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To my surprise, the map is covered in an ornate cursive script. The letters look almost like the English alphabet, but the words they spell out don’t look like any language I’ve ever seen—not that I’m any kind of expert on languages. But it seems strange to me that Circeana would share a writing system with Earth.
There’s plenty of wood lying around. I gather up a small pile and then, using Kalistratos’s knife, I work on splitting the end of a stick into thin slices for kindling.
Maybe I wouldn’t do so bad out here, if only I could get the whole hunting thing down.
After a few missteps, I finally manage to get a fire going just as the sun is setting. The wind blows overthe tops of the tree, making its branches rustle and creak in ways that get my imagination racing. All I can think about now is what Airos had said about there being dangers around the valley after dark.
If you’re real, and you’re listening,I think to the Great Phoenix,please wake Kalistratos up already.
I hear a strange sound coming from the direction of the valley, like a shrill howl, and my body tenses. Was that an animal or just the wind ripping through the rocks? Hopefully the fire will deter any wild beasts… But what if it also completely gives us away to anyone who wants to try to rob us? Too bad, we don’t have any treasure.
Just me.
I’mtreasure in this world, and I will never get used to that idea.
I stare at Kalistratos, silently willing him to wake up. And then I remember what else he’d told me about regenerating phoenix powers. The fire of life and regeneration. That’s what he’d said.
My eyes drift across his body, down to his crotch where the fabric of his tunic hangs loosely over his bulge. Goddamn. If I ever make it back home, I’m gonna make it my life mission to make man skirts a thing. The toga is going to make a comeback, baby.
I shake my head and quickly push away all the horny ideas filling up my hornybrain.
Yeah, you wanna get filled up, don’t you?
I scowl at myself.
The howl sounds again as another gust of wind shakes the branches of the olive tree, and suddenly the idea of just… I don’t know… reviving his ass with one of my soul-touching blowjobs doesn’t sound so awful. It’s a hell of a lot better than getting eaten by whatever is making that noise. And God, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t turned on by the idea of sucking Kalistratos’s dick.
It’s awful of me. I’m committed to Jeff. I shouldn’t be thinking about another man like that.
Butwhyam I so committed to Jeff? Why am I holding on to something I know is causing me pain? Jeff has always loved the attention and emotional energy I’ve poured into him, essentially free of charge. Yeah, he’s given me attention in return, and I don’t doubt that he’s given me love, but when it all comes with limitations, then why am I torturing myself over it? Love should be given freely, not just when it’s most convenient or most needed.
I lean over Kalistratos. His lips are parted slightly. He’s breathing softly, completely undisturbed by the wind and noise of nightfall.
“This better do something,” I whisper, and lean in to press my lips to his.
10
KALISTRATOS
Apulsing warmth surrounds me as I rise from the depths of my sleep. It’s been a long time since I’ve exhausted my powers to the extent that nothing can ward away slumber. As I slowly return to the land of the living, my mind immediately realizes what has happened.
My eyes fly open. A face just inches from mine is not what I expected. It’s Tyler—and his lips are pressed to mine. I jolt upright in surprise, ringing our foreheads together. He lets out a startled yelp and falls backward.
“Ow, ow,” he mutters, rubbing his forehead.
I touch my mouth. “You were trying to steal my soul!”
Tyler’s eyes are wide. “I was trying to wake you up!”
I look around. It’s nightfall, and we’re beneath theshelter of a wizened olive tree. A small fire burns to my right.
“I had to try something,” he says. “And I’m glad I did. Who knows how much longer you would’ve been out if I hadn’t.”
“Tried to steal my soul?” I say again, narrowing my eyes at him. “Are you sure you’re not a soul reaver?”
“Jeez, what is with you and soul reavers? It’s called a kiss, alright?”
“I didn’t know that was how you felt about me,” I say to him.
