Page 113 of A Soul to Steal

A gust of wind cut through his fur, which seemed to incite the chattering of teeth next to him. Now he just looked wet and miserable.

Aleron partially extended one of his wings and shoved the elbow arch of it forward. Gideon spared him a glance, rubbing his arms, like that would be enough to dry him from the small amount of rain that dampened his clothes.

“Thanks,” Gideon grumbled, looking forward to watch his footing. “I left my umbrella at home.”

Aleron had never heard of anumbrellabefore. It took him a few seconds to decipher its meaning, coming up with some kind of rain shelter. It took him even longer to come up with a witty response – one which he couldn’t think up.

He simply stated the truth. “I am content to be yourumbrella.”

As much as he would have liked to state ‘always,’ he didn’t wish to distress Gideon. He always seemed to recede into himself whenever Aleron referenced him as his bride or the longevity of their bond, especially if he mentioned his feelings on the matter. He’d learned not to speak on any of it, if possible.

He barely believed his sight when one side of Gideon’s lips curled and twitched upwards, as though a smile fought. It didn’t fully take, but he did snort a humourless laugh.

“That was corny.” Damnit, he didn’t know the meaning of this word to come back with a remark. “I guess I’m just lucky you’re tall enough to use your wing for me. I don’t particularly want to be coldandwet.”

A sudden giddiness took hold. He finally had a remark.

“It is lucky that you are rather short,” he stated casually, tossing his head to one side in exaggeration. “No doubt you are the same height as an Elven child.”

“Excuse me?” His lips drew back on a puzzled cringe.

Aleron cupped the end of his snout as though he were in deep thought. “How is the weather down there? It is rather sunny up here.”

Gideon’s jaw fell in disbelief, and even his eyes widened. For just a heartbeat’s span, Aleron worried he’d made a mistake. His hands curled into fists in trepidation, wondering how he should apologise.

A snort sounded, followed by a small chuckle. “Wow, Aleron. That hurt.” Gideon clutched his shirt right over the left side of his chest as though wounded.

A bubble of relief popped in his gut, allowing warmth at the long-awaited and very missed sound of Gideon’s humour.

Aleron shrugged. “It is not my fault you did not learn to grow taller. Should I kneel for you, so that we may be at even height?”

“You’re big, don’t get me wrong, but you’re not that tall, Aleron.” Even though the laughter had ceased, the warm, although mild, note of humour lingered in his voice. “I used to be a woodcutter. If you don’t watch out, I might mistake you for a tree and cut you down a peg or two.”

“Was that a threat, little human?” Aleron hummed playfully. “If you try, I may justputyou in a tree.”

“Alright, you win.” Gideon threw his hands up. “I concede.”

Even though his handsome face had dulled, he still shone his forest-green eyes upon him. They contained a tiny spark of life that had been absent since they arrived back on Earth.

The urge to reach for his soul and examine it for new flames gripped Aleron, but he refused to break from Gideon’s gaze. His bride was finally looking upon him, truly seeing him, and it lacked the fear, trepidation, and uncertainty that had been present.

His sight shifted to bright pink, happy to have this side of Gideon back – even if it might be short-lived, and only slight.

“Were the Elven children really that tall?” Gideon grumbled, looking as though he were about to pout.

“The only one we met was this big,” Aleron stated as he gestured to a height that was at Gideon’s waist. “She was five. As I said, so close to overshadowing you.”

He hadn’t expected another snort of laughter, considering Gideon had surrendered and he’d been worried that teasinghim further would damage the progress he’d made. Yet, he was rewarded for pushing it.

“You know what? You’re actually pretty funny.” The compliment was like a balm to all the pain Gideon had incidentally caused over the past few days. “I wasn’t expecting it from you.”

“You taught me,” Aleron admitted. “I had not known... sarcasm before you. You often confused me, and yet you found that rather humorous as well.”

“I bet I did,” Gideon said, his lips curling up on one side. “I probably had fun picking on you. I tend to do that with all my friends.”

He said friends... does that mean he sees me this way again?Hope blossomed even more, and it was light and fluffy behind his sternum.

Even though their conversation eventually tapered off and Gideon reverted back to the expressionless version Aleron had been following, his tail feathers vibrated.

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