Chapter 33

                                    

                                          
His words resonate deeply within me, soothing the anxieties that have been building.

A soft smile graces my lips as I meet his gaze with newfound gratitude.

"Thank you," I whisper, the weight of my secrets feeling slightly lighter.

Relief washes over me as I observe the patience and loyalty Curtis and Darius have shown me.

Their unwavering support comforts my uncertainties, and I'm grateful for their understanding.

Still, I know I must proceed cautiously when revealing the truth about my world.

The complexities and potential repercussions of sharing such knowledge could easily overwhelm them.

So, I decide to take it slow, allowing our bond to deepen before broaching the subject.

As moments unfold, the campfire's gentle crackling serves as our backdrop.

The atmosphere is comfortable, a testament to the growing familiarity between us.

With newfound ease, I turn my attention to Darius, who has assumed his human form once more.

It's his turn to mark me, a symbolic gesture of great significance.

"Darius," I begin, my voice soft but tinged with curiosity, "aren't you jealous of Curtis for marking me first?"

Darius regards me thoughtfully, his golden eyes reflecting the dancing flames.

He seems to consider his response carefully before speaking. "Jealousy isn't an emotion I harbor," he replies with sincerity. "We each have our roles and connections. You chose Curtis first, and I respect that. Besides," he adds, a playful smile quirking his lips, "I get my share of attention."

I chuckle at his comment, appreciating his candid yet lighthearted manner.

His words reassure me, reaffirming the strong bond forming between us.

It's as if Darius has an intuitive understanding of my feelings, sensing a familiarity between me and Curtis that transcends our time in this world.

Curtis, ever perceptive, leans in, curiosity evident. "By the way, we realized we never got your name. What should we call you?"

I blink, momentarily taken aback by the oversight. "Oh, right," I say, a sheepish smile tugging at my lips. "My name is Julie."

Curtis nods, a warm smile gracing his features. "Julie. It suits you."

The simple exchange of names feels like a significant step forward, a bridge between our worlds.

We continue to talk, our conversation flowing easily as we touch on various subjects.

I mention the herbs I gathered from Harvey, like ginger and chili, and their potential uses.

Curtis and Darius exchange intrigued glances, clearly fascinated by the concept of these "medicines."

"They're good for the body and can enhance the flavors of food," I explain, watching their reactions closely. "For instance, if we use some of these herbs with the meat from Darius' hunt, we could create a dish that's not only nourishing but also delicious."

Darius raises an eyebrow, his expression a mix of skepticism and intrigue. "Enhance flavors? How?"

I smile, recognizing the familiar path our conversation is taking. "When you cook with these herbs, they release aromatic compounds that can tickle your taste buds and make the food taste even better. It's like adding a dash of magic to your cooking."

Curtis chuckles, a spark of amusement in his eyes. "Magic herbs, huh? Sounds intriguing."

Our conversation delves deeper into the realm of cooking with these newfound herbs from Harvey's collection.

I pick up each ingredient, sharing their names and how they're used in my world.

"This yellow root here," I begin, holding up a piece of ginger, "is known as ginger. It adds a warm, spicy flavor to dishes and is often used in both sweet and savory cooking."

Curtis nods thoughtfully, his interest evident. "Ginger, huh? I can imagine how that could add a kick to a meal."

I continue, pointing to a small red pepper. "And this is chili. It comes in different varieties, and some are really hot! Just a small amount can add a lot of heat to a dish."

Darius leans in, his eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Heat? Like, a fiery sensation?"

I nod, a playful glint in my eyes. "Exactly. It's like a little explosion of spiciness in your mouth."

Darius chuckles, seemingly captivated by the concept. "I'm intrigued. What else?"

As I introduce them to each herb, explaining their flavors and uses, I can't help but notice the way Darius listens intently.

His eyes reflect a mixture of curiosity and something else—an underlying pride.

It's as if my knowledge is a bridge between our worlds, affirming the unspoken bond we formed since our first meeting.