Page 64 of Demon's Beauty

Soleil has been helping to pack up the healer’s tent, but as everyone finishes up their work and drifts out for the evening, I position myself strategically nearby.

It pays off when Soleil exits alone, still looking half-distracted by her thoughts, and I’m able to catch her hand as she walks by. She startles, but her expression immediately melts into a delightfully put-upon smile when she realizes who stopped her.

“Have you been avoiding me, sunshine?”

I think she’ll laugh, maybe tease me a little about being overzealous and obsessed with her. Neither of which are untrue, and though her smile doesn’t disappear, it falters a little, not quite reaching her eyes.

“Sorry,” she says, running her other hand through her hair. “It’s been a long week.”

“A successful week,” I point out, hoping it will lift her spirits from whatever is weighing on her. “Vayla said you got more of the blossoms than you expected.”

She nods. “Yeah. We did. There should be plenty to brew the essence they need.”

“Will you be helping with that, too?”

Now, her smile leaves her. Her face falls, and she lets out a long breath.

The weight of the world in that sigh. So much said without a single word.

“I wish,” she mutters.

“I’m sure they would be glad to have your expertise,” I try for encouragement, but it only seems to deflate her spirits further.

She drops my hand and looks away, eyes caught on where Vayla and the rest of the healers and apprentices are gathered, toasting a job well done. The longing in Soleil’s eyes finally makes it click.

“Unless… you won’t be here to help?” Even as I say the words, a chill runs through me.

Goddess, we haven’t talked about any of it.

We’ve barely had any time at all, and a clock I never even considered starts ticking.

How much longer do we have?

“That’s part of it,” Soleil says, speaking slowly and choosing her words carefully. “I will have to go back to my realm, eventually.”

My heart sinks. “How soon?”

Soleil looks at her feet.

Hiding again. Avoiding this conversation. I don’t know the reason, but it sends a shot of panic through me. An unpleasant reality check I’d rather not face.

My mate and I are from different worlds, with different lives, and I don’t yet know her well enough to figure out what that means.

Perhaps I merely need to give her a reason to stay.

A reason to be here, with me. To accept her demon mate and all this realm has to offer.

“Come for a walk with me?”

I’ve had this plan in mind all day, but it hinges on my mate being willing to trust me, to spend some time with me, despite whatever reasons she’s kept herself at arm’s length these past few days.

Perhaps she won’t.

Perhaps she’s seen enough of me to know I’m not the demon for her.

Perhaps whatever’s waiting for her back in her realm is better than anything I could offer her here.

Perhaps—