Page 19 of Sanctuary and Spices

“Now that’s an interesting thought.” She leaned forward, eyes bright with curiosity. “What exactly are you planning for the festival?”

I found myself relaxing into the conversation, trading ideas about crystal resonance and flavor development. Erynn’s enthusiasm matched my own, her knowledge of tea preparation offering fascinating parallels to my cooking experience.

The portal’s light shifted, catching rainbow patterns in the crystal formations around us. Other guests drifted in and out of the tearoom, but Erynn kept our conversation flowing naturally, sharing stories of encounters throughout the Reach.

“...and then the Krythari merchant insisted that the proper resonance frequency could only be achieved during specific stellar alignments!” She laughed, pouring another cup. “Which might even be true, but I suspect was mostly an excuse to charge higher prices.”

I checked my tablet again and startled at the time. “I should get going, I’m afraid.”

“Of course.” Erynn stood smoothly. “But come back tomorrow? I’d love to hear more about your plans for thefestival. And I might have some ideas about those crystal preservation techniques you mentioned.”

I found myself nodding. Something about her easy warmth made our connection feel natural, without the pressure I’d grown used to on theCrown.

“I’d like that.”

“Excellent!” She walked me back to the portal. “Oh, and Jani? Don’t let the festival preparations overwhelm you. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when we leave room for surprise.”

The portal’s energy tingled across my skin as I stepped through. I nearly walked into Ronhar as I rounded a corner. His markings blazed bright, worry etched in every line of his body. Before I could speak, he pulled me into a fierce hug.

His arms were solid, warm, grounding me in the moment. His markings pulsed where our skin touched, sending a subtle warmth curling through me. The scent of the garden clung to him—green things, mineral-rich soil, something unmistakably him.

“You’re safe,” he breathed, his voice rough, edged with something deeper. Relief. Something else.

My pulse kicked up, heat rushing through me. He didn’t let go right away, and I wasn’t sure I wanted him to.

RONHAR

Ilet go of Jani quickly, my markings dimming with embarrassment. Her scent lingered—spices and tea, mixed with the metallic tang of the docking portals. The warmth of her skin against mine still burned in my memory.

“Sorry.” I stepped back, giving her space. “We heard about an accident involving a human woman near the portals. When I couldn’t find you at Barou’s...”

“So you thought I’d gotten myself into trouble?” Her lips curved upward, amusement glinting in her eyes.

“With Lyrian showing up at the market earlier...” I stopped, realizing how overprotective I sounded. “I may have overreacted.”

“May have?”

“Would you let me buy you dinner? To apologize for...” I gestured vaguely at the space between us where I’d grabbed her, resisting the urge to reach for her again.

“Dinner?” She tilted her head, as if tasting the idea.

“There’s a small place near the crystal gardens. Good food, quiet atmosphere.”

Her fingers played with the edge of her sleeve. “I should probably work on the festival menu...”

“The menu will wait until tomorrow.” I held my breath, waiting.

“Alright.” She smiled, slow and warm. “Lead the way.”

The restaurant occupied a small space tucked between two larger buildings, its entrance marked by flowing banners embedded with bioluminescent threads. Inside, crystalline formations cast soft light across intimate tables, their glow reflecting in Jani’s eyes.

The owner’s sensory tendrils wove complex patterns as she led us to a corner table. “Ronhar! It’s been too long.”

I nodded. “Been busy with the garden.”

“And who’s this?” Her tendrils curved toward Jani with interest.

“Jani Crayle. Our new chef.”

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