Page 97 of Wicked Magik

My life just got ten times harder. I would be the third wheel.

I would always look over my shoulder.

Was it worth it?

I tugged on my hair. I’m still hoping that Oryx drank his blood and Veylor is just a hollow husk in the hallway somewhere.

That would be an awesome present.

Benedict mumbled and went to grab his glass. He missed, and the glass moved away.

“I think that’s enough spiked tea for you.” I pulled the glass away and put it at the end of the table.

Benedict whined. “Nooo, I want more of my juice.”

My lip curled into a smile. “Nope, no more juice, time for bed.”

So I can ponder my life and where it all went wrong.

I walked around the kitchen island. I put his arm around me and tapped his side for him to follow me.

Benedict let out a groan, resting his head on my shoulder. He managed to support most of his weight himself as he guided me to his room, which was fortunate since I had no idea where it was. As we moved through an unfamiliar corridor, warmth spread along my back while I assisted him. His hand reached up to rest on my hip.

“My lady, if you need anyone to talk to, I am here,” he mumbled. “I hope you see me as a friend, not only the help.”

I sighed and gently combed my fingers through his hair as we walked into his room. He flopped onto the bed, and I adjusted him so that his head rested on the pillow. He was already snoring by the time I covered him with the blanket.

"Sweet dreams, Benedict," I whispered softly, watching as his eyelids fluttered closed. The warm glow of the candle flickered for a moment before I leaned in and blew it out, plunging the room into a peaceful darkness. I tiptoed out and carefully closed the door behind me, ensuring it didn't make a sound that might stir him from his slumber.

As I turned to head down the dimly lit hallway, my eyes caught a shadowy silhouette standing silently at the far end, partially obscured by the fading light.

His long white hair moved with the draft, his hands were by his side and his face was unreadable.

There goes the idea of him being a withered husk.

Veylor took a tentative step toward me and I held my hand out to stop him. He paused, and my eyes narrowed at him.

I glared at him once more before turning my back to return to Oryx. He was all I wanted; he was all I needed. I didn’t need Veylor and his tricks. Unfortunately, Veylor was always going to be there. Always, because he was undead.

And I’d die before I hurt Oryx.

But at what cost would that do to me and my sanity?

Chapter 32

Oryx

My hearts become heavier with each passing day.

I don’t know how much longer I can do this.

I spend half of my day with Veylor and the other half with Vesper. Vesper insisted that I spend more time with Veylor if I choose, but she absolutely refused to be around him. She said she needed time to even think about the idea of being near him.

I've attempted to reason with her, to share his thoughts through my own. Veylor has taught me how to open my mind and to let others in. I haven’t let Veylor in as of yet, but I was willing to do so for Vesper. I had nothing to hide from her. Iwanted to be her safe place. I felt I have not been a true monster to her.

She sees Veylor as her monster.

She doesn’t trust him.