Mom was shackled in multiple chains and power suppressants. When she saw me, she sneered and sat down, saying:
"Oh, if it isn't my greatest disappointment. You're alive, huh? Thought that teacher you were screwing killed you."
"I wasn't screwing him!" I shouted defensively.
She clicked her tongue. "Does not matter what you say. They found your DNA on his couch... and evidence you'd been living with him. You don't need to convince me of your lies. I'm locked up and I really don't care."
"Mom! I'm not lying! I only lived with him because you kicked me out. It had only been a couple of days."
She rolled her eyes but said nothing. "Is that really all you have to say to me?"
"You've always been good at getting whatever you wanted with that pretty face of yours. Since you're alive, I figure you're living well."
That felt more like an insult than genuine concern, but I nodded saying,
"I'm okay... How are you? And tell me why you killed Dad."
Mom sighed, suddenly softer.
"Oh... of course that's why you're here. Not to see me, but to interview me like everyone else. Get into the head of a psychopath."
"Mom... you're not a psycho," I said gently. She feels things—she's just broken.
Her eyes shifted from dark blue to a pale hue, and she exhaled slowly.
"I was fed up. He had been cheating for a while, pretending to be gone for work. Turns out he'd only been coming home because of you. Once you were set to graduate, he moved out without a word. He was planning to show up at your graduation with the other woman and have you move in with them until you had a home of your own. That's how I found him. He was upset to see you weren't at the ceremony and made a big fuss, but no one knew where you were."
I guess Qon wasn't arrested right away...
"That fuss led to the investigation that got your teacher friend put in jail."
So... my dad really was only sticking around for me.
"Because everyone else feared me, your dad was my only friend," she said. "That's why I clung to him. He was my world. Some took notice of me for my beauty, but only the bold stayed once they realized I was the Glass Sorceress."
She continued, her voice low and unsteady. "I followed him back to their house. It was bigger than the one he and I built together. They had two other children. The wife seemed sweet. They looked so happy... too happy. I hated them. I just wanted to hurt him a little by killing her, but he jumped in front of my attack. He used wind to push me back, but it wasn't enough to stop my glass spear. I didn't want to kill him before that moment."
She paused.
"But after that, I was so pissed off I kept stabbing them both until I couldn't recognize their faces. I made sure my glass avoided their vitals until I felt at peace. Then I let them die. That's it. Nothing deep."
I thought I wouldn't cry, but the tears streamed down my face anyway.
"I thought you loved him," I whispered between sniffles.
"Of course I loved Caem. I still do. But I couldn't stand letting him love someone other than me. You'll understand one day, sweetie... when you fall in love."
Crystal—my mother—reached out to pat my hand, trying to comfort me, but I snatched it away and stood up.
"It's boring here. Maybe you could sing a little song for me, sweetie?" she asked behind me.
"I'm ready to leave now," I said to the guard. Another guard came to escort her away, and once the door to the exit was unlocked, I was allowed to leave.
The moment I stepped outside the prison gates, I called Zai. It took him a little longer to answer this time.
"Hey..?" he said quietly, clearly waiting for me to speak first.
"I'm... coming back home tonight."
"That's great. Should I come get you?"
Though I had received a license and could fly now, I replied, "Yes... I need a ride."
The trip back to Earth was as slow and tedious as my journey to Infaniya—maybe even slower because I was so eager to return.
When I finally arrived, Zai was waiting outside, looking relaxed. I wanted to scold him for being too casual at the gate, but that would only draw attention. He waved and led me to where he had parked.
I love riding in a car—it takes so little effort. And it gives me time to be alone with Zai...
"It's late... we should get a room for the night," Zai suggested while looking up hotels on his phone.
A night in a hotel with Zai?? Thank God I'm powered down right now, or my eyes would be blazing red. I had better get my head out of the gutter. He definitely doesn't have those kinds of intentions, so I need to get my thoughts straight.
"Oh, found one. It's not far," he said, then took my hand. "This is okay with you, right? If not, I'll drive us home right now."
I nodded so hard I nearly gave myself whiplash. He smirked, and I swore I saw a crack in his usual calm demeanor. Or maybe I imagined it.
We were only on the road for 20 minutes before Zai parked in a garage. He only let go of my hand to let me out, then our fingers were intertwined again.
The hotel interior was filled with fresh flowers and fancy guests. I felt like an eyesore. Zai walked ahead to the front desk, seemingly unfazed.
"How may I help you?" the receptionist asked with a slightly condescending tone.
Zai didn't blink. "I have a reservation. Zaikel Walker."
The man checked the computer, and suddenly, his entire demeanor changed.
"Oh! Of course. Your room is ready, sir."
When did he make reservations? And why was this snobby guy suddenly sucking up to him?!
A worker led us to the elevator and our room on the 12th floor. Zai tipped him generously, and the man left with a grin.
Once we were alone, I whispered, "Who are you?"
"I'm Zai. You know me." He opened the door, let go of my hand, and put his arm around my waist. "Ready to get some sleep?"
"I'm not tired yet," I countered.
Zai shut the door behind us and whispered, "Neither am I..." Then he leaned in close. I closed my eyes... but nothing happened. I opened them to find his face inches from mine.
"What are you doing, Zai?"
"I was going to kiss you... But you closed your eyes. Look at me. I need to be sure you want this."
I met his gaze, heart pounding, and he kissed me. I held onto his shirt, keeping my eyes open as he asked, while his were shut. When he pulled away, he covered his mouth and smiled.
"Thank you," I blurted. Why am I thanking him?!
"You said you were training to be a singer... Can I hear you sing something?" he asked, sitting on the bed. "Don't worry. The room's soundproof."
Why does that make me more nervous?
"Okay... if you really want to hear it."
I took a deep breath, summoned my courage, and sang a love song I had memorized. Zai listened quietly, face unreadable. When I finished, he whispered, "Beautiful."
He gestured for me to come closer. I walked toward him slowly, and he smiled.
"The lyrics are so... interesting. Why that song?"
He was putting me on the spot—but after that kiss, the least I could do was be a little honest.
"It's called flirting, Zai."
He laughed and suddenly grabbed my hips, tossing me onto the bed.
"I can flirt too," he said, climbing over me and lifting one of my legs against his waist. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and whispered,
"Show me."
His eyes flickered. A spark. I remembered that flicker—Infaniyans show it when strong emotions break through their control. Maybe Afarions do too.
"How should I show you?" he asked, voice low.
"Any way you want. I... just want you, Zai."
His eyes lit up—bright silver against the dim room.
Part of me feared this would remind me of Qon. But everything was different.
The way Zai touched me, it sent electric tingles across my body. He took his time, prioritizing my pleasure over his own. Every time we pressed together, I wanted more. I clung to him until I was exhausted—but even then, I kept begging.
This is much more than flirting!