The deeper into the city we went, the fewer stars we saw.
Thick rivulets of smoke drifted out of invisible chimneys, every window either boarded shut or closed. With my own thoughts racing, I allowed the doctor to lead the way.
"Aha!" Julian shot a grin back at me, moving towards a hut along the outskirts. I barely had time to notice the chickens wandering the small yard before we turned to...an open window? Why weren't we going through the door? It was right there.
"In we go, Cassandra!" Julian declared, clamoring through the opening without hesitation. "Julian, wait-" My protests were muffled by an indignant yelp when gloved hands tugged me over the wooden ledge.
Something rattled as I barely avoided hitting my knee on the frame. How he managed to climb in effortlessly was beyond me...
Hauling me inside the hut, Julian helped to steady me. I sent a miffed glare in his direction, but he just glanced around the room. Following his example - and desperately ignoring the weight of his hands on my waist - I studied the space he'd pulled us into.
Above the window was a row of brass bells, humming from the flurry of activity. The hut appeared to be a single room, with a curtain blocking what I assumed to be the bedroom. Julian's hair brushed against the ceiling, showering dirt over his shoulders. Various jars and plants decorated any available shelf or counter, some ingredients recognizable.
I eyed what appeared to be dried valerian root and miniature bones. From the chickens, hopefully.
"Mazelinka?" Julian called, "Sorry to drop in like this, it's the guards…" He frowned, glancing down at me before stepping towards a curtain in the back. "Mazelinka!"
The doctor sighed, "I guess she's not home." Silently, I wondered who Mazelinka was, and if she knew that Julian was back in Versuvia. Had it been years for this woman, since she'd last seen him? Like Portia?
I crossed my arms, choosing to ask the obvious question instead, "Did we just break in?"
"We did," The doctor shrugged, dropping the curtain he'd been checking behind, "but desperate times call for...for dubious measures.." Distracted, he crossed the room in three strides, "She seems to be out. Lucky us. She doesn't like it when I come through the window."
"I don't blame her." I remarked, watching a new thought occur to Julian, his visible eye widening in horror. Oh no, what now?
"The window…" He breathed, head whipping in the direction of the opening, "Did we step on the…?"
By the window was a small, crushed plant, yellow tendrils curling in our direction. Julian ran a hand through his hair, "Yeah, we stepped on the dragon's breath. Oh boy, I'm in for an earful."
"Poor dragon's breath." I commented, moving closer to brush my fingers across the plant's leaves, "If only there was a better way to enter, maybe something we could knock on."
I paused, surprised by the venom in my tone. After all, it'd been my idea to sneak into the garden, wasn't this better? At least Julian knew whose place this was.
Thankfully, he didn't have time to respond.
Said door rattled, a muted grunt coming from the other side as the wood was shaken free from its frame. Hopefully it was Mazelinka.
Heart pounding, we watched the door slowly swing open to reveal...a woman.
She was older than I expected, for some reason. Short and squat, the dark-skinned woman was carrying a basket in one hand, the other adjusting a thick shawl around her shoulders. When she saw us, the woman paused, then grinned. "Ilya!" Her voice was rough, a strangely pleasant and low sound, "Did you come in through the window again, you slippery boy?"
I covered an inappropriate laugh, torn between amusement and concern when Julian abruptly straightened, firmly smacking his head against the ceiling.
Unfettered, the man swept forward, lowering himself to plant a brief kiss on the woman's cheek. "Ah, Mazelinka, aren't you a sight for a sore eye! Love the shawl, is it new?" Turning on the charm again, I see.
"You know it isn't," Judging by her expression, she was just as unimpressed by the remark, "I thought you might be around when I saw the guards. Are you -" She stopped when our eyes met, noticing my presence for the first time. The butterflies returned, swarming uncomfortably in my gut.
Mercifully, the woman only took a moment to adjust before smiling, "Ah, and who do we have here?"
As if reminded, Julian rose, moving to stand beside me. "This is Cassandra," With a gloved hand resting against my lower back, he clarified, "A...friend of mine."
Is that what we were?
"Um, hello." I waved nervously, attempting to focus on the woman before me instead of Julian's comment.
We should be strangers, and I supposed we were in a sense. There was so much I didn't know about him.
Mazelinka's smile was warm and comforting, revealing a missing front tooth. "Make yourself comfortable, Cassandra. Any…" Dark eyes darted between us, settling back onto me, "friend of Ilya's is a friend of mine."
"Thank you." I bobbed my head, stomach flipping inexplicably.
"Of course," Mazelinka moved further into the room, which felt much smaller with the three of us. Dropping the basket onto a table, her gaze drifted towards the window, squawking at the sight of the flowers. Oh, right.
"Ah, Mazelinka, I did that." Julian immediately stepped between us, nearly blocking my vision of the shorter woman, hands held up, "I take full responsibility. I wasn't thinking and I -" "Don't fit through the door, I know." Mazelinka didn't appear upset, merely nodding with an exasperated smile, "Fetch me that round pot, will you?"
Blinking in surprise, the auburn-haired man silently obeyed, turning towards a set of cupboards in the dirt wall. There was a sway in his step that I hadn't noticed before, a subtle side-to-side movement that betrayed his exhaustion.
He must be, after everything. He'd taken that bite for me, and all that running and climbing.
As he reached for the cupboard, I found myself covering his outstretched hand with my own. I noted the bags under his eyes - nothing new, but they did seem rather defined - and the dazed glaze over his good eye. Hoping to conceal the guilt and frustration building in my chest, as it was my fault that he had taken on the wound to begin with, I gently nudged him to the side. "I've got it, Julian."
His tired gaze bore into me as I stretched upwards to grab the aforementioned pot. Really, it was more of a small cauldron. Reminded me of the ones back at the shop.
A small pang of nostalgia went through me as I fixed Julian with a stern look, "Now, show me the bite."
Behind us, I could hear Mazelinka unpacking the various items from her basket. "The bite?" Julian blinked once, then twice, before his eye lit with comprehension, "Oh, that bite. You want to see it?"
With a furtive glance at our host, he unfastened the lower buttons of his jacket, lifting the layers to reveal a patch of milky white skin. "What do you think?" Julian rumbled softly.
Miraculously, the skin was...perfect. Smooth and unblemished, no sign that there'd been a wound to begin with.
Julian shuddered when my fingers skimmed the exposed skin. Smooth to the touch, too.
I quickly pulled my hand back, face warming. Clearing his throat, Julian released the coat, tucking the cloth back into his side, "Good as new, right? Are you impressed?" A shadow crossed his features, "It's your master's magic, it shouldn't be much of a surprise."
I grimaced, looking away. "So you'd think," I muttered bitterly. The more I knew, the less I understood.
Asra, the man who had taught me everything I knew about magic, had cursed someone. I still didn't know much about Julian, or if he'd even been the one...No, no, he couldn't have.
Busy wallowing in my guilt and frustration, it was easy for the doctor to whisk the cauldron out of my loose grasp. "Hey," I weakly protested, watching the man stroll across the room.
As Julian strode to the small fireplace, my eyes turned to the short woman beside him. Mazelinka was rolling something between stubby fingers, crumbles of purple herb falling into a pile on the counter. Was that…? The woman sighed, glancing up at Julian as he set the cauldron beside her, "Worrywart's gone stale, but there's more in the garden."
Grabbing a concerningly rusted knife, Mazelinka slipped out the door, which thudded to a close. The second she was gone, Julian leaned against the nearby wall, shoulders slumping.
Running a gloved hand through his hair, Julian shot me a wry smile, "Who would've thought that a bite like that would take so much out of me?"
Dropping his hand, he quickly shook his head, "Not to belittle your bite, mind you. I've treated a few dozen, but -" "There's a difference," I finished, folding my arms across my chest, "between treating it and experiencing it yourself. Especially after galavanting around town." I felt mildly guilty at the remark, but Julian just laughed softly.
"You're right." His visible eye drifted to the fireplace, "They're not aggressive, you know. The eels."
In the small space, the fire cast shadows across his sharp features. Strands of auburn glimmered in the flickering light, stray curls hanging limply across his forehead.
"The eels wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for...the Count." He shifted in place, drifting off.
It was the first time the Count had been mentioned.
Even with the fire, a chill ran through me. I'd almost - happily - forgotten about the events in the deceased Count's bedroom. What...or who...had that thing in the hallway been?
I remembered, with unfortunately vivid clarity, falling into the large bed, ashes clinging to my lips and - "Cassandra?"
I jerked my head away from the fire, heart thudding against my ribcage. I'd rather face the vampire eels again than...that thing.
Julian was studying me carefully, eyebrows furrowed. I straightened under his searching gaze, unclenching my fists. "Julian." I mimicked, lips twitching in partial amusement. "Maybe I should be asking if you're alright." The doctor responded, smirking.
"I'm fine," I shrugged, stepping closer to the fire. To Julian.
"But should we be offering to help Mazelinka with the worrywart?" Though I was grateful for the warmth the flames provided, the last thing I wanted to do was go back outside. It was nightfall, and my feet still ached from running across the city. Still, it was the least we could do after breaking in.
Julian shook his head with a smile, "No, she'll be back...and after the last time I tried to help in the garden, I think I'm officially banned."
"Like that's enough to stop you," I said back, grinning. Julian paused, then let out a sharp bark of laughter.
Once his laughter subsided, the doctor stepped closer, "Do you think so little of me, Cassandra?" The comment was clearly meant to be a joke, but there was something in his visible eye that seemed to say otherwise. Something fragile.
"Of course not." I frowned. Unsure of what to say next, we fell silent.
Julian and I stood beside the crackling fire, which cast dancing shadows across our features. His cheekbones were softer in the light, auburn lashes framing the speckled grey. Limp curls hung around his face, concealing the eyepatch.
I still had no clue as to how he lost his eye. What did I truly know about him, aside from the fact that he was Portia's brother? I frowned.
We were less than a foot away, and yet, he felt so far. Just out of reach...now, wasn't that familiar?
I turned my head to watch the flames stretch towards the stone above. For some odd reason, I was reminded of the palace fountain and my last conversation with Asra.
This was the part where he would leave and - I practically jumped when warm, calloused hands wrapped around my own.
"What's on your mind, little bird?" Julian asked softly, thumb tracing slow circles.
Unable to meet his gaze, I studied our intertwined hands. "I-Nothing." I shook my head, trying to step backwards, "It's nothing. We should go check on Mazelinka -" "Mazelinka will be right back." Instead of letting go, his grip tightened, keeping me in place, "She's not the one I'm worried about."
Frowning, I risked a glance upwards. Julian appeared uncharacteristically serious, focusing on my face with a simultaneously unnerving and familiar intensity.
On the night of the Masquerade, Count Lucio had retired to his chambers, and by midnight, was engulfed in flames.
My mouth felt dry, and the crackling fire suddenly felt much too hot against my exposed skin. Like a coward, I looked away...again.
He was a dead man in Vesuvia, any mistake could cost him his life, so why…?
There was a small flicker of anger, ignited by the reminder. He escaped a death sentence, only to return to the very place he was being hunted. Why? Did he have such little regard for his own life?
"Julian," I wasn't sure why I was whispering, seeing as we were the only people in the small hut, "Why did you come back?"
There was a long silence; heart practically stuttering, I stumbled over my words to clarify, "To Versuvia, I mean. Everyone believes you're…" It was my turn to trail off, unable to say the final word out loud.
"A murderer." His voice was low like thunder, soft breath sweeping against my face, "I know."
His thumb, previously tracing slow circles along the back of my hand, stilled.
It felt like ages that we stood there, with only the sounds of the fireplace and the occasional rustle outside.
"I need answers." Julian finally said. Even whispering, his voice was clear. "If I don't find the truth, I'll lose my mind looking for it."
Now, doesn't that sound familiar?
I swallowed, wondering if it was my hands or his that were trembling. Countless times I had pressed Asra for answers for the truth about my past. About things that never quite made sense...the ones I could remember, at least.
The familiar bitterness welled up on my tongue, sharp and unrelenting.
There was a part of me, no matter how small, that blamed Asra. For keeping the truth from me. For expecting me, even unconsciously, to be the woman I used to. For leaving me behind, time and time again.
A low ringing echoed in my ears, and I resisted the urge to rub it away.
I knew it wasn't his fault. He clearly felt guilty for not being 'able' to tell me. The headaches, the pain...even so. The bitterness and blame lingered like a stain, a burden I didn't want to carry.
Movement startled me from my thoughts as Julian's grip tightened. Gray met green.
Our situations weren't even remotely close, but…"I think I can understand that." I tried to smile, "The desire to know the truth, no matter the cost."
Unlike myself, Julian was brave. He didn't give up on his search, even when he probably should. Even if it was extremely dangerous. After all, we'd almost been caught today.
I wondered if my smile looked like his in that moment. Not quite reaching his eye, a strained sort of amusement.
"As you may have guessed," Julian said, "I have some questions for your master. If you knew…"
"Knew what?" I felt myself leaning into his touch, the warmth of his palm against my skin. Julian's lips twitched in amusement before he continued, "The years, the...the distance I've gone to find him."
He grimaced, shaking his head, "Ah, what does it matter? It's not like there's anywhere else I'd rather be." Something uncomfortably heavy settled into the pit of my stomach. What did it matter? I forced myself to breathe, the surge of guilt and frustration and bitterness temporarily overwhelming my senses. How could he say that so casually?
"Of course it matters." There was a creak behind us, but I didn't dare pull my gaze away from his.
Pulling my hands free, I stepped backwards. I wrapped my arms around my torso, chest heaving with emotion.
It was a long day and we were both tired….But the words spilled free, nonetheless. "We were nearly caught today," I barely managed, "You were nearly caught, because of me."
Because of my clumsiness, my selfishness...
I could hear the ragged edge to my voice, the anger. Not at him, at myself.
"If you'd been found…"
The lump in my throat prevented me from finishing the thought.
When he find him, Nadia's voice rang in my ears, the doctor will die in the gallows. Whether he begs for his life, or hangs his head in defeat, the people will delight in his suffering. A wave of nausea rolled through me.
I'd been too busy enjoying our time running around to realize how dangerous it was for him.
He returned to uncover the truth and had nearly jeopardized that to protect a naive apprentice with a thirst for adventure.
"I'm sorry," I wiped roughly at my face when hot tears began to fall, and quickly turned away.
How embarrassing. Honestly, I shouldn't even be here, I needed to - "Cassandra," Gentle hands brushed at my arms, forcing me to face him. "N-No," I shook my head vehemently, stuck between escaping and the frighteningly strong desire to hide myself in the comfort of his arms.
We were tired. It'd been a long day...that's all it was...Weak as I was, I only denied myself a few seconds before succumbing to the gentle tug of his hands, the soothing weight of his arms around me.
A hand rubbed slow circles along my lower back. "I'm sorry," I whispered again, wishing for nothing more than to sink through the floor. I should be helping him, not the other way around. I was weak, pathetic. No wonder Asra didn't believe I was strong enough to handle the truth.
By the time I'd calmed, breath shuddering to a slow, repetitive movement - the seconds felt like hours - Julian was still there.
Wiping at my face, I pulled back in time to see the doctor cover a long yawn. He must be exhausted. And here I was...
I carefully freed myself, sucking in another shaky breath. By the stars, pull yourself together, Cassandra.
"Ilya!" A sharp voice barked, and I physically tensed.
When had she gotten back? I wiped at my face again while Julian straightened abruptly.
By the open door stood Mazelinka, a bundle of purple herbs in one arm, "You're barely on two feet, when was the last time you slept?" Clearing his throat, Julian ran a hand through his hair, gaze darting from me to Mazelinka, "Ah, well, since the curse, I don't really need it the way I used to."
Mazelinka's eyes narrowed, raising a wooden spoon in his direction. "Says who? Your eye is practically rolling. Curse shmurse."
Despite the previously heavy atmosphere - and my temporary breakdown - I found myself chuckling.
Julian's lips twitched upwards, and Mazelinka smiled briefly in my direction. My face heated when her gaze seemed to linger on my face, no doubt seeing the tear-stained evidence. How mortifying. "I'm fine, really." Julian replied, "Haven't felt this good in awhile. Must be the company." He shot an exaggerated wink in my direction. Trying to cheer me up.
Mazelinka just sighed, moving forwards to toss some of the herb into the cauldron. She began stirring the concoction, frowning up at the man beside her, "I'll be very happy for you after you've rested."
Waving the spoon in his direction, she added, "Go now. Shoo." Julian looked torn, glancing from me to the cauldron. I tried to smile, nodding towards the curtain encouragingly. I'll be fine. Go, rest.
"Well?" Mazelinka put a hand on her hip, looking between us, "Will you survive that long without her?"
Red crept up Julian's face and neck. If I wasn't as drained, I would've been just as embarrassed by the comment.
"I'll survive," He relented, shooting one last glance at the cauldron, "Just until the soup is done. You'll have to excuse me, Cassandra, you're in good company." We briefly exchanged another look before he turned, ducking past the thick curtain that separated the bedroom from the rest of the hut.
Leaning against the side of the fireplace, I watched the shorter woman stir the soup with practiced ease, tossing in another ingredient. Something about the process was strangely familiar…Mazelinka met my gaze and smiled, revealing crooked teeth, "Sorry to interrupt your conversation."
My own face warmed at this, but the woman continued, "It seemed pretty important." How much had she overheard? "No, no it's fine." I quickly shook my head, shifting in place, "I should be thanking you. For letting us...letting me stay here."
She chuckled, stirring the cauldron three times before pouring a pale liquid into the soup. "Of course, dear, you're perfectly welcome here." Brown eyes met mine, "It's nice to see someone who cares so much about him."
This time, I blamed the fire for the heat that rose to my cheeks, burning my ears.
"Here," Before I could formulate a response, Mazelinka shoved something warm into my hands, "you need to eat, too." I...what?
I glanced down at the loaf of bread in my hands, the delicious smell rising from the seemingly fresh food. Where had she gotten this from? "Oh no, it's, it's fine." I shook my head quickly, holding out the loaf. By the stars, it smelled incredible. "I can't possibly accept this. You -"
This time, the shorter woman shook her spoon in my direction.
"You can and you will accept it." Her expression softened, "Goodness knows you'll need it after running around the city with Ilya."
How did she - My confusion must've been painfully clear, for Mazelinka chuckled. Just then, my stomach decided to join the conversation.
"Ah, I'm sorry," I felt ridiculous, covering my stomach as if I could mute the low grumble. "Don't be sorry, just sit and eat." I nodded silently, unwilling to argue against her hospitality for a second, or third, time. Besides...I was starving.
"Thank you." I said meekly, moving to sit in the nearest chair.
The loaf was small, but incredible. Warm and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness...was that rosemary?
It was quiet while I ate, the occasional clank of metal from the cauldron and the slow swirl of the liquid inside. The fire crackled merrily on.
"He won't do it, you know." Do what?
Jerking her head towards the curtain, Mazelinke smiled, "He'll be pacing around until someone pins him to the bed." Oh.
It certainly sounded like him. Stubborn as an ox, with a healthy dose of disregard for his own well-being.
"One of us needs to keep an eye on the brew, though…" She hummed, a mischievous edge to her tone, "Cassandra, you're the guest. Would you rather watch him, or shall I?"
If I thought I'd been blushing before, it was nothing compared to this.
"I, uh" Why was I getting so embarrassed tonight? Mazelinka raised an eyebrow at me, and I finally managed, "I'll keep an eye on him."
She grinned victoriously, gesturing towards the partition, "I'll be watching the brew then, won't be long now." I nodded stiffly, ignoring the all-too-knowing grin on her face.
She reminded me of Julian and Portia, especially with that look in her eye. Exactly how much had she overheard of our conversation?
The bedroom was small, only furnished with the bed and a stool with a singular, lit candle. The curtain fell behind me with a muted whoosh as I stepped inside, the crackling of the fire quiet.
Mazelinka was right.
The broad-shouldered doctor sat on the edge of the bed, his loose cotton shirt hanging from his shoulders as he fumbled with his remaining boot.
"Come to tuck me in?" He commented, kicking away the boot with another yawn. "I won't last long, I'm afraid."
Shrugging, he grinned up at me, "I know when I'm beat."
"Color me surprised." I commented dryly, taking a small comfort in the exchange.
Leaning back against the bed, Julian smiled, "If it's one thing I know, it's my own body, especially when it comes to healing."
I glanced down at the stained fabric by his torso. Even with the wound healed, he must've felt the after-effects.
Blood loss, exhaustion from lack of sleep and physical activity. Faint clattering sounds came from behind the curtain.
"Whether I like it or not," he said thoughtfully, "healing will take as long as it likes. Amazing, isn't it?"
"Not the word I'd use." I responded. Julian chuckled, shaking his head, "Stab me in the back, and I'll walk it off." I frowned, but he only continued in a light tone, "But healing will take everything I've got. Can't escape it."
"All the more reason to sleep." I raised an eyebrow at him.
We exchanged a small, amused smile.
Before we could say anything else, Mazelinka came in through the curtain, carrying a steaming bowl. That smelled amazing, too. Rich with herbs and...something else. Something familiar?
I stepped to the side as Mazelinka moved forwards, shoving the bowl into Julian's hands. The liquid lapped at the edges, but didn't spill.
"Drink." She demanded.
"That kind of soup, is it?" After a brief sniff, he raised the bowl to his lips.
"You know it is." The woman huffed, "I won't let you run yourself into the grave. You're still human, Ilya."
Glancing over her shoulder at me, Mazelinka asked, "Cassandra, dear, will you be staying the night as well?" Julian began coughing, soup running down his chin.
"I, uh," I hesitated, looking between the expectant pairs of eyes on me, "If that's alright, Mazelinka. I don't want to impose any further -" "Nonsense." Mazelinka cut me off, waving a hand in the air, "Like I said, you're more than welcome here. And while you're here…"
She seemed to consider something before plucking the bowl out of Julian's idle hands. Ignoring his protests, the woman handed the soup to me, "Be a dear and see that he drinks all of this. I have a feeling he'll take whatever you're giving."
Both Julian and I were left spluttering in obvious embarrassment. With the smirk still on her lips, Mazelinka slipped out of the small room.
"It's fine," Julian was wringing the spilled soup from his shirt, his ears matching the color of his hair, "I'm not even tired anymoo-" A third yawn escaped, and he dropped the shirt to cover his mouth.
"Come, sit." He patted the bed beside him, shifting to make space. While he placed the gloves beside the candle, I gingerly carried the half-full bowl over.
"She makes this soup when I can't sleep." Julian explained as I settled carefully beside him, "Bless her. Even when I'm beyond stress," He ran his marked hand through his hair, chuckling, "raving, beating my wings against the walls...I don't know what she puts in it."
I glanced down at the simmering golden brew, "I think I might have an idea."
Lifting the bowl, I said, "Here, finish it before she comes back." My lips raised in amusement, and I couldn't help but to add, "Ilya."
His hands hovered around the bowl, blinking owlishly at me. My smile grew at his reaction, and I took the opportunity to place the soup into his waiting hands.
"It's strange, hearing you call me that." He admitted, drawing the bowl to his lips.
"Bad strange?" I asked. Draining the last drops of the soup, he lowered the bowl with a smile. "Not at all."
Setting it on the stool, he turned back to me with a grin. "You know," He drawled, "we don't have to sleep just yet. We could stay up, and you know…get to know each other a little better." Wiggling his eyebrows, his trademark grin made its return, "What do you say?"
My eyes betrayed me, lingering on the golden droplets gleaming along his parted lips.
No, what was I thinking? Stop being ridiculous. Why would he want to kiss me, especially now?
I was immensely grateful for the lack of reflective surfaces, thinking of my near drowning and emotional breakdown.
Probably for the best I couldn't see myself.
"We never did get to finish what we started, you know, in the garden." He leaned backwards, clearly enjoying the various emotions crossing my face.
So he wanted to play this game, again.
In a way, we both were more comfortable like this. The playful banter was better than talking about the outburst from earlier. About what it meant.
I straightened, ignoring the weight in my chest. I was happy to forget, just for a short while. We were safe, here. Safe, for tonight.
"You'll have to remind me," I began, fighting the smirk that threatened to ruin my faux confused tone, "what about the garden?"
Julian paused. Despite the sudden rush of nerves, I continued on, tilting my head in his direction, "I remember the statues, the flower," Escaping the guards, again. "But...what happened after that?"
I almost laughed at how put-out he looked, lower lip jutting out in a near pout.
"Want to jog my memory?"
I wasn't used to being this...bold, but it was fun.
His visible eye widened briefly, and he quickly sat up beside me. My smile nearly fell in surprise when he quickly leaned closer, marked hand returning to the back of my neck. Oh. Oh, were we really -
"I'd be happy to." Julian murmured, drawing closer and closer. Heart thrumming in my ears, I could feel my eyes begin to close, slowly.
We were really going to kiss, oh my stars. And I...I wanted him to. Kiss me, that is.
"Cassandra," His breath spilled softly against my lips, barely an inch away.
Julian...
"That's enough now, you two." A familiar voice called.
My shoulders slumped and Julian froze, reluctantly pulling away. So close - !
Frustration and disappointment overshadowed any embarrassment, and I audibly sighed.
"Cassandra," Mazelinka's face appeared around the curtain, dark curls falling around her face, "I trust you'll be sharing the bed?"
Her eyes drifted to the man beside me, "Unless you'd rather sleep in the hiding hole?"
Hiding hole? I hadn't noticed one in the hut, but I wasn't surprised. It was common in smaller places like this.
Without looking at Julian - I could feel his curious gaze burning a hole in my side - I folded my hands in my lap, "I'll sleep here, if that's alright. Thank you, Mazelinka."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Julian grin.
"There you have it." He wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me against him. Aiming his smile at the woman before us, he added, "Don't worry, I'll be an absolute gentleman."
Mazelinka only raised an eyebrow, looking thoroughly unimpressed, "Oh, will you? Hold him to that, Cassandra."
Julian's mouth fell open in mock offense, and I laughed, leaning my head against his shoulder. This was...nice.
"Absolutely," Julian spoke for me, squeezing my shoulder gently. Glancing down, his smirk seemed to grow wider, "Hold me however you like, Cassandra."
"Julian!" I exclaimed, leaning back to shoot him a scandalized look. Not in front of Mazelinka!
Thankfully, the brunette only chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Get some sleep already, you two." She called as she left, letting the curtain return to its resting place.
"That I can't promise." Julian called back, laughing softly.
My nerves returned as suddenly as they'd left, and I studied the room around us in lieu of meeting Julian's gaze. What now?
"We should probably do as she says." Julian broke the silence, the amusement still clear in his voice. I bit my lip, nodding, "Probably."
The bed shifted as he fell backwards, spreading his arms across it. "Look at that," He patted the sheets, grinning, "nice and spacious."
"So it is." I hummed, bending down to take off my sandals. They were definitely ruined. Mud clung to the edges and straps, crumbling into small piles as I unclasped the buckles. I'll clean up in the morning.
I raised a hand to cover my yawn, exhaustion settling around me like a blanket. By the stars, what a day. Julian shifted, making space, "Ready, little bird?" Nerves fluttered in my stomach at the sight. It was just sharing a bed, not a big deal...I shook my head lightly, smiling.
"Why do you keep calling me that?"
Slowly, I climbed into the open space, hyper-aware of his body less than a foot away. We always ended up so close to one another…
A chuckle came from above my head as I laid down, and I cautiously turned my head in his direction.
So close.
Julian's face was just above mine, propped up by an arm beside my head.
The candlelight was dim, barely illuminating the curve of his lips and chin and eyelashes. "It's a nickname for my old apprentice. You remind me of her, sometimes." I shifted to get more comfortable, arm brushing against his chest.
Too close.
"You had an apprentice?"
We were both stalling, pulses still racing from our almost kiss. From our current proximity. We were in the same bed together...
Frankly, it was a strange combination; adrenaline and exhaustion. I wasn't sure I could sleep right now, even if I tried.
Julian nodded, reaching down to play with a strand of my hair. "During the Plague," He clarified, "She was spectacular under pressure and knew a fair amount about medicine before she even started training with me."
I watched the strands of violet slip through his fingers, falling gently against the pillow.
"Come to think of it, she had hair just like yours." Our eyes locked when he brushed hair away from my face, his touch lingering, "The same, beautiful shade of lavender."
"Really?" I breathed, struggling to focus on the conversation. Third time's the charm…
"It's not a common color in Versuvia." I finally managed to add, resisting the urge to shift in place.
I probably should've joined Mazelinka in the hiding hole.
In reality, I knew that I wouldn't have chosen anything other than this. Maybe I could be selfish, just for tonight. "That's true, I've never seen anything like it…" His eye met mine again. Like you. Something crossed his expression, and his hand slipped away.
"I hope I'm not coming on too strong," Julian said, biting his lower lip.
I glanced up at him, wondering where this was coming from. I'd all but openly invited him to kiss me.
He sighed, leaning back to run his hand through his hair. A habit of his. I...kind of liked it.
"Oh, Cassandra, I'd love to make something real with you."
Real? This wasn't…? I supposed I knew what he meant, but the comment still stung.
"If only we had more time." He smiled sadly down at me, fingers brushing against my cheek.
"Julian," I murmured, frowning.
I would prove his innocence. Not because I wanted...whatever this was, though that was certainly true. No, because he deserved to know the truth. Portia deserved to have her brother back. Versuvia deserved to know that Doctor Julian Devorak wasn't a murderer.
"Don't mind me," Julian chuckled, though it lacked his usual energy, "I'm just rambling. Must be really tired."
Despite the ache in my chest, I smiled. "Then let's go to sleep. Otherwise, Mazelinka might just come back to check up on us."
He grinned, "I shudder at the thought." His fingers stilled.
The next thing I knew, Julian was leaning down, eyes half-lidded.
My own eyes closed automatically; his lips brushed my forehead in a gentle kiss, fingers pushing stray hairs away.
"Goodnight, Cassandra." He whispered against my skin.
It took me a moment to recover, heart stuttering from the sweet gesture.
"G-Goodnight, Julian." With that, the candle was put out, sending the room into comfortable darkness.
Goodnight.