Page 61 of Pet: Genesis

“Can I ask about your family?” I ask. His expression shifts slightly before he turns to look at me. He studies me intensely, and I feel myself growing squeamish under his gaze. But I force my breathing to remain calm. I can’t let on that I hold fear. He’ll feed off that.

“No.”

I bite my tongue in disappointment just as the door to the balcony opens. Remus’s servant comes out with a strange flower in her hands. It’s an extremely small flower, and its color is strange as well. It’s silver.

She silently places it on the table between us before leaving. I look at the flower in awe. It can’t be an Earth flower: the petals curve and dip in a liquid-like form. I look at Remus in confusion, and he’s watching me knowingly.

“Do you like it?” he asks. I look back to the flower.

“It’s beautiful,” I say softly.

“It’s yours.”

I look at him in confusion.

“Your friend’s remaining essence has been fused within its roots. One day, it will grow into a tree. But that’s only if you take good care of it. You must water it, change its soil, and add proper nutrients. Once it gets big enough, you must trim it and properly harvest the flowers.”

Tears brim my eyes as he explains the tree that will one day bud from this tiny plant. I take in the beautiful color of it with newfound appreciation before looking back at Remus.

“Why?” I ask.

“For it to become a living, thriving tree, it requires a lot of care and attention. You said you wanted to do more and give yourself meaning. Now, you can cultivate your friend’s life into this tree so that her essence may live on. And you may come to peace with her death.”

I don’t know how to respond. So, I don’t. I study the plant that’s been fused with what was left of Margot’s life. I don’t further question his intention. I don’t ask anything else to shatter the illusion that I have of him. He is evil, plain and simple. He is the reason my family and countless others are dead.

He must pay no matter what he does to make up for it. He has to.

“Iris.”

I look up at the sound of my name. Remus is stepping into the room, with only a pair of low-slung pants around his hips. His hair is free of its restraints, and the symbol on his chest is a calm pulse that allows me to read his current mood. He’s been in a peculiar mood all day. One that I can’t quite decipher, especially since his gift was so personal.

“Come,” he says as he makes his way to the seating area within the bedroom. I slowly rise from my place in the bed, going to where he is heading. My gaze shifts to the glass container that sits on the end table. Remus takes a seat, pouring from the glass into a small cup. I keep my distance, studying him with caution. Ever since Margot’s death, he’s been different. Almost as if he pities me. I feel a bitter swell in my chest. I don’t want his pity.Him, of all people. The reason behind my suffering.

“Iris. You’ve been very reluctant today,” he says. I narrow my gaze.

“Why did you do that for Margot? I thought you said her essence would be released back into the world,” I say.

Remus seems to think about his response before giving it.

“She earned my respect,” he says.

He takes in my expression before continuing with an amused grin.

“Don’t look so surprised. I’ve told you on several occasions I am a fair ruler. Have I not given in to your requests as you’ve earned my trust?”

I almost don’t respond, but I use the opening he’s given me to try and fish out information.

“You didn’t today,” I say.

He raises a brow but holds his hand out to me. I gently place my hand in his, and he pulls me into his lap. His body is extremely warm.

“What purpose would asking about my family serve you, Iris?” he murmurs, pushing my hair over my shoulder. “You can be honest,” he adds.

He’s teasing me. He’s only teasing me. He doesn’t know.

“I just want to know more about you,” I whisper. I try to remain brave, but my motivation is crumbling, being this close to Remus. It feels like he’s interrogating me without trying. He chuckles beneath me, his lips tracing my throat.

“Maybe another time, Pet.”

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