Page 10 of Thorn & Ash

“Why can’t I see the other souls?” Mona peered down into the river, squinting. But Evander knew she wouldn’t be able to see the others. Only a god or goddess had such an ability.

“You are not meant to,” he said. “Each soul must journey along their own path to peace in the next life.”

Mona’s brows furrowed as she stared hard at the water. Something like surprise flashed in her gaze, her lips parting slightly. Then, she quickly looked up at him, her mouth clamping shut.

Evander stared at her. What had she seen? Surely, she hadn’t seen another soul. It was impossible.

Then again, many things had occurred today that were impossible.

It made Evander wonder—was this strange situation with Mona an isolated incident, or was it a sign something larger was affecting the Underworld?

“Can you—are you able to descend into the water?” Evander asked. “Perhaps that would help heal you.”

Mona shifted, her form rippling once more. Her jaw clenched from the effort, and she sighed, shaking her head. “No. I can’t move at will.”

Evander nodded, trying not to feel discouraged. This had never happened to him before. What must it be like for her to hover there in mid-air, unable to move freely?

What if this started happening to other souls, too?

He stretched out his hand again, this time the motion deliberate. He drew close enough for his fingers to brush against her, but no closer. He didn’t want to frighten her away or trigger another disappearance.

“What are you doing?” Mona asked sharply.

“I’m trying to see if you are corporeal. Most souls are not, but… you are not like most souls.” He smiled. “Only if you are comfortable, of course.”

Mona hesitated, her eyes guarded. After a moment, she nodded.

Evander took a step, submerging his left foot into the river. An icy chill bit into him, his trousers now damp as the current brushed past him. Ignoring the cold waters around him, he brought his hand closer until his fingertips met the edges of her skirt.

Mona gasped, and Evander felt it, too. A bolt of heat scorched his fingers so intensely that he jerked back in alarm, his skin throbbing from the contact. He cradled his hand, inspecting the injury. Two angry red splotches appeared on the spots where his fingers had touched her. They faded quickly, the pain vanishing along with it. But that didn’t change what had happened.

This soul had burned him.

CONFESSIONS

MONA

Before Mona’s Resurrection

“Tell me about your magic. Maybe that will shed some light on your situation.”

Since his first attempt to touch her had gone badly, Evander seemed to keep his distance. He sat on the edge of the riverbank, his arms propped on his knees as if he and Mona were simply sharing a picnic by the water. Instead, Mona felt ridiculous, merely hovering above the water’s depths like a lost and confused ghost.

Being around this otherworldly man still unsettled her, too. He wore a plain black tunic and trousers, but his silvery hair and eyes kept drawing Mona’s gaze. He had a thin spread of facial hair and an intriguing stone hanging around his neck on a leather cord. At times, he seemed the picture of ease, nothing but calm and polite. Other times, a brief darkness crossed his features, making Mona wonder where his thoughts had turned. But those moments never lasted long.

All in all, Evander was a mystery Mona wanted nothing more than to solve.

“Don’t you want to hear about how I died?” Mona asked, thinking this would be the first thing souls should talk about.

“Not necessarily. And, since you appear young, I presume it was a tragic death. Sometimes facing the circumstances of your death too soon can trigger unexpected reactions. Given the circumstances, I think it’s best if we stick to safer subjects for now.” Evander offered a pleasant smile.

Mona sighed. “Well, I'm an earth witch. My grace is rose vines.”

“Grace?”

“It's a magical affinity. Something that comes naturally to you.”

Another smile spread across his face, this one much softer. “And you could effortlessly summon roses? That sounds quite lovely.”

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