Page 64 of Nightmare For Hire
“I’ve got the concept ready if you want to take a look?” Maddox says as he leads Nox and me to a private room.
“Love to.”
Maddox and Nox have worked on the design for weeks. I wanted Nox to mark me, claim me as his for all to see, even if they have no idea of the significance of the tattoo.
“I think you’re going to love it,” Maddox says. He waves to the tattoo bed and I sit on the edge. He grabs a tablet from a small table and hands it over. Nox bounces as he waits for my reaction.
“Oh, wow. Yes. This is perfect.”
“Really?” I think this is the most vulnerable I’ve ever seen my Nightmare.
“Absolutely. I’ll have a part of you in my soul and on my body.”
“I like that.” Nox takes my hand and jumps. Little sprouts of shadows fly from him and swirl around the room.
Maddox snorts. “Come on, Nox. Let’s turn your shadows into ink.”
Before Nox follows, he leans in and kisses my nose. “Be back soon.” Then he flounces out of the room with Maddox.
Some might say tethering my soul and lifetime to Nox is going too fast, but heismy soul. He’s helped me become a stronger person. A stronger Cyrus. Would I survive without him? Yes, because of how he’s helped me grow. It doesn’t hurt that Mick is completely out of the picture. And it’s a blessing my best friend moved to Rivenfield. But without Nox, I’d probably be a recluse, wearing black from head to toe instead of letting splashes of color come through and showing my tattoos when I feel like it.
I’m not sure how long they’ve been gone when Nox and Maddox come back in. Of course, Nox is all smiles. The ink swirls and glows in Maddox’s palm.
“There’s no turning back from this. You’re consenting to becoming immortal. Your body won’t age. More than likely, you’ll heal instantly, since Nox can’t be injured. Other than Nox, everyone you know will grow old and die.”
“No! I can give shadows for everyone and we can all be immortal together.”
“That’s not how this works, Nox,” Maddox turns to him with sad eyes.
“But—” Nox’s shoulders drop. “I thought…”
“This is a one shot, Nox.” Maddox turns to me. “It’s a lot to know you’ll be around with no end in sight. And you’re okay with that?”
I’ve thought it over. Even discussed it with Dr. Graine, who helped me weigh the pros and cons. “I’m prepared to live with the consequences of my actions.”
“That’s one way to put it.”
I shrug. “I figure if I need to take a centuries long nap to reset my brain, then I’ll take a centuries long nap.”
Maddox snorts and nods for me to remove my shirt. “That’s one way to deal with the possibility of literally going mad.”
“I think with Nox by my side, I can get through anything. Besides, he’s been around for billions of years and he’s not—”
Maddox lifts a hand. “This is Nox. He’s absolutely mad, but we all love him, anyway. Maybe you’ll help bring him into the proper century.”
Nox sticks his tongue out. “Maybe all of you are the mad ones and I’m sane.” After squeezing my hand, he hovers beside Maddox to watch him set up the equipment. “So…” He whips his head toward me. “I asked Maddox to uhm, teach me how to…” He waves his hand around. “Do this. Because I wanted to draw the first mark on you. Not everything.” His eyes grow so wide. “It takes years to learn to do this, but I think I can do a tiny mark, then pass it on to the professional. If you’re willing?” He drops his eyes to the floor, but they don’t stay there. “He let me play with grapefruits!”
“And you did very well, so I feel comfortable letting you do that if Cyrus agrees.” Maddox hands Nox a pair of gloves. They both look at me expectantly.
“I’m very good with it.” I grin and pull Nox to me to press a kiss to his lips. “I love the idea of you making the first mark.”
Maddox preps my arm. The piece will take most of the day.
“It won’t hurt too much, right?” Nox asks as he lifts the tattoo gun.
“Not too bad, no.” I kiss his nose and prepare myself for the first mark.
Nox looks at me and nibbles his bottom lip. “I don’t know about this. What if I mar you? What if I—”
