Page 35 of Magic & Mochas
I had kept my shadow soldiers out of sight up until now.But if I was going to stay, someone else would end up seeing one eventually.I had even started to consider having them help Clove run her shop, for crying out loud!
If I did, would the other residents fear me?Report me to the guild?Try to drag me into some new conflict?
Would I only wind up putting Clove in danger?
Maybe it would be better if I moved on from this town once my three months were up.But by then, would I still have enough conviction left to actually leave?
I doubted it.
It might be better for everyone if I left after the Masquerade Ball.After all, the offer I had received last night from one of the most prestigious guilds in California was rather tempting.Maybe I could stay in Willowmere just long enough to make sure that Rasmus and his mistress left Clove alone.
Even if the mere thought of never seeing Clove again felt like daggers scraping at my heart.
“Here are your fully tailored outfits for the ball, plus their matching masks.”Coralyn’s lyrical voice broke into my thoughts.
The seamstress held out two large boxes that had been neatly wrapped with a bow.There were dark circles under her ocean-colored eyes, and her normally voluminous hair looked rather deflated.
“Thank you, Coralyn.”I took the boxes from her carefully.“Clove and I both really appreciate you fitting us in before the ball—I know you must be terribly busy.”
Despite her apparent fatigue, Coralyn’s smile was dazzling.“Not at all, darling.I’m always happy to help out gorgeous couples like yourselves.”She gave me a wink.
“Your designs do all the heavy lifting.Please accept this as a token of our gratitude.”I handed her a few folded bills as a tip.
“Ah, my favorite form of gratitude.”She tucked them away into a hidden pocket in her dress.“I just might have to treat myself to a spa day after the ball!”
“You certainly deserve it,” I commented as I glanced into the back of her shop, where a line of dresses and suits were still awaiting their alterations.
“Thanks.Say hello to Clove for me!”Coralyn gave me a little wave before she turned and headed towards the back of her boutique and the many gowns she still had to complete.
The mermaid could use an employee or two during the holidays.I supposed if the coffee shop was ever in trouble financially, I could lend out my soldiers as seasonal workers.I huffed a laugh at the thought.From wielding short swords and battleaxes to needles and thread.
My, how my army had fallen.
Or risen, depending on how I looked at it.
Turning, I exited Bubbles & Bobbins and strolled along main street towards The Broom & Bean.My gaze constantly roved for threats; having both of my hands occupied made me uneasy, since it would make defending myself from attacks harder.
But the people strolling along the street in the warm, mid-afternoon light didn’t so much as glance in my direction.With the boxes in my hands, I probably looked about as threatening as an errand-boy.The anonymity was…refreshing.
The warlock approaches you from behind,warned one of my shadow soldiers.
Well, it was nice while it lasted.
Though I gave no outward sign of it, I went on high-alert.I subtly shifted most of the packages’ weight to my left hand, so my right would be free to wield a shadowsword if needed.Since the sun was high in the sky, I had plenty of shadows to work with.
Now that I was listening for it, I did indeed hear the sound of footsteps behind me.Just one set, so the Maeve Coven witch must not be with him.
When Rasmus reached out to place a hand on my shoulder, I turned sideways to stare at him, leaving his hand hovering in mid-air.The warlock’s face froze in surprise for a moment before he plastered a smile on his face.It did not reach his eyes.
“Tom, what a surprise running into you here.”He crossed his arms over his chest.
“It’s Thorne.”I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at his obvious ploy to get a rise out of me.How childish.“And you don't look all that surprised to see me.”
“Look, I’m only trying to be polite.”Rasmus waved his hands in a gesture of openness, which was when I noticed he was holding a violet rose.A rose the exact same shade as Clove’s favorite dress.
“Is that a gift for your…girlfriend, Nora?”I asked pointedly.
His eyebrow twitched when I got his mistress’ name wrong.Two could play at that game.
