Page 104 of Mystery in the Mountains

“Like I said . . . it’s hard to freak me out. But you never did say what it is you were doing at the store in Charleston.”

“Okay . . .” He set his glasses back on his nose and blew out a breath. “Here goes nothing. I’m not human.”

“Are you a shifter?”

“No . . . I’m not sure what that is, but where I come from, there are many creatures. From orcs to minotaurs to sprites, all different kinds of creatures coexist mostly peacefully.”

This had Sunny’s mind reeling. She’d never heard of such a place, but it might explain some of the mystery.

“When I got here, I needed to find a way to blend in. The witch from the store found me when I was living in an abandon building and created a glamour for me. That is why I go to see her.”

“Wow . . . Do you have the elixir now?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at the pavement.

His distress was evident, and Sunny wanted to help.

“I can’t get a hold of Ol’ Ray.”

“I’m not following you.”

“I am almost out, and I pay her in moonshine. She just upped how much I give her, and I’m out. I haven’t been able to find Ray to get more.”

“What will happen if you don’t get more?”

He bit his lip and shook his head. “I’m pretty sure I’ll go back to my original form.”

Now that had her interest piqued.

“Ummm.” He cleared his throat. “No freaking out, right?”

“Cross my heart,” she said as she held her hand over her heart.

“I’m a mothman.”

“What?”

“You crossed your heart!”

“Not freaking out . . . Just give me a minute.”

The sun had set, and they were standing on the side of the road illuminated by their headlights. She took a moment to let it sink in and did not see that coming. How could she?

The wind blew around them again, and with the sundown, it had a bit of a chill forcing her to shiver and hug herself.

“If you’re comfortable with it, please let me take you back to town.”

“Yeah, hold on, just let me get my things.”

Next thing she knew, she was getting into his tidy car. There wasn’t a thing out of place except a jacket laid over the back seat. He revved it up, and classical music started playing.

About thirty minutes later, he was pulling up to her house.

“So . . . ummm, thank you for not freaking out about it.”

---