Cafe

While standing in each other's presence, they paused. For a long time, neither Zale nor Meru said anything. Zale finally stood and embraced Meru deeply. She only came up to his chin. She buried her face in his chest and released a few muffled sobs. "I've missed you so much," he said.

His voice wavered. Meru nodded softly. They both breathed deep relief, their scents the most intoxicating comfort. When the moment passed, Meru pulled away and took the seat across from Zale, pulling it close enough to hold his hand. She rubbed her red eyes with her other hand. "I'm glad you're out now," she said, her lips turning up in the most radiant smile Zale could imagine.

His own face relaxed and scrunched into a gentle, handsome smile. At the same time, he felt the weight of his new life weigh down. He took a deep breath. Meru felt his shift. "You've been distant ever since you woke up, Zale. You wouldn't even let me visit you in the hospital. What's going on?"

She gently squeezed his hand, but the question was intense. Zale had been preparing himself to tell her since the moment he woke. He took a sip of his coffee to steel his resolve. He looked around for a moment, then finally leaned in and lowered his voice. "When the Crystal Lion's void lightning sent me into a coma...well, I learned things that I don't think I should have," he started, "I wasn't actually in a coma. My mind was moved somewhere else."

Meru gave him a concerned look, her dark brows knit in a frown. Zale couldn't help but rub that spot. Her face relaxed. Her doubt didn't. "What are you talking about, babe? You sound crazy."

Despite being prepared for the response, Zale took in a sharp breath. "I'm talking about secrets about magic. The place I was sent to, it was a library. I...I don't know, but the books there were about magic, and how to use it. Hunters, monsters, all of it. So much information…"

He paused and saw that Meru wasn't with him. She was confused and concerned still. She slipped her hand out of his and crossed her arms, gesturing for him to continue. Zale explained bits and pieces about his experience and what he'd read until he reached the critical point. "Meru, I know how this all sounds, but I've found a way to get stronger without the God of Blessings. If we become sorcerers, we can become immortal!"

Meru stopped him with a raised hand. "Enough, Zale. You were in a coma for three weeks. You expect me to believe you spent that time in some magical library and learned how to become immortal?"

Zale clenched his jaw. "I know how it sounds. I don't expect you to just believe me, but I need you to trust me. It wasn't some fever dream, I swear."

"You said you'd stop talking about death so much. I thought you'd gotten better," Meru said, tearing up.