Chapter 34

Alcina spends the following week in what can only be described as a haze.

Of rosy cheeks, that giddy euphoria that's unique to the blooming affections for someone new, and Brendan, indulging in all of Alcina's tentative growing bolder by the day explorations of the boundaries.

Under Brendan's growing affections, Alcina comes to life.

Like a blooming starflower, basking in the glow of the attention she'd never received before, effervescent and vivacious and ruddy-cheeked.

In turn, Brendan finds this kind of Alcina utterly fascinating, enchanting like no other thing he's ever known. It makes Brendan want to give, and give, and take.

At Alcina's request, Brendan takes her to the night bazaar again. This time, Alcina and Brendan intertwined and were drawn more to each other than the sights and wares of the market.

Though Brendan still insists on wearing the hooded cloak - much to Alcina's dismay.

But Alcina finds it isn't all bad, as the dark fabric allows Brendan to press her in again