Chapter Text
“Thanks for joining me, Rook. It really means a lot.” It was the fifth time Bellara had thanked her. She double checked her phone again before stuffing it back into her bag.
“Hey, anything to help you with your next book,” Branwen grinned. The two had been friends for roughly a year and it had been an interesting year at that. Meeting in a creative writing course at a local college, being paired up. They had hit it off instantly. Bellara had a knack for writing, more than Branwen. Branwen was more than happy to cheer Bellara on as she worked towards writing her next book, sitting up with her to listen to her as she brainstormed.
The two walked through the lobby of the hotel, Branwen glancing around as she trailed after Bellara. She was halfaware of it everything, taking in the grandeur of the building. This was far more upscale than she had ever expected. Dreamed of, yes, but to be there just for cooking classes?
“The instructor is supposed to be really good,” Bellara explained. “He apparently used to be a private chef and worked in a few high end restaurants.”
“And he teaches cooking classes now?” Branwen mused.
“From what I heard he decided to take a step back from the industry. Not sure why but I’m pretty sure working in a place like this pays the bills!”
“Swanky!”
Bellara nodded, pulling out her notebook. Branwen smiled as she watched her begin to take notes, walking and writing with incredible ease. She was curious what sort of book Bellara was writing. Why having to go to a cooking class was required for research.
“I think it’s through here,” Bellara murmured, leading them through a set of double doors.
The room was set up for the cooking class, still elegant filled with a gaggle of people chattering happily. Tables were set up with ingredients and equipment, ready for use. Bellara lead the way as usual, swirving around people and tables before getting to one that seemed unclaimed.
The sound of laughter, giddy and flirtatious, caught Branwen’s attention. She followed the sound, watching as a small group of women gathered around each other. Laughing, their attention drifting from each other to the man that was moving away from them. He seemed to pay them little attention, eyes cast to the clipboard in hand. It was clear by the air about him, and the meandering from table to table, that this was the instructor for the class.
Branwen eyed him. She couldn’t blame the reaction of those women. The man was attractive. A commanding presence without having to do more than be there. His features were broad, eyes somber even as he produced a smile. His black hair was swept away from his face, braided tightly. Even his beard was well kept, trimmed and styled. His voice, though, was lost under the chatter from the others.
Branwen eyed him as he drew closer, feeling her heart skip a beat the more she looked at him. He seemed even more handsome the nearer he drew. She glanced at Bellara, who was eagerly looking everything over. Poking through the ingredients and taking notes. No easy distraction for her.
"Hello." He had an accent, thick enough for most to be drawn in by it. Enough to render a person curious and some weak knees.
Bellara snapped to attention, a bright smile flashing across her face. "Hello!"
The man quirked a smile, eyes flicking between Bellara and Branwen. "Were the both of you looking to cook? This station is only set up for one."
"Oh no. Just one," Bellara replied, nodding towards Branwen.
"Me?"
Bellara chuckled, "Please? I can't really take notes AND cook."
Branwen frowned slightly, the heat of embarrassment warming her cheeks. She glanced at the instructor and gave a curt nod. “I guess I’m cooking today.”
“May I have your name?”
“Branwen Rook.”
The man quirked a brow, jotting her name down with a smile. “Unique name.”
“And what’s your name?” Branwen asked.
“Lucanis,” he replied. His eyes flicked up to her’s, anmused glint in his eyes as he lowered the clipboard. “Lucanis Dellamorte.”
“Dellamorte?” Branwen repeated, giving a small huff of a laugh. “Talk about a unique name.”
Lucanis flashed a smile. It seemed different than the one he had worn moments before. He turned away, almost reluctant, and moved towards the center of the room.
“Rook!” Bellara whispered, elbowing Branwen.
“What?” Branwen laughed.
“Flirting with the instructor?”
“Flirting? I just asked his name!”
Bellara narrowed her eyes as she gave a smile, writing something in her notebook happily. “Keep it professional,” she teased.
Branwen smiled, sweeping her hair back into a quick, haphazard braid. “I will if he does.” She looked around the room once more, eyes lingering on Lucanis. She smiled when he looked at her. He returned the soft smile, eyes flicking back to what had to be a small stack of notes.
It was going to be an interesting lesson, that was for sure.