The Incandescent | Standalone Story |

Chapter 13 ~ The Swordsman and the Energy Manipulator

Until that fateful dreary rainy evening, Killian had never been scolded for his cooking. He had always been complimented and thanked for making delicious food. He made the softest, fluffiest pancakes and the tastiest meals. He blended tea perfectly and added glitter to desserts. Killian never had a negative review in regards to his cooking skills. He received five star reviews from Ireyna, Mara, and Drave. Even the Fairy Queen commended his cooking skills whenever she visited the Decuir family.

Apparently, the act of not adding extra marshmallows to purple sweet potato casserole was tantamount to crime, according to the Vanquesha. It was the first four star review Killian had ever received.

Erasmo clung to Killian's leg, refusing to let go until he added extra marshmallows to the purple sweet potato casserole he made for dinner. Killian kept trying to get the Vanquesha off him, worried that he would tear the pants if he clung too tightly. Had he been a cat, Erasmo would've surely clawed through the black pants material.

"Erasmo, I already told you! Adding extra marshmallows would make it too sweet. I blended it just right. Quit complaining and let go of me!" Killian said, swatting at the stubborn Vanquesha.

But Erasmo was persistent. Killian sighed in exasperation, saying, "I'll make a separate purple sweet potato casserole just for you, exactly as you want, with extra marshmallows. Now let go of me."

Erasmo glimmered at him, tilting to the side. Indeed, he would not let go until he had those extra marshmallows.

"You're relentless," Killian murmured as he walked towards the cabinet to retrieve another bowl, his walking hindered by the clingy Vanquesha.

Erasmo continued holding onto his leg, watching as Killian placed some of the purple sweet potato casserole into the bowl. Killian melted some extra marshmallows on the stovetop before adding them to the bowl for Erasmo.

Killian set the bowl on the table, pushing it forward. "Your purple sweet potato casserole with extra marshmallows, as stubbornly requested."

Yay! Thank you! You are the best! Erasmo sparkled happily, letting go and dancing around Killian. He hugged him, leaving a trail of glitter on his shirt, before leaping over to the table to enjoy his dinner.

And so the four star review became a five star review upon the addition of extra marshmallows. Crisis averted. Glitter meltdown definitely averted. Five star status back up. All systems go. And it's sunshine and roses once again.

Killian smoothed his clothes, relieved he was finally free and the Vanquesha was happy. He turned the stovetop off and placed the cookware in the sink.

He was washing the dishes when he heard the front door open. From the sound of the footsteps, Killian knew it wasn't Ireyna nor Mara. He quicky dried his hands on a kitchen towel and left the kitchen just as Drave shut the door. Erasmo sparkled cheerfully in hello, coming over to greet Drave.

Drave's face was instantly relieved at the sight of Killian. "Oh good, you're home! Father, I – "

"Is Mara not back yet? Where is Ireyna?" Killian interrupted, his voice concerned but not harsh.

Drave handed Killian a satchel containing the library books. "After we found the books for you at the library, Ireyna went to the literary agency to meet with her agent. She will be home in a few hours. I haven't heard from Mara yet and I have no idea where she is. I sent her a comect message, but she hasn't responded."

As Killian put the satchel away, Drave looked seriously at Killian. "Father, I need to speak with you. It is in regards to Ireyna and the Glittered Inktraitor."

Alarm appeared on Killian's face. "Mara told me about the Glittered Inktraitor. Are you telling me he is here, on planet Monshalow, consorting with my wife?" Killian's voice was raised, though not out of anger towards Drave.