Page 106 of Cursed Evermore

“Morning, Sirril.”

“How are you today? It’s nice to see you out of your room. Though, the weather is rather cold for sightseeing.”

“I needed some air, but I’m okay. I was just writing in my journal.”

“I see. Well, I hope you’re hungry. I have some tasty porridge and cornbread fresh from the oven.”

“That sounds delicious.” Anxiety had swiftly led me away from my hunger strike and I’d been devouring everything Sirril served me.

“Perfect, my Lady. It’s good to see you in better spirits.” He appeared to be genuinely pleased I looked more alive. I didn’t have the heart to tell him my poor spirit was so weak and low it might fade away.

Any positive change in me was most likely to do with the food. Nothing more.

With a proud smile, Sirril waved a delicate hand and summoned a little wooden table from the air. He did it so effortlessly. As if the art of materializing something so big were nothing. I’d seen him do a couple of things now—changing the bed sheets, clearing empty plates away with a snap of his fingers, and conjuring and summoning whatever he desired.

He set the tray down on the table and smiled wider, waiting for further instruction. “Anything else you need, my Lady?”

“No. I’m okay. You make it all look so easy.” I pulled the blanket closer to my ears when a gust of wind lifted my hair.

“What, my Lady? The meal?” His interest seemed to pique. “I assure you, human food is by far the easiest of cuisines to prepare. And quite enjoyable, might I add.”

I chuckled lightly despite my sullen mood. “No, not the meal—which definitely looks fantastic. I meant the magic. I like watching you do it.”

He blushed, his cheeks a light rose color against his blue skin. “Oh, that. You really haven’t seen anything yet. You’re probably aware that we’re all using low-level magic as we’re still in the mortal realm.”

“I kind of guessed that. But I would give anything to be able to do any kind of magic. Or feel it again in my heart.”

His little face fell, contorting with the sort of sympathy you’d expect with news of death or grief. “Why can’t you feel it, my Lady? I pray your magic hasn’t been stolen from you.”

“No. Not stolen.” I contemplated what I should tell him, then I decided I needed to talk to someone, so why not speak my worries? He probably knew enough about me anyway. “I portaled for the first time last week, and I haven’t been the same since. There was a spark of something nights ago, but it wasn’t my magic.”

I still hadn’t been able to explain those silver threads I’d seen the night I met Wolfe. Now that I knew he’d practically hunted me, I’d come to the conclusion that it might have been a magical echo. Those occurred sometimes when a spell was being suppressed. Wolfe cloaked himself from the people in the tavern that night, so the silver threads were likely caused from that. I hadn’t asked him about it, and I had no plans to.

Any conversation about that time would make me feel more foolish for falling for his charm.

The sudden relief on Sirril’s face surprised me. “Not to worry, my Lady. Portaling can burn out the best of us. You should be back to your old self in next to no time. Especially once we reach Galaythia. Magic thrives in the air, healing and uplifting.”

My spirits lifted with hope. “That sounds blissful.”

“It is, my lady. There is nothing else like the air in the magical realm. You’ll see what I mean once we arrive.”

“Thank you for making me feel better.” It meant a lot. He was the only one I’d spoken to so far who was almost neutral to the situation. Even though he worked for Wolfe.

“Of course, my lady. Any time.”

He was so different to how he’d been that first day. But I suppose I was different, too. I was in a state of shock and panic. He was probably following orders and might not have knownhow to communicate with me. Maybe he was even told not to speak to me.

I wasn’t any less worried than my first day here, but now that I knew what I was up against, I knew I needed allies, no matter how small. “Please, call me Elariya.”

Another blush touched Sirril’s cheeks. He stared back at me with awe and dipped his little head again. “You are too kind, my Lady, but I must decline. The Fugealle sprites have always served the Royal Family and have always addressed his Grace and his charges with their respectful titles. It would be against me to refer to you as anything other thanmy Lady.”

I’d never seen such deep respect in anyone. It warmed my heart.

Though I would have preferred he called me by name, his respect gave me strength. It made me feel like I was still someone of worth.

I was about to say something when a dark swooping shadow passed over our heads, followed by another, and another. My breath caught in my throat, and I tilted my head back to get a better look.

“What is that?” I gasped.