Page 10 of Wrath Of Suns And Shadows (The Osparia #2)

“Sit wherever you’d like. I’ll have it right out,” Goolie said as he turned away to prepare our food.

The thought of eating something made my stomach grumble with anticipation.

I had eaten little since before we left camp, having only some mixed nuts and dried fruits along the trip here.

After everything that had happened, my body was begging for some sustenance.

Ace pulled out a chair for me to sit before he went to the other side of the small round table to take his own seat. He glanced behind him, making sure his wings weren’t blocking anyone’s way, before he scooted into the table and looked over at me.

“Who’s Asari?” Ace asked.

“She’s my aunt, the only family I have left.

She settled in the capital after Ember attacked our home.

After losing her mate, she chose to have a golem.

She always wanted a simple life. She loved cooking and put it to use.

” I peered around the café. “She took care of me over the years,” I signed and spoke, and Ace watched me intently.

He sat a little straighter, almost as if he were growing nervous.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” he signed, and I nodded graciously at him.

“We’ve all suffered some type of loss through all of this.

Why don’t you tell me about how you ended up with the Peacebringer?

” I asked, and it seemed like he leaned in closer, not wanting anyone to be spying about Emelyn, but most people didn’t understand the mother tongue of the Sky Elves anymore.

“Theres not much to tell. We grew up together. Our fathers were both prominent leaders and best friends. She’s always been more than a confidante.

She’s my sister by bond, not blood—my family.

Similar to your aunt, Emelyn is the only family I have left, outside of my Sky Elf brethren of the rebellion,” Ace signed as Goolie walked up with two plates.

He set mine down with three nice-sized, flaky pastries decorated beautifully with an assortment of fruit around it, while Ace’s plate looked like half of a smoked stag sat atop it smothered in some sort of mushroom, savory vegetable, creamy goodness.

His eyes lit up when he saw it, and I could tell he was just as hungry as I was.

“Would you like to try Okande?” I signed before picking up the pastry and holding it out for him to take a bite. He eyed me before looking over at Goolie, who was shaking his head as if begging him not to.

Traitor, I thought to myself as Ace leaned in and went against Goolie’s judgement and tried it anyway.

Once the flavor hit his tongue, his face scrunched up, his nose flared, and his jaw clenched while his eyes watered.

He tried frantically to swallow. I took a bite of my own, and the flaky crust was mouthwatering before the green jelly stuffed inside filled my mouth with the puckering citrusy flavor, making my taste buds explode. It was so delicious.

“Skies above, what in the gods is that?” he signed before looking at Goolie, desperate for something to drink. Goolie just laughed as he brought over the pitcher and filled a glass of water for Ace. He took it down in one gulp.

“It’s Okande,” I said playfully with a grin.

“It tastes of sour oranges and tart limes,” Ace signed, grabbing the pitcher from Goolie to pour himself another. A laugh bubbled up my throat as I watched him take down his second glass.

“It’s definitely not a fruit tart for the faint of heart,” Goolie said as he sauntered away back behind the counter.

“It’s so sour, it made my jaw ache,” Ace signed, and I couldn’t hold back my full laugh at the look on his face.

Ace fell quiet as he watched me. For a moment, it was only us in the room, but I glanced down at my pastries and grabbed one to take another bite, focusing the attention away from myself.

I noticed Ace continued to watch me as he dug into his own plate.

The air between us felt thick. I cleared my throat.

When I looked up at him again and our eyes met, I had to take a breath because I wasn’t sure if I was breathing.

Unspoken words had never been so loud. Refuted touch never so desperate.

I went to grab the pitcher of water Goolie had left behind for us at the same time Ace did and our hands brushed against each other’s. I pulled mine back, and Ace poured me a cup of water before he filled his own.

Arms wrapped around my shoulders in a warm embrace, and I recognized Asaris’s sweet, woodsy scent as she kissed my cheek.

“Luana, darling, I’ve missed you so much!” she said as I stood to hug her properly. “Did you think you could come to my café without saying hello?” She spat as I pulled away.

“No, I would’ve seen you before we left,” I assured her as I looked over to Ace. “Ace, Aunt Asari. Aunty, Ace.” I introduced them and my aunt blatantly gave me a cocked brow and wide eyes as she glanced over Ace’s figure as he stood.

“Lovely to meet you.” She stepped toward him, her voice laced with indulgence, and I had to nudge her with my elbow. It made Ace chuckle under his breath.

“The pleasures mine, Asari, and thank you for the meal. Should I pay you or Goolie?” he asked, signing, and my aunt shook her head.

“Unnecessary, my niece is always welcome here. Although she’s never brought a man home before.” Asari said it with a smile, and I cleared my throat, trying my best to tell her to stop embarrassing me without saying a word.

“We should get back. I’m sure the others are wondering where we ran off to,” I signed as I took a long pull from my water and set it back down on the table.

“We have a long journey back to camp. You and Goolie could always join us, you know,” I offered, and Asari rolled her hazel eyes at me. One of the few features we shared.

“You ask me to join any time you visit, Lu, and my answer is always the same. This is my home. I’ve made a life for myself here and I don’t plan on leaving, but you know where to find me if you need me.

I’ll always be here for you.” Asari gave me a proud smile as she pulled me into another warm hug.

She released me and grabbed Ace, pulling him into a hug too.

“And you should come back with her. It’s nice seeing her with company,” my aunt whispered to Ace, and he grinned.

“I’ll be here as long as she allows me to be,” he signed, and heat flushed my cheeks as Asari eyed me from his response.

My heart thrummed in my chest at his sentiment.

She walked us to the door, and when I glanced over my shoulder, Goolie and Asari were there sending us off with smiles and gentle waves.