I keep flying straight to town, circling over the police station.
I have been pulled here in the dream, but now I’m starting to think this isn’t a dream at all.
Because I saw this on the ground, through my own eyes.
Throughhiseyes.
At the back of the station is a small house.
That’s where he enters.
It’s where I enter.
It’s where the blood flows down through the floorboards.
Where a man loses his life.
Loses his head.
I don’t regret a thing.
—
I wake upto Crane snoring again.I know he gets embarrassed when I mention it, which is why I do mention it.To seeshame on Crane’s usually nonchalant face is a gift.To see color on those pale cheeks is a novelty.But the truth is, his snoring comforts me.It means he’s at rest, something he so rarely seems to be.It means he trusts me enough to let go, even when his whole goal is to watch over me.It might be the only time I’ve seen him truly surrender.
Sometimes that’s all I want from him.For him to submit and surrender to me.
Just once.
Just so he can truly be mine.
So I lie there beside him, caught between the wall and Crane.Barely any space, but there’s no place I would rather be than pressed up against his firm back, his taut ass.
Pale morning light starts to fill the window.The candles have burned out in the night.I move my hand, and the cut on my palm stings a little despite Crane rubbing on the healing oil.I’m not sure what time we got back to the dorm.We had to wait in the clearing until the drugs wore off.Kat fell asleep for some of it, and I even nodded off for a bit.Then Crane said it was time to leave.He closed the ritual when the ghosts were gone.
We dropped off Kat at her room, helped her go in through the window.There’s a chance the sisters spotted us, since they seem to be watching Kat so closely, but it’s hard to know if Crane will get in trouble if I’m there.I suppose we’ll hear about it if that’s the case.
Then we collapsed into Crane’s bed, our bodies spent by all the sex and blood and magic.
Crane didn’t even remember to put me in chains.
But it’s okay.
He doesn’t have to do that anymore.
We have an agreement, the horseman and I.
His appetite can be quenched.
He can be controlled.
I just have to give him things in return.
I have to do what I can to keep him satisfied.
Crane lets out a deep sigh and stirs.My arm is around him and he reaches up tentatively, his fingers around my bare wrist.
“Brom?”he asks warily, voice rich with sleep.
