Page 17 of Dark Shaman: The Lost Treasure (The Children Of The Gods #98)

RUVON

R uvon checked his appearance in the mirror one more time, straightening his shoulders and pulling them back.

Three gym sessions in a week weren't enough to create dramatic changes, but his trainer had been right—posture made all the difference.

When he stood properly, he looked less like a man apologizing for existing and more like someone who belonged.

"Shoulders back, chest out, chin up," he muttered, repeating his trainer's mantra. "Confidence is ninety percent presentation."

That meant not walking around hunched over like—what had Gareth called it? The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Ruvon had to look that up, and then he spent an evening watching the animated movie because the live-action version looked too depressing. It had been illuminating. And mortifying. But also strangely hopeful, because even the hunchback had found love with the beautiful Esmeralda.

Although in the Disney version, she'd chosen the handsome captain instead.

But the resemblance between the animated Esmeralda and Arezoo had been striking enough to make him pause the movie several times. Same lustrous dark hair, same golden skin, same graceful way of moving. Arezoo's eyes were brown instead of green, but everything else...

He would never tell her about that comparison, though.

Ruvon grabbed his wallet and headed out, his heart already racing at the thought of seeing her again. Over a week had passed since their first date. They still spent time together at the end of her shifts in the café, but not wanting to overwhelm her, he'd waited to ask her out on another date.

They'd shared conversations over coffee, poetry readings, smiles across the table, and brief touches of hands, but no kisses.

Not since that perfect moment at the lookout point when she'd taken control and shown him exactly what she wanted.

The memory still made his chest constrict with something between joy and terror.

He was in love.

The realization had hit him a while ago, sometime between their third post-shift coffee and the fourth time he'd caught himself staring at her instead of his computer screen.

Ruvon had never been in love before. He'd experienced attraction, even affection, but nothing like this consuming need to be near Arezoo, to make her smile, to make her happy, to prove himself worthy of her.

It was terrifying.

As he approached her house, Arezoo emerged before he could knock, just as she had on their first date.

The sight of her stopped him in his tracks.

She wore a white sundress printed with bold black and yellow flowers that made her golden skin glow.

A tiny black cardigan that looked more decorative than functional was draped over her shoulders.

Her hair fell loose around her face, and she'd done something with cosmetics that made her eyes look even larger and more expressive.

"You look beautiful," he said, the words inadequate for what he wanted to express.

She did a little twirl, the dress flaring around her legs. "Do you like it? It's new. I bought it with my first paycheck from the café." There was pride in her voice. "My first purchase with my own money."

A cool evening breeze rustled through the trees, and he frowned when he noticed her slight shiver. "It might get cold later. This pretty sweater doesn't look warm."

"I'll be fine," she said, linking her arm through his with an ease that expressed growing comfort. "Besides, the pub will be warm."

He swallowed his rebuttal that it would be cold on the way back home. She was so happy about her new outfit, so proud of buying it herself. He would never wish to dim her joy.

"You'll be the most beautiful woman there," he said instead.

She squeezed his arm. "I bet you say that to all the girls."

"I've never said it to anyone before."

The words came out sounding more serious than he'd intended, and she looked up at him with those big, brown eyes of hers. For a moment, he thought she might kiss him again, right there in front of her house where her mother and her many aunts could see. But she just smiled and tugged him forward.

"Come on. I don't want to miss Fenella's readings. I brought something for her to read." She lifted her arm, showing him the delicate bracelet she wore on her wrist.

Warning bells went off in his head. "Are you sure that's wise? Fenella makes up most of what she says, and her aim is to entertain, which means that she says potentially embarrassing things."

"Then we'll laugh about it." She bumped her shoulder against his arm. "Don't be such a worrier, Ruvon. Fenella is family, remember? She won't say anything cruel."

Family. The word sat uneasily with him. Arezoo's father was family too, and he'd been willing to trade her to the highest bidder. Ruvon had gotten so angry when she'd told him about it that for several days he'd contemplated going to Iran, finding the bastard, and beating him up.

But he kept those thoughts to himself. Arezoo chose to trust Fenella, embracing this new family despite everything she'd been through. He wouldn't dare poison that noble resilience, his own anger issues notwithstanding.

When they reached the pub, night had fully settled. No light spilled from the shuttered windows, but the sounds of laughter and conversation grew louder as they approached, and the music drifted out on the evening air.

The moment they entered, Fenella spotted them from behind the bar. She waved them over enthusiastically, then turned to shoo away two males who'd been sitting directly in front of her.

"Off with you two," she said cheerfully. "You've already had your readings tonight. Make room for the young couple."

One of the males grumbled as he stood, "The girl might be young, but Ruvon isn't."

Fenella laughed. "Ruvon's a youngling compared to these gentlemen." She gestured to two males sitting at the other end of the bar. "Ruvon, Arezoo, meet Roven and Davuh. Roven and Davuh, meet Ruvon and Arezoo."

Everyone in the village had heard about the three ancient immortals who had been found in Egypt, and he'd seen them during their welcoming party, but the truth was that he remembered only the tall redhead who looked like Anandur, Wonder's mate.

After the four of them exchanged greetings, Fenella shook her head. "Ruvon and Roven. You're going to confuse me. One of you needs to change your name."

"I was named first," Roven said with a grin. "So, it will have to be you, Ruvon. Perhaps you'd be Novur? It's your name spelled backward, and it has a nice ring to it. Like new and voyeur."

"No, thank you," Ruvon said. "I'm kind of fond of my name, and it will be too difficult to get used to a new one, especially one that rhymes with voyeur."

Arezoo was looking at him as if she were just discovering that he had a sense of humor. He liked the appreciation in her gaze. It made him want to square his shoulders and sit up straight.

"So, darlings." Fenella regarded them with mischief in her eyes. "Did you bring me anything to read?"

Arezoo slid the bracelet off her wrist and handed it to her. "It was my grandmother's. She gave it to me when I turned twelve."

Fenella took the bracelet, making a show of examining it from all angles. She closed her eyes, pressed it between her palms, and hummed dramatically. The nearby patrons quietened, leaning in to catch whatever pronouncement she'd make.

"Oh my," Fenella said, her eyes popping open. "This bracelet has seen some things."

Arezoo leaned forward eagerly. "What kind of things?"

"Love," Fenella intoned. "Deep, passionate love. Your grandmother was very happy when she wore this." She paused dramatically. "I see...more. Kisses. Many, many kisses."

Arezoo's cheeks flushed pink, but she was smiling. "Whose kisses?"

Fenella pretended to concentrate harder. "Someone close. Someone who looks at you like you hung the moon and stars."

Ruvon felt heat crawl up his neck. How did she know about the kiss? Did she actually read it from the bracelet? Arezoo hadn't worn it the night they'd kissed.

"Also," Fenella continued, her eyes twinkling, "I see dancing. Maybe a wedding? No, wait—that's further off. First come many more kisses." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

"Fenella!" Arezoo protested, but she was laughing.

"Your turn," Fenella said, handing the bracelet back and turning to Ruvon. "What have you got for me?"

Ruvon reluctantly unclasped his watch, an expensive piece that Kalugal had gifted him years ago. It was one of the few possessions he truly valued—not for its monetary value but for what it represented. Kalugal had presented it to him after he'd successfully upgraded their entire security system.

Fenella whistled appreciatively. "Now this is a timepiece. Swiss?"

"German, actually."

"Even better." She cradled the watch as if it were made of spun glass. "Let's see what stories you tell, shall we?"

The performance this time was even more elaborate. Fenella stood up, holding the watch to her ear as if listening to whispered secrets. The pub had gone nearly silent, everyone waiting for the revelation.

"This watch has counted many hours," she began. "Lonely hours. Working hours. Hours spent proving worth through service and skill." Her expression grew more serious. "But its owner's time of loneliness is ending. I see...transformation. A transformation of the heart."

Ruvon shifted uncomfortably. This was hitting closer to home than he'd expected.

"There will be challenges," Fenella continued. "Old fears to overcome. Trust to be rebuilt. But the reward..." She opened her eyes and looked directly at him. "The reward will be worth it."

She handed the watch back with a softer smile than her usual theatrical grin. "Also, kisses. Lots and lots of kisses. You two are going to be absolutely nauseating to be around. Off with you." She waved a hand. "Find a table and make room for new readings."

They found a small table in the corner, and Ruvon helped Arezoo with her chair, earning himself a smile that melted his heart.

"She means well," Arezoo said once they were settled. "But you were right. It was a little embarrassing."

"It wasn't that bad." He twisted his watch around.

"Can I do a reading for you?" Arezoo extended her hand.

He arched a brow. "Are you developing new talents I should be aware of?"

She smiled. "I might be. Now, can you hand me that nice watch?"

He took it off and handed it over.

Arezoo closed her eyes, pretending to concentrate.

"This watch has seen a lot. It has witnessed its owner being lonely for a very long time because he was scared of letting anyone in.

His soul ached from the things he'd been forced to do, things he did to survive, but he never let it make him cruel. "

Ruvon's throat felt tight. "That's...very insightful."

"I recognize the signs," she said softly. "I see them in the mirror every day."

Before he could respond, the lights dimmed, and Din took the stage with his guitar. The pub erupted in applause.

"Have you heard him play before?" Arezoo asked.

"No. I didn't even know he played."

Din started with a haunting ballad, his voice rich and warm. The pub quieted, everyone drawn into the melody.

"It's beautiful," Arezoo whispered. "What's it about?"

"Lost love," Fenella said, placing a plate of appetizers on their table that they hadn't ordered. "On the house."

She pulled up a chair without invitation. "Atzil is covering for me so I can watch my man perform."

"It's about a warrior who comes home to find his village destroyed and his love dead," Fenella explained quietly. "He spends the rest of his life wandering, looking for a way to join her in the afterlife, but cursed to keep living."

"That's heartbreaking," Arezoo said.

"That's Scottish music for you. We're a cheerful people, really. We just express it through tragic ballads and heavy drinking."

Din finished the song to thunderous applause, then immediately launched into something more upbeat that had people clapping along.

"That's more like it," Fenella said. "This one is about whiskey."

"Also a Scottish specialty," Ruvon observed.

"We're a people of many talents." She stood. "Enjoy your evening, you two. And remember what I said about kisses. My visions are never wrong." She winked before walking away.

"She's not subtle," Arezoo said.

"No, she's not." Ruvon gathered his courage. "But she might have a point."

"About what?"

"The kisses."

Arezoo's cheeks pinked, but she held his gaze. "What about them?"

"I've been thinking about our kiss nonstop and wanting to do it again."

"Then why haven't you?"

"I didn't want to pressure you."

"Ruvon." She leaned forward. "I kissed you first, remember?"

"I do, and I cherish every moment of that kiss."