Nocticadia

by Keri Lake

Over her shoulder, she shot me a smile–one so fucking beautiful, I wanted to frame it. Capture it. Study the alchemy of it. How wonderfully intoxicating one simple expression could be.

“You can’t leave. I won’t let you. You hear me? I won’t let you fucking die. You are my most important thing, and I swear, if you don’t come out of this, I will fucking hunt you down in the afterlife.”

“If you don’t come out of this, I’m burning all of your expensive coats.” “You’re not … burning … my coats,” he mumbled, and a wheeze of elation shook my muscles.

“Not a fan of tea. Not even your disturbing gothic variety.”

“What if I don’t want to take it?” “You’ll take it whether you want it, or not.”

“An incurable madness I can’t shake. Fucking you is the only thing that keeps me sane, Lilia.”

The sight of it made my womb clench.

Lmao what

“You don’t have to be scared. I will never hurt you, Lilia. In fact, I’ll rain hell on anyone who ever hurts you again.”

“I don’t feel safe anywhere anymore.” “You’re safe with me, Lilia.”

“Fuck you.” His eye twitched. “That’s a fantastic idea.”

“Where I’m from, that’s called foreplay.” “Where I’m from, it’s a promise.”

“He doesn’t deserve you. None of them do.” “He loves you, you know. I have no idea what you’ve been through, but I know he still grieves for you.”

“I can handle myself.” “I’m sure you can, Covington.”

“I’ve staked my claim on you, Lilia. God help you.” “I’ve done just fine without God’s help,”

“What do you plan to call it?” “I was thinking Lilia’s Elixir would be appropriate.”

“Do you need a proper fucking, Miss Vespertine?” “Yes, Professor,”

“That I would kill for you without a beat of hesitation, or remorse. And yet, at the same time, I could be reduced to nothing more than a pile of ash without you. I’m weak for you, Lilia.”

“I don’t see them when I’m with you. I think they’re afraid of you.” “As they should be.”