The Paths We Lay (The Path of Temptation Book 2) by Auryn Hadley

Author:Auryn Hadley [Hadley, Auryn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Spotted Horse Productions
Published: 2021-05-06T16:00:00+00:00

That evening, Shalsa, Talin, and Eladehl snuck out for a few last-minute things. I knew they were shopping. They knew I knew. Still, this was the first year I'd been allowed to buy gifts for my friends and family. As students, we were told that the Darkest Night was a time to spend with those we loved, nothing more. Temptations had been things like food and staying up late, not presents and sensuality.

But when they were gone, Wraythe moved to the couch beside me, pulling me into his arms. "So," he said, turning me sideways on the couch, "is this everything you wanted in a winter holiday?"

I nodded. "Yeah, and did you know that Compassion celebrates forgiveness as a way to welcome the start of a new year? Evidently, I'll be celebrating that this year with Talin's family."

"Darkest Night is better," he teased.

"Yeah, it is." And I snuggled into his chest. "You know, when I was a kid, we were all given presents on the Darkest Night, and told that whoever could stay up latest would get the first plate of dinner. It was always my father, but I'm pretty sure he cheated."

He chuckled. "Yeah, we didn't get presents. Just a plate of cookies, which was about all my parents could afford, I think." He sighed. "And for the Fresh Start, we always had to go outside and play in the snow so we could 'freeze our hearts.' Then we'd all huddle up in front of the fireplace to thaw them out again as the clock struck midnight on the first day of the new year."

I shook my head. "We didn't. I remember that we were supposed to think of others on the first day of the year, but that's it."

"Did you do the other holidays?" he asked.

I tucked my head against his chest. "I don't really remember them. In truth, I don't remember that much about my childhood anymore. Just being here. I have this vague knowledge that I was always hungry, but that's about it."

"Me too. I mean, I can remember my sister pressing that stuffed dog into my hands, but wouldn't recognize her if I saw her again. Her face is just a blur where the memory should be. I remember my father's belt, though." He kissed the top of my head. "I am going to miss having you with us, but I think you deserve some time with Talin."

"Will you make sure Eladehl has fun?" I asked. "He'll find some weak excuse to stay home with you. He tries so hard to be everything he assumes I want, but I just want him to be him."

"Yeah," he said softly. "I know. I'll taunt him until he does something completely stupid, and I plan to make sure he has enough to drink that he won't remember how to resist a temptation." Then he chuckled. "Speaking of that. While they're gone, you want to see if you can ask a god to make some very impressive gifts?"

"Zeal?" I called out, looking over the back of the couch and hoping I'd finally get to see him appear.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.