Alchemised

by SenLinYu

She brought his face back to hers. “I love you,” she said, kissing him. “I wish I’d told you a thousand times.”

“You promised me that if the research was having an impact on your health, you’d stop.” “I know, but—” He gave a gasping laugh, almost more of a sob. “Did you know, you are the worst promise keeper I have ever met?”

“We’ll go out together, won’t we, old girl? Bennet’s last two monsters.”

“Do not ever compare yourself to my wife,” he said, staring down at Aurelia.

“Is that what this was for?” Atreus’s furious voice broke in from where he lay contorted on the ground. “All this because you’re trying to save her?” Helena thought Kaine would ignore his father, but he looked at him. “It seems I am cursed to love as you do.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, wanting him nearer, under her skin, beneath her ribs, inside her heart. To hoard him so close nothing separated them and the terror of losing him would finally end.

“I hate this,” Helena finally said, beginning to feel like it was never going to end, her forehead slick, curls clinging to her face. “I know.” Kaine smoothed her hair. “It hurts.” “Yes.” “I’m tired. I’ve been pushing for hours.” “I know.” “Stop agreeing with me.”

Helena watched him and recognised the expression that slowly filled his eyes as he stared at the tiny person tenaciously clinging to him: possessive adoration.

Kaine talked to Enid more than he talked to anyone, even Helena. He would monologue to her about everything: the trees, the sea, the tide and moons, alchemy techniques and array theories, what the weather might be, and Enid listened to him intently, fretting if he got distracted or fell silent for too long.

Her stomach flipped. “So, what do we do now?” The corner of his mouth curved into a smile that had only ever been for her. “Anything. Whatever you want.”

She was a non-active member of the Order of the Eternal Flame and did not fight.