Finding nothing, I apparate to the nearest town and spot an older couple entering their vehicle. It takes no effort to enter their minds, making them drive in circles around the forest.
They won’t stop until they find her.
The mortal might be strong, but that doesn’t mean she needs to do this alone.
I find her a few moments later, standing at the edge of the forest. She’s staring at a tree and just… thanked it?
A laugh bubbles up in my chest, but I suppress it.
I’m sure she’s just hallucinating.
She’s probably perfectly sane.
Three Years Prior
I’m going to go crazy if the mortal doesn’t DO something.
It’s been a year – a fucking year – and she hasn’t left her Fates-damned room.
Not that I have a right to complain. I shouldn’t even be here.
At first, my visits made sense. The mortal should have seen a healer after her attack. When she didn’t, I stayed to ensure her injuries healed properly.
But now, those wounds have healed into scars. Her arms are covered in them, and even though I haven’t seen them, I’m sure there are more on the rest of her body.
I should have left her alone months ago.
And yet, here I am, leaning against her wall, peeking at what she’s watching today.
It’s another true crime documentary. She likes those.
I should leave. But there’s a calm that washes over me when she’s in my sight.
I’ve spent months rationalizing my behavior. Ultimately, the little mortal is our best chance to get to Need. That’s why I’m so invested in her safety.
She’s a means to an end – nothing more.
“I knew it!” She exclaims when the documentary reveals the killer’s identity.
A smile forms on my lips, and my shoulders relax.
One more episode. I’ll stay for one more episode.
Five Weeks Prior
The little mortal needs a fucking keeper.
Unfortunately, she’s stuck with me.
Not that she knows it, of course.
Morgana is growing increasingly concerned about the amount of time I spend watching over the mortal. Whenever I explain that the prophesied one is a death magnet, my Keeper gives me a wary look and reminds me that the mortal is fated to Leon.
Every time she says it, I want to grind my teeth to a pulp.
Like I could fucking forget.
The mortal’s laugh draws my attention back to the present. She’s at the beach with her friends, and it fills me with warmth to see her with people again.
