Brew 23

The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting warm golden rays across the kitchen table. Seraphina sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap, her gaze unfocused as her thoughts drifted back to the night before.

Aria.
Beautiful.
Elegant.
And, most of all, kind.

During their confrontation, Aria had never raised her voice. She had offered comfort instead of hostility. Even asked a favour, not for herself—but for Blaise.

“Blaise,” Seraphina spoke softly, breaking the silence. Blaise turned to face her, leaving the kettle to boil behind him. “Thank you for bringing me here,” Seraphina’s words where genuine and her usual sharp and confident voice was softer. “I’ve never been to a village before and this house… it’s beautiful.”

Blaise smiled. He walked to her side and rested a hand on the back of her head. As he leaned down, he pressed a gentle kiss to her hair.

Seraphina’s face flushed. Her heart swelling from the simple gesture.

“Thank you for teaching me,” Blaise whispered, his voice just as soft. “For showing me everything I missed out on in the magical community.”

Seraphina’s chest ached—not with pain, but a deep, quiet happiness. Others had praised her before. Always for her power, her bloodline, her reputation. But Blaise’s words? They were sincere. Small tokens of affection. Simple thanks.

She glanced out the window. The forest stood still beneath the morning light, birds chirping softly. The trees seemed less intimidating now. The opening to the path where she had met Aria felt almost like a friend’s doorstep.

“Shall we go for a walk?” she asked, her smile bright and hopeful.

Blaise’s face brightened up at the suggestion. Smirking as he had an idea to make the walk better. “Let me pack a basket!”

He bustled to the cupboards Mama had restocked for his return. Bread. Milk. Eggs. Cheese.

“Cheese okay for sandwiches?” he asked nervously, knowing tat Seraphina must be more used to higher end meats.

“Perfect,” Seraphina nodded, rising from her seat to help. She grabbed the bread and began slicing, her hands steady.

As they worked, they chatted easily. Blaise gathered herbs and brewed a lightly sweetened water for their walk. Seraphina prepared the sandwiches. Soon, everything was nestled into a basket with a blanket to keep it secure.

“I think that’s everything,” Blaise declared, looping his arm through the handle. He held out his free hand.

Seraphina hesitated only a moment before slipping her hand into his. She smiled as she felt the roughness of his palms—the hands of a man who had worked hard, not just studied.

They walked through the village, hand in hand. Children ran past them, laughing. Flowers swayed in the breeze.

“I feel like this would be the perfect place to raise a family,” Seraphina murmured. Her gaze followed the children. “It’s hard to understand why you would ever leave.”

“I wanted to be somewhere I could make a difference,” Blaise replied, watching the path ahead.

“But why does that mean the council?” Seraphina frowned. “Surely, you can make a difference anywhere.”

Blaise chuckled nervously. “I’m not from a noble family. No name. No connections. I thought the council was my best chance,” he explained, remembering back to the day he filled in his application for the council,

Seraphina shook her head, stopping beneath a tall oak. She pointed toward the forest. “Take Aria, for example. A fae who, for centuries perhaps, stayed hidden. But she took a leap of faith. With you.”

She turned fully to him, her eyes showing a look of admiration and affection. “You made a difference in her world. You already have made change. You don’t need noble birth for that.”

Blaise’s cheeks reddened. He could feel his heartbeat racing, strong beneath Seraphina’s hand.

“You’re a strong, beautiful witch,” he said quietly. “An Alderbranch—”

“My name doesn’t make me who I am,” Seraphina interrupted, her eyes glimmering with tears. “Blaise…” She swallowed, summoning her courage. “Will you take me with you? On your journey? To make this world a better place.”

Blaise blinked in surprise.

“I would be honoured if I could be the one beside you,” she continued, her breath trembling. “Not as an Alderbranch. Not as a council member. Just as… me.”

From the rooftop of Blaise’s home, Rook watched, his bushy tail flicking lazily. A knowing smile curved his lips.

Blaise gently set the basket down. His hands cupped Seraphina’s face, and he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.

Hidden among the forest’s edge, Aria peeked through the leaves. Her golden eyes softened. When Rook met her gaze, she gave him a small nod.

Thank you, she mouthed.

Rook dipped his head. Always.