s chin up with a knuckle and pressed a light kiss to his lips.“The Polynesian Islands were one such place I visited.It was where I got most of my tattoos.”

Though Viggo didn’t say it out loud, Evander could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice.

The experiences and people the Brute had encountered had only fuelled his anger at the oppression and violence inflicted upon his kind in England.And it had evidently cemented his resolve to bring about change after what had happened to his own family, no matter the cost.

“I would love to visit those places with you one day.”Evander pressed closer to Viggo.“I want to see the world with your eyes.”

Viggo danced his fingers down his back in a soothing caress.“You already do.More than you can ever imagine.”He kissed Evander’s hair.“That’s why I will follow you to the ends of this world and the next.”

Evander smiled against his chest.“Promise?”

“I promise,” Viggo whispered.

The rainfall tapping against the windows of the bedroom soon had them drifting off, the strong, steady beat of the Brute’s heart the last thing Evander heard as he surrendered to his first restful sleep in days.