Veridia

Chapter 9

Aethiria, present

"Where are you taking me?"

Geneva's hand was still clasped in Aleksander's as he walked briskly down the hallway.

"Shh. If we hurry up, we might make it."

He stopped in front of a pair of glass doors, with painted flowers and tiny beads decorating the frame.

"You said that you didn't have a favorite flower. Well, let's find out."

Using one hand, Aleksander shoved the doors open.

It was like a fairy paradise. Glowing globes of fire drifted above the rows and rows of flowers and plants, lighting it up. There was a glass archway, the same one she had seen when she first entered Aethiria. Only this time, a crescent moon and twinkling stars hung overhead.

And the flowers. There were so many. Roses, orchids, chrysanthemums. Tulips, peonies, dahlias.

Aleksander laughed at her awestruck expression.

"We have to pick your favorite flower."

His hand was still wrapped around hers, and Geneva didn't mind at all, which was terrifying itself. Aleksander led Geneva deeper into the garden, and the scent of flowers became stronger.

"This place is... magical." Geneva stopped by a cluster of silver flowers that looked almost metallic.

"What are these?"

Aleksander grinned.

"They only grow here, because they feed on direct moonlight. They're called Lunara, for the moon. They were planted as a tribute for the late Queen. Look."

Aleksander pointed at the moon, which was caught in the frame of the archway. Just like the sun on Geneva's first day.

The facets in the glass were directing the light towards the silver flowers. Since there was only a crescent, the light was weak. But the flowers seemed to grow healthier, reaching for the moonlight.

"Too bad it's not a full moon. Then the flowers release their bioluminescent seeds and the air is littered with glittering pods. It's like the stars came down to earth. I'll have to show you sometime."

They wandered further, and Geneva tipped her head back. The stars blinked in the sky, the cool wind lifting her hair. They stopped by a fountain, the burbling of water behind them.

Aleksander looked at her, blue eyes searching.

Suddenly, he pulled Geneva close, letting go of her hand and wrapping one arm around her waist. His other hand reached to cup her cheek.

Her breath caught, hands splayed across his chest. Geneva could feel the taut muscles underneath his shirt, the bird's-feather weight of his hand on her skin. Her heart should not be making this sound.

It was as if she had tunnel vision: the only thing she could see was the boy in front of her.

"Wh-what are you doing?" Her voice came out as a whisper, hoarse and breathless.

"I don't know. But it feels right, yeah?" Aleksander's lips were inches away from hers, his eyes bright like the night sky.

It did feel right. Normally Geneva would have balked at being this close to somebody, but with Aleksander she was aching to close the small distance between them.

The night was cool, but Geneva felt like she was on fire. The small space between their lips felt like miles, leagues away.

"God damn it, I shouldn't be doing this." As suddenly as he pulled her in, Aleksander untangled himself from Geneva and stepped back.