Page 16 of Taming
“We’re not brothers. Just a pack of sorts. We owe someone something. Once we return the mage, we’ll be back to our normal life.”
Kreedence’s cruel features flash through my mind and, before the fear can curl into my stomach, I ask another question to distract myself.
“And what is a normal life for a dragon shifter?”
The setting sun warms the soft dirt beneath my feet. The makeshift road is lined with divots, making a winding path that leads from the outskirts of the Kingdom right to the castle gates itself. Today is one of those days that I used to love. A cool breeze rustles the trees and seeps right into my lungs. Pale colors of pink and white wash out the sky, making the world feel alive and pure.
“Our normal life is—” Chaos’ reminiscing words are cut off quickly.
“Our normal life is really none of your business.” Kain’s arm brushes mine as he keeps his attention on the thick forest.
Well, isn’t he fucking charming.
I study him from the corner of my eye before ignoring his shitty attitude.
Our friendship is only temporary. They’ll get their mage. I’ll sell them to the Prince. We’ll all live happily ever after.
“Agatha’s is just around the corner here.” I pause, trying to think of a way to make this all work out just fine. “Mages, I’m told, are able to manipulate their appearances.” That’s a lie. You get what you get. Vanity is not one of our strengths. “So, your beautiful mage may not appear as you’ve been told.” Understatement of the year, cough, cough.
Kain doesn’t speak. He barely moves his head with a simple nod of understanding.
“Well she can’t be hideous. No magic in the world could make this chick look less than what he said.A modern marvel.” Chaos has this awestruck look in his pretty eyes.
Huh. I’m a modern marvel, am I? My attention drifts down to my hips and small curves.
As we turn the bend, the trees giving way to an open meadow, the wind pulling at the ends of my long dress, dread drops to the bottom of my stomach.
A small round cottage sits front and center. Did you ever hear those stories about an old witch who eats those kids in the woods?
Yeah, Agatha definitely gives off those eerie witchy vibes.
The visual warnings are all there.
Maybe that’s why Agatha and I are the best of friends; we both intentionally keep to ourselves.
Soot stains the small windows in streaking lines that looks like the house itself is crying. There’s an assortment of wind chimes near the door, and it won’t be until we get closer that the men will be able to realize they’re actually bones clattering together; a warning bell of sorts.
Agatha will take care of these interfering men. She’ll help me; I just know it.
She’s actually one of my favorite people. She’s the only other mage I’ve ever met. She’s crazy as hell, but I’ll let these guys figure that out for themselves.
I don’t hesitate as they start to lag, their steps seemingly becoming more and more uncertain with each new detail their eyes land on.
I pass them a sly but pleasant smile as my knuckles rap gently against the rotting door. My knock doesn’t echo or even thud against the thick but damp door. It’s more of a quiet sound that Agatha always hears.
My gaze catches on the hole that graces her front yard. I could have covered it for Goddess’ sake.
The door swings open and Agatha looks out at me with hazy eyes that drift from my face to Kain, to Chaos, and then to Rime.
She seems to sense all four of us even if she can’t visually see any of us.
“Low, welcome. I was expecting a visit from mysterious strangers today, but my sight never told me they’d be so handsome.” She has nothing to hide. She knows more than these three assholes will ever understand.
She must know it’ll end okay for her. For an instant, I try to pry into my sight. For several seconds, I stand there trying to peer past the heavy veil within my mind to see what our future holds. Shadows and darkness are all that’s revealed. Something more powerful is in my future. Something that knows to surround itself with secrecy.
A chill skims all the way along my spine, and the aging lines of Agatha’s face turn down in a small frown.
Can she see it?
