Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) by Daniel Schinhofen (best black authors .TXT) 📗

Gregory stroked her hair. “That doesn’t diminish how strong you were in that moment to me.”

Kissing his chest, Yukiko exhaled slowly. “That’s my family’s secret. We’ve held it tightly for generations as, if it became known, we would undoubtedly be pressed by the powerful clans to marry into them.”

Gregory’s heart clenched. “Oh. Yes, they would covet that.”

“Hence why it has been a tightly guarded secret. Now that you’re family, you can be told.”

“What about Jenn?” Gregory asked.

“When she joins us, she will be told, as well.”

“I don’t want to hurt you, Yuki.”

“And you won’t, dear one. When you speak with Darkness again, you should ask her to help you see if this is the right path or not, if you’re uncertain. She’s helped you see far into the future before.”

“You aren’t?”

“A small part of me fears that you’ll want her more than me. It’s a stupid fear, but it lingers. I know that having her tied to us and beside us will make things easier in the future, though.” Yukiko pulled back so she could look up at him. “During our night apart, before we were wed, we visited the tea house.”

Gregory stared into her eyes and listened.

“I spoke with Darkness briefly, and she confirmed that what Jenn and I were doing was the best thing. I even got a glimpse of us in the future, and... Jenn… she was with both of us… in bed.”

Gregory blinked slowly before exhaling. “You and Darkness both agree?”

“Yes.”

Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes again. “I don’t think I’ll be talking with Darkness until the end of next month. I’ll ask her, but if you both agree, I will without even needing to see the future. Anything my heart wants, I will give to her.”

Yukiko lowered her head again and kissed his chest. “That makes it difficult for me, dear one. Keeping you happy and safe is what drives me.”

“And that’s all I want for you.”

Yukiko hooked her leg over his and snuggled in closer. “I love you, dear one. We should try to get our sleep.”

Gregory turned his head and blew out the lamp. “Good night, my heart.”

He lay awake for a while, thinking. I don’t find her unattractive... She’s beautiful. She’s so different from Yuki, but still beautiful. Is it right to love both her and Yuki? Can we even manage it? Darkness, if you can hear me, please... help me see the path.

Chapter Eleven

The days came and went quickly for them— Dia joined them in the mornings for the Peaceful Fist; they learned and worked under their instructors, each completing at least one project; and Magus Yang came back to the inn periodically to speak with Dia. She’d been gracious while dealing with him, then extra intent on her meditation the following morning.

Mixed bathing got easier for them. Their faces still reddened, but not as often, and they hadn’t gone as far as to stand nude in front of each other again. The last bath had brought some of the awkwardness back up as Jenn washed Gregory’s back, leaving them both red-faced for the rest of it.

Breakfasts and dinners pushed their aether hard, but always came with sides to temper the influx. Each meal was something new and delicious that had them all smiling. They were all eagerly wondering what tonight’s meal would be as they sat with Dia in the taproom.

“Dia, are there any days off this month?” Yukiko asked.

“Only if your instructor takes a day off,” Dia replied. “It is at their discretion.”

“I haven’t seen the number of guards I expected for this town,” Jenn said. “I’m surprised that small crimes aren’t more frequent.”

“Magus Yang has decided on a different tactic for keeping the town secure,” Dia said with a hint of anger. “There are fewer guards because of this.”

“But the population dictates the support the town receives to keep it staffed and functional,” Yukiko said. “If there are less… oh.”

“It’s not our concern,” Dia said, making sure they understood. “I’m sure it will come to light all on its own. Do not meddle.”

“Yes, Dia,” they said, bowing their heads to her.

“Your meal, magi,” the barmaid announced, having brought a cart to their table. “I have been told to inform you that tonight, the aether-infusion is in the rice. The salmon and charid can be used to temper it.”

“That rice looks different from any I’ve seen before,” Dia said when her plate was set on the table. “What is he calling it?”

“Garam magi rice,” the barmaid replied. “And we have some tea to accompany your meal.” She poured them all some of the green tea before leaving the room.

“It smells wonderful,” Gregory said. His mouth had started watering as soon as the maid had removed the lid on the rice.

“Agreed,” Jenn nodded.

“Go slowly with it,” Dia reminded them as she served herself. “There’s enough for you all to have a filet of salmon each, and I think you’ll need it.”

Once he had food on his plate, Gregory used his chopsticks to bring a few grains of rice to his mouth. His skill using chopsticks was improving, but even so, his first bite was small. Gregory inhaled sharply as the spice of the rice felt like it exploded on his tongue. Chewing slowly, he marveled at how much flavor that single bite held.

“Goodness, that is potent,” Jenn said, pulling a handkerchief from her pouch to dab at her head.

Gregory realized he had broken into a light sweat as well, and followed her example. “It’s so flavorful... I didn’t even realize it had that much heat until now.”

“It is a bit hot,” Yukiko said before taking a quick bite of the salmon.

“Ah, now I recall where I’ve heard the word ‘garam’ before,” Dia said with a