Page 24

T hey wandered down a pathway with crushed snow under their boots. Theo hopped up on a short brick ledge and walked one foot in front of the other, while Sebastian told him about the castle grounds and the flowers that used to bloom.

"It's dangerous up there," Sebastian said, glancing up at him. "It's likely covered in ice under that snow."

"But you'll catch me so it's fine," he said teasingly. "You going to tell me where we're headed yet?"

"I told you it's a surprise. It's a bit of a walk, but it's worth it, I promise. You tired of spending the day with me already?"

"No, but you're usually not so secretive and—ah!" As Sebastian predicted, he slipped on ice and went tumbling right in his arms.

"I told you to be careful, "Sebastian said with an edge of panic. "Are you alright?"

Theo stared back into those eyes, one a pretty blue and the other a shining opal stone, and his heart skipped a beat. "Told you you'd catch me."

"I guess you were right," he said, putting Theo down. "I'm going to take that comment as you being okay. Come on, we have to go off the main path now anyways."

Theo followed far away from the castle. He heard the rushing sound of a river from afar and brightened. "Is water the surprise?"

"Not quite," Sebastian said as they cut through a thick cluster of trees. "This is your surprise."

Theo gasped in wonder. Ahead of him was a gorgeous green house. It stood tall, and its ceiling and walls were made of a tapestry of clear and stained glass.

In awe, he crossed the threshold and took in the sight of pots along the walls. There was a garden couch against one wall, and easels, canvases, paints, and more in a corner. There were pretty branches growing up the walls and hanging from the ceiling. Pots on hooks hung off them. The back half of the greenhouse faced a river that rushed by under a thick layer of ice. By the back door was a white piano that had brittle dead hydrangeas, their fluffy heads a scorched parchment color, spilling out of the top on to the floor.

Sebastian went over to the piano and tapped a few keys. "My mother played for me out here on particularly bad days or when she decided the plants needed some music. Sometimes we'd go down by the river and use our powers for fun instead of training for battle." He turned back to Theo. "You said you always wanted a greenhouse, so this is my gift to you."

"What?" Theo was stunned.

"Flowers can't grow here anymore, but you said art was meditative, so you can paint here. My mom's art supplies are tucked away in here and going to waste, so I want you to use them as you see fit. When the time comes for you to leave, I'll help you take the greenhouse with you. I'd feel better knowing it was being loved after I pass. Consider it a thank you for being kind enough to hold my secrets, and for letting me just be myself."

"Thank you. I don't know what to say," Theo said softly, looking around. "I don't know if I can accept this."

"You said I could ask a favor of you in return for me carrying you down the mountain," he said, folding his hands behind his back and smiling at him. "All I ask is that you accept this and enjoy it."

He draped arms around Sebastian and hugged him tight. "This is the most beautiful gift I've ever received."

"Of course." Sebastian cleared his throat as Theo pulled away. "I'll let you explore." He went to the piano and took a seat. "When you want to head back, let me know."

"Why did you give all this to me?" Theo asked as he came over and leaned on the top of the piano while Sebastian played a soft tune. His eyelashes were downcast, and Theo was confronted by his otherworldly beauty again.

"You like botany and said you wanted a greenhouse."

"I know that but, why else?"

"I don't follow," he said, flicking his eyes up. "Do I need another reason?"

"Sebastian, I have feelings for you. I worried confessing might be pointless but when you give me gifts like this it gets my hopes up." He lightly tapped the tip of one of his antlers. "Do you feel something for me, too?"

Sebastian faltered the keys and stopped playing. After a pause, he spoke in a small voice. "I do.”

Theo was unable to withhold his smile. He took a seat on the piano bench next to him. "Can I kiss you?"

Sebastian leaned in and placed a gentle featherlight kiss on Theo's lips then slipped his tongue in his mouth.

Theo had kissed plenty of people, but this was the first kiss to make him weak in the knees and ignite his desire so deeply. It tasted like yearning.

I'd get lost in the veil all over again if it meant I'd get kissed like this.

Sebastian's hand roamed down his sides. His touch was warm through the cloak. His claws pierced the fabric and poked him lightly. The pain was subtle, but it still made Theo hum happily.

Sebastian's kisses grew urgent, and he tugged at Theo's pants but didn't go further.

"Touch me," Theo said, caressing his cheek. "Just don't scratch."

Sebastian pulled him back into a rough kiss. He slipped a hand into Theo's pants and wrapped his hand around his growing hard-on. His purrs slowly turned to hungry growls.

Theo was about to ask if Sebastian wanted to move to somewhere more comfortable when a sharp pain pierced his lip. He yelped involuntarily.

Quickly, Sebastian pulled away and Theo touched his lip. When he checked his fingers, they were dripping with dark red blood. He winced a little but laughed. "Those fangs of yours are rather sharp. We'll have to be careful to..." he trailed off as he saw Sebastian's panicked expression.

He wasn't fully shifted but his ears and two tails were present. His brows were furrowed, and he held a clawed hand over his mouth.

"I'm fine," Theo said, still putting pressure on his lip. "Don't worry. Lips bleed a lot when cut. It'll stop soon.”

"I can't do this." He got up and started backing towards the door. "I'm sorry. I need to go."

"Wait," Theo said, gripping his hand. "If you're upset about this, let's talk about it."

"It's not just that." He tore his hand away. "That kiss was a mistake. Let's pretend it didn't happen."

"Pretend it didn't happen?" Theo was dumbfounded as he watched Sebastian leave. The door fell heavily and rattled the now lonely greenhouse.