Recollection

Alexander’s POV

“Cassidy and I made a trip to Edenis before our wedding. There was a festival. And a masquerade party,” I recounted to Fawkes. He listened attentively. “Cassidy and I went for the masquerade. We were dancing and we got thirsty, so I went to get us some ale.”

“I’d only left his side for a few moments, but when I returned, he was gone.” I pick at my nails. “There was the scent of an incubus around—they smell like sex, you know—and I got worried.”

Fawkes nodded for me to continue. I swallow and do as he prompted. “I followed the trail of sex to this dark corner, an alley where the festival hadn’t managed to brighten. He was there, standing over Cassidy. And I could smell it. I could taste his distress in the air. I-” I’m shaking. Something I only notice when Fawkes puts a hand over my trembling fingers.

“Water?” he offers. I accept and gulp down half the glass.

“Listen,” I say quietly. “I’m not completely certain of what happened next.”