Page 45 of Fired Up Love

The unexpected question broke through Zina’s embarrassment. A snort of laughter escaped before she could stop it.

Aria beamed, oblivious to their discomfort. “Both! Science and intuition confirm it! Come! Many wonders await!” She floated toward the entrance, trailing sparkles.

As they followed their enthusiastic guide, Xai leaned close to Zina. “Sylphs,” he murmured. “Absolutely no filter between brain and mouth. I should have warned you.”

His warm breath against her ear sent shivers racing down her spine. “Apparently not,” she managed to reply. “Do they always analyze visitors’ auras without permission?”

“Only when something interesting catches their attention.” His voice lowered further. “We seem to qualify as interesting.”

“Lucky us,” she muttered, though secretly, her lioness purred.

Aria led them through the retreat’s wonders with theatrical flourish. Natural hot springs fed therapeutic pools of varying temperatures, each rich in minerals specifically beneficial to supernatural metabolisms. Extensive botanical gardens housed rare specimens from across the globe, many with magical properties.

FORTY-FOUR

The architecture impressed Zina most—built in harmony with the mountain, not conquered by it. Spacious chambers with soaring ceilings opened onto breathtaking vistas. Light wells brought sunshine deep into the mountain’s heart.

One room featured floating globes of pure scent that visitors could walk through, each triggering different emotional responses. Another showcased an actual scent library—thousands of crystal vials organized by origin, effect, and compatibility with different supernatural species.

With each new discovery, Zina’s enhanced senses reveled in the experience. Different sections featured distinct scent profiles designed to evoke specific emotions or memories. One chamber smelled of summer rain and ozone, another of warm spices and honey.

Throughout the tour, she noticed Xai watching her reactions closely, his golden eyes tracking her expressions with almost scientific interest. When a particular blend of citrus and wildflowers made her eyes light up with delight, he tapped a note into his phone.

“What are you doing?” she asked, catching him in the act.

“Research,” he replied innocently.

“Uh-huh.” She narrowed her eyes playfully. “Spying on my scent preferences?”

“Observing your responses to different stimuli,” he corrected, pocketing his phone. “Professional interest only.”

“Of course.” She smiled, enjoying this playful side of him. “And if I started taking notes on what makes your eyes flash gold?”

“I’d call that fair turnabout.” His voice dropped lower. “Though you might need extensive study. The triggers are... complex.”

The deliberate flirtation sent warmth curling through her. Before she could respond, Aria swept back to them, clapping her translucent hands.

“Now for the highlight of your visit! The creation atelier!”

She led them into a mirrored chamber filled with hundreds of glass vials containing essences of every imaginable scent. Crystal mixing stations gleamed beneath skylight wells, and comfortable seating areas invited experimentation.

“Where Master Perfumer Eldin normally crafts custom blends for our most distinguished guests.” Aria gestured toward an elderly elf who bowed gracefully from across the room. “He has agreed to grant you a rare opportunity—creating your own signature scents under his guidance.”

“But first, refreshment!” Aria clapped her hands, summoning assistants bearing trays of tiny crystal glasses. “Essence of clarity—to focus your senses for the work ahead.”

The clear liquid tasted of mountain springs and moonlight on snow, instantly refreshing Zina’s mind and heightening her already formidable senses. Colors seemed brighter, scents more distinct, sounds clearer.

Master Eldin approached, his ancient eyes sparkling with wisdom above a snowy beard. “The process is intuitive,” he explained in a melodious voice. “Allow yourselves to select essences that speak to you. For a partner blend, think of capturing what makes them essential—their true nature, not merely their surface scent.”

With that cryptic instruction, he glided away, leaving them alone among the countless options.

“Have you done this before?” Zina asked, suddenly uncertain.

“Once, centuries ago.” Xai’s expression softened with memory. “For my mother’s five-hundredth birthday.”

“What did you create for her?”

“Something that reminded her of home—the mountain peaks where she was born.” A shadow crossed his face. “She wears it still, though we rarely see each other now.”

---