Again, good. Just as you wanted.
Lunara sighed and slumped back in her chair, sinking further into the cushions. The new position had the added benefit of changing her view from room to ceiling.
Huzzah.
Unfortunately, it meant that she was forced to acknowledge the cobwebs that had gathered since the last time she’d made herself clean. Didn’t matter that it would take a mere few minutes and a wave of her hand. It was convincing herself to do it in the first place that was the problem.
That, and the pain that would follow.
Well, morepain, and of a different sort. The kind that didn’t have anything to do with the twinges sparking in her joints after her healing the day before. Of course, the physical ailments could be easily remedied with a gift of blood.
No. Too dangerous.
But, if she only had a little, it would be okay. Just a sip to keep the aches at bay. No more than that.
No. It’s fine. You’re fine. Use a broom.
Lunara cranked her head around this way and that, the never-ending dimness of Nachthelliae doing absolutely nothing to help her locate said broom. She could get up and look, but that would require moving and what was the point?
It had been more than a year since anyone other than Cordelia had actually been inside her cottage. There was no one to impress. No one that would see or care.
Besides, she was busy. Her blankets wouldn’t weave themselves, after all.
Actually, they might be able to if she was willing to try.
Which shewasn’t.It was already a gamble to make them in the first place.
Don’t think about it, Lunara. Ignore, ignore, ignore.
Right.
She tossed her project aside with a huff, the moonlight detaching as soon as her hands left it. The pile of pale yarn looked so innocent there on the chair arm. Just another part of the mess.
It was mocking her, though, she was sure of it.
Her stomach conveniently rumbled, reminding her that it had been hours since she’d eaten. Or… had she eaten today? It was impossible to remember.
Probably not, then.
Either way, Lunara was grateful for the distraction. Pushing from her seat, she made for the tiny kitchen off the main room. She would just get a snack and then find that broom?—
The hair on her arms stood on end as a ripple passed through her home.
No, no, no.
Someone was on her land. Someone powerful.
Alarm bells pealed through Lunara’s mind as her heart kicked up. Cordelia didn’t set off the warning when she came,and very few people knew exactly where she lived.Fewmeaning exactly what it meant. As inthree. Total.
Unless it wasthem.
Shitting stars. Think. Think!
She reached out and grabbed an iron pan. The sheer weight of it was ridiculous, but she tried a practice swing anyway, nearly tossing the thing across the room when the handle slipped in her grasp.
What are you doing, you bumbling ninny? Use your magic!
Blessed moons, it was a wonder she was even still alive.
