“Yes, Aunt Ro,” Kushiel replied, and she smiled brightly at that. Cass realized that Kushiel probably didn’t even realize that calling her Aunt Ro would only encourage her matchmaking tendencies.
It was fitting, though. If Cass had his way, she was as good as Kushiel’s aunt, too, and he didn’t object to any matchmaking she might do now that he knew Kushiel would be his.
Kushiel made to get up, and Cass supported him as he did so. He didn’t think Kushiel needed the assistance, but the angel didn’t complain and seemed to lean in to Cass a bit. It thrilled Cass that Kushiel seemed to be getting more comfortable with his touch.
“How is the ghost?” Kushiel asked, because of course that’s what he was worried about.
Aunt Ro huffed, but she stalked off, Cass assumed to bring the ghost out to see them.
“I really am sorry to have frightened you two,” Kushiel murmured, looking over at Cass.
Cass reached up and smoothed Kushiel’s hair back again; he simply couldn’t help himself. And yes, Kushiel definitely leaned into the touch. It took all of Cass’s willpower not to lean in and kiss Kushiel, or to at least envelop him in a hug.
“You did, but it’s ok. It’s who you are. You’re a beautiful, giving angel, Kushiel.”
Kushiel turned slightly pink, just like he did every time Cass said something about how wonderful he was.
They looked into each other’s eyes, and Cass leaned forward the tiniest bit, and Kushiel leaned forward a bit too, and Cass was just about to close the distance between their lips when he heard Aunt Ro mumbling to the ghost as she traipsed backinto the room. Kushiel pulled back and looked down when she entered, smoothing his pants.
“Are we interrupting?” she giggled, and Cass noticed her dress now featured honeysuckle and red roses.
Cass just rolled his eyes. He loved Aunt Ro, really he did, but she was about as subtle as a hammer and had the worst timing ever, and death hadn’t improved those traits.
Chapter 16
Kushiel
Kushiel ran his hands along his pants while he got himself under control. His reaction to Cass was really so over the top. When they were looking at each other, Kushiel almost thought… Well, it was silly what he almost thought. Surely Cass hadn’t been about to lean in to kiss him. The man was just offering him comfort and support. Kushiel pushed his feelings down and looked up to see Aunt Ro.
The ghost was trailing behind her, and they looked much different than they had before. They were upright now instead of crawling, and although they didn’t quite look like a person, they also didn’t look like just a shadow either. They were somewhere in between the two. It felt like if you squinted really hard maybe you’d be able to make out features, but you couldn’t quite do it.
The ghost sort of walked and sort of floated over to Kushiel, and they once again curled up next to him. Kushiel felt like the soul was lighter than they had been before, and they were less fractured as well.
“Oh, my poor lost soul. Who did such a thing to you?” Kushiel asked, placing his hand where the ghost’s head was. He didn’t quite feel an actual head, but it felt like the air was thicker.
The ghost groaned, low and sad, and Cass and Aunt Ro both jerked, staring at them.
“Holy shit,” Cass whispered.
“Oh, this would make lifesomuch easier,” Aunt Ro murmured.
Kushiel just looked at them, confused. “What would?” he asked.
“If the ghost can communicate, my dear,” Aunt Ro responded. “They haven't been able to make any noise at all before now. I don’t think they were substantial enough. But if they can groan, then they could, theoretically, speak. They could tell us where they came from, who did this to them, where the others are?—”
“If they even know any of that,” Cass interrupted.
“Well, yes, but surely they knowsomething,” Aunt Ro insisted.
Kushiel gently let a little light into the ghost, making sure not to overdo things again. He really hadn’t meant to scare Cass—it was the last thing he wanted.
Cass looked at him, like he knew what Kushiel was doing, but Kushiel gave his best innocent look. Cass gave him a stern glance before focusing on the ghost again and sighing.
“Not to be a downer, but a groan is not exactly a fount of information. We aren’t sure how much they can communicate,” Cass reasoned, and Aunt Ro simply gave a huff in response.
“Well, I can try and communicate with them,” Kushiel offered.
“We can all try and communicate with them, but—and this is a big but—you arenotto do anything to damage or risk yourself. Are we clear, K? Because Iwillhave Aunt Ro whisk the ghost away so fast you won’t even know what’s happening if I see you draining yourself again,” Cass declared.
