cuddle and try new things in the bedroom. Ren was the one either preoccupied with what was happening outside the windows or too tired to engage in foreplay or any of the fun stuff that followed.
Before I could formulate my thoughts into words, Ren swept past me on his way to the front door. “It was nice while it lasted, Zelie. Take care.”
That was it? Seriously?
Bastard! my mind screamed as the door closed behind him. Pit head. Butt munch. Slime worm. Tree fungus. Asshole!
Ren’s measured words collided with my brain. The jerk had delivered his breakup speech as though it were a damn weather report. What an absolute dick! Had he dressed up to call on Nonie immediately after dumping me? No. He wouldn’t. Would he? He might.
A scream burst through my lips and spewed like molten lava. The tears came next, a hot, angry flood that kept on flowing. My entire body felt as though it was erupting all over my living room.
Two years I’d given that ass. Twenty-four months of my undivided attention, love, and support. I’d taken an interest in weather forecasting for his sake while he’d given nothing back toward my artistic endeavors. I felt like such a fool. One bitter, angry idiot who’d wasted two more years of her life in a dead-end relationship. Ren was the final arrow. I was done dreaming that mated life might be mine one day. I was done with males, period.
To commemorate the occasion, I grabbed the sweetberry wine out of the fridge and drank it straight from the bottle until every drop had slipped down my throat.
CHAPTER THREE
Zelie
The following morning, I awoke on my couch in a puddle of my own drool, still wearing my blue dress. I dragged myself into an upright seated position and belched a sweetberry-flavored burp. A giggle escaped my lips.
“Look what you gave up, Ren. Real fine female you’re missing out on, you melon head.” I burst into laughter. My neck heated a second later as the anger returned.
Did this mean Ren was going to ask Nonie to the reunion ball? Of all the dick moves! He knew our old classmates thought we were going together. He was well aware of how much work I’d put into the theme. Pit head! The thought of going alone while he escorted Nonie was too humiliating to bear. I could already see Thessalia’s face lighting up in pure delight.
With a groan, I dragged myself off the couch and to the kitchen, where I made coffee and toast with sweetberry jam. I ate and drank standing at the counter, licking jam off my fingers. My head and stomach felt slightly better with sustenance.
Once showered and dressed in leggings and an embroidered tunic, I made my way to my parents’ cottage on the outskirts of Brightwhisk Forest. I desperately needed cheering up. A hug wouldn’t hurt either.
But when I arrived, they had company. My parents’ front door was left open, propped by a rock, as they often did in the spring and summer. Voices made me pause at the threshold. I could see the bold red hair of Melarue Elmray as she stood with her back to the door, hands on her hips.
“You have nothing to say on the matter, Dev?” she demanded of my father.
My dad looked at Mom rather than Melarue. “I can’t help you.”
“Look, Mel. I already told you my feelings on the subject,” Mom spoke up. She had her white hair braided and pinned over the top of her head. “Besides, shouldn’t you be able to help them yourself?”
“There’s only so much I can teach the twins,” Melarue grumbled. “Fire and ice are extreme opposites, whereas your elemental powers perfectly match.”
Mom squared her shoulders. “I’m sorry you’re not happy with my answer, but that’s how it stands.”
Momentarily forgetting about the heartache that had driven me to my parents’ cottage, I focused on Melarue as she spun around and stormed out. Seeing me, she stopped short.
“Oh, hi, Zelie. I didn’t see you standing there.” She offered me a warm smile.
“I just arrived,” I said somberly. I didn’t have the energy to feign cheerfulness.
Melarue stepped closer. “Is something the matter?”
I ought to ask her the same question. Instead, I found myself wanting to pour my heart out to the charismatic elf. There was concern in her eyes when she looked at me. As she studied my face, she drew back her lips.
“Is someone bothering you? Do I need to get my sword?”
I huffed out a laugh.