Thora slams the back door open. “I set the floor on fire. I need help!”
“Fuck!” He runs to his house, yelling to Thora, “Get a bucket of water!”
The chaos inside would almost make her laugh if she isn’t so concerned about a fire in the wooden building.
Thora darts down the back steps with a wooden bucket, heading to the well. With a glimpse through the open back door, she can see a flicker of flame dancing along the wooden floor beside the fireplace. Sigvid quickly extinguishes the fire with his arm before yelling out the door, scolding Thora for her carelessness.
Avina shakes her head, drifting into his backyard and away from the scene. The pens for the animals mesh together, creating a maze of wooden fence posts.
The goats poke their head through the slats at her approach. One proceeds to chew on her pant leg while she pets the head of another.
Animals had a way of alleviating the typical sadness stalking Avina like a dark cloud. Her father tells her these feelings are her decision and that her warped thoughts that she is better off in the Golden Citadel are merely her selfishness.
Yet, as a shaggy cow licks her arm, she feels content.
I could get used to Blackwood.
“Chubbs!” She squeals as the enormous ginger cat dives from a small shed, sending something crashing within.
More out of curiosity than wanting to alleviate any issues for Sigvid,she slides inside to see a run-of-the-mill garden shed. Shovels, rakes, and other implements lay against cobweb-filled wooden shelves.
But something within this unassuming structure calls to her like a moth to a flame. She steps inside, her heart beating in her head. Whatever summons her is within arm’s reach. Even her blood seems to flow faster, hotter.
A small silver chest with three separate hinge lids sits on the workbench. She notes that there are three partitions but only one lock.
And it rattles and shakes.
Whatever is inside, I need it. To protect it.
Her fingertips touch the lock, which springs to life, unlocking and clacking open onto the counter byseidr. She takes a step closer until she is gripping the metal chest. Herseidrresponds in kind as if meeting a kindred spirit.
Excitement fills her to the brim as she flips the lid in the center, revealing a stunning sapphire pendant nestled against a tiny, elegant pillow. The pull is too great—her hand curls around the stone.
Never in her life has she felt as alive as she does clutching the sapphire in her palm as if it is her own beating heart. A slight pulse emanates from the precious gem as if it possesses a soul.
A voice whispers in her ear. Feminine, husky, and strong. Someone whose identity Avina knows in her being as if it is her own. Yet, she can not recall the woman’s name.
“Take it, Avina. Embrace what belongs to you.”The voice urges her with such vigor that she secures the necklace around her neck before realizing what is happening.
A rush settles over her skin, and she gasps. Looking down, she sees that her entire body is invisible.
Clothes and all.
27
AVINA
November 7th, Year 100, 9th Era
Blackwood Inn, Salt Province
After two days of lounging around Blackwood, Avina is unsure if she wishes to leave. She finds Blackwood Inn cozy and warm, even if they are in the Salt Province during winter.
It is far more comfortable than the Sapphire Palace and infinitely more welcoming than the Scarwood Citadel. It is the most home-like she has felt in a long time.
Despite the odd situation she finds herself in, she often catches herself smiling or even laughing at Thora and Sigvid’s relationship. There is a carefree banter between them born of trust. Uncle Sig would do anything for his Killer.
When Avina thinks she is alone with her thoughts, she will catch him gazing intently in her direction. She meets his eyes with all the unspoken curiosity she can muster.
