Chapter 16 - K'Tall

They returned to the Mindulgulph Keep in the next week. A large banquet was held in Lucian and Aven’s honor, celebrating the rescue and return of their companions. It was a glorious feast. All four of the long, sturdy wooden tables were filled to the brim with food. Wild boar, pottage, pastries, venison, gosling, and bowls of exotic fruits. The mugs sloshed with ale as the Mindulgulph lifted their drinks up in a toast to Aven and Lucian.

It seemed everyone had attended. Jorak, Roxsha, Ixichi, even the moody centaur had seemed to warm up to Aven.

“You should have seen him,” Ixichi said, standing at the table as he retold the story that had been circulating around the Mindulgulph Keep. “The hydra was lashing at us, but they couldn’t break past his guard. It was incredible. I’d never seen anything like it.”

“That’s our Aven!” As Jorak laughed and slapped Aven’s back, Aven let his eyes sweep out over the room. It seemed everyone was there… except for Lucian. Of course he wasn’t there. Aven all but ignored his food as he sank back into his chair. Lucian had all but avoided Aven ever since their conversation. He went to great lengths to keep his path from crossing with Aven’s.

But why?

Was it because Lucian had struck him? Did he feel guilty? Or had his confession simply made Lucian feel uncomfortable? His words echoed in his mind like a struck gong.

I think I love you.

Aven groaned and tilted his head back. Damn. Of course he ran. They barely knew each other, he was Lucian’s slave for most of the time they’d been together and suddenly he’s confessing his love? For a Prince? As though he had a snowball’s chance in the ninth layer of hell. Dumbass…

“Boy,” Jorak said, pulling him from his thoughts. “Are you going to finish your venison, or can I throw it to Bella?”

Aven pushed from his feet. “Do whatever you like with it. Have you seen Lucian?”

“Lucian?” The Kenku looked about, as though only now just realizing he was absent from the banquet. “Sorry, Aven. I don’t know.”

Aven didn’t wait to ask the others. He thanked the centaur in charge of the banquet and shoved through the doors into the halls.

It didn’t take long for Aven to find him. He only had to follow the scent of suffocatingly lavish wine. He nudged into the Mindulgulph War Room and sure enough, there he was.

Lucian hovered over a map of Amn built into a stone table, twilight pouring in through the windows. He looked exhausted. Tired bags hung under his eyes and his hair, rather than in an elegant braid, was tied back messily behind his head.

Aven paused in the doorway. Would Lucian scold him for seeking him out? Only one way to know for sure. He drew a breath, tucked his hands behind his back and entered the room. “My lord,” he said. “You should eat and rest."

Lucian didn’t look up. "Rest can wait."

"No, it can’t.” Before he could decide against it, Aven rested a heavy hand on Lucian’s shoulder. The boy’s entire body went rigid with tension. “If you drop dead, all of this is for nothing. You’re needed at your best."

Lucian rubbed his eyes. "I’m not going to drop dead.” He heaved a sigh and jammed his finger against the map in frustration. “Spellhold Asylum is more difficult to breach than I had originally anticipated. I’ve been trying to prepare for the liberation of the imprisoned mages."

"Give me a rundown. Perhaps I can provide my…expertise.” Lucian glanced up skeptically. “Hey, I’m more than just a see-monster-and-smack-monster guy.”

Lucian rolled his shoulder. “Very well. The mages are imprisoned here.” He pointed down to an island off the coast of Athkatla, a bridge leading from the mainland all the way to the island. “There’s only one entrance to the island,” Lucian said. “And that’s the bridge leading straight to the main gates. There’s a mythal, which is essentially a magical shield, surrounding the island. It prevents all other access. Any who attempts to swim there will reach the mythal and instantly try to drown themselves. Leaving is the same way. Across the courtyard are incorporeal undead who listen only to the Cowled Mages who reside there.” Lucian rubbed a hand along his jaw. “I can really only see one way to gain access to the island, but it’s certainly not my first choice.” Lucian glanced upwards. “Perhaps you have another idea.”

Aven considered. “Well, they only take mages, correct? Wouldn’t it be an unfortunate matter if they capture someone who appears to be using magic and then…” he grinned. “They get there only to realize he has not a lick of it?"

"That would be unfortunate,” Lucian purred. “It would also make you immune to them turning you tranquil."

"They do that to all of their prisoners?"

"Not all. According to Morra and the intel her kenku spies have gathered, there’s a process known as the Harrowing. This… Harrowing process determines whether a mage is ‘sane.’ If they’re dubbed insane, they’re made tranquil. If not, I imagine they’re likely kept in magic dispelling cells or put to experimental use. Or put to work.”

The very idea of it pulled Aven’s lips downwards. “So…do you know anything about the inside of the place if we were to infiltrate it?"

Lucian shook his head. "No. Unfortunately, those who enter aren’t well known for getting out.” Lucian pauses. “Save for one. A being was known to have stayed in Spellhold for ten years before he escaped."

"Who?"

"His name is K'tall. He’s a thri-kreen that lives here."

Aven deadpanned. He sighed and shoved his fingers through his hair. "Yeah. I know him."

"Good,” Lucian said. “You’ll be the one speaking to him, then. I can’t stand bugs.”

Aven pouted. As Lucian left the war table, he kept in stride with the Prince. “He said some odd things last time I spoke with him,” he murmured. “He said I was cursed."

"Cursed with an impetuous mind, maybe,” Lucian snorted. “I’d suggest ignoring him, but if we were to so easily throw aside what it is he has to say, then he wouldn’t be able to provide very good advice.”

Aven nodded. “So say we get information out of him, and a map of the place. I’ll be your bait and do whatever is needed to get everyone in and out."

Lucian’s strides came to screeching halt. He turned to Aven, arching a brow. "You say that like you’re going in alone."

"Well you sure aren’t,” Aven said flatly.

Lucian scowled.

“You’re a prince to be king,” Aven continued. “As well as a potent mage. You’d be stupid to be anywhere near that hell hole. But I’m not against seeing if anyone here is capable of long range communication. That way we can stay in contact."

"That’s easy enough, I have a cantrip for it,” Lucian waved his hand dismissively. “You may face challenges that demand arcane prowess. What would you do then, meathead?"

"We’ll take someone more disposable. Or perhaps I’ll find someone who’s already there."

"You act like this is a debate."

"No, but you do.”

Lucian’s eyes narrowed to slits. “Impudent,” he hisses, his shoulder knocking against Aven’s as he stalked past.

Aven stood there for a moment, then chased after. “Wait! I don’t know what that means!"

Lucian whirled about so quickly Aven nearly run into him. He pointed his finger directly into Aven’s chest in a sharp jab. "It means bold. Audacious. Disrespectful."

Aven frowned. "I’m sorry, my lord. But you took me on to keep you safe and secure. I’m going to do my duty."

"My safety is first priority, but not when it conflicts with my bidding. That means not…” Lucian tugged on a lock of curly dark hair in exasperation. “Not arguing with me!”

“…you really want to risk going in with me?” Aven’s voice was quiet. His eyes searched Lucian’s. “I just don’t know what to expect and if something happened…” His jaw twitched. The softness in his gaze hardened. “I brought a ship down for a baby. I dare not imagine what I’d do for someone I care for.”

A deep blush blossomed across Lucian’s cheeks. As if against his better judgment, Lucian leaned forward until his lips brushed against Aven’s jaw, as delicate as a whisper. “Then we’ll be fine,” he promised. “Now…come. Let’s go to bed. I want to do some reading before we sleep, and my bed has been cold."

Smoothly, Aven’s arms curved around Lucian’s hips, drawing the Prince closer. Breath passed in a flutter of heat. "May I order for a proper meal to be sent up as well?"

Lucian swallowed the lump in his throat. His eyes were caught upon Aven’s lips like a fish on a hook. ”…yes. I think that would be appropriate. Get one for yourself as well.“ As though afraid of what he might do next, he pushed off from Aven. "I’ll be in my chambers.”

Aven stared until Lucian was gone, disappearing around the corner. Then he groaned and ran his fingers through his hair. “Fuck me, Aven, are you stupid?” he grumbled. “Ignored for a solid week and you’re right back to throwing yourself at him. Good job.” With an exasperated sigh, he turned and marched towards the kitchens.

————————————————

Aven resembled a proper steward when he reached Lucian’s chambers, balancing a platter of food on each hand. Biscuits and venison and fruits he’d never seen before but smelled delicious dominated the plates as he pushed the door open with his boot.

Lucian didn’t notice him at first. He was sprawled across his bed laying on his side, leafing through a book in quiet focus. His eyes flicked upwards. “There you are,” Lucian said. He wore white linen sleepwear so light and airy a gust of wind might have blown them right off his body.

Aven had to drag his gaze away from Lucian’s form. “It took all my willpower not to devour this on the way up,” he teased, setting one tray at the side table and the other beside Lucian on the bed.

“Well, devour away.” Lucian plucked a fruit from the platter and popped it in his mouth. “I picked up a book about Amnian lore from the Mindulgulph’s disgustingly limited library. It’s quite intriguing.

"What is it about?” Aven had already busied himself with digging into his food. The way he ignored his silverware was not unnoticed.

“It speaks of the river Splendarrllur, which was said to host a city guarded by a Mythal on its banks until they mysteriously disappeared.” Lucian had taken up an almost youthful posture as he sat, drawing a knee into his chest and swung an arm around his leg as he folded the book open towards Aven. “The city is known as Myth Lharast,” Lucian dragged his fingers over the words as he spoke. “They say the greatest elven warriors came from this city."

Aven’s brows lifted. "You can take all that from some words on paper?"

"And so much more.” Lucian paused. “Would you like to learn how to read it yourself?"

Aven’s blush was bashful. "I don’t know if you’d have enough patience for that.” He sighed. “I don’t think anyone would.”

“If I have the patience to look at your ugly mug all day, then I certainly have enough to teach you how to read. Besides, you can’t very well serve me as an illiterate savage."

Aven pouted and swallowed another bite. "Fine, fine. We can give it a go, but even I’ve gotten fed up on trying to teach myself.” He glowered at the book. “The letters always change."

Lucian snorted. "Well, yes. Different letters make different sounds, so they’re prone to being used differently depending on the word."

"They’re supposed to shift? Half the things we pronounce don’t even match the words on paper."

"That’s because different letters formed together form different sounds. If you read every letter as it is, it’ll be very garbled.” Lucian pawed through the small stack of books by him. “Let’s see…let’s start with this one, from the top.”

————————————————-

The lesson didn’t last long. After two hours of studying, Lucian had all but face planted onto the bed in exasperation, the book sprawled out. It had gone exactly as Aven had predicted. Every letter seemed to swim off the pages and jumped about. When he insisted the letters wouldn’t stand still, Lucian had all but given up.

“Why can’t peasants possess even the simplest education,” he groaned, voice muffled into the blankets. Aven rubbed his temples to rid himself of the terrible headache he’d earned. “Because royalty deprived us of it by taking all of our money and ensuring we never gain more.”

Lucian’s easy going manner melted away. He frowned against the pillow, fingers twisting into the blankets. “Is that really what they think of us?” he asked.

“Oh they think and say far worse. I’m being generous. But then … I’ve also been able to see things from your end, too.” He eyed Lucian. “You hadn’t the faintest clue about most of this, did you?"

Lucian flushed. He brought his knees up into his chest. "What I heard came from my council,” he admitted. “And my uncle. I was always… removed from the lives of common folk. It’s like an alien world to me."

"When you come to rule, you should really think about overseeing your council,” Aven advised. “They’re all liars and cheaters, ready to pick and steal whatever they can to ascend and empower their own asses.” Aven scowled. “Maybe not all of them…I just know they were also responsible for covering up my father’s death.”

He stilled at the feeling of Lucian’s hand resting on his shoulder. Moonlight pooled in through the windows. “No more fathers will be lost to a corrupt council,” Lucian said firmly. “And I was thinking… perhaps a common education. For all children, up until the age of thirteen. Mathematics, physics, literature, perhaps cantrips as well-” he didn’t finish.

Aven had surged forward to press his lips to Lucian’s in a kiss.

He stole Lucian’s breath away. His warmth, his lips, his everything. He leaned into the kiss, eyes easing closed and when Aven pulled back for air, Lucian touched his lips, as though trying to touch where Aven’s had kissed. “…was it something I said, or are you just a lust driven dog, now?"

Adoration blazed in Aven’s eyes. He lifted Lucian’s chin, gaze searching him. "It was everything you said,” he whispered breathlessly. “Everything you’re showing me… who you’re growing to be.”

Lucian’s legs swung over as he straddled Aven. He leaned forward, silks drawing across Aven’s abdomen, and pushed back the barbarian’s hair. Aven’s breath hitched in the back of his throat, and his hands molded to the small of Lucian’s back, legs wrapping around him.

Delicate pale fingers brushed over skin, where the flesh on Aven’s shoulder was roughened from the blast’s burn, eliciting a shudder. “You did this for a child you didn’t know,” Lucian murmured. His hands roamed Aven’s sensitive shoulder. “Tell me what you would do for me."

"That’s the thing,” Aven whispered. His lips struck Lucian’s jaw tenderly. “I think it’s damn near limitless.”

While Lucian’s touches were tender, his face was stone. The only flicker of emotion in his eyes was deep contemplation. He mindlessly pushed his delicate fingers up Aven’s chest. “Then I have one command for you, Aven. The most important one of all."

"What…?"

Lucian took Aven’s head in his hands, palms against his cheeks and thumbs delicately grazing over cheekbones. He leaned forward until their foreheads touched, so close Aven could feel his pale lashes fluttering across his skin. "Survive.”

“While it’s my job to protect you, I need to be alive to do that.” Aven closed his eyes. “Survive with me."

"As if I’d die so easily. I have a country to return to and a usurper to hang."

All the strength melted from Lucian’s bones. He sank against Aven’s chest, face pressed to his shoulder. ”…then I have one request,“ Aven said. "Let me be the one to behead him."

Lucian’s laughter was a warm breath against Aven’s chest as he curved into the man’s figure. "That can be arranged.” He reached out, grasping Aven’s hand as he settled.

Aven drank it in. The warmth. The comfort. Having someone in his arms that wasn’t paying for his time. “Missed this,” he said, nuzzling his face to wispy blonde locks.

“I’m…” As though the words were painful in his mouth, Lucian growled. “Damn. I’m sorry. For striking you. It was wrong. And for avoiding you, I just…I…” Articulation had all but vanished and he simply groaned, hiding his head in Aven’s chest. “I don’t know what I feel. In regards to you and I."

"I don’t mind. You won’t shatter my heart by saying you don’t feel the same. I just wanted to let you know how I felt."

"Well, that’s a relief. I was worried you might start pining like a kicked puppy if I hurt your precious feelings.”

Aven grinned. “Of course, I hope it isn’t always unreciprocated."

"I’ll do what I want, peasant."

Aven’s laugh was breathy. As Lucian twisted around, he pulled him close to spoon him. "Yes you will. Goodnight.”

—————————————————

When Aven awoke the next morning, exhaustion had finally caught up with Lucian. He slept soundly in a mass of blankets, chest slowly rising and falling. Sunlight streamed in through the window, and a splay of his silvery blonde hair fanned out across the pillows. Aven sleepily lowered a kiss to his temple, tucked the blankets around his frame and slipped from the bed.

First order of business was to find K’tall.

It was immediately apparent that Lucian told no one of Aven’s immense blunder. In the eyes of the Mindulgulph, he was the one who single handedly took on a hydra while Lucian rescued the captives. They treated him like a hero. Pats on the backs, smiles, the bumping of furry fists.

The Keep by this point was easy to navigate. He’d spent enough time in these halls by now to know it like the back of his hand. Of course, there was one area that was still lost to him, one that he had stumbled upon simply by accident. He needed direction.

Aven picked along the corridors until he came to the armory. Several of the Mindulgulph, including a bear-like quaggoth, were tending to their armor. As Aven entered the room, the quaggoth broke out into a fanged smile. “Beast Tamer,” he greets.

“Morning,” Aven said. “Mind if I ask how to get somewhere?"

"How can I help you?"

"I’m looking for where the cages are with some of the weirder creatures."

At that, the Mindulgulph lifted their brows. "Weirder,” purred a yuan-ti.

Aven pondered over his words for a moment, then broke out into a big smile. “You’re all beautifully weird,” he said. “I meant more the raging, foaming monsters you keep in your basement.”

The mindulgulph chortled. “Give me your axes, Beast Tamer,” the quaggoth rumbled. “I’ll tend to them while you seek out your 'weirder’ beasts. They’re kept in the lower level, beneath the mead hall."

Aven thanked them and set his course for the beast pen.

Descending beneath the Mead Hall, Aven could hear the low growls and skitters and sounds of creatures trapped in cages. Striking a torch, he wheeled back as a strange, hulking creature smashed against the side of the cage. Aven recoiled and nearly dropped his torch. Eight bug like eyes glittering in the firelight and mandibles clicking.

Aven grimaced.

"Thanks, Lucian,” he muttered, tightening his grip on the torch. “Bugs are my favourite, how did you know?” He peered into the inky darkness.

Animals shuffled about in their cages, bumped against their bars and yet… there was no sign of the insect like being.

“K'tall?” Aven whispered into the darkness. “K'tall… it’s just me. I wanted to talk to you, come out.” No K'tall. Aven lowered his torch and sighed.

Damn. He came down here for nothing. He turned to leave…. when he heard it. A clicking above him.

He looked up, and from the flickering splayed across the ceiling, Aven could see the tapping mandibles of K'tall, his head twitching into curious cocks.

Aven heaved a weary sigh. “Of course you’re above me,” he grunted. “I’ve come to talk. Uninterrupted.” K'tall dragged himself across the ceiling to the wall, legs pulling him forward until he was perched on top of an empty cage.

Large, bug-like eyes glittered in the flames of Aven’s torch.

Aven hung it up on a sconce. “I know you can understand me.” K'tall inched forward. His legs clattered on the iron balls as he carefully picked his way towards the edge. “You were imprisoned in Spellhold Asylum once, weren’t you?” Aven continued.

The very word sent the thri-kreen skittering back into darkness, so quickly that it was only the tapping of insectoid legs across the wall that alerted Aven to what direction he’d gone.

“Wait!” He called out, rushing after. “Nothing is going to happen to you anymore! I just have questions. I want to set people free."

Free. The voice, it was like shards of glass in his mind. The walls are not their chains. K'tall emerged from behind Aven around the corner of a cage.

The barbarian’s heart was slamming against his chest. "Then what is?"

Aven recoiled as the thri-kreen surged forward. The next time he blinked, a long, sharp finger was pressed against his temple. Chains of the mind. It strangles. It feeds.

Aven frowned. "You mean what they do to the wizards…we want to stop it all."

It was impossible to read K'tall. His praying mantis-like head cocked. His mandibles clicked thoughtfully, and no emotion showed in his large, unblinking eyes. What do you need?

"Knowledge of the inside,” Aven said. “You’re the only one who’s seen it…. who did you escape and navigate?”

K'tall reached out. Before Aven could draw away, his finger touched against his forehead. He could feel the world dip beneath his feet, swooped up and into darkness, and then, he was elsewhere.

All around him, the landscape was inky, as though it had been painted.

Dark corridors made from obsidian were illuminated by red bloodstones embedded into the ceiling, glowing a dull crimson colour. Aven could hear the sounds of panting breath as an insect-like creature and two humans raced around a corner.

K'tall.

Aven could hear the snapping of gears, a scythe swinging down and cut one of the humans in half. From around the corner behind them, a woman stepped around the bend. In the light of the bloodstones, she looked utterly demonic. Her hair was like fire, pooling down to her waist and face spattered with blood. Her fangs curved into a smile, and she used the back of her hand to smear away the blood before she surged forward with a laugh.

The dungeon faded. Aven was back with K'tall and the thri-kreen shuddered with fear. Don’t go there.

Aven grit his teeth. His nails bit into his palms. “I need to,” he insisted. “We have to try… the people trapped there deserve at least something. Please, I need more, K'tall. How can we do this?”

K'tall stared, unblinking. From behind Aven, he could hear the snarls of one of the beasts as it slowly paced back and forth, the flickering shadows of the caged animals being cast along the walls in rippling, black masses.

Then, K'tall reached out his spindly finger. This time, Aven met him halfway, and leaned his forehead into the touch.

He was once again back in Spellhold. He could see K'tall’s neck bound in a silver blue collar, blue runes etched upon it as he crept up a twisting pair of stairs. A tower. And towards the top of that tower, Aven could hear the thrumming of powerful arcane energy. K'tall reached the top, and there in a bare room, was a sphere. Black as night and empty as the void, it hovered above a platform, sparking with red energy. K'tall pressed his hand to it. Aven’s entire vision was blurred by a blinding flash of light, a pulse of power that expelled outwards. The mythal surrounding the asylum disintegrated, evaporated and crumpled like falling leaves. If only for a moment.

The vision ended.

Aven was back on his feet, and K'tall was gone. Aven’s chest heaved. Slowly, he took up his torch and whispered into the darkness, “thank you.”

—————————————-

Lucian was, once again, in the War Room when Aven found him. Lucian was leaned over the map with Morra, the two of them murmuring to one another while a gnoll lit candles around the room.

Aven strode in with purpose. He leaned lazily back against the wall. “Don’t worry too much about that map,” he said. “It won’t do much for you."

"Aven.” Lucian looked up. “Morra and I were thinking that perhaps the Mindulgulph could provide an escape for the mages once we retrieved them…. what have you learned?"

Aven swept forward, regarding the map with a heavy frown. "The amount of people we can actually pack in with us is close to nothing. There are no secret ways in. Those who go inside are those who will have sacrificed themselves as being identified as mages, or posing as mages, at the very least. And when we open the way out, the window will be small."

"Elaborate."

"The only way is to take down the Mythal, from the inside. There’s this… sphere like mechanism that controls it, and can disable it, for a short time."

"And you think you can find it?"

"Yes.”

“We’ll need to cause some kind of commotion in Athkatla, then,” Lucian murmured. “Draw their attention, have them arrest us…”

“Us?”

Lucian eyed Aven for a long while. “The reason why your plan didn’t work,” he said. “Is because you tore off and did it on your own. We didn’t work together.” He closed the distance between them, and looked up into Aven’s eyes. “This time, we do this as a team. I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Even if I say please?”

“Even if you beg on your knees.”

Aven exhaled. There was no way he’d be able to talk Lucian out of this. “Fine, fine,” he hissed. “But we’ll need to get you fitted for armour if you’re joining. Something light as air.” He turned to Morra. “Do you have anything like that?"

"Our blacksmith, a quaggoth known as Bruuton, has forged an elven chain, I believe."

Lucian hesitated, and tugged on Aven’s shirt. "Aven,” he said. “The more armour I wear, the more my spells can go…. Awry.”

Awry. Aven thought back to the many, many miss-casts. The last thing they needed was the chaos of Lucian’s spellcasting on an important mission, but… he took Lucian’s hand, thumb drawing over his knuckles.

“We’ll try on whatever you need until we find you the lightest fit.” Morra watched hte two. Aven could have sworn she was smirking. “Bruuton will be able to assist. I believe he has your axes as well, boy."

Lucian was painfully aware of how close they were.

He pushed his hair back distractedly. "All right. Let’s see this Bruuton, then.” “One more thing."

Morra stepped in front of them, stopping the two from leaving. "There’s one more matter that needs to be settled.” Morra waved her hand, and a kenku swept into the room….a sleeping bundle against her chest. “We are not a nursery,” Morra said.

Aven flushed. “We need to get her out of Amn,” he said. “Is there any way she can be watched until this is over and she can depart with us? Her family is gone…we just need to find her a new one."

"I will repeat. We are not a nursery."

Elissa’s eyes opened. She babbled giddily as she spotted Aven, making grabby hands out for the man.

Aven grimaced. "Oh, kid, you can’t get attached,” he muttered. “I am the last person fit to deal with a baby.” He let the baby take hold of a single finger in both of her tiny hands. He returned his attention to Morra. “She nearly ended up exactly where we’re about to infiltrate."

Lucian tapped his lip thoughtfully. ”…the Priest, in the Hall of Lathander. Maybe he’ll take her in until we’ve brought down the Asylum.“

"You mean the priest I punched."

"Yes. The priest you punched. Until then.” Lucian lofted the baby up out of the kenku’s arms and pushed her into Aven’s arms. “You’re on baby duty."

”What?!“

Lucian merely sent him a smile before leaving the War Room. Aven followed.

"I’m a warrior. Not a babysitter."

"Should have thought about that before you kidnapped her."

"She was in danger! Elissa would have died, Lucian."

"And speaking of.” Lucian glanced over. “We can’t call her by her true name. I trust the Priest, but others within earshot… they may squeal to the Cowled Wizards. We need a different name for her."

Aven held the baby aloft as she squirmed about in his arms, tugging on locks of curly hair. "Lucielle.”

Lucian snorted. “Absolutely not."

"Her name is Lucielle. Look at her, she loves it.” The baby giggled and sucked on Aven’s finger.

Lucian wrinkled his nose at the disgusting display. “Yes, she seems thrilled,” he muttered. “Lucielle it is.”