Page 89 of Where Darkness Falls

Virgil offers me a weak smile, turning his gaze to Emyr, whose eyes are trained where my hand rests in Virgil’s.

What’s wrong with him?

The alpha male nonsense is really starting to grate on my nerves.

Virgil dips his head, releasing my hand. “My apologies, High General,” he says.

Then he plants a light peck on my cheek and whispers, “Good luck.”

I offer a smile, which he answers with one of his own. My head aches slightly as I look at him. There’s something about his smile that feels like home, but I don’t understand why.

Without another word, Virgil slips out of the room, leaving me with the others. Riordan and Laisren’s eyes are as round as saucers, looking between me, Emyr, and the door that Virgil just exited. The cycle of awkward silence continues on for several moments before I finally have had quite enough of the stoic males.

“What?” I ask, perturbed.

“He kissed your cheek,” Riordan says, stating the obvious.

I shrug my shoulders. “It was a peck,” I reply. “It’s the Malvorian customary greeting or goodbye for friends or family. Is that not a custom in Zulgalros?”

“No,” Emyr spits, tightness lining his eyes.

“Virgil doesn’t usually do that,” Laisren states.

“It’s just a peck. Nothing more,” I deadpan.

In silence, they stare at me as if I’m a subject to study or decipher.

“For the love of Celestae, just spit it out!” I groan.

“Are you two…close?” Riordan asks, wiggling his eyebrows.

Are we close?

What an odd question.

Are they asking if we are friends?

If so, I’m fairly certain we’ve established that already. I don’t know how to explain it, but there is a strong connection to Virgil that helps me to feel safe and protected.

If I may cut in, my dear,Saoirse says.I believe he’s actually asking if you two are intimate.

Intimate?I ask, stillconfused.

Lovers,she laughs.

My eyes widen.

Oh!I say.They think we are… lovers?

It appears so, my dear,Saoirse replies, amused.

LOVERS?!I say, exasperated.Virgil and I? It’s absolutely absurd.

It’s not that Virgil isn’t handsome, but the thought of something more just doesn’t feel natural with him in comparison to another Galrosan I thought I was beginning to care for.

Indeed,Saoirse replies.

“Is that a yes then?” Laisren asks.