Page 41 of Breaking Ties

“Oh. Wow. So this Nerigot runs a wizard academy?”

“It is called the academy, and the studying wizards are acolytes. Are you interested in this future?”

“I... yes. If we can figure out how to qualify me, absolutely.”

Aubrey patted her cheek. “I need the jokes, so I will see what can be done.”

Whisper cackled.

“Nice. Halfway there.”

“How much longer do you have before you have to head back to Overlord Vress?”

“About four minutes. I can feel him on the way. It’s like the rumble of a bowling ball down the hallway.” She smiled.

“So can he fly with those wings?”

“Oh, yeah. They are extremely strong with a lot of dexterity.”

Whisper winked. “How much dexterity?”

“They have the flexibility of hands. He can and does pick me up and hold me with them.”

“Oh. Sexy or not?”

“Very. Smells good, feels good, and is a cuddle monster. Nothing not to like.”

“He’s also faster than you thought.”

“He must have flown through the hallways. That’s why they are so wide.”

“I did wonder.”

Aubrey turned and smiled at Vress. “Hey, boo.”

He frowned. “What does that mean?”

“It is a slang term for beloved.”

“May I use it on you?”

“It would be unusual. You can come up with something else.”

He paused. “Svreta.”

Her mind spun through languages, and she blinked. “Pink petals?”

He grinned. “I have seen them frequently, and they are some of my favourite parts of you. It is that or Svrora.”

Aubrey covered her eyes. “Oh, lord.”

Whisper asked, “What?”

“Pink pearl.”

The giggling came fast, and then it morphed into laughter.

Vress pulled Aubrey close. “Your people laugh a lot.”