Page 73 of Wicked Magik

The vines slowly climbed the stone walls of the mansion, their deep green hue adding a lively contrast to the somber stones. The flowers, planted just the day before, had already pushed through the earth, with some even beginning to bloom. My favorite colors were among them, making it feel as though this place was made just for me.

Deep red roses, at least I think they called them roses here were sprouting, deep oranges and yellows. Blue velvet blooms, resembling a cross between daisies and tulips, were scattered throughout the flower beds.

I couldn't understand how this was possible but I was in another realm. Was it normal for flowers to grow this fast or was it the magik that made them grow?

Benedict came by my side and held out a glass of juice. It was yellow with a hint of green in the mixture. I stood and brushed off the dirt of my dress and took it gladly.

“Oryx will be fine, Vesper. You need not worry,” he said.

I took in a big gulp of the drink that reminded me of lemonade doused with cucumber and mint.

I’ve been left outside for Oryx to visit with Lord Stick-Up-His-Butt. This is what I wanted, for Oryx to get some time with Veylor, but now I was seemingly alone with Benedict as a babysitter while we worked on the yard.

Not that I minded, it had been a while since I had been outside. And I could finally take in my surroundings of this strange new place since the last time I was out here I was being dragged by a feral beast that didn’t understand kidnapping was not nice.

My worry now is that Veylor will convince Oryx he doesn’t need me anymore, and my confession to Oryx will be for nothing. I’ve never told anyone I loved them, and now I’ve laid my heart out on a table for him to completely wreck.

Benedict took my glass as I finished it and set it back on the table. The constant haze over the estate wasn’t unnerving like you would think it would be. It wasn’t like your typical scary movie or haunted mansion; it was rather peaceful and calm.

While I missed the sun and feeling the heated rays, perhaps the area was just undergoing its winter.

“Does it ever get warmer, or does the sun ever come out?”

Benedict grabbed a hoe from the wheelbarrow and plunged it into the soil. He placed a hand on his hip and pretended to wipe away sweat from his forehead. "It's usually pretty cloudy here," he said. "The air is thick with moisture, but it rarelyrains. It does snow during the colder months. The soil is very fertile, producing some of the most nutrient-rich fruits. If you're seeking sunlight, the glowing stones can provide it. Healers often recommend them as mood boosters if you're feeling down."

Benedict turned and waved his hand to the north. “If you are wondering about how our plants grow, the stones help. Over there, Oryx has begun to plow a field where we will begin our new garden.”

I glanced at the flower beds. There were glowing stones placed in different areas, I just assumed it was for aesthetic appeal.

Benedict continued. “That way, I don’t have to go to the night markets as much. I’ve had to come up with a whole new identity, and that has been taxing.”

I hummed as he began weeding another section we had yet to touch.

“That has to be hard, to create a new identity with a new vessel,” I said off-handedly. “Did you get a choice in the matter or did Veylor bring you back without question?”

Benedict stopped and stared at me. “I wanted to come back. It was not yet my time to be in the Under Shadows. Lord Veylor has gifted me another chance. Though it is not my original vessel, I am grateful for this new one. He has constructed a new face by replacing bones so it isn’t familiar like someone else’s soul that once inhabited it.”

He continued to cut into the soil with the rake.

“You said it wasn’t your time?” I tilted my head in question. “What do you mean? How would you know? One doesn’t know the time or place when someone must move on, do they?”

Benedict chuckled and lowered himself down to the soil to pick out the weeds and throw them into the wagon. “I was caught in a crossfire, wrong place, wrong time, as many of us were. I don’t know if I am meant to have my life returned or not, but myLord has given me another chance, and the unknown gods have allowed it. Many others will come by his magik as well.”

My lips parted in shock. “You mean, the vessels we are making in his lab, they are for souls that are getting second chances like yourself?”

Benedict nodded. “Of course. Just like me, they weren’t meant to die. By the time he is finished, the estate will be up and running in no time.”

My mouth dried. “His employees? What exactly happened? How did all his employees die, Benedict?”

Benedict stilled and his back went ramrod straight.

“Oh dear, I spoke too much. Really, Vesper, this is nothing to concern yourself with. Nothing to worry about. It was all an accident for the greater good. My Lord is fixing the mess he made.”

I beg your finest pardon?

Veylor was the one that killed them all?

Did he kill Oryx in another life?