Page 16 of Magic & Mochas
I had known plenty of adventurers in my time who had less of a backbone than one little witch.
But that was just a part of her charm, of what made her so special.
I groaned, and rested my arm over my eyes.The light of the stars was far too bright, just like how Clove’s brilliance was far too dazzling for a reclusive shadowmancer like me.
She was dangerous, this witch.Dangerous in an entirely unexpected way.
After all, I was meant to be leaving Willowmere in three months.Getting too attached would only end up making things harder.Hurting Clove was the last thing I wanted to do.Besides, I had a feeling that Clove shedding a single tear would result in Silas taking a few swipes at me.
I snorted, remembering the faint lines I had noticed on Rasmus’ arms when I first met him.It didn’t take a genius to figure out wherethosehad come from.I’d have to remember to reward the feline with some tasty treats for his excellent aim the next time I saw him.
Rasmus, on the other hand… I didn’t like how possessive he had been acting towards Clove.And after that show we put on in front of his parents… His pride must have taken quite the hit.
I summoned two of my shadow soldiers, who knelt at my bedside.What is your command?
One of you will guard the witch’s home.The other will guard the shop downstairs.
What is the nature of the threat?
One warlock, though I would not put it past him to recruit help.It never hurts to be prepared.Guard against spellwork from a distance, as well.
Understood.We will eliminate the warlock if he dares—
No,I interrupted him.You are not to kill him.Your orders are to defend, not to attack.If the warlock’s attacks persist, alert me or incapacitate him without causing permanent injury.
A prideful warlock like Rasmus would only become more enraged with a severe injury.Besides, I doubted Clove would have wanted that.After all, Silas only scratched him.If she had wanted, Clove probably could have made life much more difficult for him.
No, she clearly wanted to move on, and that would be difficult if her ex insisted on hanging around.
We will not kill.Only defend,My soldiers’ voices rasped in my mind.
Good.Report any attacks immediately.
As you wish, my lord.The two soldiers dissolved into shadow and streaked away.One attached itself to the darkness beneath Clove’s bedroom window, while the other gazed out of the shadowy recesses of a carved pumpkin on the shop’s doorstep downstairs.
Rolling onto my side, I let out a sigh.At least now, I would have a bit more peace of mind.I closed my eyes, and let thoughts of turquoise waters lull me to sleep.
Morning light played across my eyelids, dragging me up from the comforting depths of sleep.With a groan, I flicked a hand and threw up a wall of shadow across the window.I must have forgotten to close the curtains last night.
My brows furrowed.Why was that?I had been looking at the stars, and thinking about how their light reminded me of something… Or was it someone?
A machine roared to life in the shop down below my borrowed apartment.Why Clove loved that noisy espresso machine so much was a mystery to me.
I sat bolt upright in bed.Clove!She must be working on creating new recipes for her menu.Which meant I could be spending time with her right now.
I let my curtain of darkness fall away as I wiped the sleep out of my eyes.Grabbing some fresh clothes, I made my way over to the bathroom so I could take my morning shower.
This time, I made sure to lock the door behind me.
I kept my shower brief, using the time to check in with my shadow soldiers.The one stationed at Clove’s home reported that nothing had been out of the ordinary all night, which was good to hear.
But the one I had positioned at the shop’s entrance related how Rasmus had stumbled over to the shop in the early hours of the morning.Evidently, the warlock had attempted to cast some sort of hex on the door, but had slurred his words so badly that the incantation hadn’t activated the spell.And then, he had tripped his way back to wherever he was staying.
I scowled.Sometimes, I hated when I was right.At least, based on my soldier’s description, Rasmus had been so drunk that he likely wouldn’t remember his little attempt at vandalism.
I was doubly glad I had thought to station guards at both locations.Even though his revenge had failed, it was good to know what sort of petty person we were dealing with.
Should I station a soldier in Clove’s shadow, just to be safe?No, that felt far too invasive of her privacy, even if I only meant to protect her.I suppose that meant I just needed to stay by her side as much as I could when she wasn’t at home or at the shop.
