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I think of my own parents and how they’d wanted our farm to go to me. That’s no longer an option now that they think I’m dead.
It was a mistake for them to assume I’d outlive them. I’d always wished for a sibling when I was growing up, but they’d insisted one child was all they wanted. They should’ve had other kids. At least then I wouldn’t feel this awful guilt for leaving. Not like it was my choice, but still. I wish they had someone else to fall back on.
With my dad being an only child and my mom estranged from her family, their choices are limited.
I guess they could sell, but I don’t think they will.
Now that I know selling to Ellister was just a farce my dad never intended to follow through with, I’m assuming my parents will work until they’re wrinkled and gray. Until their fingers get warped with arthritis and their bodies won’t let them anymore.
Maybe Cody could run the farm someday. He’s not great with the physical labor aspect, but his organization skills are unbeatable.
Honestly, thinking about the whole thing is a downer. It’s probably best if I put it out of my mind for a while.
Turning in Ellister’s arms, I look up at his handsome face. Behind him, there are two open doorways. One leads to a bathroom. The other, a bedroom.
One bedroom.
The mattress is covered by a modest patchwork quilt, the colors faded by years of use and washing.
My mood lifts a little when I realize Ellister and I will be sharing a bed from now on. I imagine the two of us on the soft surface together. Comfortable. Safe. Free to explore each other for countless hours.
We won’t have anywhere to be. No time constraints. No intrusions.
This isn’t the future I always envisioned for myself. But maybe it’s better.
We could be happy here. Our own little paradise.
A paradise where we fuck. A lot.
HANNAH
When we got started on the house, Ellister and I easily agreed we should conceal any trace of human gear, so one of the first things we did was put our stuff on the top shelf of the closet, out of sight.
I’m fully immersing myself in the Valora ways of life, and if that means using what the house comes with, so be it.
Whoever lived here before, they were simple folks. The woman of the house was closer to my size, and she left behind some clothes I can wear. Unfortunately, none of them are pants. I’ll have to learn to like the dresses until I can figure something else out.
I’m actually a fan of the nightgown I’m wearing. I’m not sure what it’s made of, but it has a silky texture and a strange cooling effect. It’ll be nice to sleep in.
Although, I don’t plan on wearing it for long—I’m completely naked under here because I’ve been hoping to seduce Ellister at some point.
“You’ve got amazing stamina for a human,” he remarks as I help him put the clean sheets back on the bed.
“For a human?” I roll my eyes at the backhanded compliment.
“I’m just saying, I don’t think anyone else could’ve kept up with me today.”
I beg to differ. My mom could’ve. Dad, too. And Jack.
That’s just how it’s been every day of my life. There’s shit to do, you do it.
And there’s so much shit. There’s been a lot of scrubbing, wiping, and good old-fashioned elbow grease.
Every surface in the house has been dusted or mopped. The dishes have been rinsed off and set back where they belong. All the clothes, towels, and blankets we found have been laundered and hung on the line outside to dry.
I almost feel like we shouldn’t be going to bed yet, but there’s a special Day Realm sundial in the yard, so we know it’s almost midnight.
The lawn remains a mess, but Ellister is determined to get those animals for me sooner rather than later. He said the auctions and street markets happen all the time in the city, so we’re going to have to figure out when and how to get there. Traveling to Olphene won’t be a problem—we’ll just vortex to a remote place on the outskirts of town. Returning, however, might be a challenge. We’ll have too much stuff to bring back the magical way, which means we’ll need to get a wagon and horses to cart the load of whatever we buy. When all is said and done, the trip could take up to a week.
