Page 46 of Stitches
“N-nothing new,” Levi said, not wanting to say more and risk sparking Grillo’s curiosity. Levi hadn’t had any daydreams since Braxton started increasing the dose of his draught, which he decided was a good thing, even if it tasted bitterer than ever. “If I am ever feeling off, Madam Healer, I know who to see. You are a wonder.”
Luccite dismissed the praise with a wave of a furred hand. “Mutation manipulation is an old pastime at this point, what with all I’ve done to ensure our people can procreate. Good thing wehave so many regenerating species.” She indicated Grillo’s arm.
They turned to go, but Levi stopped as he considered what she’d said. “Does that mean you knew about all the pregnancies?”
“Not all of them,” Luccite said with a smirk. “Many couples asked for my assistance decades or longer ago, just to be sure they’d have the opportunity once they were ready. I never realized they’dallbe ready at the same time.”
Amuro and Pentelyn entered just then, as if summoned by the observation. Pentelyn had a visible bump from her abdomen, either newly popped or something she had been hiding before now.
“On that note, my next patient has arrived.” Luccite ushered the couple inside. “Good day, gentlemen. Keep me informed.”
Levi walked Grillo out but parted from him to finish an errand for Braxton, having promised to visit Grillo at home soon. Levi’s bag was filled with more black and white crystals to deliver.
Daedlys’s shop wasn’t far from Luccite’s, but as Levi approached, he saw a sign hanging from a hook on the door—Be Back Soon. Levi resigned himself to return later, only to catch the faintest melodic sounds coming from inside as he turned to go.
Someone was singing.
The haunting tune, not yet words but simple humming, drew Levi forward, and he tried the door. It was unlocked, and though Levi knew better than to enter where he was being asked to wait, he slipped inside to hear the song better.
Klarent wasn’t visible, likely somewhere in back or in the apartment above, but it was clearly his voice as the humming turned to lyrics Levi thought he might have heard before.
“Beyond the dense, dark wood
Lies lands forever night;
Shadows fall—and claw—and rend
To see to travelers’ end.
“Oh lands possessed by demons’ thrall,
The Shadow Lands take all.
“The king once sold his soul
To rule forevermore;
Twisted form—he stalks—and lures
To further grow his horde.
“Oh lands possessed by demons’ thrall,
The Shadow Lands take all.
“Beware beyond the wood
For monsters made of men;
Darkness falls—and out—they come…."
“To make you one of them,” Levi lightly sang the last line with Klarent. He felt nauseated, like his body was fighting itself.
“Levi?” Klarent appeared with a startle. He must have heard the unintended duet. He didn’t look angry—Levi didn’t think he had ever seen Klarent angry—but he did appear as though something had upset him. “Were you listening? We got it all quite wrong, didn’t we?”
“We?” Levi asked, still immobile by the door, unsure if he could keep down his breakfast or that morning’s draught.
“That was an old Emerald fable,” Klarent said.
