Page 63 of Cursed Dreams
His voice carried something quietly fierce, something steady and sure.
"You are going to do wonderful things," he said. "I know it."
Thalia let out a shuddering breath, trying to let his words settle, but the weight of failure still pressed down on her like a stone.
Vaelith didn’t rush her. He simply held her, his breathing even and calm, his presence unwavering, letting her take whatever she needed from him in this moment.
Eventually, her sobs subsided into silent, exhausted tremors, her body still curled into his.
She was tired. Gods, she was so tired.
As if sensing her exhaustion, Vaelith let out a soft sigh before gently pulling away.
"Come on," he said, a strange gentleness in his tone. " I’ll make you something warm."
Too emotionally drained to argue, Thalia let him scoop her off the floor into his arms and gently place her in a comfortable chair near the hearth.
Vaelith moved with quiet efficiency, stepping toward the small wooden counter, where a simple kettle rested. The sound of water being poured, the soft rustle of tea leaves, and the gentle clink of ceramic filled the silence.
Thalia rubbed at her aching eyes, her breath still shaky as she watched him move.
She had never seen him like this before—so patient, so gentle.
There was no arrogant smirk, no infuriating teasing or aloof remarks. Just… him. Steady. Present. Somehow it made her feel safe comfortable.
A moment later, he returned, kneeling in front of her and pressing a warm ceramic cup into her hands.
"Drink," he said simply.
She hesitated for only a second before obeying. The tea was sweet and floral, the warmth spreading down her throat and curling in her stomach like a soothing balm.
She exhaled slowly. "Thank you."
He nodded, watching her carefully.
" Do you want me to take you back to the temple?"
Thalia hesitated, staring into the swirling amber liquid of her tea.
The idea of going back to her dormitory, of lying awake in the dark, haunted by Aric’s face, by his wife’s tears, by the weight of helplessness,
She nodded, setting the cup down. "Yes. Please."
She had no other choice .
Vaelith stood, offering her his hand.
She took it.
For the first time, as he led her out into the fading afternoon light, Thalia allowed herself to lean on him, if only for a little while. Needing to feel his strength and warmth.
The soft chime of bells rang through the quiet streets, a delicate, melancholy sound carried by the wind.
Thalia paused mid-step, her breath hitching as she turned toward the Temple of Eshu.
It was a striking building, its light stone archways adorned with intricate blue designs, swirling patterns carved deep into the stone like twisting ribbons of fate. The etched reliefs of entwined hands and celestial symbols shimmered in the shifting glow of the temple sconces, reflecting the god of luck and destiny’s ever-turning wheel.
A line of priestesses moved toward the entrance, their deep indigo robes flowing like liquid shadow, hoods drawn up over their bowed heads. Their movements were silent, reverent, an air of mystery surrounding them as they stepped into the hallowed space of the temple.
