Page 148 of The Wishing Game

He stares at me for a moment.

"Extra points?" he inquires, almost unsure. "You mean"—he straightens his back and clears his throat—"I can earn extra points? Then I can bemorethan nice?"

I nod, my lips spreading into a genuine smile. Who said even Ze wasn't teachable? After I'm through with him, he'll be thenicestman ever.

"Yep. Every time you do something nice, you'll get extra points."

Excitement shines in his eyes, his mouth slowly curving into a smile.

"I do enjoy a challenge," he adds slowly.

I take another bite of chocolate as I gaze around to make sure we haven't forgotten anything. Then, both Ze and I resume our journey into the forest.

"Is it good?" he asks a few moments later. "That chocolate." He points to my hand.

"You've never had it?"

"I did once try that chocolate cake you have in your world," he recalls thoughtfully.

That's it? The only time he tried chocolate was back then? And not even by itself, but only as a cake? Somehow I find that hard to believe. He's over seven thousand years old, for God's sake. And clearly, chocolate exists in other worlds too. Why has he never tried it? It's just odd.

But then again, when is Zenotodd...

"Ze, what the hell do you usually eat?" I ask him.

A look of panic crosses his face.

"I eat," he quickly adds in a defensive tone. "I have a strict regimen... because I am a soldier."

I watch him from the corner of my eye. No doubt his menu is just as dry as his emptyvery expensivepalace.

"Well, allow me to awaken your taste buds," I declare, handing him the last square. "Come on. Try it. Cake has nothing on pure chocolate."

He's skeptical as he stares at the chocolate square. Using his other hand, he breaks the square in two, popping the first half in his mouth.

I surreptitiously watch for the play of emotions on his face. At first, he frowns, his jaw working as he munches on the chocolate. His tongue darts out to lick his teeth, his expression one of contemplation. Still, there are the small signs. The way his eyes flicker in surprise or how his lips smack together as he searches for more of the flavor. Finally, his Adam's apple bobs up and down as he swallows, a low, guttural sound escaping him.

"So?" I ask, eagerly awaiting the verdict.

"You may have the other half," he says, dropping the last bit of chocolate in my hand.

"That bad?" I sigh. Although I'm happy to have the other half, I'd still secretly hoped he'd like it—at least to have some sweetness in his life since it seems so utterly bare. Alas, if he doesn't like it, then maybe I should think of something else he'd like. Heneedsthat—to unwind and enjoy life.

I still can't believe he's thousands of years old and he's more sheltered than me—and even more alone.

"There are better things out there," he muses, his gaze lingering on me.

I give him an awkward smile as I redirect my attention ahead of me. But since I can't stop myself from talking, I end up recounting to him another one of my favorite romance novels as we walk farther into the forest.

We fall into a comfortable routine. Walking for a few hours before taking a short break and resuming our journey. All the while, Ze continues to ask me to tell him more and more stories, listening attentively to every detail. Who would have thought that Mr. Warrior would be so invested in romance novels? There isn't a quiet moment, and as it gets dark once more, my throat becomes sore from talking too much.

"How much longer do we have?" I ask a while later, tired and out of breath. My muscles have started to ache again. God, what I wouldn't give for a hot, steamy bath to soak in right now. But it's a luxury I don't know when I'll be able to afford again.

I let out a weary sigh as I prop myself against a tree trunk.

"By my calculations, we should be close to the area where that plant grows," he replies as he studies our surroundings.

"What does it look like again?"

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