Love The Void (Palaye Royale - Book 2)

Chapter 9

Things had been calm since I had been told I was a witch. Andrew, being the only full-blooded warlock of the group, offered to teach me magic. Even though the brothers were half-witch, they agreed that Andrew had delved far further into the arts than what their mother had taught them and what they had picked up over the years. Everyone agreed that Andrew was to teach me. I was... nervous to say the least. I was going to be taught to use magic I never knew I had. I hope... I hope that I can live up to the title of "witch."

Soft music plays in the background, some language I don't understand. It's pretty though. "Starshine, pouvez-vous venir ici?" Emerson's calls out from at his desk, though I only really know that he used my nickname.

I look up from my phone, where I had been aimlessly scrolling through my different social medias, liking any post I noticed that had any of the Palaye boys in it or Elizabeth, specifically Emerson though. Don't tell him. "What was that Em? It wasn't english." I reply, confused setting my phone down beside me, its cracked, blank screen facing up towards the ceiling.

"Ah, sorry, I was distracted. Focused more on my art and the French music. I wasn't paying attention, sorry. It was French, lovely." He replies offhandedly, continuing to stare rather annoyed at the art piece in front of him.

"Haven't had a slip up like that around others in years." He mutters with a sigh, rubbing at his tired eyes, "I was asking if you'd come here. I can't shake the feeling that there's something wrong with this piece and I want another opinion."

I wander over to his desk, even though I don't think my opinion would be of much help. Looking at it over his shoulder, I see its of some pretty buildings and streets, with water around it. The usual sort of thing yet entirely different from his last one. "I think it looks beautiful as always, Em."

He sighs in frustration, turning around in his swiveling chair and resting his hands firmly on my hips. "I can't help but think it's not as good as it could be. I know that it's nonsense but the VOID is persistent... it makes me feel like everything is wrong... nothing seems right anymore."

"I know Em. But I'm here with you, and so is Elizabeth and your brothers. You're not alone, just... when this happens talk to me and I'll do whatever I can to make you feel better, and even if it doesn't work, I'll simply stay with you." I grin down at him, leaning over to wrap my arms around him in a warm hug.

He smiles, burying his face into the crook of my neck, placing a chaste kiss there causing me to giggle as it caused a tickling sensation. He pulls me into his lap, and we simply embrace each other for a few moments. I am calm, comfortable, and safe, all with Emerson. I play with strands of his hair, braiding small parts of it and then undoing them, only to repeat the process somewhere else.

"Asteria... do you know anything about soulmates aside from what I've told you already?" He questions eventually, his eyes focused on my own, occasionally flitting around here and there.

"Not really. I mean, I thought I was human until a few days ago." I stare at his lips as I reply, adoring every curve of his features.

Emerson nods, a small smile on his face. Closing his eyes, he leans into my hand as I slowly brush through his hair with my fingers. "There is this sort of... tradition, in a sense. Every soulmate eventually does it and I... want to know if perhaps, you would..." My love trails off, unable to meet my eyes, a fear in his gaze he only got when he was second guessing the probability of me staying with him.