CHAPTER 36
Ginger
He was everywhere.
The pub. Town Square. The diner when I wasn’t in the mood to cook for myself.
Even outside of Fiella’s trinket shop, casually leaning against the stone of an alleyway, cloaked in shadows and casually flipping a coin with deft, darkened fingers.
Days passed, and the threat of the King’s men became ever more dire, but the stubborn god remained.
The journey to the King could take weeks, depending on the weather and how dedicated the knights were to their travels. His Majesty’s castle was nestled deep in the Dragonspeak Mountains, protected on all sides and not easily accessible.
A slacker could easily extend the journey.
But stakes were high—gods were loose, and I was sure the King’s men would be moving as fast as possible to contain the threat.
I snorted at that thought.Threat.
The most menacing, intimidating, powerful being in therealm was stubbornly lingering in our small town, and all he seemed to want to do was follow me around like a lost puppy.
It was annoyingly adorable.
I had taken to venturing outside of my normal schedule, just to see if I would still cross paths with him.
Instead of taking an evening stroll through the woods, I meandered into town. Instead of visiting Velline at Moonvale Medical, I drifted to Lunette’s plant shop to buy a new potted fern for my cottage (that I would surely kill in a few weeks’ time).
No surprise, he was still there. He was always there.
It had become a game, almost. Where would my shadow appear? In the woods, around a corner, or right in front of my face?
Brambleby seemed to appreciate the game, too, occasionally darting away from me to nip at Shade’s heels or steal a treat from his pockets.
I couldn’t help but smile.
The door to Tommins’ office at Town Hall opened with a chime, a small bell above the frame ringing merrily.
That was new. I guess Tommins wanted a heads up for any visitors.
Brambleby didn’t follow me in—he darted (sluggishly) in the opposite direction.
“One moment, please!” a male voice called out.
I cocked my head. That wasn’t the mayor’s strong timbre. This one was brighter—human.
Linc.
“Linc, what are you doing here?” I asked.
“Working,” he said simply. “Tommins will be able to seeyou in—” he glanced at an enchanted clock on the far wall “—ten minutes.”
I crossed my arms, leaning my hip against the door frame. “You’re still working for Tommins?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“When were you going to tell me this?” I asked.
He shrugged. “You never asked.”
