Chapter 409
A thought formed in her mind, a question she had never dared to ask before. She focused on the feeling of gratitude, of appreciation for his presence in her life. She then focused on the image of a heart, hoping he would understand the sentiment.
Up in his realm, Crepuscular felt the shift in the warmth, the sudden influx of emotion. He perceived the image of a heart, and a wave of surprise washed over him. He understood. She was expressing... affection.
He hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. He focused on the feeling of warmth, of comfort, and amplified it, sending a wave of gentle heat towards her. In his mind, he projected an image of a protective embrace, a silent reassurance of his care.
Down on the deck, Xerosis felt the warmth intensify, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. The image of the embrace solidified in her mind, and a feeling of warmth spread through her chest. It was a feeling she couldn’t quite define, but it was pleasant, comforting, and... strangely intimate.
"Thank you," she whispered to the sky, knowing, somehow, that he could hear her.
In his realm, Crepuscular felt the sincerity in her voice, the genuine gratitude in her heart. A small smile touched his lips. He had never imagined that such a connection was possible, that he could share such intimate moments with someone.
With her mother, both were just curious to explore their bodies and after that the intial excitement wore off, but now it was different.
One day, while Xerosis was contemplating the vastness of the ocean, a new pattern emerged in the warmth. It was a slow, rhythmic pulse, a gentle ebb and flow that felt strangely... intimate. She focused on it, trying to decipher its meaning.
Then, a clear image formed in her mind: two hands, reaching out and gently touching. The image was accompanied by a feeling of tenderness, of deep affection.
Xerosis’s breath caught in her throat. She understood. He was expressing... love.
A blush crept up her neck and onto her cheeks. She had never considered such a possibility. He was her uncle, a god, a being of immense power. And yet, he was expressing a feeling that was deeply human, deeply personal.