Page 154 of Cursed Evermore

Whether it was her or someone else, it looked like they'd thought of everything I could possibly need.

I selected a pair of pants and a loose linen top and quickly got ready.

When I stepped out of my chamber, the soft echo of my footsteps down the hallway disturbed the silence that had settled over the manor. Although it was early, I was certain I couldn't be the only one awake at this hour. Perhaps I was simply the first to wake on this side of the house.

Quietly, I walked down the hallway. When I reached the stairs, the scent of warm spices curled through the air, coaxing me toward the kitchen. There I found Sirril standing over a bubbling pot on the stove, steam rising in soft plumes as he stirred with slow, concentrated motions.

Perched on his pixie face were spectacles that made him look absurdly scholarly, and he seemed to be muttering serious-sounding incantations at what appeared to be an apple sauce mixture. I couldn't help it, I laughed.

The sound drew his attention to me.

“Good morning, my Lady.” He smiled bashfully.

“Morning, Sirril. Enchanting apple sauce?” I chuckled.

“No, my Lady, I'm making you an apple crumble, but I had to tweak the mixed spices. I'm afraid the cloves here are stronger than the ones I harvested in the mortal realm, so I'm decreasing the essence.”

I moved closer. “Thank you so much. You didn't have to go through so much trouble for me.” I was endeared that he was even up this early baking for me.

“It's a pleasure. Baking gives me something interesting to do.” He smiled, then looked me over. “Where are you off to so early? Lady Arielle is still asleep.”

“I wanted to have a look around.”

His smile widened. “Would you like me to come with you? It's easy to get lost on the grounds.”

“I'll be okay. I remember my way around.”

“Alright. Have a muffin before you go.” He pointed to a stack of chocolate muffins on the countertop. “Lord Nightblade has given strict instructions that you must eat something first thing in the morning.”

My heart stilled. “Wolfe came back last night?” Gods help me, I would have loved to make my voice sound less interested, but I failed.

“Oh yes. He checked in briefly with me regarding your care.”

Wouldn't it have been better to just see me? Ugh, listen to me. Wasn't I supposed tonotbe thinking about him? I was such a deluded fool.

“Will he be around later?” I just wanted to know so I could prepare myself.

“I'm not certain, my Lady. Lord Nightblade comes and goes like the wind. He's always being summoned for some business errand, and no one ever knows his whereabouts unless he wants them to know.”

That sounded exactly like Wolfe. “I see.”

“Did you need him for something?”

“No. I'm fine.” I nodded and smiled, but a stab of disappointment settled in my gut. “I won't take up any more of your time. I'll see you later.”

“Enjoy your walk.” Sirril dipped his head in a gentle bow.

I did the same, grabbed a muffin, and left.

The Ruskiel's attack and Wolfe's...kindness? Was that the right word? It didn't matter. Whatever it was had sidetracked me. Now I needed to get backontrack. The best way to do that was to think of my end goal. Wolfe and his weirdness had to be shelved to the back of beyond.

As soon as I stepped outside, the rich morning air slid over my skin in a sweet blend of rain and rose petals. Dew clung to the grass, turning each blade into tiny prisms that caught the light as I crossed the garden. From there, I wandered without aim, letting my feet choose the path.

Clusters of brightly colored flowers whispered to life as I passed, their velvet petals tilting toward me like curious faces seeking warmth. The garden hummed with quiet magic, responding to my presence with gentle reverence.

Eventually, I reached the windswept cliffs where crystalline waves crashed against black rock formations below, the spray catching the morning light like splintered diamonds. Salt mist kissed my cheeks as I lingered there, letting the roar of the sea fill the hollow spaces inside me. I stayed there the longest before finally heading toward the stables to visit the elk.

When I stepped inside, they were awake, lifting their heads toward me as if I were someone worth noticing. Their fur shimmered in shades of blue and silver-grey, and their massive antlers stretched wide enough to frame palace gates.