“Gifts?” I asked, astonished. “What gifts? Are you on drugs? Is it the mirthroot again?”
“I’ve been sending them your way for months! Well, years, really. But I’ve been trying harder the past few months. You move around a lot, you’re a hard vampire to track.”
“Again, I ask, what the fuck?”
Kizzi pulled a pouch from her pocket and dumped the powder into her palm. She leaned toward Josten and blew it into his face. He sputtered, but his gaze focused on Kizzi immediately.
“What in Hell’s Realm, lady?” he asked, wiping his face frantically, clawing the powder residue out of his eyes.
Kizzi waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, calm down, it’s just a little mixture to sharpen your senses. Sober you up a bit. It’s not poison or anything.” Kizzi hesitated, then picked up her pouch, inspecting the remaining contents. “I hope.”
Josten stared at Kizzi with fear, his eyes as wide as saucers.
I chugged the rest of my watery cider and then spoke up, interrupting the lovely moment. “Alright Josten, I think it’s time you explain yourself.”
It took him a few heartbeats, but he seemed to be more clear-headed. The manic gleam in his eyes was still present, but the drunken sheen had cleared, at least enough for him to speak.
“Wouldn’t you rather take this somewhere more private? I’ve missed you.”
“Absolutely the fuck not. Now you better explain what gifts you are referring to before I shove this thing where it doesn’t belong,” I threatened, twirling the fork between my fingers.
He gulped. “Okay fine. Gods, I forgot how angry you are. I thought you would have gotten kinder over the years.” He set his hands on the table, leaning forward.
I smiled, flashing my deadly fangs. “I wouldn’t dare.”
He shuddered. “Right. Okay. Well, the truth is, I miss you, Fi. I can’t stand the thought of you out there, alone, without me.”
In a flash, I stabbed the fork into the tender flesh between his thumb and forefinger. I removed it before anyone could see me, but not before he let out a pitiful howl of pain. I didn’t even draw that much blood, only a few drops. The scent that bloomed in the air was putrid.
“You lost the right to call me Fi ages ago, and you know that. Remember your place, asshole.”
The folk that glanced our way quickly found more entertaining things to watch in the crowded tavern, the noise barely audible over the other voices and the bard playing tunes in the corner.
I held the fork up threateningly.
“Fine! Fine, gods just give me one minute.” The vile man was oozing sweat, his pulse thudding visibly under his skin. Gross.
“I’ve been thinking about you lately, so I’ve been using some tracking spells to see where you’ve been going. But gods, you move around a lot! Never in the same place for long! I’ve been sending you signals for ages, but you usually move along by the time they land. You’re a tough lady to track down!”
“Signals? What does that mean? Why didn’t you just send me a letter like a normal person?”
Kizzi coughed. “Eh, that would be on me, actually. Well, me and the rest of the witches. We placed a spell on the town so none of his missives could make it to you.”
At my bewildered look, Kizzi explained further. “It’s just that you were so sad when he cheated on you! And he was such a piece of shit! And I wanted you to protect your peace and–”
I cut her off with a hand on her arm. “Kiz, moons, I’m not mad at you! Don’t get yourself worked up.”
She visibly exhaled. “I know I should’ve spoken to you about it first, but I didn’t even want to say his grimy name out loud.” She shuddered dramatically.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Josten. Well, honestly, I would scoop his eyeballs out with a spoon and feed them to the critters if I could, but I didn’t dwell on it. Anymore. He had already taken enough from me, so I refused to let him take anything else.
Then it finally clicked. I turned towards him. Slowly. Gritting my teeth with enough force to crack stone.
“You…”
He gulped. “Just let me explain more, baby! I was trying to–”
I lunged at him before he could get another word out, my fingernails seeking the skin of his throat.
