Page 96 of Wicked Magik

“This would pair nicely with...” Benedict’s eyes widened and he grabbed an unknown red fruit from the counter. He chopped them into little pieces and dumped them into both of our glasses.

We both took a sip and made smacking sounds with our lips. Benedict hummed thoughtfully. "I'm not sure how this will impact you, considering you're human," he said, swirling his glass.

“Don’t care. I just need something to take the edge off.”

Benedict shrugged his shoulders, but it wasn’t long until he was the one giggling like a maniac, and I was the one getting all the real tea of the house.

An hour later, I was lightly buzzed because I knew how to hold my drink back, unlike Benedict. He was a talker, and I suppose it came with the territory of being the house manager.

A plus for me.

I found out that not only had Veylor been a helpless puppy around Oryx while I had been sick, but also had been tending to me. I took all this in with a grain of salt and still had no intentions of forgiving the twat. It was nice to hear he was slaving away and looking for forgiveness with Oryx, however.

Oryx deserved it. He’d suffered being alone allt hese years in this big house. All he needed was a little guidance, love, and Veylor couldn’t give him that?

The little time I spent with Veylor and him being a complete asshole to me, I couldn’t imagine Oryx dealing with that for years.

As Benedict downed his fourth drink, he dreamily looked out the window. “I knew they were meant for each other, but something was missing.”

I pressed my lips together before I took another slow sip of my drink.

“The way they cared for each other was adorable, but I knew, just knew there had to be another piece to their puzzle.”

I cleared my throat. “Wait, what do you mean? I thought Veylor created Oryx and left him to fend for himself.”

Benedict shook his head, and that was when I was given the shock of my life.

Oryx wasn't always known as Oryx the monster; he was once a fae, a stunning being with golden hair, green eyes, and tanned skin. Renowned as the true light of the Light Court, he was admired by all the males for his captivating smile and appearance. However, it was Veylor whom he truly desired. Although this was the tale told, the reality was that they kept their love concealed due to a variety of reasons, including jealousy, financial concerns, fears of murder, and the underhanded tactics prevalent in the politics of the fae courts.

There were things Benedict said I didn’t quite understand but I didn’t care about the politics, I was still reeling that Oryx was a fae. Not always a monster.

Oryx didn’t remember his past life, and it tore Veylor apart. Veylor needed to understand Oryx would have to love him with this new body and forgotten memories.

It was heartbreaking.

Benedict chuckled, hitting the table with his hand. "I helped them conceal it, guided them through the estate's tunnels, arranged secret carriage rides and silent picnics, yet they could still be apart. That wasn't a genuine match, definitely not a true bond," he muttered softly. "Something was lacking." Pointing a finger at me, Benedict added, "I would've wagered they were meant to be bonded, but it just wasn't strong enough."

My mouth opened to speak, but no words came.

Benedict rolled his hand over in over, as he searched for words. “Humans, do they have a word that describes someone that is meant for you, only for you? Two people, together, forever?”

I sat back in my seat in thought. “Like a soul mate?”

Benedict snapped his fingers together. “Yes! A bonded pair, fated, soul captured. Their souls entwined. Yes, very much so. They were incomplete.”

That made me feel like crap. They were soul mates, but not?

“I think I’m going to go to bed.” I pushed the chair away, but Benedict grabbed my hand.

“No, listen. I think that you are the missing piece,” he slurred. “You are what can keep them together.”

I scoffed. “It sounded like they were fine before…before whatever happened that made Oryx die and Veylor had to bring him back to life.”

Benedict shook his head. “It had to happen; otherwise you wouldn’t have come through the portal. Fate, the future, certain steps have to happen don’t you see?”

No, I couldn’t see anything. I was talking to a drunkard.

All I heard was that Veylor was madly in love with Oryx, that their love was deep. They were lovers for a long time before me. They snuck around, hid themselves, and Veylor hasn’t let go. Will never let go.