Page 21 of The House of Whispers

“I admire your spirit,hexer.” He spat the label once more from his lips.

“I’m not the one beating up women like a dog listening to a command.” The words seemed to sting him as his jaw clenched. “Besides, why do you care if I rest, when you’re so disgusted by magik? By what I am?” I pushed closer, my brows furrowed as I glared up at him. “You know I didn’t choose this life for myself.”

“Didn’t you though?” He leaned in crossing his inked muscular arms across his chest. He watched the confusion flash across my face. “Was it notyouwho sought out Madame Chepi for protection?”

“I was a child. I didn’t know better.” I tried to turn from him, bitter.

“Nonetheless,” he grabbed my arm, twisting me back to him, “yousought her out.” Chesmu pulled me close, staring down at my battered face. “You may have been born with your magik, but you chose this life, Casper. It’s time you faced the reality of your situation.” I tried to remove myself from his grip, but he only held me tighter. His free hand ran along the many bruises along my face. “What did you do?” He sounded confused.

“Release me, Chesmu.” I demanded through clenched teeth, embarrassed.

His smile stretched further as he pulled me to the tips of my toes. “Or what?” He was teasing me—testing me.

My free arm swung, magik soaking my hand as I slammed the violet flame toward him. The purple flicker hit his face, dissolving as he laughed, completely untouched by my power. I stumbled back in perplexion, his hand slowly allowing me to slide from his fingers as he rubbed his cheek, completely unharmed. Dwimmer magik was possible to deflect, but dark hexer magic? That was impossible.

“How-how did you do that?” My voice wavered as Chesmu crossed his arms. He had no magik, and yet he was able to ward off the darkest form of power.How?

“You’re not the only one with secrets, hexer.” He winked, turning as he opened the door. Light from the hallway bled into the room as he stepped through the doorway, stopping to peek his head over his shoulder as he spoke to me. “Rest and gather your strength. Your next shift begins at first light.” My throat ran dry as I watched him, a grin forming on his face as our eyes met. “And you’re welcome—for covering for you. I’m sure I’ll find a way for you to thank me later.” Chesmu closed the door behind him as his footsteps faded away.

Part of me wanted to chase after him and demand answers, the other trailed off as I thought of how he expected me to ‘thank’ him. Did he really care about my well being? Or was he just toying with me? I stepped toward the door, lost in thought when a flash of vermillion ignited and someone grabbed the back of my neck, stopping me dead in my tracks.

“Where do you think you’re going?” I’d forgotten all about Jakkal and our earlier encounter. “I don’t know what games you think you’re playing withhim,” he pulled me back, my spine slamming into his chest, “but the only game you should be worried about isours.”

Ours. Jakkal had once again clumped our lives together.

“I’m not playing anymore of your sick and twisted games,Ripper.” I spat his pseudonym as I reached for my neck, forcing his hand from me. “I’m done with you.” I turned to face the masked killer who now stood in front of me. His top hat hid the color of his hair, the blood-stained fox mask concealing his face. Even though I couldn’t see them, I could feel his eyes burning against my skin as his head tilted down at me. His chest raised and lowered as his heavy breathing increased. His hands squeezing into fists, the leather of his gloves squeaking as his grip tightened. I struggled to maintain my stance at the sight of his presence. He was frightening, yet somehow tantalizing. Power emanated from him. Not typical power—no—what flowed from Jakkal was dark, menacing, and alluring. Something that deep down my consciousness knew was wrong, but in spite of that, I needed to know more.

Jakkal overshadowed me as he slowly stepped closer. He raised his hand, softly stroking my cheek with restraint. “It pains me to hear such words from your lips.” His thumb stroked my lower lip, “But I know, deep within your core, thatyou,sweet Casper, are longing to be free.” My brows curled in confusion as he relaxed his breathing, caressing my injured cheek.

My hand pushed him from my face as he grabbed my hand and locked his fingers with mine. “I am free.”

“Are you? Truly?” He tilted his head in curiosity. “Or are you shackled to this house? To your precious madame?” He paused waiting for an answer I could not give. “No, you are not free. You never have been and you never will be.”

“Why can’t you just leave me be?” I pleaded as Jakkal inched closer to roughly push our bodies together. “Why must you continue to haunt me?” His heartbeat matched mine, increasing with each breath. He remained silent. “I may not be free, but I refuse to be chained toyou. I won’t become The Ripper’s shadow.” A small tear formed as I stared at him, moonlight highlighting his silhouette. My words faded into a whisper as he held me close. “Please, release me.” The single tear rolled from my eye.

Jakkal wiped the tear as it reached my cheek. “You cannot escape fate.”

“This is not fate. This ismadness.”

He chuckled faintly to himself. “Indeed it is.”

Jakkal’s hands retreated from my body, our fingers remaining intertwined as he led me to my washroom. At the snap of his fingers, candles filled the room, ignited in a subtle orange glow. He stopped, turning to face me as his fingers pulled from my hand, leaving me in the doorway confused.

“You should tend to your wounds.” He began to unbutton his trenchcoat, removing it slowly as I stared, perplexed by what was happening. “Allow me.” With a second snap, the tub began to run, filling with steaming hot water.

He… wants me to take a bath?

Jakkal gently folded and draped his trenchcoat over the side of the sink. He crossed his arms and leaned against the porcelain, watching me.

Was he—waiting?

“I’m not getting in the tub. I’m not taking a bath.Especiallywith you here.” I snapped, turning to leave only to find myself face to face with Jakkal. He was slightly bent down, leering at me. My feet stumbled at his sudden appearance.

“Get in the tub, Casper.” His voice was low but threatening.

My brows furrowed with defiance as he remained still, watching me, waiting for me to obey his command. I remained firm.

No.

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