Fiella
Isat on an uncomfortable stool in Kizzi’s shop, teacup in hand, subtly trying to roll the tension from my shoulders. My night in the woods had ravaged me entirely, leaving me wrecked and aching in the best way possible.
Apparently, my stiffness wasn’t as hidden as I had believed it was.
“Okay, I’ve been patient enough,” Kizzi declared, setting the bowl she had been mixing down with athunk, and hastily wiping her hands off on a cloth. “Spill, bitch. What the fuck happened to you last night? You look like you battled a wild bear.”
I touched my face self-consciously. I had tried to cover up the scratches on my skin but there was only so much I could do. My sprint through the woods had left many marks on me.
“Girl, you better sit down for this one. It’s juicy,” I laughed.
I proceeded to tell Kizzi what happened, in tasteful secrecy (I told her every single detail).
By the time I was finished, Kizzi was clutching the table like it was the only thing keeping her upright. She looked absolutely scandalized. “Holy gods, you vampires are absolute animals.” Her cheeks had flushed a darker green than I had ever seen them.
I laughed. “It comes with the territory.” I nudged her shoulder. “You should find yourself a vampire man. I highly recommend it.”
She made a fake gagging sound. “No, I think I’ll pass on that one! I prefer my blood inside my veins, thank you very much.” She glanced at me sidelong. “No offense.”
“You don’thaveto let them bite you. It’s justextremelyfun if you do.” I smiled broadly, flashing my fangs.
She covered her ears dramatically. “Gah! Enough! I’ve heard enough! You know I’m squeamish about blood.”
“Which makes no sense, since witches use blood in spells and rituals all the time, but whatever you say,” I muttered.
“That’s completely different. That’s work. Business as usual. Not…” She shivered. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Next topic, please.”
I acquiesced. “Let’s talk business, then. How have things been here?”
“Absolute shit, now that you mention it!” Kizzi said. “All the folk in town needed me for a few weeks there while the madness was happening, but now,” she shrugged. “Shit.”
“At least the tourist season is coming soon! Will you have your wits about you when the influx of customers comes knocking at your door, or will the town be full of rainbow-haired folk?”
She sighed. “Gods, I hope I’ll have everything in order.” She looked around the shop with trepidation. “We took care of that asshole Josten, and things seem to have settled down, but I can still sense the sprites lurking around. They haven’t set me free quite yet.”
“Well, if there is anything I can do to help, I certainly owe you one.”
“Damn right you do. I’m not sure if there is anything to be done right now. It seems like we’re at a stalemate.”
“Well, you better let me know if anything else pops up. You know I’ve got your back and I’ll be pissed if you don’t let me help you.”
She flapped her hand. “Oh, shush. I’ll let you know, Fi.”
“To the moons!”
“To the suns!”
CHAPTER 45
Fiella
The next few weeks flew by as the weather slowly warmed, the mild season finally taking over Moonvale.
I traveled to all the closest towns, using all the silvers I had left to restock my shop and buy whatever I could find that was worthy of being on my shelves. Redd came with me when he could, but he occasionally had to stay behind to complete more of Mayor Tommins’ tasks.
He was quickly becoming my favorite folk. Warmth bloomed in my chest whenever I thought of him. His smiles that were so precious. His giving heart. His caring attitude. His willingness to help.
While Redd wasn’t obligated to do anything, I sensed that he had grown fond of the townsfolk, and he actuallywantedto help everyone. He was stopping to chat instead of keeping his head down like he had when he first arrived in Moonvale.
