Return (Royal Book 2) by Holder K.T

Author:Holder, K.T.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Smug Pom
Published: 2023-12-31T00:00:00+00:00

Soon enough, the shelves were stocked, and Alexei left to find someone to check their work and pay them. Lily looked at what she had achieved. It was difficult at first, like exercising a muscle after neglecting it for too long. But she had settled back into it, and after a while it felt natural to use her magic again. She longed to practise some of her other powers, but doubted now was the time to start launching fireballs around the warehouse, or call down lightning, which, on such a clear day, might raise suspicions.

The supervisor followed Alexei into the room, grumbling at being disturbed. The cigarette dropped from his mouth at seeing the task completed so quickly. He looked from Alexei to Lily and back, first amazed, and then slightly suspicious.

“We’re hard workers,” Alexei assured him, his voice firm, his hand outstretched. The supervisor stared at him a beat longer, weighing something in his mind.

“I’m just paying for you. I don’t care how many did the work.”

Alexei nodded, and the man relinquished the money.

“She was a bonus today,” Alexei nodded towards Lily. “To demonstrate her value. We’re available for more work, but she earns as much as me.”

The supervisor looked like he was about to argue, then looked at the shelves again, nodded, and left.

As Lily walked with Alexei towards the sandwich shop, she felt strangely satisfied. Everything seemed a little brighter, and she enjoyed the sun on her face and the slight breeze, which kept the temperature pleasant. She breathed deeply and ignored the smells of the city. Lily hadn’t realised how much she missed being useful; achieving something.

Who knew stacking shelves could feel this rewarding?

They walked in comfortable silence, but as they approached the sandwich shop, Alexei slowed his pace. Before they reached the door, he turned to her.

“I’ll go in. You should stay out here. Enjoy the fresh air.”

“It’s smoggy.” She looked at Alexei, confused. “And I’ve had plenty of ‘fresh air’ on our walk here, and will no doubt enjoy more of it when we find Ava. Why are you acting weird?”

“I’m not acting weird,” said Alexei defensively, blushing and fiddling. Alexei never fiddled. Suddenly, Lily remembered Ava’s teasing.

“Oh! You do have a thing for the sandwich shop girl.” Lily smiled and playfully pushed Alexei. He tried to look annoyed, but a huge smile broke across his face. He repressed it quickly and began to protest.

“It’s okay, Alexei. I’ll wait out here so you can flirt.”

Alexei grinned at Lily and practically bounded into the store. Lily loyally faced the street, her back to the shop to give them privacy. She imagined Ava’s annoyance when Lily told her she hadn’t even stolen a look at the girl’s appearance. Despite her intentions, she could hear the interactions in the store, and before Lily could move away, she heard the sandwich girl greet Alexei.

“Well, hello hot stuff. The usual?”

“Yes please. You’re looking particularly beautiful today.”

The girl scoffed, clearly pleased. “I look the same as every other day. But thank you.

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