Page 26 of Myths and Manuscripts
He didn’t answer, so I peeked over my shoulder at him. His eyebrows were pinched together as he studied his empty bowl, running his fingers along the edge in circles. He usually said whatever thought popped into his mind, so why was he so quiet now?
“What’s wrong?” I rejoined him at the table. “You don’t have to come, if you don’t want. I can explore on my own.”
“No, that’s not it. I just don’t really go outside.” His voice was soft as he sank lower in his chair, dissolving into his shadows. “Today was the first time.”
“Wait, what?” I almost dropped my glass in shock. “So you just stay inside this castle? All alone?”
Between the shadows swirling around him and the bad lighting, I could barely make him out anymore, but it seemed like he nodded. Really? He hadneverstepped outside his castle? That was basically the first thing I did once I realized the castle had nothing interesting in it. It was cold, dark, and lonely. Not a place for anyone to hole up in for months or years.
“But why?” I felt myself reaching for his hand, hovering next to the shadows. “Weren’t you lonely?”
“Not really, and if I ever was, I’d just look out the windows at all the townsfolk. I’d make up stories about their lives and it was oddly comforting.”
His shadows flickered, betraying his light-hearted tone. There was no way watching everyone live their lives while he was locked up in here alone had been comforting. It had probably made him even lonelier. So why had he done it?
“I used to make up stories with my Grandpa all the time too.” A familiar twinge went through my chest, like an old ache that came and went with the rain, as I traced the rings in the wooden table. “It hasn’t felt the same since he passed away. Now it’s just me and my thoughts and it’s not nearly as much fun. I’m guessing it’s the same for you.” My gaze darted up, like I was hoping to see some kind of connection in his eyes, but he was too lost in shadow for me to see. “Why didn’t you ever talk to the townsfolk?”
“I’m the villain of the story, Willow.” His shadows snapped around us both now, pulling me into the darkness with him. His face was contorted with such pain that I did take his hand this time. It was cold against mine. His eyes widened at the touch, but he still wouldn’t meet my eyes. “I’m supposed to be terrifying and monstrous. The only one strong enough to unite the demon generals and rule this land.” His throat bobbed as his hand tightened around mine. “Do I seem terrifying to you?”
“No, of course not.” The instant the words left my lips, I knew they were wrong. His face fell and he started tugging away from me, but I laced my fingers through his. “I mean, you don’t seem terrifying because you’ve never tried to scare me. You’ve been a good friend, actually, so if you want to be terrifying, I’ll help you. I’m your writer, so I can make you whatever you want to be.”
“That’s true, you’re the one in control here. That’s why I wanted it to be you. You never make light of me, and you take your stories seriously. Well, I seriously need to live up to what my author wanted me to be, but I just don’t feel it. I’m always worried the fans will think I’m a joke when they meet me inperson. Will you help me?”
His shadows drifted over my skin, velvety soft and more comforting than I’d expected. They curled around our interlaced fingers far too intimately for my taste. Warmth spread through my stomach, and I jerked my hand back with an awkward laugh.
“Of course I’ll help you, but is being terrifying really all there is to being a villain?” My skin was still tingling from his shadows as I clenched my hands in my lap. “Like, why are you the villain? What drives you?”
His mouth opened like he was going to answer, but he snapped it closed as a deep frown marred his forehead. “Honestly, I have no idea. The books never said. I really am useless.”
“No, you’re not.” I crossed my arms as another chill swept through the air. “Let’s make finding out your villain origin story our mission tomorrow then. While we’re out gathering supplies, we’ll gather information too. I’m sure once you know why you’re the bad guy, you’ll feel connected to the role. Based on what I saw, I’d guess it has something to do with the villagers. They were all thanking you for protecting them and stuff.”
“You think I’m evil so I can protect them?” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “That’s an interesting idea and it would give me something to fight the hero over...”
“Yeah, great, now what’s with the heat in this castle?” I stood up, holding my hands over the stove that only had a little warmth remaining. “Isn’t there a single room that’s warm?”
He chuckled and his shadows dissipated like they were never there. “Come, let’s find you a blanket.”
“Do you actually have one of those?” I picked up Cinder along with my bag. “Feels a bit too cozy for a big bad Demon Lord, don’t you think?”
A small smile tugged at his lips. “Even big bad Demon Lords need to warm up sometimes.”
“Careful, you’re starting to sound like me.” I laughed, following him into the hallway. “I should probably find somewhere to sleep too since I’m going to be here for a while.”
“You can use my room. It’s the best in the castle.”
“Your room, huh?” I looped my arm through his, leaning into him a bit. “Well my, my. I didn’t think we’d be movingthatquickly.”
“I will sleep elsewhere, of course.” He tried to glare at me, but the little half smile ruined the vibe. “Just take the room or sleep outside.”
“The grass outside might be softer.” I gave him a sideways glance and laughed. “I’m kidding. I’ll be fine anywhere as long as you’ve got blankets. Thank you.”
He stopped so fast I bumped into him. Cinder whimpered, sticking her head out of my bag with a glare.
“Sorry.” I pet the bunny until her gaze softened. Then I walked around to look at the Demon Lord. “What’s up with the sudden freezing? You could warn me, you know.”
His gaze was locked on a soft golden glow coming out of one of the rooms. I’d searched the castle top to bottom before I went outside and there hadn’t been a room with lights on before.
“Is somebody else here?” I whispered.
