Page 25 of Sanctuary and Spices

“Check the plants,” I finished. “For safety.”

“For safety,” he agreed, his lips curving into a smile that made my breath catch.

The garden’s crystal formations hummed back to life around us, but somehow the darkness had felt more illuminating.

RONHAR

Dawn brought the first hint of artificial sunlight through the garden’s crystal formations. I checked each plant systematically, noting any damage from the night’s power failure. The kalvyme drooped slightly, still stressed from temperature fluctuations. I adjusted its position relative to the nearest power crystal, letting my fingertips linger on the delicate leaves.

My markings flashed brighter as memories of the blackout surfaced - Jani’s skin warm under my hands as I guided her movements, teaching her to read the plants’ needs by touch alone. The garden had changed since her arrival. Everywhere she’d touched glowed with increased vitality, the plants stretching toward memories of her presence.

The Jhyra caught my attention. Another out-of-cycle bloom, the third since she’d joined us. The delicate purple petals held traces of her energy signature, resonating with the garden’s crystals in ways I’d never seen before.

I touched one bloom gently. The petals trembled, releasing a sweet scent that reminded me of her smile. I yanked my hand back, trying to restore professional distance.

“The plants aren’t the only ones glowing this morning.”

I didn’t turn at Soryn’s voice. “Checking for blackout damage.”

“Of course you are.” He moved to stand beside me, examining a particularly vibrant Jhrya. “Nothing to do with our new chef’s effect on the garden. Or its keeper.”

“The power fluctuations are getting worse.” I adjusted another crystal formation, avoiding his knowing look. “We should strengthen the backup systems.”

“Interesting how the plants respond most strongly where she touched them.” He picked up a fallen leaf. “Almost like they recognize something in her. Something that calls to them.” His eyes cut to my markings, still pulsing with remembered warmth. “And to others.”

“She has natural talent with?—”

“Ronhar.” He set the leaf down with careful precision. “I’ve known you too long. The garden’s never reacted this way to anyone else. And neither have you.”

I started to protest, but he waved it away.

“Just be careful. For both your sakes.”

The garden’s crystal formations hummed as he left, their resonance patterns shifting subtly. Every surface held memories of her touch, her scent, the way she’d leaned into me during the blackout.

Professional distance felt increasingly impossible.

Movement in the kitchen drew my attention. Jani stood at the prep counter, sorting through inventory lists on her tablet. Her hair escaped its neat bun in wild curls that caught the artificial light. She moved with efficient grace, each gesture precise and practiced.

I found myself tracking her movements, appreciating the confident way she commanded her space. She reached up to tuck a stray curl behind her ear, and my fingers itched to do it for her.

“We need supplies for the festival menu.” I kept my voice neutral as I entered the kitchen. “I can show you the best market stalls.”

She looked up, tablet forgotten. “Now?”

“The morning crowds will be starting soon. Better selection if we go early.”

“Let me grab my bag.” She smiled, and my markings flared brighter in response.

The market buzzed with early activity as we walked together. Merchants called their wares, crystals chimed with resonant energy, and the scents of a dozen worlds mingled in the recycled air. I stayed close to Jani, guiding her through the press of bodies with light touches to her elbow.

“Watch the cart,” I warned as a loaded hover-transport cut across our path. My hand settled on her lower back, steadying her. She didn’t pull away.

“Sorry!” The transport’s driver waved apologetically. “New routing protocols since the blackout. Still getting used to them.”

“The blackouts are affecting everything,” Jani said as we continued walking. “Even the docking schedules are disrupted. I overheard two Krythari captains arguing about delayed shipments this morning.”

“The station’s old systems are struggling.” I steered her around a group of arguing merchants. “Especially with festival preparations adding strain.”

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