The seven flowers of fate

Chapter 4:Home and the Surprise

Chapter 4:Home and the Surprise

I reached for the door, ready to enter quietly, but as I pushed it open, the scent of something savory hit me. It wasn't just the usual smell of the fire or herbs-no, this was food. I paused in the doorway, taking in the sight before me.

Kellan stood at the kitchen counter, a grin on his face as he turned to see me. The kitchen was a disaster-pots and pans scattered everywhere, vegetables half-cut, flour dusting the countertop. But amidst the chaos, Kellan stood tall, holding a wooden spoon in one hand and looking far too pleased with himself.

"Surprise!" he said, his voice filled with that mischievous charm I'd grown to love. "You're finally home."

I blinked, a laugh bubbling up in my throat at the sight of him. "Kellan... what on earth happened in here?"

He shrugged, not looking the least bit apologetic. "I thought I'd make dinner for you. You know, make it up to you for worrying about me all the time."

I stepped closer, trying to make sense of the mess he had created. "Dinner, huh? I didn't realize dinner involved destroying the kitchen."

Kellan grinned wider and took a step toward me, wiping his flour-covered hands on his trousers before wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close. "The mess is just part of the process," he teased, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "But don't worry-you'll be cleaning it up."

I raised an eyebrow, leaning into him. "Oh, will I?"

His eyes gleamed with mischief, and before I could say another word, he scooped me up into his arms effortlessly. I let out a startled laugh, my hands gripping his shoulders as he carried me over to the table.

"But first," he said, setting me gently in the chair, "you're going to sit here, relax, and enjoy the food I made. You deserve it."

I smiled, my heart softening at his words as he moved around the kitchen with a surprising amount of grace given the earlier mess. As he plated the food, the flicker of firelight danced across his silver tattoos, and for a moment, I allowed myself to enjoy this-the simplicity of being here with him.

Kellan set a plate in front of me, and I had to admit, despite the disaster in the kitchen, the food smelled incredible. He sat across from me, looking far too proud of himself, and we began to eat.

Between bites, he kept the conversation light, teasing me about how long it had taken me to come home and spinning exaggerated tales of how he had battled the "terrifying kitchen appliances" to make the meal.

"And you won, obviously," I said with a laugh, shaking my head as I picked at the food. "But this mess... Kellan, I think you've outdone yourself."

He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms over his broad chest. "I think it adds character to the meal. Plus, the mess will give us something to bond over when we clean it up. You know, teamwork."

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but smile. "You're impossible."

Kellan's smile softened, and his gaze lingered on me for a moment. "I just wanted to do something for you," he said quietly, his tone more serious now. "You've been worrying so much lately... about me, about everything. I wanted to remind you that it's okay to let go for a bit."

My heart swelled at his words, and I reached across the table, placing my hand over his. "Thank you," I whispered. "But there's something we need to talk about."

Kellan raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. "What is it?"

I stood, moving around the table to sit on his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck as I rested my head on his shoulder. "It's about Aric," I began, my voice soft. "He found the first flower-Nythriel, the Bloom of Nightfall."